MEDIA THEATRE RECEIVES 49 'BEST OF PHILLY THEATRE 2016' BROADWAY WORLD AWARD NOMINATIONS

After winning a total of 56 Broadway World Awards the past four years combined, including Best Theatre Company of Philadelphia three years in a row, The Media Theatre has received 49 nominations for "Best of Philadelphia Theatre 2016". This is the highest amount of nominations Delaware County's only professional music theatre has ever received in one single year. The nomination process is for shows which opened from October 2015 through September of 2016.

The Media Theatre has a total of four shows nominated for Best Musical ("Billy Elliot", "Bridges of Madison County", "Dogfight", and "1776") as well as a Best Play nomination ("To Kill A Mockingbird"). Even it's non-professional summer camp production was given notice, with the youth production of "13" receiving receiving a nomination for Best Non-Professional Production and two of its lead actors (students Lexi Gwynn and JD Triolo) receiving mention for their performances for the educational experience.

Bob Stineman as Atticus Finch in a scene from "To Kill A Mockingbird", which was nominated for 12 Broadway World Awards for Best of Philly Theatre 2016. Stineman was also nominated for his work in "Bridges of Madison County"

Those who visit the Broadway World Philadelphia site may now vote for their favorites in each category, somewhat like a People's Choice Award, which is why the process is of particular importance to The Media Theatre. "This is a recognition by the public which is highly valuable. These are not theatre critics or journalists who choose what they feel is best, but rather the theatre-goers, theatre community, and general public who allow their voices to be heard," said Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who is nominated for directing both "Bridges of Madison County" and "To Kill A Mockingbird". 

The voting is open to the theater community locally, nationally, and internationally as well as to the general public. To vote, visit broadwayworld.com/philadelphia. Voting takes place through Dec. 31, with winners announced in January by Broadway World.

Nominations have been announced worldwide by the esteemed online theatrical media outlet Broadway World, which gives an up-to-date daily journal of the latest theatrical productions, happenings, and events from Broadway to London’s West End.

The Media Theatre is nominated alongside other theaters in the region, including The Walnut Street, Bristol Riverside, and more.

Two concerts were nominated in the Best Special Events category: "Jason Robert Brown in Concert" and "Kelly Briggs: Broadway and Beyond". And, for the first time, The Media Theatre was nominated in the Best New Work category for its hit youth production from February of 2016, "Peter Pan And Wendy: A New Musical" with music from composer Ben Kapilow.

In an ironic outcome, since The Media Theatre is known for producing musicals, its annual production of a classic play ("To Kill A Mockingbird") received the most nominations with 12. "Billy Elliot" walked away with 10, while "Bridges of Madison County", "Dogfight", and "1776" each received 7. 

Four actors received two nominations each for their work at Media: Lexi Gwynn, Bob Stineman, JD Triolo, and Susan Wefel.

The nominations received by The Media Theatre for "Best of Philly Theatre 2016" are:

Best Musical: "Billy Elliot", "Bridges of Madison County", "Dogfight", and "1776"

Best Play: "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best New Work: "Peter Pan And Wendy: A New Musical"

Best Special Event: "Kelly Briggs: Broadway and Beyond" and "Jason Robert Brown In Concert"

Best Non-Professional Production: "13"

Best Director of A Musical: Jesse Cline, "Bridges of Madison County"; Jennie Eisenhower, "1776"; and Geoffrey Goldberg, "Billy Elliot"

Best Director of A Play: Jesse Cline, "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Actor in A Musical: Derek Basthemer, "Bridges of Madison County" ; Gunar Daniels, "Billy Elliot"; Ben Dibble, "1776"; Zack Krajnyak, "Dogfight"; JD Triolo, "13" (non-professional)

Best Actress in A Musical: Lexi Gwynn, "13" (non-professional); Elisa Matthews, "Bridges of Madison County"; Victoria Mayo, "Dogfight"

Best Actor in A Play: Bob Stineman, "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Actress in A Play: Lexi Gwynn, "To Kill A Mockingbird"; Jolie Jaffe, "To Kill A Mockingbird". (Both played the role of Scout)

Supporting Actor in A Musical: Garrison Carpenter, "Billy Elliot"; John Morrison, "1776"; Bob Stineman, "Bridges Of Madison County"; JD Triolo, "Billy Elliot"

Supporting Actress in A Musical: Susan Wefel, "Billy Elliot"; Faith Yesner, "Bridges of Madison County"

Supporting Actor in A Play: Travis Keith Battle, "To Kill A Mockingbird"; Kelly Briggs, "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Supporting Actress in A Play: Megan Rucidlo, "To Kill A Mockingbird"; Susan Wefel, "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Ensemble of A Musical: "1776", "Billy Elliot"

Best Ensemble of A Play: "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Music Direction: Christopher Ertelt, "Bridges of Madison County"

Best Choreography: Dann Dunn, "Dogfight"; Jennie Eisenhower, "1776"; Geoffrey Goldberg, "Billy Elliot"

Best Costumes: Four nominations for Katie Yamaguchi, "1776", "Billy Elliot", "Dogfight", and "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Set Design: Matthew Miller, "Dogfight"

Best Sound: Carl Park, "Dogfight"

Best Lighting Design: Troy Martin O' Shia, "Billy Elliot"; Troy Martin O' Shia, "To Kill A Mockingbird"