Main Street Productions had a successful 14th season at Westfield Playhouse, but two shows stood out above the others – “Art of Murder” and “Diary of Anne Frank.”
The results of the votes from MSP members on their favorite performances were announced at the fifth annual Westies Awards on Sept. 7 at the Westfield Playhouse, 1836 Ind. 32 West.
“The quality of our shows is so improved,” said co-emcee Bobbi Van Howe. “Because of the quality we had everywhere; every single category was very, very close.”
“You are all winners. It’s just that some of you have to make room on your shelf,” said Jan McGill, MSP member.
Many of the individual awards went to “Art of Murder” cast members. Monica Reinking won Best Actress and Syd Loomis received Best Actor for their roles. Jan Jamison took home the Westie for Best Director.
“Syd’s just a wonderful actor. I just really, really enjoy having him. He does a wonderful job,” Jamison said.
Thom Johnson’s reaction was of shock when his name was called for Best Supporting Actor in “Art of Murder.”
“I certainly am surprised. I didn’t expect this,” he said. “You’re (other nominees) all winners and certainly deserving as well.”
While she was in “Art of Murder,” Addison Ahrendts won her Best Supporting Actress for the Brent Wooldridge-directed “Agnes of God.”
“This show truly was my baby,” she said. “It was the best performance I ever had on stage. I love this theater, it’s my home.
“The Diary of Anne Frank” won Best Production and Best Ensemble and Maggie Williams won Best Child Actor in her role as Anne Frank.
“I’ve never done anything at Westfield before this summer. It was nice to be welcomed by everyone,” Williams said while accepting the award.
Kristen Wilson, who made her directing debut in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” said the show was a labor of love for her and the cast.
“I’m so blessed with this experience. It was just an amazing collaborative effort from everyone,” she said. “We were pleased to bring it to life.”
And the winners are…
Best Actor – Syd Loomis, Art of Murder
Best Actress – Monica Reinking, Art of Murder
Best Supporting Actor – Thom Johnson, Art of Murder
Best Supporting Actress – Addison Ahrendts, Agnes of God
Best Cameo – Marty Essig and Kate Hinman, Mama Won’t Fly
Best Set Decoration – Doug Davis, Grace and Glorie
Best Child Actor – Maggie Williams, Diary of Anne Frank
Best Ensemble – Diary of Anne Frank
Best Director – Jan Jamison, Art of Murder
Best Production – Diary of Anne Frank
