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The Omaha Community Playhouse celebrated the talent, dedication and community that made Season 101 unforgettable during its annual Awards Night on September 1. Bringing together artists, volunteers, staff and supporters, the evening was a chance to look back on a season filled with memorable performances, meaningful stories and the many people who make live theater possible.
The evening was hosted by Artistic Director Vincent Orduña and Associate Artistic Director Brandon Box-Higdem. They were joined by the new Executive Director of the Omaha Community Playhouse, Kevin Johnson-Sather.
Awards were presented to actors representing nine productions and nearly 200 performances throughout the season. From leading roles to memorable featured performances, the evening recognized the extraordinary range of talent that graced the Playhouse stages. Each award was a celebration not only of an individual achievement, but of the collaboration, creativity and commitment that define the theater community at OCP.
The celebration also shined a spotlight on the people audiences don’t always see from their seats. Special recognition was given to backstage crew members, volunteers and supporters whose work is essential to bringing each production to life. Creating theatre “by the community for the community” has been the foundation of the Omaha Community Playhouse since 1924 and that same purpose is alive and well today.
A touching In Memorium segment honored those who have been involved with the Omaha Community Playhouse and who passed away over the past year.
The evening concluded with a special live performance from the cast of Come From Away, the Tony Award-winning musical that will open the Playhouse’s upcoming season. The uplifting opening number “Welcome to the Rock” offered a preview of what’s ahead for our theatre and for audiences in Season 102.
The evening was a heartfelt thank-you and a joyful reminder that the best stories are still waiting to be told on the Playhouse stage.
Fonda McGuire Award
In recognition of the most outstanding performances of the season — the most prestigious acting award given by OCP.
Musical: Lauren Krupski – Mary Poppins
Play: Isabelle Rangel – The River Bride
Mary Peckham Award
In recognition of a memorable performance in a feature (lead) role in a play or musical.
Musical: Sophie Thomas – Disaster!
Play: Josh Peyton – Dial M for Murder
Barbara Ford Award
In recognition of a memorable performance in a supporting role in a play or musical.
Musical: Analisa Swerczek – Mary Poppins
Play: Brett Foster – Dial M for Murder
Elaine Jabenis Cameo Award
In recognition of a memorable performance in a small role in a play or musical.
Elyssia Finch – Mary Poppins
Front of House Volunteer Award
Voted on by ushers, greeters, and box office volunteers honoring their choice for the outstanding performance of the season.
Lauren Krupski – Mary Poppins
Bill Bailey Debut Award
In recognition of an outstanding performance in a first OCP appearance in a play or musical.
Erik Nordstrom – Mary Poppins
Outstanding Ensemble Award
In recognition of the most outstanding ensemble performance of the season in a play and musical.
Musical – Mary Poppins
Play – Dial M for Murder
Jerry Longe Award
In recognition for exceptional service to the production of A Christmas Carol.
Greg Scheer
Jim Eisenhardt Outstanding Youth Award
In recognition of an outstanding youth performance in a play or musical.
Lucy Beutler – Mary Poppins
Outstanding Youth Debut Award
In recognition of an outstanding youth performance in a first OCP appearance.
John Paul Goetzinger – A Christmas Carol
Season 101 Stage Manager Acknowledgements
Recognizing and honoring the stage managers of the 2025-26 Season.
Maggie Carolus, Gabby Hiatt, Emma Aldrich, Kenzie Jensen, Melissa Linn, Lara Marsh, Jeanne Shelton
Backstage Valuable Service Awards
In recognition of outstanding backstage work.
Backstage Crew
Jayce Abele, Ash Clem, Becky Deiber, Emma Evans, Elizabeth Greer, Cory Harms, Kelly Helm, Tony Henning, Jack Lammers, Paul Lombard, Jane Rohling, Lisa Wisnia
Wardrobe
Shezzy Ives-Hubin, Cecily Zdan, Margaret McCrina, Rachel Paradis, Stephanie Patzer, Samantha Girouex, Cheri Vossberg, Lou Farmer, Katelyn Means, Katie Scott, Lilian Butler-Hald
Dee and Ed Owen Award
Presented to corporations, foundations and individuals whose partnership and contributions have nurtured and sustained the ongoing development of the Omaha Community Playhouse.
Rich and Fran Juro
Trustees’ Award
In recognition of special distinguished service to the Omaha Community Playhouse.
Dan Wellendorf
President’s Award
In recognition for extraordinary leadership and work for OCP in areas of activities excluding performance or production.
Emily Tonniges
Omaha Community Playhouse Staff Milestone Awards
In recognition for dedicated years of service at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
20 Years of Service: Darrin Golden
10 Years of Service: Janet Morr
