Community Corner

Dexter's Encore Musical Theatre Nominated for 3 Wilde Awards

The 2012 Wilde Awards recognize noteworthy achievements in theater in Southeast Michigan.

The in Dexter has been nominated for three Wilde Awards in recognition of its 2011-2012 season.

The awards are presented by EncoreMichigan.com — an online publication that's focused on Michigan's professional theater industry, and recognize noteworthy achievements on stages across the state.

The Encore is nominated for Best Musical for The Light in the Piazza, and Best Musical Direction for The Last Five Years and Godspell.

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"We are so excited to be nominated," Thalia Schramm, the Encore's associate artistic director said. "The Wilde Awards are such an exciting representation of all the fantastic theatre being produced in Michigan. Congratulations to all the nominees this year."

Steve DeBruyne of Brighton, who directed The Light in the Piazza, said he is excited to see the musical receive positive recognition in the performing arts community.

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"The Light in the Piazza just felt like a special project from the first rehearsal.  Hearing the cast singing the opening number, I remember thinking, this is gonna be good," DeBruyne said. "The performances that were turned in by the cast during the run of that show were truly breathtaking each and every night, and I was so proud to have been their director. It was a show that didn't have a recognizable name, but the audiences really latched on to the story, the music and the characters, and some people saw the show two or three times.

"You know you've got something good when people want to see it again and again. I'm very proud of the nomination, and I'm thankful for the 'perfect storm' that gave me an incredibly talented cast of actors, as well as a perfectly creative production team. It wouldn't have happened without each and every one of them."

The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea was also nominated for seven awards, and the Performance Network Theatre in Ann Arbor was nominated for six awards. For a complete list of the 2012 nominations, visit Encore Michigan's website.


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