Phoenix Productions basks in recognition with nods for work in THE COLOR PURPLE,
MARY POPPINS, BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL and more

 

(RED BANK – DECEMBER 1) Phoenix Productions, the community theatre of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, has received 42 nominations in BroadwayWorld.com’s annual New Jersey Awards program.

“As a community theatre organization, our focus has always been on creating a space where talent can shine,” said James Grausam, Managing Artistic Director, Phoenix Productions. “To once again receive so many nominations from BroadwayWorld’s annual New Jersey theater awards proves we are creating a safe space for everyone no matter age, race, orientation, or heritage to share their theatrical talent.”

I am thrilled to congratulate James Grausam and everyone involved with our community theatre company, Phoenix Productions, on these well-deserved nominations,” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “A vibrant arts community doesn’t just enrich our stages, it strengthens the fabric of our region. As we celebrate our centennial and reflect on the importance of encouraging artists and audiences to experience the arts, we couldn’t be prouder to see Phoenix honored for its extraordinary work.”

BroadwayWorld.com’s Regional Awards programs honor regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. For Phoenix, this includes productions of  The Color Purple, Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical, Kinky Boots, Fiddler On The Roof, Bat Boy: The Musical and Peter and the Starcatcher – each of which received nominations.

The online publication’s local editors set the categories, with readers invited to vote through December 31. Winners will be announced in January. To vote, visit BroadwayWorld.com’s NJ Awards page.

“We are truly fortunate to have so many performers, designers, directors, choreographers, and theatrical artists share their talents with us at the Count Basie Center,” Grausam added. “The best of luck to all of our nominees!”

Phoenix Productions Nominees – BroadwayWorld.com 2025 New Jersey Awards

BEST MUSICAL

• Peter and the Starcatcher
• Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical
• The Color Purple
• Fiddler On The Roof
• Bat Boy: The Musical

BEST ENSEMBLE

• Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical
• Kinky Boots

BEST PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL

• Christina Freeman (Bat Boy: The Musical)
• Erica Wilkins (The Color Purple)
• Joseph Bryant (Peter and the Starcatcher)
• Keegan Haack (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Maria Heitmann (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Matt DeMarco (Bat Boy: The Musical)
• Michael Daly (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Na’Jee Tariq (Kinky Boots)

BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL

• Amanda Munice (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Amy Chrzanowski (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Jamie Marcinczyk (Bat Boy: The Musical)
• Jessica Cogan (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Joseph Bryant (Fiddler On The Roof)
• Joseph DeMaio (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)

BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL

• James Grausam (Fiddler On The Roof)
• James Grausam (Bat Boy: The Musical)
• Jarrod Scott (The Color Purple)
• Matty Price (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY OR MUSICAL

• Ashley Cusack (Bat Boy: The Musical)

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY OR MUSICAL

• Emily Lovell (Bat Boy: The Musical)
• Emily Lovell (Fiddler On The Roof)
• Justin Christopher Odon (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY OR MUSICAL

• James Grausam (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Joanne Penrose + Gabe Bagdazian (Kinky Boots)

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY OR MUSICAL

• Alex Widom (Bat Boy: The Musical)
• Tom Hessman + Zack Tenety (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Tom Hessman + Zack Tenety (Fiddler On The Roof)

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY OF A PLAY OR MUSICAL

• Bridget Hughes (Kinky Boots)
• Matty Price (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Natalie Hayes-Scott (The Color Purple)

BEST MUSIC DIRECTION + ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE

• Jonathan Mehl (Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical)
• Michael Gilch (Bat Boy: The Musical)
• Michael Gilch (The Color Purple)

BEST DANCE PRODUCTION

• Disney and Colin Macintosh’s Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical

FAVORITE LOCAL THEATRE

• Phoenix Productions