Orlando Theater Best of 2022: Director, Musical
A pop star, an orphan and a would-be nun gave inspiration to these theater makers: Here are the 2022 Orlando Sentinel honorees for director of a musical as selected by theater critic Matthew J. Palm.
Although it’s impossible for one person to see every local production, as the Orlando Sentinel’s theater critic, each year I see a broad spectrum of dramas, comedies and musicals. The individuals selected by me for this 2022 theatrical honor roll, presented here alphabetically, elevated the theatrical arts. Go to OrlandoSentinel.com/arts to see the honorees in other fields, and check back on Dec. 20 to learn the Critic’s Pick in this category.
Nick Bazo
On Your Feet! > Garden Theatre
In July, Nick Bazo did fine work keeping the focus of “On Your Feet!” on lead characters Gloria and Emilio Estefan — not always easy among the large-scale show’s many bells and whistles. And he carefully made sure his vivid supporting characters had their moments to shine without stealing the spotlight from the lead roles.
∇ ∇ ∇
Katie Dumoulin & Kenny Howard
Sweeney Todd > New Generation Theatrical
Co-directors Kate Dumoulin and Kenny Howard set their production of the oft-staged “Sweeney Todd” apart with careful casting, not only in principal roles but in the ensemble, where each unnamed character had personality and is worth watching. This was critical for a production the directors made immersive but not gimmicky, keeping the action focused as characters appeared on different stages and among the theatergoers. Howard also was honored for his directing work in 2020 and 2021.
∇ ∇ ∇
Mark Ferrera
The Sound of Music > Theatre South Playhouse
In December, Mark Ferrera stripped “Sound of Music” of its big-set trappings and got straight to the show’s beautiful core of love, honor, courage and faith. He guided these von Trapp children to beautifully distinct performances, and while raising the dramatic stakes with darker overtones, also found all the show’s delightful humor, sometimes lost in more saccharine productions. Ferrera also was honored in 2017 for his acting in Garden Theatre’s “The Odd Couple.”
∇ ∇ ∇
Steve MacKinnon & Shonn McCloud
Oliver! > Theater at St. Luke’s
Steve MacKinnon and Shonn McCloud’s re-imagined the classic “Oliver!” as a high-concept meditation on current poverty and homelessness, and brilliantly succeeded. Overlaying modern ideas — a home-shopping network, karaoke night — felt organic rather than intrusive, and any time there was a moment of internal discord, their smooth direction eased the way. MacKinnon has been honored four times previously in this category; McCloud was honored in 2021 for his work directing “Intimate Apparel” at Orlando Shakes.
∇ ∇ ∇
Shonn McCloud
Trav’lin: A 1930s Harlem Musical > Winter Park Playhouse
“Trav’lin” is a rarely performed musical, so Shonn McCloud — in his second appearance on this list — had a chance to put his own stamp on it in February. And what a wonderful stamp it was. He brought finely tuned performances out of his actors and he carefully never let the many fine comic moments detract from the characters’ humanity. Perhaps most important, in a show that carries the weight of historical importance, he never lost sight of the fact “Trav’lin” is a romance at heart.
Find me on Twitter @matt_on_arts, facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Want more theater and arts news and reviews? Go to orlandosentinel.com/arts. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
