Theatre of Gadsden honors top efforts with Toggle Awards
Theatre of Gadsden’s Toggle Awards honored the best artists from last year’s slate of productions by the local theater group, and some of the individuals who’ve worked behind the scenes to keep shows on the stage at the historic Ritz Theatre.
The awards show on Feb. 4 brought Hollywood-style gliz to Gadsden, with performances from ToG’s musicals from 2022: “Big River,” “Ring of Fire, The Music of Johnny Cash” and “The Sound of Music.”
ToG Board President Warren Mullins thanked the City of Gadsden for its support.
Paula Ross received the President’s Award, presented by Davis Varner, past president of the ToG board, who cited Ross’ efforts to seek out grants and funding to keep the theater group in operation when COVID-19 closed its doors and cancelled performances.
Rick Wills was honored as Outstanding Volunteer, and Lewis Fuller was recognized for his long-term service to ToG with the McCollum/Gilchrist Award.
Becki Cannon was recognized for Outstanding Service to the group.
Ann Sharpe won the Best Director Award for “White Plains, Blue Mountain.”
“Big River,” directed by Mike Beecham, won Best Show.
The cast of “Big River” won the Best Ensemble Award. Cast members were Theresa Carter, Chris Cash, Hanna Culpepper, Billy Jenkins, Ben Keener, Courtney Linam, Kim Patton, Chris Roden, Haley Rodgers, Susan Silvey and Gary Warden.
Other awards went to:
Best Male Lead Role — Billy Jenkins, “White Plains, Blue Mountain”
Best Female Lead Role — Melissa Crow, “White Plains, Blue Mountain”
Best Supporting Male Role — Chris Cash, “Big River”
Best Supporting Female Role — Shannon Hill, “White Plains, Blue Mountain”
Outstanding ToG Debut — Kelsey Trussell, “The Sound of Music”
Best Choreography — Kelly Page, “The Sound of Music”
Best Costumes — Hillary Cunningham, “The Sound of Music”
Best Set — Richard Dean and Greg Oliver, “White Plains, Blue Mountain”
Best Lights — Cassie Cunningham, “Big River”
Best Sound — Bart Gunter and Rick Wills, “Big River”
Best Musical Director — Billy Jenkins, “Ring of Fire, Music of Johnny Cash”
Best Stage Managers — Nica Hodge and Heather Vaughn, “The Sound of Music”
Children’s Tree House Series winners were:
Rookie of the Year — Reese Griffith
Attitude of Excellence — Luke Robertson
Most Team Spirit — Ella Huffman
Let's Do This — Steven Jacobs
Most Valuable Player — Elias Rudy
Swing MVP — Taylor Sewell
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Theatre of Gadsden honors top performances, productions
