Updated 2020-02-08 to indicate winners in each category, indicated with “(W)”, and to include the winner of best overall production

Congratulations to the 2019 Community Theatre Nominees!

Best Props

• Alyssa Algee – An Inspector Calls – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Alyssa Algee & Victoria Newton – Play On – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Cast and Crew – Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse
• Kelly Stevenson – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Kelly Stevenson – The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Kelly Stevenson – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Sonya Sullivan & Joanne Swanson – Annie Jr.* – DeSoto Family Theatre
• April Wiltbank – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)

Best Hair and Makeup

• Chris Dlugach & Skyler Smith – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Buddy Hart – Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse
• Buddy Hart & Rence Phillips – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Lexie Lang – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Kudzu Playhouse (W)
• Jordan Thweatt – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse

Best Vocal Direction

• Dr. Saundra Bishop – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)
• Patti House – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Brittany Navarro – Annie Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Brittany Navarro – You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Justin Wadkins – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Justin Wadkins – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Orchestral Direction

• Dr. Saundra Bishop – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Justin Wadkins – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse (W)

Best Lighting

• Alyssa Algee – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Melissa Andrews – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Jordan Caviezel – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Jordan Caviezel – You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown -DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Vic Henson – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Hayes Wolfe – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Sound

• Alyssa Algee – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)
• Bret Arton – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Bret Arton – The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Ricky Smith – Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse
• Anna Grace Marshall – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Cassondra Raney – Father of the Bride – Panola Playhouse
• Ricky Smith – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Special Effects

• Vic Henson – A Christmas Carol – Panola Playhouse
• Vic Henson – Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse (W)
• Daniel Mueller – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Costuming

• Kay Manzolillo – An Inspector Calls – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Melanie Ozburn – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Melanie Ozburn – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Kim Peninger – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Sadie Shannon – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Joi Taylor – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Set

• Alyssa Algee – An Inspector Calls – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)
• Vic Henson & Jordan Thweatt – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Daniel Mueller – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Kristy Rennaker – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Choreography

• Christi Hall – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Austin Jones, Abby Morton, Kate Walker – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Lori Payne – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse
• Lori Payne – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Erica Peninger – Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse

Best Performance by a Female Dancer

• Savannah Demers – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Mikayla House – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Jesse Anne Lipscomb – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse
• Rae Payne – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse
• Riley Payne – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Performance by a Male Dancer

• Caiden Britt – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Mikel Burgio – Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse
• Ian Duggan – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse
• Brady Pillstrom – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Riley Young – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Cameo Performance by an Actress

• Cate Amis – A Christmas Carol – Panola Playhouse
• Carol Griffin – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Haley Kelly – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Anna Grace Marshall – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Megan Van Velsor – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Susan Webster – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Lane Westfaul – A Christmas Carol – Panola Playhouse
• Brooke Wright – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse

Best Cameo Performance by an Actor

• Atreyu Armstrong – Annie Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Kage Cliburn – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Brynden Foster – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Vann Gallimore – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Vic Henson – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Rick Kelly – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Keegan Riley – Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse
• Wesley Williamson – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)

Best Performance by a Young Actress (12 and Under)

• Emily Armistead – Annie Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Isabella Fleer – Annie Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Ann Phillips Jordan – Annie Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Lily Grace Kirk – High School Musical Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Sydney Teuton – Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse (W)

Best Performance by a Young Actor (12 and Under)

• Kage Cliburn – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Kage Cliburn – Singin in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Vann Gallimore – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Vann Gallimore – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse (W)
• Vann Gallimore – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Eli Harrington – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Griffin Pitcock – Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse
• Max Taylor – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Performance by a Young Actress (13-17)

• Cate Amis – A Christmas Carol – Panola Playhouse
• Claire Ballard – You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Anna Claire Billingsley – The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Kayla Fifer – Annie Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Kayla Fifer – Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. – Kudzu Playhouse
• Brianna Szewczyk – Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse

Best Performance by a Young Actor (13-17)

• Joseph Blythe – High School Musical Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Mikel Burgio – Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse
• Cody Christmas – Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. – Kudzu Playhouse
• Brady Pillstrom – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Ethan Witt – Annie Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play

• Anna Claire Billingsley – The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Patty Carreras – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Kudzu Playhouse
• Ella Embry – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Kudzu Playhouse
• Rachel McFatridge – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Kudzu Playhouse
• Abby Morton – An Inspector Calls – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)
• Abby Morton – Play On – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Casey Sigler – The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Kelly Stevenson – Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play

• Ron Ethridge – Father of the Bride – Panola Playhouse
• Alberto Genelle – Play On – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Clayton Jackson – The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Samuel Jones – An Inspector Calls – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Nelson Meredith – Play On – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Daniel Mullins – Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse
• Wesley Williamson – Father of the Bride – Panola Playhouse (W)

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical

• Claire Ballard – You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Missy Handwerker – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Missy Hopkins – 9 to 5 – Panola Playhouse
• Lauren Schlukbier – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse
• Sadie Shannon – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse
• Caitlyn Smith – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse
• Cassie Thompson – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical

• Vitale Anderson – You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Adam Brimingham – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Rodney Hall – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)
• J.T. Harrington – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Daniel McMechan – A Christmas Carol – Panola Playhouse
• Brady Pillstrom – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Daniel Thompson – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Riley Young – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play

• Jordan Cardell – The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Emily Chateau – Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse
• Anna Grace Marshall – Father of the Bride – Panola Playhouse
• Victoria Newton – An Inspector Calls – Northwest Mississippi Community College

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play

• Mike Anderson – The Miracle Worker DeSoto Family Theatre
• Justin Bixler – Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse
• Wesley Williamson – An Inspector Calls – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical

• Kayla Fifer – Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. – Kudzu
• Brietta Goodman – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)
• Mikayla House – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Lauren Suddoth – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Tabitha Wadkins – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical

• Caiden Britt – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Kage Cliburn – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Vann Gallimore – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse

Best Cast

• Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• An Inspector Calls – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse (W)
• The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse
• Singin in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre
• You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Director of a Youth Production

• Erica Peninger – Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse (W)
• Erica Peninger – Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. – Kudzu Playhouse
• Wesley Williamson – Annie Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Director of a Comedy

• Katie Hardeman – Play On – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)
• Joe Ranager – Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse
• Daniel Thompson – Father of the Bride – Panola Playhouse

Best Director of a Drama

• Alyssa Algee – An Inspector Calls – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)
• Chad Hoy – The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Director of a Musical

• Caiden Britt – Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre (W)
• Vic Henson – Oliver! – Panola Playhouse
• Erica Peninger – A Christmas Story – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Sadie Shannon – Aida – Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Wesley Williamson – Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Youth Production

• Annie Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre
• Mary Poppins Jr. – Panola Playhouse (W)
• Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Comedy

• Father of the Bride – Panola Playhouse
• Play On – Northwest Mississippi Community College (W)
• Rumors – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Drama

• An Inspector Calls – NWCC (W)
• The Miracle Worker – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Musical

• Aida – NWCC (W)
• Mamma Mia! – Kudzu Playhouse
• Singin’ in the Rain – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Overall Production

Aida – NWCC 

The 2018 Allie Awards banquet took place February 1st, 2019 at the Landers Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi. There are 14 theaters in the North Mississippi Theatre Alliance – 4 community theaters and 10 high schools.

The evening included 10 musical numbers from Alliance theaters.

• “Everywhere That You Are” from James and The Giant Peach (Hernando High School) featured Bret Arton, Claire Ballard, Savannah Demers, Hunter Hill, Caroline McCafferty and Artie Pernsteiner.
• “I’ll Know” from Guys and Dolls Jr. (Lewisburg High School) featured Andrea Turnbow and Ty Kirk.
• “C’est Moi” from Camelot (DeSoto Family Theatre) featured Bradley Karel.
• “Hellfire” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Kudzu Playhouse) featured Jamison White and Company.
• “We’re the Man” from Calvin Berger (Northwest Mississippi Community College) featured Nelson Meredith and Brynden Foster.
• “Beauty and the Beast” from Beauty and the Beast (Northpoint Christian School) featured Sarah Kathryn Meek.
• “Why Should I Change a Thing” from Annie (Panola Playhouse) featured Jason Brooks.
• “When You’re an Addams” from Addams Family: The Musical (Panola Playhouse) featured Caiden Britt, Cassidy Keeton, Cody Morris, Claire Ballard, Sharon Bordon, Tuck Hawkins, Alan Hopkins, Anna Grace Marshall, Ian Duggan and company.
• “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing” from White Christmas (Hernando High School) featured Ty Kirk, Mikayla House, Bret Arton, Claire Ballard, Sophia Werneck, Aika Owens and Nathan Tillman.
• “Seize The Day” from Newsies (DeSoto Family Theatre) featured Whitney Branan, Kage Cliburn, Savannah Demers, Parker Hood, Mikayla House, Ty Kirk, Peyton Lanham, Brady Pillstron, Gabriella Scarpace, Grayson Todd, Trevor Wallace and company.

The winners of the categories were as follows:

Best Overall Production

Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Musical

Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Drama

It’s A Wonderful Life – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Comedy

Waiting for Godot – Northwest Mississippi Community College

Best Youth Production

Shrek Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Director of a Musical

Whitney Branan – Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Director of a Drama

Emily F. Chateau – It’s A Wonderful Life – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Director of a Comedy

Alyssa Algee – Waiting for Godot – Northwest Mississippi Community College

Best Director of a Youth Production

Erica Peninger – Shrek Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Cast

Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical

Caiden Britt – Addams Family: The Musical – Panola Playhouse

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical

Jacquelyn Skoog – Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy)

Jon Tackett – A Delicate Ship – Northwest Mississippi Community College

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy)

Preslie Anne Cowley – Waiting for Godot – Northwest Mississippi Community College

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical

Cody Morris – Addams Family: The Musical – Panola Playhouse

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical

Haley Kelly – Addams Family: The Musical – Panola Playhouse

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy)

Thomas Ford – It’s A Wonderful Life – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy)

Alyssa Algee – The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Performance by a Young Actor (13-17)

Parker Hood – Newsies – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Performance by a Young Actress (13-17)

Claire Ballard – Addams Family: The Musical – Panola Playhouse

Best Performance by a Young Actor (12 & Under)

Kage Cliburn – The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Performance by a Young Actress (12 & Under)

Callee Grace Burkes – Annie – Panola Playhouse

Best Cameo Performance by an Actor

Will Brown – The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Cameo Performance by an Actress

Lauren Shlukbier – Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Performance by a Male Dancer

Grayson Todd – Newsies – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Performance by a Female Dancer

Mikayla House – Newsies – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Choreography

Whitney Branan – Newsies – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Set

Daniel Mueller – Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Costuming

Melanie Ozburn – The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Special Effects

Anna McFatridge – The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Sound

Joshua Crawford – Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Lighting

Mandy K. Heath – Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Orchestral Direction

Justin Wadkins – Camelot – DeSoto Family Theatre

Best Vocal Direction

Justin Wadkins – The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Kudzu Playhouse

Best Hair and Makeup

Buddy Hart – Addams Family: The Musical – Panola Playhouse

Best Lobby Design

Ashley Kirk/Christy Wilbanks – Shrek Jr. – DeSoto Family Theatre

The 2018 Allie Awards Banquet will be held February 1st, 2019 at the Landers Center. Congratulations to all the nominees!

1984

• Best Cameo Performance by an Actress – Cassidy Keeton
• Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy) – Laura Sellers
• Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy) – Daniel Mullins
• Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy) – J.T. Harrington

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

• Best Vocal Direction – Justin Wadkins
• Best Orchestral Direction – Justin Wadkins
• Best Lighting – Payden and James Taylor
• Best Sound – Ricky Smith
• Best Special Effects – Jamison White
• Best Costuming – Joi Taylor & Susan Zeringue
• Best Set – Justin Bixler
• Best Performance by a Female Dancer – Jillian Worthing
• Best Cameo Performance by an Actor – Will Brown
• Best Performance by a Featured Actor in Musical – Justin Bixler
• Best Performance by a Featured Actor in Musical – Caiden Britt
• Best Performance by a Featured Actor in Musical – Jamison White
• Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical – Jillian Worthing
• Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – Riley Young
• Best Cast
• Best Director of a Musical – Keith Salter
• Best Musical

Madagascar JR

• Best Lobby Design – Laura Teuton
• Best Performance by a Young Actress (12 & Under) – Sydney Teuton
• Best Performance by a Young Actor (12 & Under) – Eli Harrington
• Best Director of a Youth Production – Daphne Cox

It’s a Wonderful Life

• Best Sound – Emily Chateau
• Best Costuming – Joi Taylor & Susan Zeringue
• Best Set – Emily F. Chateau & Julia Chateau
• Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy) – Patty Carreras
• Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy) – Haley Kelly
• Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy) – Thomas Ford
• Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy) – Rick Kelly
• Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy) – Julie Beth Hight
• Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy) – Adam Hogue
• Best Cast
• Best Director of a Drama – Emily F. Chateau
• Best Drama

See all of the nominations below:

1. Best Lobby Design
Buddy Hart — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Ashley Kirk / Christy Wilbanks — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Ashley Kirk / Christy Wilbanks — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Samantha Moore — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Laura Teuton – Madagascar Jr. — Kudzu Playhouse

2. Best Hair & Makeup
Buddy Hart — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Buddy Hart — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Buddy Hart — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Buddy Hart / Charles McGowan — Beauty and the Beast — Panola Playhouse
Buddy Hart / Rence Phillips — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre

3. Best Vocal Direction
Dr. Saundra Bishop — Calvin Berger — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Collin Lowery — Godspell — DeSoto Family Theatre
Brittany Navarro — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Brittany Navarro — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Brittany Navarro — Dogfight — Panola Playhouse
Justin Wadkins — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse

4. Best Orchestral Direction
Jacquelene Cooper — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Collin Lowery — Godspell — DeSoto Family Theatre
Brittany Navarro — Dogfight — Panola Playhouse
Justin Wadkins — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Justin Wadkins — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse

5. Best Lighting
James Dickson — A Delicate Ship — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Mandy K. Heath — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Sheric Hull — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Kevin Rogers – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – DeSoto Family Theatre
Payden and James Taylor – The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Kudzu Playhouse
Hayes Wolfe — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse

6. Best Sound
Emily F. Chateau — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
Joshua Crawford — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Reyn Lehman — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Victoria Newton — Calvin Berger — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Ricky Smith — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse

7. Best Special Effects
Jordan Caviezel — Beauty and the Beast — Panola Playhouse
Anna McFatridge — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Jamison White — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse
Whitney Branan / Dan Lehman — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre

8. Best Costuming
Ashley Whitten Kopera — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Melanie Ozburn – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Melanie Ozburn — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Melanie Ozburn — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Kim Peninger — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Kim Peninger — Beauty and the Beast — Panola Playhouse
Joi Taylor / Susan Zeringue — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse
Joi Taylor / Susan Zeringue — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse

9. Best Set
Alyssa Algee — A Delicate Ship — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Justin Bixler — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse
Emily Chateau / Julia Chateau — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
Vic Henson — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Daniel Mueller — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Erica Peninger — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre

10. Best Choreography
Whitney Branan — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Whitney Branan — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Savannah Demers — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse

11. Best Performance By A Female Dancer
Whitney Branan — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Savannah Demers — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Mikayla House — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Anna Grace Marshall — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Gabriella Scarpace — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Charlotte Wilson — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Jillian Worthing — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse

12. Best Performance By A Male Dancer
Caiden Britt — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Cooper Clack — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Ian Duggan — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Brady Pillstrom — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Grayson Todd — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre

13. Best Cameo Performance By An Actress
Cassidy Keeton — 1984 — Kudzu Playhouse
Erica Peninger — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Lauren Schlukbier — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre

14. Best Cameo Performance By An Actor
Will Brown — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse
Davis Jones — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Andrew Van Velsor — Dogfight — Panola Playhouse

15. Best Performance By A Young Actress (12 & under)
Anna Benedict — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Callee Grace Burkes — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Lyla Kate Burkes — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Laila McNamee — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Ella Scott — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Scottie Swanson — Beauty and the Beast — Panola Playhouse
Sydney Teuton — Madagascar, Jr. — Kudzu Playhouse

16. Best Performance By A Young Actor (12 & Under)
Atreyu Armstrong — Aladdin, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Calvin ‘Tre’ Barnes III — Aladdin, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Kage Cliburn — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Kage Cliburn — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Eli Harrington — Madagascar, Jr. — Kudzu Playhouse
Jody Hawkins — Aladdin, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre

17. Best Performance By A Young Actress (13-17)
Claire Ballard — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Reagan Hall — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Mikayla House — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Sophia Werneck — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Mallie Wilbanks — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre

18. Best Performance By A Young Actor (13-17)
Ethan Benson — Dogfight — Panola House
Parker Hood — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Davis Jackson — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Austin Jones — Beauty & the Beast — Panola Playhouse
Ty Kirk — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Peyton Lanham — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Brady Pillstrom — Aladdin, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Davis Smith — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Ethan Witt — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre

19. Best Performance By A Featured Actress In A Play (Drama or Comedy)
Alyssa Algee — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Patty Carreras — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
Haley Kelly — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
Laura Sellers — 1984 — Kudzu Playhouse

20. Best Performance By A Featured Actor In A Play (Drama or Comedy)
Adam Brimingham – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre
Thomas Ford — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
Brynden Foster — A Delicate Ship — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Rick Kelly — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
Daniel Mullins — 1984 — Kudzu Playhouse
Wesley Williamson — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre

21. Best Performance By A Featured Actress In A Musical
Desiree Albonetti — Godspell — DeSoto Family Theatre
Claire Ballard — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Jacquelene Cooper — Godspell — DeSoto Family Theatre
Missy Hopkins — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Mikayla House — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Ily Jeanniton — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Haley Kelly — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Ashley McCormack — Godspell — DeSoto Family Theatre
Jamie Pitcock — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Lauren Suddoth — Beauty and the Beast — Panola Playhouse

22. Best Performance By A Featured Actor In A Musical
Justin Bixler — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse
Caiden Britt — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse
Parker Hood — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Bradley Karel — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Ty Kirk — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Charles McGowan — Godspell — DeSoto Family Theatre
Cody Morris — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Standrew Parker — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Daniel Thompson — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Jamison White — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse

23. Best Performance By A Leading Actress In A Play (Drama or Comedy)
Preslie Anne Cowley — Waiting for Godot — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Julie Beth Hight — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
Victoria Newton — A Delicate Ship — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Susan Webster — Cheaper by the Dozen — Panola Playhouse

24. Best Performance By A Leading Actor In A Play (Drama or Comedy)
Adam Brimingham — Cheaper by the Dozen — Panola Playhouse
J.T. Harrington — 1984 — Kudzu Playhouse
Adam Hogue — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
Jon Tackett — A Delicate Ship — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Jacob Vogelsang — Waiting for Godot — Northwest Mississippi Community College

25. Best Performance By A Leading Actress In A Musical
Whitney Branan — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Cassidy Keeton — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Jacquelyn Skoog — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Megan Van Velsor — Dogfight — Panola Playhouse
Jillian Worthing — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse

26. Best Performance By A Leading Actor In A Musical
Ethan Benson — Dogfight — Panola Playhouse
Caiden Britt — The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Jason Brooks — Annie — Panola Playhouse
Kent Fleshman — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Nelson Meredith — Calvin Berger — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Riley Young — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse

27. Best Cast
The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
A Delicate Ship — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Godspell — DeSoto Family Theatre
The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse
It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse

28. Best Director Of A Youth Production
Whitney Branan — Aladdin, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Daphne Cox — Madagascar, Jr. — Kudzu Playhouse
Erica Peninger — Shrek, Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre

29. Best Director Of A Comedy
Alyssa Algee — Waiting for Godot — Northwest Mississippi Community College

30. Best Director of a Drama
Emily Chateau — It’s a Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
Sadie Shannon — A Delicate Ship — Northwest Mississippi Community College
John Smiley — The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre

31. Best Director Of A Musical
Whitney Branan — Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
Whitney Branan — Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre
Keith Salter — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse
Sadie Shannon — Calvin Berger — Northwest Mississippi Community College
Jason Spitzer / Jacquelyn Skoog — Godspell — DeSoto Family Theatre

32. Best Youth Production
Aladdin Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre
Shrek Jr. — DeSoto Family Theatre

33. Best Comedy
Waiting for Godot — Northwest Mississippi Community College

34. Best Drama
A Delicate Ship — Northwest Mississippi Community College
It’s A Wonderful Life — Kudzu Playhouse
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — DeSoto Family Theatre

35. Best Musical
The Addams Family — Panola Playhouse
Camelot — DeSoto Family Theatre
The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Kudzu Playhouse
Newsies — DeSoto Family Theatre

36. Best Overall Production
The Nominees in this category will be the winners of the following categories:
– Best Youth Production
– Best Comedy
– Best Drama
– Best Musical

The stars were out on the evening of Friday, February 2, 2018 at the Landers Center in Southaven, MS for the 15th Annual Northwest Mississippi Theatre Alliance Awards. More commonly known as “The Allies” the awards ceremony recognizes excellence in the theatrical arts among North Mississippi’s high school and community theaters. Kudzu Playhouse 2017 Allie Awards included honors for Mary Poppins, School of Rock and Romeo & Juliet.

With 10 high schools and 4 community theaters, The Northwest Mississippi Theatre Alliance is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the region. Kudzu Playhouse is proud to have won 15 out of 34 categories in the community division, the most prestigious being “Best Overall Production” for Mary Poppins. 

Here is a list of Mary Poppins wins:

Other wins for Kudzu were:

Best Lobby Design – Dawn Sheppard – School of Rock

Best Performance by a Young Actress (13-17) – Mikayla House – Romeo & Juliet.

Kudzu Playhouse is thrilled to have been able to bring such high-quality productions to the stage in 2017.