Take Five! with Helen Hayes Award Outstanding Production nominees

And now the nominees for the Helen Hayes Awards honoring Outstanding Plays, Musicals and Theatre for Young Audiences

Responding
Alex Levy, Arena Stage, Eric Schaeffer, Jason Loewith, Michael Kahn, Michelle Kozlak, Rick Hammerly, Ryan Rilette, Susan Marie Rhea and Toby Orenstein
for
A Little Night Music and Crazy for You, Crazy for You, Drumming with Dishes, In the Heights, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lela & Co., Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Nutt and Bolt, Or,, Parade, A Raisin in the Sun, Trevor and Twelfth Night.
(No time for a long read? Find nominees and shows using the Search box)

	Outstanding Production nominees	Take Five!
	Outstanding Production in a Play	Lela and Co. Outstanding Production in a Play Helen Rick Hammerly, Artistic Director, Factory 449 Why did you select this play? I always look for work that will highlight the talents of Factory 449's company members. When I read LELA & CO., not only did I feel it was a tremendously well-written play that would both affect and challenge audiences, but a powerful vehicle to showcase the talents of Factory 449 company member, Felicia Curry. What about this production makes you the most proud? I am most proud of bringing together the enormous creative talents that made Factory 449's production of LELA & CO. such a powerful and memorable production. While the Helen Hayes Awards paid tribute to Felicia Curry (Outstanding Lead Actress) and William D'Eugenio (Outstanding Light Design) with individual award nominations, this production would not have been possible without Greg Stevens' seamless set design, Tosin Olufalabi's meticulous sound design, Renaldo McClinton's performance(s), Scott Hammar's costumes, Patrick Landes' stage management, Jenny Male's fight choreography, Linda Lombardi's dramaturgy, DJ Corey Photography's photos, and Peter Goldschmidt's work as our master electrician. The collaboration of these talented individuals resulted in LELA & CO. receiving a 2018 Helen Hayes Award nomination for Outstanding Production for a Play. What was your favorite stage moment? I would have to say my favorite moment of the play was when LELA & CO. momentarily became a TV Game Show. Directorially, I felt that the audience needed a break from the unrelenting inhumanity that Lela was forced to endure. I therefore thought we could briefly depart reality and enter Lela's mind as she found various ways to cope with her brutal surroundings. The text also supported this "fantasy sequence," which lighting and sound helped to further realize. During performances of LELA & CO., I would watch audiences relax, breathe, and even laugh at the onset of this game show scenario, only to be jolted back to Lela's reality and the latest atrocity she was being forced to suffer. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? There is no doubt that LELA & CO. has been one of Factory 449's greatest artistic successes to date. I consider this to be the case judging from the exemplary work from all the creatives who were a part of this production, as well as from the countless discussions, emails and social media postings from audience members who were tremendously affected and moved by the production. Even now, 7 months after LELA & CO. closed, I am told by those who saw the show how it has stayed with them. During the run of the show, I was approached by a midshipman in the United States Naval Academy with the possibility of performing LELA & CO. for U.S. Naval recruits and future military officers, to help inform them of the ways in which women continue to be mistreated throughout the world. Amazing. For me, when people are affected, feel the need to discuss, or simply want to learn more about important issues after seeing a production, you have created an artistic success. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I think this year's move to The Anthem is an awesome decision, especially the ability to have the awards ceremony and the party in the same venue. But what I'm most looking forward to? My bar tab being picked up by my brother, who just happens to be the bar manager for The Anthem. #SayingYesToNepotism
	Outstanding Production in a Play	Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Outstanding Production in a Play Helen Alex Levy, 1st Stage What about this production makes you the most proud? Our first August Wilson. Deidre Starne's first major directorial production. Two great voices coming together. What was your favorite stage moment? Levee's monologue at the end of act 1 Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? [It was} both and was a runaway hit at the box office.
	Outstanding Production in a Play	Or, Outstanding Production in a Play Hayes Ryan Rilette, Artistic Director, Round House Theatre Why did you select this play? I have always loved this play, but I assumed that it had been done here right after its successful premiere off-Broadway. When I found out it hadn't ever received a DC premiere, I leapt at the opportunity. What about this production makes you the most proud? Our team executed this difficult play perfectly, from Aaron's direction to Holly, Erin and Gregory's acting to the beautiful designs by Paige, Thom, Chris and Kendra. It is a much harder play to pull off successfully than they made it look. They gave our audience and extraordinary treat with this, and I'm very proud of that. What was your favorite stage moment? Director Aaron Posner built this really wonderful misdirection moment where the audience thought Gregory Linington was in the armoire as one character just as he burst through the door as another character. I loved watching our audience burst into laughter at that moment each night! Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? Both. It got great reviews, standing ovations, and exceeded its goal. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? The new venue and format.
	Outstanding Production in a Play	A Raisin in the Sun Outstanding Production in a Play Hayes Arena Stage leadership Why did you select this play? It’s a classic American play, still poignant, significant and relevant today. What about this production makes you the most proud? A fabulous cast and direction. Reimagining a classic play in the round. What was your favorite stage moment? Leana Younger (Lizan Mitchell) and the plant. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? Absolutely. Success is easy to quantify with dollars and cents, but no one would come unless the artistry was top-notch. Tazewell Thompson led a great team of designers and actors and they brought the story to life with great precision. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? As always, a celebration of all the great work and artistry that we have in the greater Washington area.
	Outstanding Production in a Play	Trevor Outstanding Production in a Play Helen Alex Levy, 1st Stage What about this production makes you the most proud? This was a risky work for us and to see this company build such a fun/complicated world. Doug Wilder's performance is one for the ages. What was your favorite stage moment? I laughed every time Doug rode the little bicycle. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? Trevor was both in that we didn't expect it to sell as well as it did but it was always a project that we believed in artistically and didn't count on big box office. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I am really proud that 1st Stage has 4 of the 5 nominations for leading man in a play. We are proud of our reputation as a place for great acting.
	Outstanding Production in a Play	Twelfth Night Outstanding Production in a Play Hayes Michael Kahn, Artistic Director, Shakespeare Theatre Company Why did you select this play? I think it’s the best romantic comedy ever written, and I was eager to see how Ethan McSweeny might approach it in a new way. What about this production makes you the most proud? Ethan’s reimagining of our theatre space. What was your favorite stage moment? Well, like everybody, the luggage falling to the floor was quite extraordinary, but I also loved all of Feste’s songs and Malvolio trying to figure out his name from a letter. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? I think it was an artistic success and certainly the audiences came to see it. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Honoring Nancy Robinette who was Maria in our last production of TWELFTH NIGHT.
	Outstanding Production in a Musical	A Little Night Music Outstanding Production in a Musical Hayes Eric Schaeffer, Artistic Director Why did you select this musical? We chose A Little Night Music and (also nominated) Crazy for You because of our dedication to reimagining classic American musicals. What about this production makes you the most proud? A Little Night Music marked our 28th Sondheim production in Signature Theatre’s history. I’m proud of the international reputation we’ve gained as a leading presenter of Steve’s work. This production was a perfect example of why Sondheim is Signature’s signature. What was your favorite stage moment? Hearing that fantastic ensemble bring Sondheim’s “A Weekend in the Country” to life Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? A Little Night Music is one of our best selling Sondheim productions to date. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? The Anthem looks like it will be a fun and exciting venue for this year’s awards. As always I love reconnecting with members of this incredible theatrical community that I don’t see on a regular basis throughout the year.
	Outstanding Production in a Musical	Crazy for You Outstanding Production in a Musical Hayes Eric Schaeffer, Artistic Director, Signature Theatre What about this production makes you the most proud? Crazy for You was a joyous production that had our audiences smiling and cheering. In both cases we couldn’t have asked for a more phenomenal group of performers, musicians, designers and crew. What was your favorite stage moment? The full cast filling the stage and aisles for “I’ve Got Rhythm” Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? Crazy for You is one of our best selling productions of all time.
	Outstanding Production in a Musical	In the Heights Outstanding Production in a Musical Hayes Jason Loewith, Artistic Director, Co-producer Olney Theatre Center Why did you select this musical? For so very many reasons! It's a great American musical that, as Quiara Hudes says, "creates community wherever it goes." What about this production makes you the most proud? The incredible commitment of this ensemble, its passion for the work and its embrace of it with generosity and talent. What was your favorite stage moment? Too many to mention. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? Celebrating the diversity and richness of the DC Theater Community all together! ---------- In the Heights Outstanding Production in a Musical Hayes Ryan Rilette, Co-producer, Round House Theatre Why did you select this musical? Telling an immigrant story at this particular time in America, especially one that is so incredibly hopeful and heart-filled, seemed right. And of course, there's no denying the power of Lin Manuel Miranda's phenomenal music! What about this production makes you the most proud? Our cast took it upon themselves to raise money for hurricane relief during the show, and they ended up raising more than $100K thanks to the incredibly generous Olney and Round House audience members. I'm still floored by that. What was your favorite stage moment? Rayanne's singing of "Paciencia Y Fe" slayed me every time. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? Both. It received uniformly positive reviews and broke box office records at both Olney and Round House. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? The new venue...and catching up with old friends!
	Outstanding Production in a Musical	Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Outstanding Production in a Musical Helen Toby Orenstein, Toby's Dinner Theatre Why did you select this play? We selected "Joseph" because of its universal appeal and it happens to be one of my personal favorites. I was teaching at Catholic University many years ago when it was first dramatized and staged at the Hartke theatre. I continued to watch it grow at Olney, Fords, Broadway etc..... It will always have a special place in my heart. What about this production makes you the most proud? It was a joyous experience. Good cast, good audiences and a good time all around. We took a chance on a unique casting idea and it worked out brilliantly. I am very proud of everyone's contributions to the production both onstage and behind the scenes. What was your favorite stage moment? The reuniting of Joseph and his father/family. I was always touched by the moment when the brothers reunite with Joseph and realize the mistakes they have made and the family reunites again. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? We consider it an artistic and financial success. We had a better than expected summer run with 92% capacity and audiences left the theatre uplifted and wanting to return. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? A chance to celebrate good work and good friends. The arts are so important and we make a difference in so many people lives and to be recognized in any way for that work is wonderful.
	Outstanding Production in a Musical	Parade Outstanding Production in a Musical Helen Susan Marie Rhea, Keegan Theatre Why did you select this play? PARADE touches on many themes that are sadly still relevant today. The context of Leo and Lucille's story is a community decimated by war, a society that is wounded both emotionally and financially. Race, class, and religious bias play critical roles in this tragic chapter in our country's history, as does the economic reality of a people struggling with emerging industrialization. How these deep-seeded beliefs and cultural realities triggered the worst in people is at the heart of the story, and the capacity of human beings to foster hate rooted only in fear of what we do not know or understand. While this is difficult subject matter, it is a story that demands to be told again -- a story that hopefully transcends Leo and Lucille, while shining light on a love discovered and the hope it can bring. This story is for all those who are hated, marginalized, terrorized and terrified. We bear witness to this story in the hope that we can collectively turn toward a future where we are all, simply, so much better. What about this production makes you the most proud? We were proud of how all of the pieces fit together on this production. From the lights, to the projection, to the orchestra, to the costumes, sound, props, set, and stage management. It was so satisfying to see the talents of so many people harmonizing with each other. What was your favorite stage moment? We have two favorite stage moments. The first is the cake walk that ends Act 1 when Leo hears the guilty verdict. The moment is so surreal when coupled with the dissonance of the music and the celebration of the spectators. The other scene that we found particularly striking was the picnic that Leo and Lucille have after his sentence is commuted. There's a moment when Lucille challenges Leo to imagine flowers surrounding them in this grim setting of a prison farm. You see in that moment the adoration he has for her when he answers that they are Black-Eyed Susans. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? We consider PARADE a success in every way that matters - audiences were robust in number and in their enthusiasm and emotional response to the piece. We feel we told Leo and Lucille's story truthfully and with great impact, honoring the script, the score, and the history in all of our artistic decisions. The design elements and an outstanding cast, crew, and orchestra came together in perfect synergy, and the vision for the story was clear and shared by all the artists involved. We couldn't be prouder of this production in every possible aspect. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? We're most looking forward to reuniting with the Parade cast & crew, a special group of people who we would choose to work with again in a heartbeat. We're also excited that the awards are being held at The Anthem - a new venue that reflects the energy of the city and the theater community.
	Outstanding Production - Theatre for Young Audiences	Drumming with Dishes. Outstanding Production - Theatre for Young Audiences Michelle Kozlak, Artistic Director, Arts on the Horizon Why did you select this play? I love that there is a ton of humor and physical comedy in the production, but there is also a quiet vulnerability to the piece - it is a really lovely balance. I also think it is a show that not only resonates with our young audience members (children ages 2-5), but also with the adults accompanying them - there is something in it for everyone in the audience, no matter their age. What about this production makes you the most proud? Drumming with Dishes is a great reminder that you don't need huge production values to create a beautiful show that connects with audiences. It has a clear story that is told with minimal props and set pieces by our talented performers. It is simplicity at its best. What was your favorite stage moment? It is hard to pick one specific moment, but I love the nods to classic physical comedy and clowning that are peppered throughout the show. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? Both. Audiences loved the show, which is what made it a box office success. It is an artistic success because it showcases what Arts on the Horizon does best: clear nonverbal storytelling, incorporating live music and sound effects, physical theater, humor, and heart, in order to engage the youngest audience members. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I am really looking forward to seeing friends and colleagues at the awards ceremony. It is a wonderful time to reconnect with everyone in our amazing theater community.
	Outstanding Production - Theatre for Young Audiences	Nutt and Bolt Outstanding Production - Theatre for Young Audiences Michelle Kozlak, Artistic Director, Arts on the Horizon Why did you select this play? I loved the possibilities for audience engagement and participation with this production. During the performance, the young audience members were able to help create different sound effects and a soundscape at the end, along with our performers. I also was drawn to the show because it centered around themes of collaboration and cooperation. What about this production makes you the most proud? Everything in the show - props, sets, costumes - was made out of recycled or upcycled objects or materials. I love how it reinforced the transformative power of a child's imagination and their ability to make ordinary objects into something extraordinary. After the performance, parents sent in photos of their children creating robot costumes out of items found around the house - that made me so happy to see them engaging in creative play inspired by the show. What was your favorite stage moment? In the production, these two competitive robots have a hard time communicating because they don't understand each other. One uses very electronic sounds and other very percussive sounds to communicate. Towards the end of the play they discover that by combining their sounds they can create music. After this discovery, they build this tower together made out of objects from each of their homes. It is a lovely moment that demonstrates for our young audience members the importance of working together. Do you consider this production an artistic success, box office success, and why? It was an artistic success because it was such a collaborative process between the actors, designers, and the director/creator. Everyone worked together seamlessly and created a truly creative piece of theater. A special nod to our sound designer, Patrick Calhoun and our costume designer, Julie Cray Leong who created together an amazing robot costume for Bolt that integrated sound elements that the actor played throughout the show.

This is the last of our 8 part series of interviews with Helen Hayes Award nominees.
Check our Helen Hayes Awards archive to see what you’ve missed.