Porthouse Theatre is thrilled to be recognized by the Cleveland Critics' Circle for achievements during its 2017 Season.
The annual Cleveland Critics Circle Theater Awards, released on December 18, 2017, awarded Porthouse Theatre's production of "Newsies" honors in the categories of Best Musical, Best Director of a Musical, Best Music Direction, and Best Choreography. Porthouse was also recognized for Superior Achievement in several other categories.
Porthouse Theatre's production of Disney's "Newsies," an area premiere, was recognized as 2017's Best Musical production.
Terri Kent, Porthouse Theatre producing artistic director, was recognized as 2017's Best Director of a Musical for her direction of Disney's "Newsies."
Jonathan Swoboda, an associate professor in Â鶹ÊÓƵ's School of Theatre and Dance, was recognized as 2017's Best Musical Director for his work on Disney's "Newsies."
MaryAnn Black, an assistant professor in Â鶹ÊÓƵ's School of Theatre and Dance, was recognized as 2017's Best Choreographer for her work on Disney's "Newsies."
Matt Gittens, who starred as Jack Kelly in Disney's "Newsies," was awarded Superior Achievement in the Best Actor – Musical category for his performance.
Katelyn Cassidy, a 2017 alumna of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's School of Theatre and Dance, was awarded Superior Achievement in the Best Actress – Musical category for her performance as Katherine in Disney's "Newsies."
Edward Ridley, Jr. was awarded Superior Achievement in the Best Musical Direction category for his work on Porthouse's production of "Ain't Misbehavin'."
Nathan Rosmarin, a 2015 alumnus of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's School of Theatre and Dance, was awarded Superior Achievement in the Best Sound Design category for his work on Disney's "Newsies."
About the Cleveland Critics Circle Theater Awards:
The Cleveland Critics Circle each year honors local theaters, performances, performers and technicians of plays staged by Cleveland area professional theaters. Awards are given to productions taking place from January 1 through December 31 of a specific calendar year. The awards committee is comprised of Cleveland area theater critics Bob Abelman, Roy Berko, Kerry Clawson, Howard Gollop, Mark Horning, Christine Howey, and Andrea Simakis.
For more information about the 2017 Cleveland Critics Circle Theater Awards, visit