Maltz Jupiter Theatre Earns 23 Carbonell Nominations

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre has earned 23 nominations for the 37th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida's equivalent of the Tony Awards.

The Theatre garnered the most nominations of any of the nominated organizations, surpassing nominated theaters in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. By show, the Theatre earned nine nominations for The Music Man, eight for Hello, Dolly!, four for Cabaret and two for Amadeus.

"We are honored that we are being recognized for our eclectic spectrum of work - including a drama (Amadeus), a darker-themed and important musical about our history (Cabaret) and two classic musicals that we re-envisioned (Hello, Dolly! and The Music Man)," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director.

As in years past, the Theatre finds itself with multiple Carbonell nominations in 10 categories, meaning that some of its shows are competing against one another. This leaves the theatre with double the chance of winning in different categories, with four of its five 2012 shows receiving nominations.

Director Marcia Milgrom Dodge was one of two artists to earn more than one Carbonell nomination for the Theatre's shows: Best Director of a Musical and Best Choreography, both for Hello, Dolly! Actor Matt Loehr earned a Best Actor (Musical) nomination for his leading role as Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man, as well as a Best Supporting Actor (Musical) nomination for his role as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!

"I credit much of our success to the local and national artists - including actors, directors, musical directors and designers - who contribute their creative talent to our productions," Kato said. "There is remarkable work being produced here in South Florida, and we'd like to congratulate all of the artists and designers who have been nominated."

The news follows the successful early sell-out of the Theatre's spectacular 10th anniversary gala, The 10 Event, set to take place Feb. 23 and feature surprise performances by more than 20 of the Theatre's past stars.

It also comes just before the Theatre's much-anticipated unveiling of shows for its 2013/14 season, to be announced Feb. 4.

"We promise that our next season of shows will continue to bring our audiences a wide array of programming," Kato said. "These 23 nominations reaffirm that our peers appreciate the quality of work that we're doing."

And the Theatre's current season is far from over. Playing through Jan. 27 is the classic musical Singin' in the Rain, while the award-winning drama Doubt: A Parable (Feb. 3 - 17) will provide an eloquent and provocative investigation of truth and consequences. The smash season ends with the dazzling, high-energy musical Thoroughly Modern Millie (March 5 - 24).

Palm Beach County led with 45 nominations for its organizations. Two of the artists in the Theatre's upcoming production of Doubt: A Parable - actor Jim Ballard and director J. Barry Lewis - earned Best Actor (Musical) and Best Director nominations for their roles in The Fantasticks at Palm Beach Dramaworks in West Palm Beach.

"We are so proud to share this region with the talented artists and incredible work produced by our friends at Palm Beach Dramaworks," Kato said.
Celebrating the best shows and performances in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, Carbonell nominations encompass the entire length of South Florida with 18 companies receiving nods and 35 of the eligible shows that opened in 2012 being recognized.

The winners will be announced at the 37th annual Carbonell Awards ceremony, to be held on April 1 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.