Maltz Jupiter Theatre Scores 19 Carbonell Nominations

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre has earned 19 nominations for the 38th 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 seven nominations for Annie, five for Dial M for Murder, five for Thoroughly Modern Millie, one for Doubt: A Parable and one for Singin' in the Rain.

"We are honored that we are being recognized for our eclectic spectrum of work - including two dramas (Dial M for Murder and Doubt: A Parable) and three classic, re-envisioned musicals (Annie, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Singin' in the Rain)," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director.

As in years past, the Theatre finds itself with multiple Carbonell nominations in four 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 all five of its 2013 shows receiving nominations.

Director Mark Martino earned more than one Carbonell nomination his work: Best Director of a Musical and Best Choreography, both for Annie. Several other artists from the Theatre also earned double nominations, both for their work at the Theatre and other area theatres; Colin McPhillamy (Best Supporting Actor nomination for Dial M for Murder), Karen Stephens (Best Supporting Actress for Doubt: A Parable) and Michael Amico (Best Scenic Design, Dial M for Murder).

"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, particularly our newly eligible theatres."

The nominations come just weeks before the Theatre's much-anticipated unveiling of shows for its 2014/15 season, set to be announced Feb. 10. The news also comes on the heels of a $2.5 million expansion and renovation and a record-breaking subscription season with 7,611 subscribers.

"We promise that our next season of shows will continue to bring our audiences a wide variety of exhilarating programming," Kato said.

And the Theatre's current season is far from over, as the stage heats up with the current hit show A Chorus Line (onstage through February 2) and the hot new Tony-nominated play Other Desert Cities (February 16 - March 2). Closing out the season is the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I (March 18 - April 6).

Celebrating the best shows and performances in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, Carbonell nominations encompass the entire length of South Florida. Palm Beach County led with 62 nominations for its organizations.

The winners will be announced at the 38th annual Carbonell Awards ceremony, set to be held on Monday, March 31, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.