Broadway Theatre Project's Blake Coheley Wins At Big Easy Awards

Now entering its 28th year, Broadway Theatre Project (BTP), a program described by Playbill as "The world's most prestigious musical theatre arts education program for high school and college students", congratulates BTP's own Program Director Blake Coheley for winning "Best Director of a Musical" for his work with Southern Rep and The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) Stage Company's production of FUN HOME the musical last fall.

The Foundation for Entertainment, Development and Education (FEDE), or Big Easy Awards, announced nominees for top theater and music performances in 2017. Special award recipients were honored and winners announced at the Big Easy Awards Monday, April 23, at the Orpheum Theater, New Orleans, LA.

ceremony included both theatrical performances and music performance, (Classical Arts were given out at a different ceremony). Nominees included national and international headliners such as Trombone Shorty, Irma Thomas and Big Freda. On the theatrical side, more than a dozen theatre companies were nominated, including the prestigious South Repertory Theatre from New Orleans.

FUN HOME the musical was a sold out theatrical experience which garnered eight Big Award Nominations. Broadway veteran Leslie Castay, was nominated for her role as Helen Bechdel along with her daughter Camille Burkey, who was also nominated for her role as Young Alison.

said he was thankful for Bruce's tragic story and for Southern Rep and NOCCA Stage Company for being brave enough to tell this important tale of coming of age, but also of coming out. The sensitivity we tried to give each moment, the humor as well as the heart, Blake said, were carefully crafted into a seamless and heartbreaking piece of theatre. Fun Home was produced by Southern Rep and NOCCA Stage Company last fall and performed on the NOCCA campus.

More information about Broadway Theatre Project is available on www.broadwaytheatreproject.com.

Photo: Greg Bonin and Blake Coheley