(Metairie, Louisiana—February 23, 2023)— The Big Easy Awards in Theater, which recognize “achievements made in New Orleans theater in 2022” have announced that Jefferson Performing Arts Society was nominated in eleven theater categories and won four:

WINNER: BEST MUSICAL:  Holiday Inn

WINNER: BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL: Leslie Castay, Holiday Inn

WINNER: BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A MUSICAL: Kenneth Beck, Holiday Inn

WINNER: BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL: Tracey Collins, Holiday Inn

NOMINATED:

Eric Porter, Best Set Design, In the Heights

Michele Pietri, Best Director of a Musical, In the Heights

Rich Arnold, Best Performance in a Musical, Holiday Inn

Alcee Jones, Best Performance in a Musical, In the Heights

Rachel Looney, Best Performance in a Musical, Cinderella

Elana Polin, Best Supporting Performance in a Musical, In the Heights

Neil Eli, Best Supporting Performance in a Musical, In the Heights

Jefferson Performing Arts Society is in its 45^th season. It was founded in 1978 by Dennis Assaf, who remains the Artistic Director. All nominated productions were accompanied by a live orchestra conducted by Maestro Assaf. “On behalf of the many artists who have contributed so mightily to our success this past season, we extend our deepest appreciation. Congratulations to all the nominees and especially to the winners. Finally, we wish to thank The Big Easy Awards committee for their awareness of the work of Jefferson Performing Arts Society,” said Assaf.

This is the first time Gambit Weekly has awarded Big Easy Awards since the pandemic started. Nominees are made by committees comprised of journalists, musicians, music producers, directors, actors and others “with a deep knowledge of, and love for, music and the performing arts”, according to Gambit editor John Stanton.

JPAS is currently in rehearsals for its two final productions of the 45^th season: Murder on the Orient Express, opening March 10 at Jefferson Performing Arts Center, and Misery, opening March 23 at Westwego Cultural Center. For a full listing of all upcoming JPAS productions, visit www.jpas.org.  For production photos or media interviews, contact Amy Kirk Duvoisin at amy@jpas.org.