Saugatuck, Michigan — Finally, 2020 has brought some GOOD news: EncoreMichigan, Michigan’s leading theatre news organization, has released the official winners of the 2019 – 2020 Wilde Awards; and our little town is making a big impact.

The 2019 Mason Street Warehouse season consisted of In The Heights, Unnecessary Farce, and A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder. With these three performances, Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts won 8 Wilde Awards; including multiple awards honoring Kurt Stamm, the Artistic Director and Founder of Mason Street Warehouse.

Best Musical:
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Best Director (Musical):
Kurt Stamm, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

Best Director (Musical):
Kurt Stamm, In The Heights
Best Supporting Actor in a Musical:
Lamont Walker, In The Heights
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical:
Michelle Beth Herman, In The Heights
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical:
Nina V. Negron, In The Heights
Best Music Direction:
Tom Vendafreddo, In The Heights
Best Choreography:
Jay Gamboa & Kurt Stamm, In The Heights

“I couldn’t be more proud of the casts, creative teams, crews, and producer that made our 2019 season a reality. Theatre is a heavy lift and is one of the last truly collaborative art forms,” says Kurt Stamm, Artistic Director and Founder of Mason Street Warehouse. “Our shows would not be of the quality they are without every single person involved. These awards go to all of them because without their support, dedication, and teamwork, we would not be able to achieve the level of artistry needed to produce great theatre.”

The Wilde Awards, named in honor of the 19th century playwright Oscar Wilde, honors the best productions, performances, and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan’s team of professional critics.

The news of these awards celebrating our last season on the stage is building up our excitement for the return of live performances. Our creativity, passion, and dedication to theatre has been only building over the last year and we’re looking forward to our glorious return in 2021.