If an event can be judged a success based on attendees experiencing a mix of laughter, cheers and tears, then the Warehouse Theatre Company’s annual Winnie Awards presentation last Saturday night was just that. In fact, the fete, organized again this year by co-hostesses Julianne Goberville-Van Dyke and Mary Kloster, with awards coordinator Pat Seely, could be considered a triumph.
The WTC’s version of the Tony Awards, the annual Winnies event revisits the past season and previews the season to come. It’s a chance for company members to reflect on the work they’ve done together, thank everyone who helped make the season a success and honor those who made exceptional contributions.
Accompanied by gifted pianist Bart Roderick, WTC veteran Goberville-Van Dyke bookended the evening with warm and welcoming renditions of classic “Mister Rogers” tunes. The inviting “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” started things off and, by the song’s end, all 120 other voices in the house were singing along.
Two hours later, they joined Goberville-Van Dyke again for a closing number, “It’s Such a Good Feeling,” singing, “It’s such a good feeling/ A very good feeling/ The feeling you know/ That we’re friends.”
In between, the gathered crowd witnessed review performances from the six shows in the 2025-26 season, preview messages about the six productions hitting the stage in the coming “Season of the Unlikely Hero,” and a full lineup of Winnie Award presentations.
The shared theater experience was an uplifting culmination of the Warehouse Theatre Company’s 78th season as it gears up to begin its 79th with the July 10 opening of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
And the Winnies went to…
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Aaron Cohen (“Proof”)
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Cheyenne-Michelle Stefano (“The Importance of Being Earnest”)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Brandon Lamb (“The Importance of Being Earnest”)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Cait Towry (“Boeing Boeing”)
Best Director: Ryan Clinkenbeard (“Boeing Boeing”)
Best Set Design: Kristen Clinkenbeard and Teagan Headding (“Oliver!”)
Best Light Design: Angel Saucedo and Beth Parker (“Sweeney Todd”)
Best Costume Design: Cat McMillen (“Sweeney Todd”)
Best Show: “Boeing Boeing,” Ryan Clinkenbeard, director; Chelle Bos, producer
People’s Choice Award: “Boeing Boeing”
Director’s Choice Awards:
“While the Lights Were Out,” Jim Denison
“Sweeney Todd,” James Reddan
“Oliver!,” Carol Garza
“Boeing Boeing,” Chelle Bos and Pat Seely
“Proof,” Kristen Clinkenbeard
“The Importance of Being Earnest,” Beth Parker and Keila Scott
President’s Award of Appreciation: Carolina Garza
Best Newcomer: Dan Richmond
Bootsy Semon Award: Beth Parker
Gilbert & Seely Service Award: Sandy Jennings and John Slaughter
American Association of Community Theatre “Robert E. Gard Superior Volunteer Award:” Bill Rathbone
Bootsy Semon Scholarship: Katie Fure
J. Mack Phillips Scholarship: Michael Keilhorn
Hal & Lorna Millen Vanguard Awards
Patron Recognitions
Bold Storytelling: “The Velocity of Autumn”
Inclusive Casting: “Dream Roles & Miscasts Cabaret”
Underrepresented Narrative: “Doubt: A Parable”
Challenging Convention: “Doubt: A Parable”
Embracing Progress: “Phantom of the Opera” (Partnership with YVC)
Strengthening WTC’s Dedication to Diversity, Inclusion, Innovation & Authentic Cultural Representation: “Native Gardens” and “Dream Roles & Miscasts Cabaret”
Honorable Mentions
Ruth Veselka: Commitment to Youth Theatre and Arts Education
Bill Rathbone: Outstanding Technical Support & Commitment to Growth
“No La Vi Venir:” Outstanding Community Building & Authentic Cultural Representation
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