{"id":4315,"date":"2026-03-24T04:47:03","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T04:47:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/?p=4315"},"modified":"2026-03-24T04:47:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T04:47:03","slug":"kokandy-invictus-theater-companies-tie-for-most-non-equity-jeff-awards-in-lively-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/?p=4315","title":{"rendered":"Kokandy, Invictus theater companies tie for most Non-Equity Jeff Awards in lively ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Kokandy Productions\u2019 \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d<\/a> and Invictus Theatre\u2019s \u201cAngels in America\u201d tied for the most honors Monday at the 52nd Non-Equity Jeff Awards, with each show winning seven awards. <\/p>\n

The theaters that staged them each won eight awards in combination with other productions. The annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards recognize Chicago\u2019s storefront scene and other theaters that are non-unionized. <\/p>\n

The event inside the Harris Theater Chicago in Millennium Park featured several performances, including one from \u201cJekyll & Hyde,\u201d which earned a rousing standing ovation from the crowd.<\/p>\n

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The cast of \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d performs a song from the musical during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards at Harris Theater.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere\/Sun-Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Invictus received awards for two productions including \u201cAngels in America,\u201d which was recognized for ensemble, direction, and performances, and \u201cThe House that Will Not Stand.\u201d Director Charles Askenaizer did not appear to receive his award, and some boos were heard in the crowd when his name was called. The Chicago Tribune reported last month<\/a> that the theater company recently postponed a production due to a third-party investigation into the director\u2019s conduct.<\/p>\n

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Terry Guest won the award for Performer in a Principal Role \u2014 Play at the 52nd Non-Equity Jeff Awards for \u201cAt the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The best performance award in a play went to local actor-playwright Terry Guest, who won for his unforgettable lead role in \u201cAt the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen\u201d<\/u><\/a> produced by Story Theatre at Raven Theatre. In the show, Guest plays a fictional version of his real-life uncle, a drag queen in rural Georgia, who died of AIDS.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo many of y\u2019all came out to support the show, and it\u2019s a really personal show,\u201d Guest said as he accepted his award. \u201cThank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to God for making me gay and Black.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ava Lane Stovall with Kokandy Productions, left, gives Jacqueline Garndt with Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre a hug after each received an award for best performer in a supporting role (musical) during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere\/Sun-Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Kokandy\u2019s \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d is slated for an upcoming fall run in partnership with Broadway in Chicago at Broadway Playhouse in Water Tower Place. The musical nabbed a best director honor for Kokandy\u2019s Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, and actor Ava Lane Stovall was awarded the best supporting performer in a musical for her showstopping performance as Lucy Harris. <\/p>\n

David Moreland, who portrayed the dual roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde, won best performance in a musical. Receiving his award Monday, Moreland thanked Van Barham and his fellow castmates before saying of the fall remount, \u201cLet\u2019s do it again!\u201d That garnered a loud cheer from the audience.<\/p>\n

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David Moreland with Kokandy Productions gives a speech after receiving the award for performer in a principal role for \u201cJekyll & Hyde.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere\/Sun-Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Three plays tied for the coveted award for new work, which recognizes premieres: Zach Barr\u2019s \u201cThe Pilon,\u201d by Red Theater; Omer Abbas Salem\u2019s \u201cOne Party Consent\u201d by First Floor Theater; and Chase Wheaton-Werle\u2019s \u201cThe Curious Circumstances of Louis Le Prince\u201d by The Factory Theater.<\/p>\n

The Imposter Theatre Co. won four awards, including best production short run for \u201cHelena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey\u201d and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre won three total awards, including two for \u201cDiana: The Musical,\u201d based on the life of Diana, Princess of Wales.<\/p>\n

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Luke Nowakowski, left, and Amanda Rodriguez of Theo Ubique Cabaret attend the red carpet of the Non-Equity Jeff Awards at Harris Theater in The Loop, Monday, March 23, 2026. <\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere\/Sun-Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

To be eligible for awards, a show had to be staged between Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025 and be recommended by judges, who attended opening nights of 102 productions and issued recommendations to 47 of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis feels overwhelmingly wonderful,\u201d said Chicago actor Luke Nowakowski of Monday\u2019s ceremony. \u201cThe Jeffs make it feel like theater is worth it still, and we\u2019re working toward beautiful things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Here is the full list of 2025 Non-Equity Jeff Award recipients:<\/h3>\n

PRODUCTION \u2013 PLAY<\/b>
\u201cAngels in America\u201d \u2013 Invictus Theatre<\/p>\n

PRODUCTION \u2013 MUSICAL<\/b>
\u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d \u2013 Kokandy Productions<\/p>\n

ENSEMBLE \u2013 PLAY<\/b>
\u201cAngels in America\u201d \u2013 Invictus Theatre Company<\/p>\n

ENSEMBLE \u2013 MUSICAL<\/b>
\u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d \u2013 Kokandy Productions<\/p>\n

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The cast of \u201cAngels in America\u201d take to the stage after winning the ensemble play award during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards at Harris Theater.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere\/Sun-Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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The cast of \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d take to the stage after winning the ensemble musical award during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards at Harris Theater.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere\/Sun-Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

NEW WORK<\/b>
Zach Barr \u2013 \u201cThe Pilon\u201d \u2013 Red Theater
Omer Abbas Salem \u2013 \u201cOne Party Consent\u201d \u2013 First Floor Theater
Chase Wheaton-Werle \u2013 \u201cThe Curious Circumstances of Louis Le Prince\u201d \u2013 The Factory Theater<\/p>\n

DIRECTOR \u2013 PLAY<\/b>
Charles Askenaizer \u2013 \u201cAngels in America\u201d \u2013 Invictus Theatre<\/p>\n

DIRECTOR \u2013 MUSICAL<\/b>
Derek Van Barham \u2013 \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d \u2013 Kokandy Productions<\/p>\n

PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE \u2013 PLAY<\/b>
Terry Guest (Courtney \/ Anthony) \u2013 \u201cAt the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen\u201d \u2013 The Story Theatre
Ryan Hake (Prior Walter) \u2013 \u201cAngels in America\u201d \u2013 Invictus Theatre<\/p>\n

PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE \u2013 MUSICAL<\/b>
David Moreland (Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde) \u2013 \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d \u2013 Kokandy Productions
Aurora Penepacker (Am\u00e9lie Poulain) \u2013 \u201cAm\u00e9lie\u201d \u2013 Kokandy Productions<\/p>\n

SOLO PERFORMER<\/b>
Cynthia Marker (Woman) \u2013 \u201cGirls & Boys\u201d \u2013 Griffin Theatre Company<\/p>\n

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Miguel Long, left, and Nicki Rossi with Invictus Theatre Company attend the red carpet of the Non-Equity Jeff Awards at Harris Theater in The Loop, Monday, March 23, 2026. <\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere\/Sun-Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE \u2013 PLAY<\/b>
Michael D. Graham (Roy M. Cohn) \u2013 \u201cAngels in America\u201d \u2013 Invictus Theatre Company
Anne Trodden (Harper Amaty Pitt) \u2013 \u201cAngels in America\u201d \u2013 Invictus Theatre Company<\/p>\n

PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE \u2013 MUSICAL<\/b>
Jacqueline Grandt (Queen \/ Barbara) \u2013 \u201cDiana: The Musical\u201d \u2013 Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Ava Lane Stovall (Lucy Harris) \u2013 \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d \u2013 Kokandy Productions<\/p>\n

MUSIC DIRECTION<\/b>
Nick Sula \u2013 \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d \u2013 Kokandy Productions<\/p>\n

SCENIC DESIGN<\/b>
Kevin Rolfs \u2013 \u201cThe House That Will Not Stand\u201d \u2013 Invictus Theatre<\/p>\n

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\u201cDiana: The Musical\u201d earned a Jeff Award win for Costume Design. <\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Time Stops Photography<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

COSTUME DESIGN<\/b>
Patty Halajian \u2013 \u201cDiana: The Musical\u201d – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre<\/p>\n

CHOREOGRAPHY<\/b>
Brenda Didier \u2013 \u201cUrinetown\u201d \u2013 Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre<\/p>\n

SOUND DESIGN<\/b>
Joe Griffin \u2013 \u201cStrange Cargo: The Doom of the Demeter\u201d \u2013 City Lit Theater Company and Black Button Eyes Productions<\/p>\n

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The cast of \u201cUrinetown,\u201d produced by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, performs a song during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards on Monday night. <\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere\/Sun-Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

LIGHTING DESIGN<\/b>
G. \u201cMax\u201d Maxin IV \u2013 \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d \u2013 Kokandy Productions<\/p>\n

PROJECTION DESIGN<\/b>
G. \u201cMax\u201d Maxin IV \u2013 \u201cAngels in America\u201d \u2013 Invictus Theatre<\/p>\n

ARTISTIC SPECIALIZATION<\/b>
David Blixt \u2013 Fight Choreography \u2013 \u201cSuperior Donuts\u201d \u2013 The Artistic Home
Victoria Jablonski \u2013 Wig Design \u2013 \u201cThe School for Scandal\u201d \u2013 Idle Muse Theatre Company
Rachel Livingston \u2013 Properties Design \u2013 \u201cThe Curious Circumstances of Louis Le Prince\u201d \u2013 The Factory Theater<\/p>\n

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The cast of \u201cAmelie the Musical,\u201d produced by Kokandy Productions, performs a song from the show during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p>\n

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere\/Sun-Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

PRODUCTION \u2013 SHORT RUN<\/b>
\u201cHelena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey\u201d \u2013 The Impostors Theatre Co.<\/p>\n

DIRECTOR \u2013 SHORT RUN<\/b>
Stefan Roseen \u2013 \u201cHelena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey\u201d \u2013 The Impostors Theatre Co.<\/p>\n

PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE \u2013 SHORT RUN<\/b>
Andrew Kain Miller (Terrence) \u2013 \u201cMr. Parker\u201d \u2013 Open Space Arts<\/p>\n

PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE \u2013 SHORT RUN<\/b>
Josh Odor (Senior) \u2013 \u201cGangsta Baby\u201d \u2013 Open Space Arts<\/p>\n

NEW WORK \u2013 SHORT RUN<\/b>
Dominick Alesia – \u201cHelena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey\u201d \u2013 The Impostors Theatre Co.<\/p>\n

DESIGN \u2013 SHORT RUN<\/b>
Toria Olivier, Costume Design \u2013 \u201cHelena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey\u201d \u2013 The Impostors Theatre Co.<\/p>\n

IMPRESARIO AWARD \u2013 Excellence in Stage Management<\/b>
Kendyl Meyer \u2013 First Floor Theater and Kokandy Productions<\/p>\n

SPECIAL NON-EQUITY AWARD<\/b>
Kathy Scambiatterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kokandy Productions\u2019 \u201cJekyll & Hyde\u201d and Invictus Theatre\u2019s \u201cAngels in America\u201d tied for the most honors Monday at the 52nd Non-Equity Jeff Awards, with each show winning seven awards. The theaters that staged them each won eight awards in combination with other productions. The annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards recognize Chicago\u2019s storefront scene and other theaters […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4316,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4315","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-usa-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4315","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4315"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4315\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmupgrades.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}