Henry Daily Herald

Photo by Jason A. Smith Kayla Shai has been nominated for a Metropolitan Atlanta Theater Award for her role in “The Crucible.”

Performers in Henry County’s community-theater troupe could rack up numerous honors for their efforts in local stage productions.

The Henry Players recently snagged 17 nominations from the Metropolitan Atlanta Theater Awards organization. Award winners will be announced, Aug. 19, in Roswell.

The Henry Players received nods for their performances in the “Chicago” musical, and for “The Crucible,” said the group’s president, Adriana Beckner. She expressed pride in the Players’ collective abilities.

Four nominations went to the Henry Players, in the Play Category, for “The Crucible.” Kayla Shai received a Leading Actress in a Play nomination for her portrayal of Abigail Williams, and Adrian Camacho was nominated for a Major Supporting Actor award, in recognition of his performance as John Hale.

Jason Bentley received a Minor Supporting Actor nomination for the role of Judge Hathorne, and Minor Supporting Actress nominee, Joyce Moss, took on the role of Tituba in “The Crucible,” according to Beckner.

“[The four nominations] were for people who are new to the Players,” said Beckner. “This season has seen a big influx of new people coming to us, which means that our name is getting out, and people are taking notice.”

Beckner acknowledged that she assumes a maternal connection to the production, including “Chicago” for which she received a Moira Thornett Director’s Award, in the Musical Category.

“On a personal level, I co-directed ‘Chicago,’ ” said Beckner. “The fact that it was nominated for 13 awards, it makes me a proud mama.”

Damon Bohan also earned an Honorable Mention for his directorial work, assisting Beckner on “Chicago.”

Beckner added that the awards hold particular significance this year.

“Considering the number of theater groups involved this season, it just shows that, after 21 years, the Players are still going strong,” said Beckner. “It says a lot, because a lot of theaters, as of last season, had to shut their doors.”

Beckner was also nominated for Costume Design, for her work in “Chicago.”

Two Henry Players were nominated for awards as a leading actress in the musical category. Joanna Griffin portrayed Velma Kelly in “Chicago,” and fellow nominee Paige Smith portrayed the role of Roxie Hart in the same production.

Curtis Brown, who took on the role of Amos Hart in “Chicago,” earned a Major Supporting Actor nomination in the musical category. John Thacker was nominated for a Minor Supporting Actor musical award, for the role of Jury.

Other Henry Players award nominees for “Chicago” are: Elliot Beckner, Set Design; Dylan West, Lighting Design; Billy Russell, Sound Design; Tammie Roper, Best Choreography; and Kasey Hawkins, Music Direction.

The group was also nominated for Best Ensemble and Best Overall Performance, both in the Musical Category, for “Chicago.”