Old Courthouse Theatre Celebrates 49th Season at Annual Gala

Honoring Outstanding Performances and Technical Excellence in Community Theatre

Concord, N.C., June 19, 2025 — Old Courthouse Theatre (OCT), Concord’s premier community theatre, hosted its annual gala this past weekend, capping off its 49th season with an evening of celebration, recognition, and community spirit. The event honored standout performances and exceptional design work, as voted on by season ticket holders, and the volunteers who bring live theater to life on the OCT stage.

Arsenic and Old Lace, directed by Stuart Jonap, took home top honors for Best Show as well as technical awards Best Set Design (Roger Watson) and Best Costume Design (Kim Baysinger). 

Other awards for OCT’s five mainstage productions included:

• Best Lighting Design: Lee Franklin (Cabaret)
• Best Sound Design: Jon Kadela (Miracle on 34th Street The Musical)
• Best Actor: Wesley Scott as “Kris Kringle” (Miracle on 34th Street The Musical)
• Best Actress: Lindsey Litka-Montes as “Sally Bowles” (Cabaret)
• Best Supporting Actor: Nathan Brooks as “Marvin Shellhammer” (Miracle on 34th Street The Musical)
• Best Supporting Actress: Kara Barnette as “Dr. Herman Einstein” (Arsenic and Old Lace)
• Best Featured Performer: Marc Anderson as “Officer O’Hara” (Arsenic and Old Lace)
• Best Cameo: Herchelle Smith “Mr. Witherspoon” (Arsenic and Old Lace)
• Best Featured Youth Performer: Chloe Weathers as “Susan Walker” (Miracle on 34th Street The Musical)
• Best Youth Ensemble Member: Tyler Opel (Miracle on 34th Street The Musical)

Favorite Newcomer was awarded in a tie to both Nathan Brooks and Lindsey Litka-Montes, each recognized for their dynamic debut performances.

The evening also included the presentation of the People’s Choice Awards, celebrating fan favorites from the 2024–2025 season:

• Steel Magnolias: Rachel Mackall
• Arsenic and Old Lace: Linda Jones
• Miracle on 34th Street The Musical: Wesley Scott
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]: Kevin Leichman
• Cabaret: Lindsey Litka-Montes

In addition, OCT’s newly renovated Black Box theater was named in honor of The Wilson Family, recognizing their exceptional service and nearly five decades of dedication to OCT. 

Finally, OCT recognized outstanding volunteers for their contribution and commitment to the theater: 

• Wilson Family Volunteerism Award: The Garrido Family 
• Mary Thompson Award for Volunteerism: Brian Rassler 

As Old Courthouse Theatre looks forward to its Golden Season, celebrating 50 years of delivering exceptional community theater to Concord, NC, and the surrounding neighborhoods, the gala served as a heartfelt reminder of the passion, talent and dedication within Concord’s vibrant arts community.

For more information about OCT’s upcoming season and how to get involved, visit www.octconcord.com.