Ogunquit Playhouse Receives Moss Hart Award

The Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to announce that it is the recipient of the prestigious Moss Hart Award for the 2013 production of West Side Story. This award is given by the New England Theatre Conference at their Annual Convention, held this year in Westford, Massachusetts. The award is granted to theatres to honor the memory of Moss Hart and to recognize and encourage outstanding theatrical productions throughout New England. To qualify, the play or musical must present affirmative views of human courage and dignity, have strong literary and artistic merit and exemplify fresh, imaginative and creative treatment of the material. Through the annual Moss Hart Memorial Award, the New England Theatre Conference seeks to encourage artistic growth and the highest standards of excellence in theatre.

Catherine Hart, daughter of Moss Hart and actress Kitty Carlisle, presented the Moss Hart trophy to Cheryl Farley, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Ogunquit Playhouse, at the banquet, which included over 200 guests from theatre companies throughout New England. She accepted the award on behalf of Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney and the entire company, "We are extremely honored to accept this prestigious award for our production of West Side Story. Thanks to a magnificent creative team and cast, led by director BT McNicholl, musical director Ken Clifton and choreographer Jeffry Denman, who took a fresh look at the timeless masterpiece while still honoring the genius of the original creators, and created a powerful and beautiful production we are all very proud of. Moss Hart was, of course, a dedicated creator and passionate spokesperson for the theatre arts - always exemplifying and encouraging greatness. To have his name attached to this production is indeed a great honor." Bradford Kenney added, "We are truly honored to have been recognized as the Moss Hart trophy recipient for 2013/14. Kitty Carlisle and the renowned Boston theatre critic Elliot Norton started the award to honor Moss Hart's memory and his contributions to the theatre. Kitty was a good friend of my predecessor John Lane, and Elliot was a professed admirer of his leadership at the Ogunquit Playhouse. I hope they would both be very pleased to know that the Moss Hart trophy will reside in the lobby of the Playhouse for the 2015 season."

The New England Theatre Conference, Inc., is a non-profit corporation composed of individuals and organizations in the six-state region of New England, who are active or interested in the performing arts. It is committed to develop, expand and assist theatre activity in New England on the educational, community and professional levels. The New England Theatre Conference promotes excellence in theatre for our region, and supports quality theatre and performance in all of its diversity. They believe that theatre is essential to the quality of life for everyone!