And the SOPHI

After years of delayed shows and COVID19 woes, performers from the Southwest Playhouse finally were honored for their work in the 2019-2022 show seasons.

The SOPHI’s, which stands for Southwest Playhouse Incorporated, is the awards show where those who participated in the previous musicals and plays are recognized for their- talent. The elaborate award show features performances from crowd-favorite musicals, and many of the nominees come dressed in their- best wearing gowns and suits.

The awards show usually takes place eveiy other year-, but due to the pandemic, the show did not take place in 2021. Because of the skipped year-, nominees for the awards were chosen from three seasons instead of just two.

Many talented actors and actresses were nominated in a variety of categories, and all of the winners expressed the gratitude they felt for participating in shows at the Southwest Playhouse and working with a stellar group of people.

“It’s an honor to be given an award for something you just love doing,” Sheila Atland said in her acceptance speech for receiving the award for Best Character Actress in a Comedy or Drama.

Oscar Hernandez, winner of Best Male Actor in a Musical, expressed his gratitude for the community he found at the Southwest Playhouse. “I’ve made lifelong friends,” Hernandez said.

The highest honor of the evening, the Patron’s Choice Award for Best Overall Production, went to the 2019 musical Mamma Mia! Jill Berrong was director of the show, and she was particularly grateful for everyone involved in the production.

“We put on a show that was literally magical. Thank you to the cast who became my loved ones and my family,” Berrong said while accepting the SOPHI for the classic musical.

A full list of winners from the evening will be printed in tomorrow’s edition of the WDN.

Kimberly