Westfield Community Players Earn 7 Perry Award Nominations

Westfield Community Players has earned seven nominations for the 2026 NJACT Perry Awards—the most the company has received in a single year since 2023. The nominations recognize theatrical excellence across production, performance, and technical achievement, with six nominations going to the company's March 2026 production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and one to Amanda Zelinski for Outstanding Stage Management of a Play for "Much Ado About Nothing," performed in October 2025.

Union County Life covers Westfield arts, theater, and cultural achievement across all 21 Union County municipalities.

"The Diary of Anne Frank" Nominations

The six nominations for "The Diary of Anne Frank," directed by Sharon Coyle and produced by Leslie Schwartz, span the full scope of theatrical production:

Performance Recognition:

• Caleigh Anne is nominated for Outstanding Youth Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Anne Frank

• Charlie Worthington received a nomination for Outstanding Youth Actor in a Play

• Karen Lisa Javois is nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Production and Technical Craft:

• The production itself is nominated for Outstanding Production of a Play

• Outstanding Sound Design (Don Schlachter)

• Outstanding Scenic Design (Sharon Coyle, Jackie Hartley, Armand Marino, and Robert Palladino)

The Weight of "Anne Frank"

Director Sharon Coyle spoke about the significance of bringing this story to the stage: "I felt an enormous responsibility to honor Anne's voice while remembering the 6 million Jewish lives lost in the Holocaust. My hope was to find the humanity within the horror, and to remind us that behind every number was a name, a family, a story and a life that mattered."

Caleigh Anne, who portrayed Anne Frank, described the personal impact of the role: "Taking on the role of Anne Frank was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The more I immersed myself in her diary, the more I connected with Anne as a teenager."

Producer Leslie Schwartz emphasized the collective effort: "Our talented director, cast, crew and production team put their heart and soul into presenting this powerful and important story to the community."

Stage Management Recognition

Amanda Zelinski's nomination for Outstanding Stage Management of a Play represents the often-invisible work that keeps theater productions running smoothly. "Being nominated for Outstanding Stage Management of a Play is particularly special because it comes from the recommendation of my fellow production team members — Kay Macrae and David Weil Baker," Zelinski said. "A number of people work in the shadows to make each show a success, and coordinating the chaos is where I shine."

Recognition and Context

The NJACT Perry Awards recognize outstanding achievements in New Jersey community theater. They are named in honor of Wm. Perry Morgan, a director, actor, composer, and musician who was a driving force in New Jersey community theater.

Christie Storms, a member of the Westfield Community Players' board, noted the significance of this year's nominations. "We do usually get a couple Perry Award nominations each year," she said. "Last year we won for Outstanding Scenic Design for 'You Can't Take It With You.' The last time we got seven nominations in one year was in 2023, but this many is not our usual norm."

About Westfield Community Players

Founded in 1934, Westfield Community Players produces four shows each year at 1000 North Avenue West. The company has brought more than 300 comedies, dramas, musicals, and mysteries to its stage across nine decades of theatrical production.

The company's commitment to diverse programming and community engagement has made it a cornerstone of Westfield's arts and cultural life.

The 2026 Awards Ceremony

The 2026 NJACT Perry Awards Ceremony takes place on October 4 at the Strand Center for the Arts in Lakewood. Westfield Community Players' nominations will be considered alongside achievements from community theater companies across New Jersey.

Looking Ahead

Westfield Community Players continues its commitment to theatrical production and community storytelling. Auditions for the group's upcoming live radio play production of "Miracle on 34th Street" are scheduled for next month, offering opportunities for community members to participate in this holiday classic.

The company's nominations reflect not only exceptional artistic achievement but also the dedication of performers, directors, designers, and production teams who bring important stories to the stage and to their community.

Find more Westfield arts, theater, and cultural events on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What are the NJACT Perry Awards?
A: Annual awards recognizing outstanding achievements in New Jersey community theater, named in honor of Wm. Perry Morgan, a director, actor, composer, and musician who was influential in New Jersey theater.

Q: How many nominations did Westfield Community Players receive?
A: Seven nominations for 2026—the most in one year since 2023.

Q: Which productions were nominated?
A: Six nominations went to "The Diary of Anne Frank" (March 2026), and one to Amanda Zelinski for stage management of "Much Ado About Nothing" (October 2025).

Q: What nominations did "The Diary of Anne Frank" receive?
A: Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Youth Actress (Caleigh Anne), Outstanding Youth Actor (Charlie Worthington), Outstanding Featured Actress (Karen Lisa Javois), Outstanding Sound Design (Don Schlachter), and Outstanding Scenic Design (Sharon Coyle, Jackie Hartley, Armand Marino, Robert Palladino).

Q: Who directed "The Diary of Anne Frank"?
A: Sharon Coyle directed the production, with Leslie Schwartz as producer.

Q: When is the awards ceremony?
A: October 4, 2026, at the Strand Center for the Arts in Lakewood.

Q: When was Westfield Community Players founded?
A: 1934. The company has produced over 300 plays in its 92 years of operation.

Q: How many shows does Westfield Community Players produce each year?
A: Four shows annually.

Q: What is Westfield Community Players' next production?
A: "Miracle on 34th Street" (live radio play). Auditions are scheduled for next month.