The Toronto Theatre Critics’ Awards announced their picks for the best of the best of the year that was in Toronto theatre – with Soulpepper and Canadian Stage leading the pack with the largest number of wins. The awards were established in 2011 as a way for Toronto based critics to formally recognize excellence in local theatre. The panel consists of The Globe and Mail (J. Kelly Nestruck), The Grid (Martin Morrow), The National Post (Robert Cushman), NOW Magazine (Glenn Sumi) and The Toronto Star (Richard Ouzounian).

It was a fantastic year for Toronto theatre with much to be celebrated, and this year’s TTCA winners reflect the diversity of the various theatrical companies producing in our city.

Soulpepper’s acclaimed productions of Angels in America and Of Human Bondage helped the company earn a grand total of five awards, including Best Production of a Play (Angels in America), Best Actor in a Play (Damien Atkins, Angels in America), Best Director (Albert Scultz, Of Human Bondage), Best Support Actress in a Play (Nancy Palk, Angels in America) and Best Design (Lorenzo Savoini, Erika Connor, Mike Ross.

Nipping at their heels is Canadian Stage who took home four awards, including Best Canadian Play (Robert Lepage, Needles and Opium), Best Actress in a Play (Carly Street, Venus in Fur), Best Production of a Musical (London Road) and Best Direction of a Musical (Jackie Maxwell, London Road).

Two current Broadway stars received accolades for the performances they gave in Toronto before heading to The Great White Way. Hometown boy Ramin Karimloo won for Best Actor in a Musical (Les Miserables, Mirvish Productions) while James Monroe Iglehart won Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Aladdin, Mirvish Productions). Coincidentally both actors are also up for Tony Awards for the same roles.

The always popular Ross Petty Pantomine received two awards, with Chilina Kennedy’s Mermaid taking Best Actress in a Musical (The Little Mermaid) and Lana Carillo being recognized as Best Supporting Actress in a Musical (The Little Mermaid).

Studio 180 Theatre claimed one award for Ian D. Clark’s work in COCK (Best Supporting Actor in a Play) and Outside the March’s Passion Play (production in association with Sheep No Wool and Convergence Theatre) won Best International Play. Finally, Video Cabaret received a special citation for their overall body of work.