The New Jewish Theatre earned 11 nominations for the new “Louie Awards,” created by the recently formed St. Louis Theater Circle. The inaugural Louie Awards honor excellence in professional theater produced in St. Louis in 2012.  

NJT’s nominations were in 10 categories for dramas and comedies (the awards also recognize musicals).

The comedy “Jacob and Jack” received four nominations for Best Production, Best Director (Edward Coffield), Best Actor (Bobby Miller) and Best Ensemble. Miller and Coffield are NJT’s Artistic Associates. The drama “Way to Heaven” also received four nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Terry Meddows), Best Set, Lighting and Sound. Additional nominations were for Best Actress (Meghan Maguire in “Talley’s Folly”), Best Supporting Actress (Kelley Weber in “Lost in Yonkers”) and an additional Best Lighting nomination for “Talley’s Folly.”

The St. Louis Theater Circle comprises critics who review professional theater produced and performed in St. Louis. The group replaces the recently disbanded Professional Theatre Council, which produced the Kevin Kline Awards.

For a full list of nominees, visit stljewishlight.com/louies2012.

The awards will be presented at 7 p.m. March 11 at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle Avenue. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by email at [email protected].