New Jewish Theatre wins big at St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief

Published March 24, 2026

New Jewish Theatre swept the 13th annual St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards on Monday, March 23, taking home an impressive 14 trophies—more than any other company. NJT’s production of “Cabaret” led the way with 10 awards, including the top honor of Outstanding Production of a Musical.

“Cabaret” also earned NJT Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet the award for Outstanding Director of a Musical, while Spencer Davis Milford and Jane Paradise were recognized as Outstanding Male and Supporting Female Performers, respectively. Aaron Fischer took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Male Performer, and the production was celebrated for Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical, Carter Haney’s Musical Direction, David Blake’s Set Design, Denisse Chavez’s Lighting Design and Michele Freidman Siler’s Costume Design.

“It’s amazing to see NJT’s work honored with so many Theatre Circle Awards this year. I am so proud of all of our hardworking and talented artists and technicians that gave their all to each and every moment we put on stage,” said Scallet. “The recognition from our local critics is incredibly meaningful, and it was an honor to be recognized alongside some powerhouse theaters in St. Louis.”

More recognition for NJT

Other New Jewish Theatre productions were also recognized. Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville” earned accolades for Nisi Sturgis’ Direction of a Comedy, Bryce A. Miller’s performance as Watson and Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy. Actor Jade Cash received an award for her supporting role in the drama “The Wanderers.”

A competitive night

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis picked up 13 awards at the ceremony, which was held at the Loretto-Hilton Center for Performing Arts. It had led local companies with the most nominations, at 39, while NJT had the second most, at 31. In addition, longtime theater educator, director and actor Wayne Salomon receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the event.

What’s next

NJT will open its 2026 season on April 16 with “Prayer for the French Republic,” the acclaimed Tony Award–nominated play by Joshua Harmon. The play explores safety, identity and belonging through the lives of a French Jewish family across generations, asking what it truly means to belong in a world that often feels unwelcoming. It will run through May 3 at the Wool Studio Theatre at the Jewish Community Center. Show times and tickets are available by phone at 314.442.3283 or online at jccstl.com/njt.

About the Contributor

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief

A native of Westbury, New York, Ellen Futterman broke into the world of big city journalism as a general assignment reporter for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner in the latter part of the 20th century. Deciding that Tinsel Town was not exciting enough for her, she moved on to that hub of glamour and sophistication, Belleville, Ill., where she became a feature writer, columnist and food editor for the Belleville News-Democrat. A year later the St. Louis Post-Dispatch scooped her up, neither guessing at the full range of her talents, nor the extent of her shoe collection. She went on to work at the Post-Dispatch for 25 years, during which time she covered hard news, education, features, investigative projects, profiles, sports, entertainment, fashion, interiors, business, travel and movies. She won numerous major local and national awards for her reporting on “Women Who Kill” and on a four-part series about teen-age pregnancy, ‘Children Having Children.'” Among her many jobs at the newspaper, Ellen was a columnist for three years, Arts and Entertainment Editor, Critic-at-large and Daily Features (Everyday) Editor. She invented two sections from scratch, one of which recently morphed from Get Out, begun in 1995, to GO. In January of 2009, Ellen joined the St. Louis Jewish Light as its editor, where she is responsible for overseeing editorial operations, including managing both staff members and freelancers. Under her tutelage, the Light has won 16 Rockower Awards — considered the Jewish Pulitzer’s — including two personally for Excellence in Commentary for her weekly News & Schmooze column. She also is the communications content editor for the Arts and Education Council of St. Louis. Ellen and her husband, Jeff Burkett, a middle school principal, live in Olivette and have three children. Ellen can be reached at 314-743-3669 or at [email protected].