The curtain has fallen, and the winners of the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards are here to steal the spotlight! But here's where it gets exciting: this year's awards weren't just about Los Angeles—they celebrated theatrical excellence across over 100 cities worldwide, from the Americas to Europe and Asia. It's a testament to the global reach of live performance, and the winners truly represent the best of the best.
The 2025 Regional Awards honored productions that debuted between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, spanning regional shows, touring productions, and more. And this is the part most people miss: these awards aren't just about glitz and glamour—they're a celebration of the hard work, creativity, and passion that go into bringing stories to life on stage.
Let’s dive into the highlights! In the Best Cabaret/Concert/Solo Performance category, Gina Zollman’s ORIGINALS at the Catalina Jazz Club took home the prize, showcasing her unique talent. Controversial opinion alert: While some might argue that solo performances lack the dynamism of ensemble shows, Zollman’s work proves that one voice can captivate an entire audience.
Best Choreography of a Play or Musical went to Celina Lee Surniak for THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE at Hudson Theatres, a production that also swept up awards for Best Costume Design, Best Direction of a Play, Best Lighting Design, Best Performer in a Play, Best Play, and Best Scenic Design. But here's the question: Did THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE truly deserve so many accolades, or did other productions get overlooked? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
In the dance category, CABARET at Jaxx Theatre was crowned Best Dance Production, while Scott Thompson’s direction of ONE FOR MY BABY for All Roads Theatre Company earned him Best Direction of a Musical. This production also snagged Best Ensemble, Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance, and Best New Play or Musical. And this is the part most people miss: ONE FOR MY BABY wasn’t just a critical darling—it also resonated deeply with audiences, proving that innovation and accessibility can go hand in hand.
Best Musical went to JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at the Hollywood Bowl, with Adam Lambert delivering a standout performance as Best Performer in a Musical. The production also won Best Special Event, solidifying its status as a must-see spectacle. But here's where it gets controversial: While many praised Lambert’s modern take on the role, some traditionalists argued it strayed too far from the original. What’s your take?
Other notable winners included DIE FLEDERMAUS by Valley Opera and Performing Arts for Best Production of an Opera, ORIGINALS at The Gardenia Club for Best Solo Production, and ALICE IN WONDERLAND by Nine o’clock players for Best Theatre for Young Audiences Production. Hudson Theatres was voted Favorite Local Theatre, cementing its place as a beloved hub for LA’s theater community.
As we celebrate these achievements, it’s worth asking: What makes a production truly award-worthy? Is it innovation, emotional impact, technical mastery, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear what you think makes theater unforgettable!
