Cast and crew of The Acting Company’s “Pirates of Penzance” celebrate a sold-out performance. Photo courtesy of The Acting Company

YUBA/SUTTER, CA (MPG) - It’s that time of year again, and it’s hard to believe another round of theatrical seasons has come and gone so quickly. For the past three years, I’ve had the honor of attending nearly every community production in the Yuba-Sutter region, watching the patterns, growth and collective thought processes behind some of our area’s strongest theatrical work.

Choosing the “best” is simply a nod to performances or individuals I believe deserve special recognition. It does not suggest that any other performer or production was “less than.” These selections were made with great consideration, weighing my own impressions alongside conversations with friends, colleagues and unsuspecting theatergoers seated beside me. Even my now 12-year-old daughter weighed in on a few of these choices — a much harsher critic than myself.

So, without further ado, please join me in celebrating this year’s best in community theater.

(These selections reflect community theater productions throughout the Yuba-Sutter region, including The Acting Company of Yuba City, Yuba-Sutter Arts & Culture, Convergence Theatre Company, Center Stage Productions, Creative Thinkers and Yuba College Theatre. Local school productions were not included)

Best Musical (tie): The Acting Company’s “Pirates of Penzance” and Center Stage Productions’ “The Music Man.”

The century-old musical “Pirates of Penzance” continues to hold a special charm for theatergoers — one I was pleasantly surprised to encounter. The memory of the production lingered throughout the year, and after several sold-out performances, it became clear this classic deserved further recognition.

Likewise, Center Stage Productions — which completed three full youth performances this year — once again earns a Best Musical title. While all three productions were phenomenal, “The Music Man” stood out, particularly for its resonance with young performers and audiences alike. Rather than opting for a junior adaptation, founders and directors Corey and Morgan Kersting chose to stage the full version, a decision that paid off as watching the production felt like a waltz down memory lane.

Cast members from Center Stage Productions’ “The Music Man”, named Best Musical (tie) in the 2025 Theater in Review. Photo courtesy of Center Stage Productions

Best Play: “Run for Your Wife” by The Acting Company

Although it premiered early in the year, “Run for Your Wife” quickly emerged as a strong contender for Best Play. While I expressed my own critiques of the content in a previous review, audience reception was undeniable. Even months later, whispers from nearby theatergoers during other productions still included, “Did you see Run for Your Wife?” and “That show was just so funny.”

By the final production of the year, “Miracle on 34th Street,” I had largely accepted that “Run for Your Wife” would take the top spot. It was during that performance that the audience learned of the passing of the show’s director, Neil Thorson, who died Dec. 16, 2025, following a brief illness.

Throughout his life, Thorson contributed to nearly 50 productions as an actor, director and stagehand. He first appeared at The Acting Company in a 1992 production of “The Nerd” and last graced the stage in “On Golden Pond” in 2024.

While Neil may not get to read these words of acknowledgment, I hope he knew the impact he had on the local theater community. My condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues. His presence and contributions will be deeply missed.

A scene from Run for Your Wife by Ray Cooney, named Best Play in the 2025 Theater in Review. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

Best Actor (tie): Ben Little and Johnny Daugherty

Ben Little first appeared on The Acting Company stage as Mr. Bennet in “Pride and Prejudice” at the beginning of last year. He was quickly recruited for “Happy Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare” and later closed the year in a leading role as Fred Gailey in “Miracle on 34th Street,” a production that featured nearly his entire family, including his wife and five children. Little’s talent has been anything but little from the start, and he will no doubt remain in high demand across the local theater circuit.

Ben Little, right, poses with his wife and several of his children following The Acting Company’s production of “Miracle on 34th Street.” Photo courtesy of The Acting Company

Johnny Daugherty, named last year’s Rising Star, continued to captivate audiences with his physicality and charisma. Following his breakout role as Inigo Montoya in Creative Thinkers’ inaugural production of “The Princess Bride,” Daugherty returned as Robin Hood in “Robin Hood: The Ballad of the Hooded Archer.” Creative Thinkers once again showcased impressive stage combat, with high-stakes sword fights and acrobatic maneuvers that Daugherty executed with ease. He was also credited with helping produce some of the show’s original music and is rumored to be expanding his role in Creative Thinkers’ 2026 season as a director.

Johnny Daugherty, right, performs during Creative Thinkers’ production of “Robin Hood: The Ballad of the Hooded Archer.” Photo by Shamaya Sutton

Best Actress: Janine Clements

A longtime theater supporter and educator, Janine Clements made her Convergence Theatre Company debut in “Steel Magnolias,” a runner-up for Best Play. Her portrayal of M’Lynn was both authentic and emotionally raw, bringing many audience members to tears. She also appeared in Yuba-Sutter Arts & Culture’s “The Charitable Sisterhood,” demonstrating her versatility as both a dramatic and comedic actor.

Janine Clements, center, appears in Convergence Theatre Company’s production of “Steel Magnolias.” Photo by Shamaya Sutton

Best Director: Matt and Lauren Coats

Matt and Lauren Coats are a working theatrical couple steeped in Renaissance culture and theater education. In addition to contributing in numerous backstage roles — from costuming and set construction to technical work and event planning — the Coats also appeared onstage, most notably in “Pirates of Penzance,” where their musical talents were on full display.

Their experience translates seamlessly into directing. Their original production of “Happy Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare” was a particular success, offering a fast-paced, witty and accessible approach that made Shakespeare more approachable for modern audiences and held strong educational potential.

Directors Matt and Lauren Coats appear during a Shakespeare-inspired skit tied to “Happy Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare.” Photo courtesy of The Acting Company

Set Design: Lydia Crist

Lydia Crist is a founding member of Convergence Theatre Company and former head of the theater department at Faith Christian School in Yuba City. Currently, she is working in the apprentice program at Capital Stage in Sacramento and locally she has started to distinguish herself in the art of stage design. In “Next to Normal” with Convergence, Crist designed a three-section staircase that seamlessly pivoted between home and hospital settings. Its movement enhanced group choreography with a Broadway-style flair. She also directed a junior production of “Mary Poppins” for Center Stage, transporting audiences effortlessly from scene to scene — complete with a real flying kite.

The rotating staircase designed by Lydia Crist for Convergence Theatre Company’s “Next to Normal.” Photo by Shamaya Sutton

Rising Star: Cameron Kersting

Cameron Kersting, son of Center Stage founders Corey and Morgan Kersting, has been delighting local audiences for more than a decade. His leading roles have included Oliver, the Cat in the Hat and, most recently, Harold Hill. This year also marked his directorial debut with an all-kids production of “The Aristocats.”

In addition to acting, Kersting has studied dance for eight years at Studio B. In August, he left Yuba City to begin his freshman year at New York University, majoring in drama. He returned during the holidays to reprise his role as Drosselmeyer in Yuba City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at Yuba College, a homecoming his family said brought them great joy.

Cameron Kersting, named Rising Star in the 2025 Theater in Review. Photo courtesy of Center Stage Productions

Rising Star (Junior): Grace Paustian

Grace Paustian shined as Susan Walker in The Acting Company’s 2025 production of “Miracle on 34th Street.” Over the summer, she was cast in two of Center Stage Productions’ three youth musicals and previously appeared in Center Stage’s 2024 production of “Frozen.”

“Miracle on 34th Street” marked Paustian’s second appearance with The Acting Company, following her role as Lavender in “Matilda the Musical.” She displayed a natural stage presence, strong technical awareness and clear diction and projection — qualities that cannot always be taught. It is likely this will not be the last time her name appears in this column.

Grace Paustian, named Rising Star (Junior) in the 2025 Theater in Review. Photo courtesy of Center Stage Productions