In 2012, approximately 100 local professional theatrical productions were presented in the St. Louis area.
A new organization called the St. Louis Theater Circle, a group of area theater reviewers, seeks to recognize local professional theater with the inaugural Louie Awards.
The first Louie Awards presentation coincides with the suspension of the Kevin Kline Awards. Earlier this year the Professional Theater Council of St. Louis decided not to hold a ceremony honoring 2012 theatrical productions, citing financial issues.
The first presentation of the Louies is March 11, 2013 at the Gaslight Theater in the Central West End. Tickets at $10 apiece and more information is available by contacting stltheatercircle@sbcglobal.net.
The Louie Awards are divided into 31 categories, honoring musicals, dramas and comedies.
Host Steve Potter was joined by two of the twelve founding members of the St. Louis Theater Circle to talk about the Louie nominations, Judith Newmark, Theater Critic for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and Harry Hamm, Entertainment Editor for KMOX.
Following is a complete list of the 2012 Louie Awards:
Nominations For Inaugural Louie Awards by St. Louis Public Radio
