Two-time Tony Award nominee Joey McKneely directs the Asolo Repertory Theatre to its second straight Best Of bow with this past Fall’s production of West Side Story, but The Players Theatre comes on strong winning over viewers to nab both the first and second runner-up positions with its productions of She Loves Me and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof respectively. The Manatee Players bring home a win for Bradenton, garnering a third runner-up finish with Chorus Line.—PL

Shelia Foley (on West Side Story): I just simply found the whole production from the acting to the sets an absolute joy to watch and be part of. Teresa O’Connell (on She Loves Me): The show had an incredible cast, outstanding music and script, and lots of heart.