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K-State Today

January 16, 2019

School of Music, Theatre, and Dance professor wins best director award

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

Jerry Jay Cranford, assistant professor in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, won the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Award for Best Director of a Musical (Professional) for "Newsies."

Regional productions, touring shows and more were all included in the awards, honoring productions that opened between Oct. 1, 2017, through Sept. 30, 2018.

"Newsies," also choreographed by Cranford, was performed in summer 2018 at the Coterie/Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City.  

Cranford also directed and choreographed "Hairspray," which was named Best Musical (Professional). The musical was performed in summer 2018 at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. 

He is currently nominated for Best Director of a Musical (Professional) by the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Council for "Newsies," performed in summer 2018 at the Rose Theatre. Winners will be announced at the council's annual gala on Jan. 27.

Cranford also recently joined the KCMOliere: 400 in 2022 College and University Education Committee and is representing K-State.