By Amy Lipson
24 Nov 2009

The New York Musical Theatre Festival celebrated new voices in theatre in its annual "Best of the Fest" Awards gala Nov. 22 at the Edison Ballroom.

The 8 PM evening recognized the work of writers, directors, choreographers, designers and actors who participated in the 2009 NYMF productions. The gala also honored the special efforts of NY1 "On Stage" and Sh-K-Boom and Ghostlight Records.

The awards ceremony featured selections from the winning NYMF shows including Academy, Cross That River, Fat Camp, F#@KING UP EVERYTHING, Hurricane and Judas & Me.

Performers included Tony winner Alice Ripley (Next to Normal, Side Show); Tony winner Tom Kitt (Next to Normal, High Fidelity); Tony nominees Gavin Creel (Hair, Mary Poppins); Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, The Singing Forest); and Kelli O'Hara (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza); Sherie Renee Scott (Everyday Rapture, The Little Mermaid); musician Greg Naughton; and [title of show] cast members Jeff Bowen, Hunter Bell, Susan Blackwell and Heidi Blickenstaff.

Here is a look at the evening:

View the Entire Photo Gallery Kelli O'Hara and Sherie Rene Scott Photo by Aubrey Reuben

For information about the New York Musical Theatre Festival visit www.nymf.org