L.A. Critics Circle picks its favorites

“The Drowsy Chaperone,” the faux-1920s Broadway musical that had its U.S. premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre, was among the big winners at Monday night’s 37th annual Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards ceremony in North Hollywood, winning five awards for excellence in various categories.

The Broadway-bound musical won for production, direction (Casey Nicholaw), lead performance (Bob Martin), featured performance (Beth Leavel) and scenic design (David Gallo).

“Chaperone” tied with Blank Theatre Company’s “The Wild Party,” which also won five awards: production, musical direction (David O), musical score (John LaChiusa), and two for featured performance (Nathan Lee Graham and Daren A. Herbert).

The other three winners in the production category also netted multiple awards. The Theater@Boston Court & Antaeus Company’s “Pera Palas” won four (production, direction for Michael Michetti, scenic design for Tom Buderwitz and ensemble performance), and “Yellowman,” produced by Bennett Bradley and the Fountain Theatre won three (production, and two lead performance awards for Chris Butler and Deidrie Henry). “The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia?” presented at the Mark Taper Forum, also won for lead performance (Brian Kerwin) and writing for Edward Albee’s script.

“Gorey Stories,” presented at Sacred Fools Theater, had not been nominated for production but received six nominations in other categories, winning for ensemble performance, lighting design (Cricket Sloat), and hair, makeup and costume (Ann Closs-Farley).

The critics circle does not include any staff members of the Los Angeles Times. A complete list of winners can be found at www.ladramacriticscircle.com.