JAMBIZ International, producers of the comedy Glass Slippaz, is pleased with the recent accolades the play has received.

The production last week received 11 nominations in the Actor Boy Award which recognises the best of Jamaican theatre. The largest nods for any one production this year.

Trevor Nairne, Glass Slippaz co-director, says his company has maintained and sustained a very high standard in its presentations over the years, and the fact that the Actor Boy Awards judges sought to recognise this was truly appreciated.

“It pushes us to work harder. To produce strong family-based entertainment for the Jamaican theatre scene,” Naire notes.

Among the categories in which it is recognised are: Best Production, Best Director, Best Comedy, Best Set Design, Best Lighting, and Best Effects.

“This year we really went for some breakthrough work in theatre for Glass Slippaz. We heightened the technology added special effects lighting and other novelties in order to highlight and build suspense during the magical moments of the play,” he says.

Nairne, who directs with writer Patrick Brown, explains it was necessary to improve all the elements for Glass Slippaz which is a Jamaican take on the Cinderella fairy tale. It follows in the same vein of Jambiz’s Cindyreleisha and the Deejay Prince which was mounted 10 years ago.

“It is a reworked Cindyreleisha. But 10 years later, the entertainment industry has blossomed and, in keeping with pop concerts at this time, lighting and staging are a major element, so we had to bring that to theatre.

Among the nominations Glass Slippaz has received, three members of the cast have been recognised in the acting categories.

Veteran stage practitioner Glen Campbell has been nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role; Donald Anderson is up for Best Lead Actor and Sharee McDonald Russell recognised in the Best Supporting Actress category.

“We have been fortunate to have a cast of committed theatre artists, not just actors. Artists who work extremely hard to shape their roles and, therefore, the recognition by the Actor Boy Awards is well deserved.

Despite the kudos and commenda-tions, Nairne says he still has a concern with the awards.

“My major area of concern remains with the adjudication system. We have credible judges, but at times, we end up with incredible results. There are some who will say Jambiz is not deserving of the 11 nominations. But is something that we will have to work with to come up with a solution,” says the director.

The awards will be handed out at the Little Theatre in St Andrew on Monday, March 25.