ESRY Award Winners Named Maples Repertory Theatre Held an Event Honoring Donors and Volunteers

Macon, MO– Maples Repertory Theatre (MRT) held an event Thursday, Mar 30, 2022 to honor their

Broadwayworld.com Award 2021 winners and to debut a new honor for MRT Donors and Volunteers.

KBIA’s Paul Pepper hosted the evening and the audience was entertained by performances by and

interviews with Trevor Belt, Jane Ann Moots, Melissa Bohon-Webel, Jack Smith, Mike Ekelburg, and

many of the “orphans'' from MRT’s 2021 production of Annie.

Sean Riley Melissa Bohon-Webel Trevor Belt and Jane Ann Moots

2022 First Annual ESRY Awards

The ESRY Awards are named in honor of Earnest and Norma Esry. From the early days of Maples

Repertory Theatre, Earnest and Norma were both great advocates and great supporters of the creation of a

professional theatre in Upstate Missouri. With dedication of their time and resources, the Esrys were

integral to the continued success of MRT. In their honor, the Board of the Directors annually name two

award winners for outstanding financial contributions and volunteer support to the theatre.

2022 ESRY Award for Outstanding Service: Jim and Leigh Simon

A can of paint doesn’t get opened at Maples Repertory Theatre without the help of Jim and Leigh Simon.

Their countless hours of assistance during the 2021 renovation of the theatre as well as their continued

support to the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities is invaluable to both the historic building and to

the longevity of the organization. Leigh also takes special care of our curb appeal, carefully planting and

maintaining the flower boxes in the reception hall windows. Their generous support of the theatre

includes the use of their building on the corner of Vine Street, where our education program can hold

camps, classes, and rehearsals.

2022 ESRY Award for Outstanding Support: Pat and Sharon Winn

Pat and Sharon Winn have long been known as great supporters of the arts at Maples Repertory Theatre.

Each year at Boots and Black Tie, patrons get the chance to bid on unique and exciting items contributed

by the Winns. From autographed guitars to vintage cars, the Winn’s contributions create a lot of buzz and

energetic bidding. Most recently, the donation of a 1947 Plymouth P-15 Special Deluxe automobile

allowed the theatre to raise $25,000 through a very popular raffle. Maples Rep thanks the Winns for their

generosity and commitment to MRT.

The evening was a wonderful way to kick off all of the amazing things to come in the 2022 season! Thank

you to the MRT Board for hosting such a successful event.

All photographs were taken by Joy Young Photography