ONO - Ghost Light Awards

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Ghost Light Awards-Celebrate Excellence In The Theater Community

Welcome to a very special One Night Only!

Step into a night of celebration and spotlight the best of Maui's vibrant theater community at The Ghost Light Awards. This special awards event honors the artists, volunteers, and productions that bring live theater to life at the Historic 'Iao Theater.

We are inspired by the long-standing tradition of keeping a single "ghost light" on, even after the show is done. This act is a reminder that the stage is never truly dark, even between shows. The Ghost Light represents the spirit that stays alive because of all the people who make theater happen.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, community and inspiration as we acknowledge outstanding achievements across performance, direction, design, and service. Whether you are celebrating your favorite production or cheering on fellow theater makers, the Ghost Light Awards is a tribute to the passion and creativity that keeps our stage shining bright.

Doors open at 6:00 pm for a Mocktail Hour, and the awards presentations begin at 7:00 pm.

Reserve your seat now and be part of celebrating excellence in community theater. The ghost light shines because our entire Maui OnStage 'ohana keeps shining. Our light never goes out because of all of you.

And Here are the Nominees for 2025

1. Outstanding Comedic Moment This award recognizes a performance moment that brought laughter, levity, and unforgettable joy to the stage. It honors impeccable timing, bold choices, and the ability to connect with an audience through humor.

Decided by: Community Vote 

1. Lily Werner and Jaysen Giroux - Pot Scene - Flowers of Aloha
2. Nicole Belknap and Sebastian Navarro - Sound Effects - A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol
3. Rueben Carrion and AJ Ching - Filipino Shirt Scene - Flowers of Aloha
4. Dan Church, Dale Button, and Grant Mathews - Stealing a BBQ Scene - Come From Away
5. Jesie Rocetes - Floor Show - The Rocky Horror Show

2. Outstanding Dramatic Moment The Outstanding Dramatic Moment Award celebrates a performance that moved the audience and lingered long after the curtain fell. This moment captured emotional depth, vulnerability, and storytelling at its most powerful.

Decided by: Community Vote

1. Dan Church - Something’s Missing Speech - Come From Away
2. Ricky Jones - Emotional Breakdown - A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol
3. Jessie Rocetes - Once in a While - The Rocky Horror Show
4. Eric Gilliom - I'm Going Home - The Rocky Horror Show
5. Haven Sullivan - Gravesite Picnic - Flowers of Aloha

3. Show Stoppers Award The Showstoppers Award celebrates a moment that truly stopped the show. Whether through a standout performance, a breathtaking technical cue, or a bold creative choice, this award honors the magic that electrified the audience and became one of the defining moments of the season.

Decided by: Community Vote

1. Amber Rose Seelig - Elf song - A 1940s Radio Cristmas Carol
2. Ed Daguio and Reuben Carrion - Fight Scene - Flowers of Aloha
3. Nara Boone - I Am Here song - Come from Away
4. Dale Button and Amelia Morgan-Rothschild - Stop the World duet - Come From Away
5. Eric Gilliom - Frank's Entrance - The Rocky Horror Show

4. Green Room Award This peer-nominated award recognizes someone who made a meaningful impact on the rehearsal process or performance experience. Chosen by fellow cast and crew, it reflects respect, appreciation, and gratitude from those who worked most closely together.

Decided by: Ghost Light Council Vote

1. Courtney Pritt and David Negaard - Come From Away - Courtney Pritt and David Negaard were the backbone of Come From Away’s chairography, executing one of the most technically demanding elements of the production. Courtney and David rose to the challenge of precision required to meet contractual staging requirements. Their reliability, problem-solving, and commitment to accuracy ensured the integrity of the production night after night. Their leadership and professionalism was a key to the show’s success.
2. Nara Boone - Come From Away - Nara Boone was a grounding and steady presence throughout Come From Away, demonstrating exceptional professionalism in every aspect of the process. She arrived prepared, focused, and respectful of both the work and the people around her, setting a powerful standard for the entire company. Her consistency, emotional intelligence, and collaborative spirit fostered trust and calm during an especially demanding production. Nara exemplified the reliability, integrity, and generosity that sustain a healthy rehearsal room and a successful show.
3. Sebastian Navarro - A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol and The Rocky Horror Show - Sebastian distinguished himself as a new and growing actor through his adaptability and generosity toward his fellow performers. Across multiple productions he consistently showed up open to learning and eager to support those around him. Whether calmly playing through unexpected moments on stage, encouraging castmates during vulnerable or challenging scenes, Sebastian helped create a safe and collaborative environment. His willingness to grow, his respect for the process, and his care for the ensemble mark him as an emerging artist whose professionalism already exceeds expectations.
4. Francis Tau’a - Flowers of Aloha - Francis Tau’a has been a long-standing and deeply rooted supporter of the theater, contributing time, care, and heart across many seasons. In Flowers of Aloha, he took on the challenge of portraying a character who was not a good person, navigating difficult material with care and intention, while consistently maintaining a kind, welcoming, and upbeat presence offstage. Beyond his work in productions, Francis has also helped train and encourage young performers through the theater’s youth programs, sharing his experience and fostering confidence in the next generation. In the green room and throughout the programs, he is a steady, positive presence, someone who invests in the people, the process, and the future of the theater.
5. Ikaika Raines - A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol - Ikaika was a constant and generous presence across the season, appearing in roughly half of the productions and stepping in wherever he was needed. He consistently showed a willingness to try new things, play with characterizations, and explore choices that kept performances fresh and alive. In A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, he handled unexpected technical issues mid-scene with humor and adaptability, keeping the story moving and the audience engaged. He also willingly took on understudy responsibilities for The Rocky Horror Show, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to the success of the production as a whole. Off and on stage, Ikaika’s openness, creativity, and team-first mindset made him an invaluable part of the season.

5. Step into the Light Award This award honors an artist who appeared on the Historic ʻĪao Theater stage for the first time this season, or who returned after a significant absence. Whether making a debut or a long-awaited comeback, the recipient made a powerful impression through their talent, commitment, and presence. This recognition celebrates both emerging excellence and the renewed promise of continued creative impact within our theater community.

Decided by: Ghost Light Council Vote

1. Josh Pelletier - Kevin T - Come From Away
2. Grant Matthews - Claude - Come From Away
3. Kevin Peer - Riff Raff - The Rocky Horror Show
4. Layla Rohde - Francine -  Flowers of Aloha
5. Mark Paranada - Transylvanian - The Rocky Horror Show

6. Emma Award (Spirit of the Historic ʻĪao Theater) Named after our resident ghost, the Emma Award honors an individual who embodies the heart, warmth, and enduring spirit of the Historic ʻĪao Theater. This person uplifts others, shows unwavering dedication, and reminds us why the theater remains a place of belonging, creativity, and joy.

Decided by: Ghost Light Council Vote

1. Morgan Wittmer - Morgan Wittmer consistently shows up for the theater in whatever capacity is needed, whether working independently or as part of a team. She volunteered at every fundraiser this season, always willing to say yes and step in without hesitation. Morgan brings both creativity and hard work to every project she touches, lending ideas, energy, and follow-through with equal care. Her generosity of time and spirit reflects the collaborative heart that keeps the Iao Theater thriving.
2. Bob Offermann - Bob Offermann has been a cornerstone of the Historic ʻĪao Theater for years, serving as a dedicated set builder and reliable backstage crew member. He is always ready to tackle complex technical challenges and can be counted on to show up, both to work and to support, attending every show whether or not he is involved in the production. Bob has even been known to step onstage in costume as a member of the crew when needed. His commitment, consistency, and genuine love for the theater community embody the enduring spirit of the Iao.
3. Sam Castillo - Sam Castillo continues to grow across all aspects of theater, learning technical skills while also appearing onstage this season. He was repeatedly mentioned in cast surveys for his reliability and positive demeanor backstage, and his onstage presence was equally strong. During The Rocky Horror Show, Sam went above and beyond by memorizing callback scripts and energetically engaging audiences from the spotlight position, helping shape the experience for patrons. His curiosity, enthusiasm, and dedication make him a vital part of the theater’s present and future.
4. Amber Rose Seelig - Amber Rose Seelig appeared in three out of four productions this season, bringing joy, flexibility, and heart to every role. Often described as a chameleon, Amber seamlessly transforms into whatever a production needs, always with a smile and generous spirit. She has lent her angelic singing voice to countless theater activities beyond the stage and was repeatedly cited by cast members as a joy to work with. Amber’s warmth, adaptability, and creative generosity reflect the essence of the Emma Award.
5. Madeline Hamada - Madeline Hamada was repeatedly recognized by cast members as a joy to work with and a deeply positive force within the company. During a particularly difficult production, she carried the responsibilities of stage management while also providing emotional support, effectively serving as a steadying presence for cast and crew alike. Despite unexpected challenges and hurdles, Madeline kept the show moving forward with care and resilience. Post-show surveys consistently highlighted her as someone who emanates the kind of spirit the Historic ʻĪao Theater strives to nurture and sustain.

7. Save the Day Award The Save the Day Award honors an individual or team who rose to the occasion when unexpected challenges arose. Through problem-solving, adaptability, and unwavering commitment, this person helped keep the production moving forward, embodying the resilience and teamwork that make live theater possible.

Decided by: Ghost Light Council Vote

1. Sebastian Navarro - A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol - Cap Gun Misfire - During A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, a cap gun intended to fire only once discharged early. Without hesitation, Sebastian improvised in character, seamlessly incorporating the mistake into the scene. The audience never realized anything had gone wrong, and the momentum of the show remained intact. His quick thinking and commitment kept the performance on track and turned a potential disruption into a successful, invisible recovery.
2. Sam Castillo & Ikaika Raines - A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol - Microphone Failure -  When a microphone came apart mid-scene during A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, Sam and Ikaika, fully in character, worked together to reassemble the prop onstage. Their improvisation and quick thinking allowed the scene to continue without interruption, drawing the audience along rather than pulling them out of the story. What could have been a show-stopping technical issue became a moment of shared ingenuity that kept the performance moving forward.
3. Courtney Pritt & David Negaard - Come From Away - Chair Save - During the love song duet in Come From Away, the choreography required both actors to remain in motion while standing on chairs. When David stepped onto a chair at an angle and it began to topple, Courtney Pritt instinctively stepped in, subtly shifting her weight onto the chair to stabilize it and prevent a fall. The audience never noticed the near miss, but the actors knew how close the moment was to becoming a serious safety issue. Courtney’s awareness and quick response ensured the scene, and the performers, remained safe and uninterrupted.
4. Virginia Sandell & Ikaika Raines - The Rocky Horror Show - Wet Stage Hazard - Following the rain scene, Virginia and Ikaika dropped to their hands and knees in the dark to mop the stage with towels before the large ensemble number The Time Warp. Their immediate action every night prevented slipping hazards for the cast and allowed the show to continue safely without delay. Their behind-the-scenes work protected both performers and the flow of the performance.

8. Standby Excellence Award The Standby Excellence Award  honors an individual who demonstrated preparedness, professionalism, and commitment in supporting a production. Whether stepping into a role or standing ready to do so, this person ensured the show could go on.

Decided by: Keepers of the Light Vote

1. Aida Rose - Come From Away
2. Tina Kailiponi - Come From Away
3. Ikaika Raines - The Rocky Horror Show
4. Ashlyn Mansfield - The Rocky Horror Show
5. Lily Warner - Come From Away

9. Outstanding Volunteer The Outstanding Volunteer Award honors someone whose time, energy, and generosity made a meaningful difference this season. From front-of-house to set builds and beyond, this individual exemplifies the spirit of service that keeps our theater running.

Decided by: Keepers of the Light Vote

1. Todd Madden - Todd Madden has served as an usher more than thirty times this year, and his presence has become a cornerstone of our front-of-house operations. He is consistently on time, dependable, and willing to step in wherever help is needed. Beyond his formal duties, Todd regularly goes above and beyond, assisting with cleaning, supporting fellow volunteers, and bringing a positive, fun energy to every shift. His reliability and good humor make him a joy to work with and an invaluable part of the theater experience.
2. Ronelle Esty - Ronelle Esty is a volunteer who can always be counted on. She is frequently available when last-minute needs arise and is someone staff feel comfortable calling when extra support is required. In addition to being responsive and dependable, Ronelle proactively signs up for shifts and consistently shows up ready to help. Her willingness to step in and her steady presence make her a quiet but essential force behind the scenes.
3. Bob Brooks - Bob Brooks is nominated for his outstanding contributions to stagecraft and set construction. He is always willing to come in and help build sets, often giving his time generously and without hesitation. Bob approaches every task with enthusiasm and joy, bringing both skill and a positive attitude to the shop. His commitment and love for the work are evident in every project he touches, and his contributions directly support the visual storytelling on our stage.
4. Linda Dorset - Linda Dorset exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated volunteer. She consistently shows up ready to help, supports productions and events with care, and brings a calm, reliable presence to every role she takes on. Linda’s willingness to contribute wherever needed and her steady commitment throughout not only this season, but over many years, have made a meaningful impact on both staff and fellow volunteers.
5. Kameron Lum and Jordan Lum - Kameron and Jordan Lum have gone above and beyond in their service to the theater this year. In addition to ushering for many performances, they volunteered their time at nearly all of the year’s fundraising events. Their consistent involvement, flexibility, and willingness to help wherever needed demonstrate a deep commitment to the success of the theater. Together, they exemplify generosity, teamwork, and community spirit.

10. Role model Award The Role Model Award recognizes someone who leads with kindness, mentorship, and integrity. Through their actions, they inspire the next generation of artists, technicians, and volunteers while fostering a supportive and inclusive theater environment.

Decided by: Keepers of the Light Vote

11. Lifetime Achievement This award honors an individual whose long-term commitment has left a lasting impact on Maui OnStage. Their contributions whether onstage, backstage, or behind the scenes have helped shape the theater’s legacy and strengthen its future.

Decided by: Keepers of the Light Vote

12. Silent Supporter (Donor) The Silent Supporter Award recognizes a donor whose generosity quietly sustains the theater. This individual gives without expectation of recognition, making meaningful contributions that allow creativity, community, and storytelling to thrive.

Decided by: Keepers of the Light Vote

1. Annie Wilder
2. Vince Pinelli
3. Claudia Beck
4. Justin and Leighanna Locke
5. Virginia Sandell

13. Outstanding Crew Member This award celebrates a crew member whose technical skill, reliability, and behind-the-scenes dedication elevated a production. Their work may not always be seen, but its impact is felt in every successful moment onstage.

Decided by: Keepers of the Light Vote

1. Maile Libonati - Assistant Stage Manager and Stage Left Run Crew - Come From Away
2. Madeline Hamada - Stage Manager - Come From Away
3. Sam Castillo - Spot Light Operator - The Rocky Horror Show 
4. Bob Offermann - Technical Support - Come From Away
5. Virginia Sandell - Assistant Stage Manager and Run Crew - The Rocky Horror Show