Drawing on expertise in country, rock, jazz and more, here are the 2025 Orlando Sentinel honorees for best music direction as selected by theater critic Matthew J. Palm.

Although it’s impossible for one person to see every local production, as the Orlando Sentinel’s theater critic, each year I see a broad array of dramas, comedies and musicals. The individuals selected for this 2025 theatrical honor roll, presented here alphabetically, elevated Central Florida’s theatrical arts. Go to OrlandoSentinel.com/entertainment to see the honorees in other categories, and check back on Dec. 22 to learn the Critic’s Pick in this category.

Natalie Hightower was music director of the Winter Park Playhouse production of “Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Hoedown,” with Hannah McGinley Lemasters (from left), Monica Titus, Rebecca Jo Lightfoot and Tesia Kwarteng. (Courtesy Michael Cairns via Winter Park Playhouse)

Natalie Hightower

Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Hoedown Winter Park Playhouse

In November: Natalie Hightower had her quartet of singers sounding great, from straight-up country to Motown swing, with girl-group harmonies that gave chills faster than an icicle down your sweater.

Alexander LaPlante was music director of the Renaissance Theatre Company production of “Hair,” with Lizzy Allen (center). (Courtesy Jake Pearce via Renaissance Theatre Co.)

Alexander LaPlante

Hair Renaissance Theatre Company

In July: Alexander LaPlante assembled a band that really knew how to rock, essential for staging “Hair,” and his ensemble burst with vocal power that lended heft to big group numbers like the anthemic “Let the Sun Shine In.”

Rebekah Piatt was music director for the Theater West End production of “Next to Normal,” with Harvey Evans and Julyette Vargas. (Courtesy Jose Carlos Rivera via Theater West End)

Rebekah Piatt

Next to Normal Theater West End

In February: Tom Kitt’s pop-rock music, sometimes catchy, sometimes vocally deceptively complicated, was always given the right amount of pulsing energy by music director Rebekah Piatt’s ace band — in which each instrument added emotional notes to the score. The music was also beautifully sung. In a score that calls for both belting and quiet introspection; Piatt’s singers delivered on both counts. Piatt also was honored in this category in 2020 for her work on Theater West End’s “American Idiot.”

Bert Rodriguez was music director of the Orlando Shakes production of “Cabaret,” with Shane Bland (center). (Courtesy Tony Firriolo via Orlando Shakes)

Bert Rodriguez

Cabaret Orlando Shakes

In February: Music has never sounded so good in the Shakespeare Center’s Margeson Theater, thanks to Rodriguez and his 9-piece band, with each instrument making its presence felt. The glorious entr’acte was worth the price of admission alone. And the singers brilliantly used the unforgettable Kander and Ebb tunes to add credence to their characters. Rodriguez was also honored in this category in 2021 for his work on the Garden Theatre’s “Man of La Mancha.”

Maura Sitzmann was music director of the Theater West End production of “Once.” (Courtesy Jose Carlos Rivera via Theater West End)

Maura Sitzmann

Once Theater West End

In November: Music director Maura Sitzmann created a gorgeously lush sound at the intimate Theater West End, deftly blending her actor-musicians as they brought to sonic life the show’s melancholy, yet hopeful mood.

Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/08/music-direction-orlando-best-theater-2025/