Thalian Hall hosts the Wilmington Star News Theater Awards - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - The stars shined a little brighter at Thalian Hall in downtown Wilmington Wednesday night for the second annual Star News Theater Awards.

Dozens of performers and technicians and nearly 20 theater companies in the area were nominated for awards that ranged from Best Musical and Best Play to Best Newcomer and Best Ensemble.

Local musician and actor Zach Hanner hosted the event, and Jonathan Barber acted as music director.

Celebrity presenters included Joe Gallison, Peter Jurasik, Rhonda Bellamy, District Attorneys Jon and Ben David, the Star News' Jeff Hidek and City Stage's Justin Smith, who was also last year's host.

There was a tribute to the late Donn Ansell who was a pivotal member of the Wilmington arts community.

The Color Purple led the way in wins for the musical categories, snagging Best Musical, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting actor, among others.

The Lion in Winter was the big winner in the play categories with awards for Best Play, Best Actor and Best Actress.

Click here for a complete list of awards and nominees. To see last year's winners, click here.

Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.