Natchez Little Theatre’s fifth annual Stan Dean Ovation Awards, celebrating the best of the Diamond Jubilee 60th Season and the volunteers that made it all happen, will be celebrated at the awards gala at 6 Saturday evening, July 12 at the Natchez Little Theatre at 319 Linton Ave. at Maple Street in Natchez.

The gala is a fundraiser for Natchez Little Theatre, a non-profit organization and Mississippi’s oldest community theatre celebrating 76 years of entertainment.

The Stan Dean Ovation Awards is an evening of celebration. Delicious hors d’oeuvres donated by chefs, local eateries and caterers, champagne, wine, a silent auction, live entertainment celebrating the hits of the 60th season and a sneak preview of the upcoming 61st season and the awards presentation, make for a memorable evening of fun, friendship, food and music.

Rusty Jenkins, of Natchez, will once again serve as the master of ceremonies for the black-tie event. The awards committee, chaired by myself and Lynn Mann of Ferriday, will be assisted Courtney Taylor, Brett Brinegar and Don Vesterse, all of Natchez.

Entertainment will feature Katie Borum, Burnley Cook, Janey Dixey, Kristin Hogans, Ron Hux, Giovanna Little, Darlene McCune, Randa Morace, Stacy Parker, Gabrielle Richardson, Camille Taylor, Rudy Timm and Aaron White. Twenty-four awards will be presented starting at 7 p.m. in the Natchez Little Theatre Auditorium.

Natchez Little Theatre is a volunteer community theatre. Its success comes from the countless hours and tireless efforts of many to create this outstanding community theatre and one of Natchez’ greatest assets. The winners of all these awards are determined by the membership of Natchez Little Theatre who attended all of the season’s productions. The nominees were selected from all the participants of NLT’s productions throughout the season and narrowed down to the nominees listed above by the NLT awards committee and board of directors. And the winners are…

Well you’ll have to come to the Stan Dean Ovation Awards Gala to find out. All tickets are $15 (nominees and performers are admitted for free). Remember this is a fundraiser, so bring your checkbook, Visa or MasterCard and come prepared to bid on some exciting silent auction items. This is also one of your last opportunities to join Natchez Little Theatre as it celebrates its 61st Season with “Once on This Island;” “Big River;” Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night;” “A Natchez Christmas Carol;” “Rough Crossing;” “To Kill a Mockingbird;” “Southern Exposure;” and “Sweeney Todd.” Reservations for the gala may be made by calling 601-442-2233, toll free at 1-877-440-2233, by e-mail at natchez@bellsouth.net or go online to www.natcheztheatre.com.

I hope to see you at the Natchez Little Theatre.

Gina Buckley is the co-chair of the Natchez Little Theatre awards committee.