Toby Orenstein won a Helen Hayes Award this week for her direction of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical at Toby's Dinner Theatre in Columbia.
Each year, the awards recognize excellence in professional theater in the Washington area. The awards were announced Monday.
"I was in very elite company in my nomination," said Orenstein, who owns the dinner theater.
Other nominees for directing a resident musical (one that does not tour) were from the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage and Signature Theatre, all in Washington. Orenstein tied for the award with Christopher Ashley's direction of Sweeney Todd at the Kennedy Center.
"To be honored that way, among my peers, was really thrilling," Orenstein said.
She was particularly proud of Jekyll & Hyde, saying, "I feel it is one of the best things the theater has ever done."
Toby's Dinner Theatre received five nominations for Jekyll & Hyde, including lead actor, lead actress and best musical.
On Tuesday, Orenstein received another honor when she was named one of the Top 100 Women in Maryland at an annual ceremony by The Daily Record in Baltimore.
