North Central College alumni recognized for excellence in Chicago theatre

Two North Central College alumni—Garrett Lutz ’12 and Maxwell J. DeTogne ’13—have been nominated for the 42nd annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards, The Joseph Jefferson Awards, for their excellence in Chicago theatre for the 2014-2015 season.

They are among five nominees for best Actor in a Principal Role-Musical: Lutz (photo, left) for his role as Jerry Lukowski in “The Full Monty” by Kokandy Productions and DeTogne (photo, right) as Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar” with Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre.

The Non-Equity Awards honor excellence in Chicago theatres not under a union contract. Some 118 nominations in 24 categories were announced for productions that opened between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015. Winners will be named June 8 in Chicago.

As students, both actors performed numerous times on North Central’s stages. Lutz performed as Rum Tum Tugger in “Cats,” Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls,” Sparky in “Forever Plaid,” in “The Producers,” “Wedding Singer” and more. He also served as acting coach for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” He has been cast for the role of Dimas in “Triumph of Love” through The Music Theatre Company, in “The Wedding Singer” at Haven Theatre, in “Hair” as part of the American Theater Company, and in “Shuffle Off” at Collaboraction’s 13th Annual Sketchbook Festival.

At North Central, DeTogne’s featured roles included Robbie in “The Wedding Singer,” Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Jinx in “Forever Plaid,” Nicely-Nicely Johnson in “Guys & Dolls,” with performances in “Tell Me Truly,” “Never the Sinner” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Since graduation, he’s performed with the American Theatre Company, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center and Red Barn Summer Theatre.