Neifert Enrique (Che) and Melissa Lozada (Eva) in DCP’s production of EVITA. Image by Sydney Schertz Photography LLC
Davidson Community Players (DCP) took home 8 trophies, the most of any company, at the 2026 Metrolina Theatre Association (MTA) Awards on Sunday, October 18, at the Booth Playhouse in uptown Charlotte. DCP's landmark June production of Evita took home all eight honors.
The local performing arts organization enjoyed a huge night, sweeping categories from outstanding musical to sound design.
Evita Winners
The specific awards included outstanding musical, actress (Melissa Lozada as Eva), actor (Neifert Enrique as Che), director (Steve Kaliski, also DCP's Executive Director), choreographer (Tod A. Kubo), music director (Matthew Primm), costume designer (Sarah Deutsch), and sound designer (Evan Kinsley).
Technical Excellence
In addition to the eight Evita awards, DCP's Kathryn Harding won the prestigious William Rackley Award for Technical Excellence. As DCP's Technical Production Manager, Harding has led the organization through substantial technical infrastructure upgrades over the past two years, helping DCP earn a reputation for superior stagecraft in the greater Charlotte region.
Sarah Deutsch, DCP's frequent costume designer, also received recognition for Technical Excellence and was named Emerging Artist of the Year. Deutsch will return for multiple engagements with DCP in 2027.
A Night to Remember
"Evita really felt like the right show at the right time with the right people," said Kaliski. "We all brought our passion and our A-game to this searing production, and it's exceptionally gratifying to be recognized amongst our peers as really knocking it out of the park."
About the MTAs
The MTAs are the premier theatrical awards show for the Metrolina region, with participating companies extending as far as Hickory and Rock Hill.