Several familiar Cabrillo faces were recognized at this year’s Orange Curtain Review Awards, including Ashley Montgomery, who received a Best Actress nomination for her performance as Sylvia in Cabrillo’s production of The Cottage.
Ashley returned to Cabrillo for The Cottage this year after appearing as Helena in 2025’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her performance as Sylvia earned her a nomination for Best Actress. The award ultimately went to Michelle M. Pedersen for her portrayal of M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias at Newport Theatre Arts Center. Congratulations to Michelle and all of this year’s nominees.
Founded in 2014 by Alina Mae Wilson and Patrick Chavis, the Orange Curtain Review covers professional and community theater throughout Orange County. Its annual awards also recognize work by smaller theaters across Orange and Los Angeles counties, with separate Young Actor and Young Actress categories for performers under 30.
Cabrillo audiences will also recognize Best Young Actress winner Sammy Spiegler, honored for her performance as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Westminster Community Playhouse. In 2025 Sammy appeared at Cabrillo as Natalie in Next to Normal, a performance that earned her an OC Theatre Guild Award nomination, and returned earlier this year as April in Company.
Jason Pascual, who most recently appeared at Cabrillo as Peter in Company, won Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Bernadette Basinger in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at No Square Theatre.
Another member of the current Cabrillo family was recognized for her work behind the scenes. Emily Wood, currently appearing as Alice Beineke in The Addams Family and also running wigs and makeup for the production, received a Best Makeup nomination for her wig design for Phantom Projects Theatre Group’s production of Bye Bye Birdie.
Congratulations to Ashley, Sammy, Jason and Emily on their recognition and on the work they continue to bring to stages throughout Southern California.