The annual Musical Awards Gala took place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Stichting Musical Awards at the AFAS Theater in Leusden. Hosted by Frits Sissing and Marlijn Weerdenburg, the event was a dazzling showcase of talent, featuring performances from some of the most beloved musicals currently captivating audiences.
This year, the musical Elisabeth emerged as the standout winner, taking home six prestigious awards, including the coveted title of 'Best Large Musical.' The jury's decision highlighted the powerful storytelling and musical composition that have made Elisabeth a favorite among theatergoers.
Other notable winners included Moulin Rouge!, which secured five awards, and Onze Jordaan, which won three. The jury's selections were diverse, reflecting a wide range of performances, with Frozen and Josephine B. each earning two awards, while The Last Five Years and Shrek each garnered one.
The evening was filled with spectacular performances that captivated the audience. Highlights included stunning choreography from West Side Story, emotional depth from Dear Evan Hansen, and the impressive spectacle of 40-45, de Musical. Classic favorites such as Foxtrot, Moulin Rouge! De Musical, and Hairspray added to the celebratory atmosphere.
In a heartfelt moment, Vajèn van den Bosch won the award for Best Female Lead in a Large Musical for her role as Princess Elsa in Frozen. "I’m shaking all over," she said, expressing her gratitude to everyone involved, including her family. Frozen was a significant presence at the gala, winning a total of three awards.
Martijn Noort's performance in Moulin Rouge! earned him the award for Best Male Lead in a Large Musical. He humorously remarked, "I really didn’t expect this. I think my mother was the only one who did," as he accepted his award amid cheers from the audience. Moulin Rouge! also claimed the award for Best Ensemble, solidifying its status as a must-see production.
Despite multiple nominations, the war-themed musical 40-45 did not receive any jury awards, which surprised many given its innovative use of mobile staging and its compelling narrative about choices during World War II. However, it did win the VriendenLoterij Audience Award for Best Musical, showcasing its popularity among the public. The musical features a unique moving platform that enhances the storytelling experience, and it continues to draw crowds in Barneveld.
Danique Dusée, only 24 years old, was recognized as the Emerging Talent for her portrayal of the young Elisabeth in the titular production. In her acceptance speech, she thanked the audience for their warm reception, marking her debut in a significant role.
The award for Best Female Supporting Role went to Ann Van den Broeck for her performance in Elisabeth, while Darren van der Lek won Best Male Supporting Role for his role in Shrek. The awards illustrate the depth of talent present in the Dutch musical theater scene.
Moreover, the Best Direction award was presented to Diederik Ebbinge for Onze Jordaan, while Sonya Tayeh won Best Choreography for Moulin Rouge!. The Best Decor, Set Design, and Projections award went to Derek McLane for Moulin Rouge!, showcasing the production's artistic achievements.
Additional awards included Best Lighting Design, which was awarded to Marc Heinz for Elisabeth, and Best Sound Design, awarded to Maarten Houdijk for Onze Jordaan. Catherine Zuber was recognized for Best Costumes, Hair & Make-up for her work on Moulin Rouge!, while Sylvester Levay and Michael Kunze received accolades for Best Music, Lyrics, and Arrangements for Elisabeth.
The gala not only celebrated current talents but also honored the past, with performances that paid tribute to musical legends. William Spaaij performed a number from Foxtrot, while Richard Groenendijk sang from Hairspray. René van Kooten paid homage to Rob de Nijs, and newcomer Ward van Klinken made his debut in the lead role of Dear Evan Hansen.
As the evening concluded, the atmosphere was one of celebration and gratitude, reflecting the vibrant state of the Dutch musical theater community. The success of the gala, marked by the achievements of both established stars and emerging talents, underscores the importance of this art form in Dutch culture.
The Musical Awards Gala not only recognized outstanding performances but also served as a reminder of the enduring appeal of musicals in bringing stories to life. With its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and talent, the event set a hopeful tone for the future of musical theater in the Netherlands.
