The Little Theatre of Alexandria was the big winner at this year's Washington Area Community Theatre Honors Awards (WATCH), taking home 17 trophies at the March 11 ceremony at The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria.

“What an exciting night for us,” said Sue Pinkman, a dual winner for Outstanding Hair Design and Outstanding Direction of a Musical for her work on the blockbuster production of “Hairspray.” “This was an incredible journey for everyone who worked on the show.”

LTA's production of “Hairspray” was clearly a crowd favorite during the evening and the cast received a resounding standing ovation as Brenda Parker performed “I Know Where I've Been” as part of the WATCH Awards ceremony.

Going into the evening with a record 43 nominations among regional theatres for the 2011 season, “Hairspray” led the evening with 15 WATCH Award wins. The productions of “Noises Off” and “Widdershins” each won one award, bringing LTA's 17 awards to more than triple the second place theatre, The Arlington Players, who took home five of the coveted statuettes.

“I am so proud to be a part of community theatre,” said Pinkman, who received a standing ovation from the sold out crowd of more than 500 as her name was called for Outstanding Director in a Musical. “We all work so hard for no pay, and while it's nice to be recognized by your peers, we do it because we are part of a family and make friends that we'll have the rest of our lives.”

Winners were selected from 127 productions that were adjudicated at 33 community theatre companies. For more information on The Little Theatre of Alexandria, visit www.thelittletheatre.com.