Star-Ledger Theater Critic Peter Filichia's June 7, 2009 article says "if there were Tony Awards for New Jersey's theaters, here's who would shine":
A New Jersey Obie, for off-Broadway achievement, would go to:
* Cynthia Meryl, for once again taking a group of teens (and people barely out of teens) and making everyone seem to be a seasoned pro in "1776" at New Jersey Youth Theatre in Newark.

The Theatre World Awards are bestowed on those making significant Broadway and off-Broadway debuts. This season in New Jersey, they'd go to:
* Kevin Melendez ("1776", New Jersey Youth Theatre). Playing John Adams isn't easy, but this young man made it appear so.
* Matthew Robertson ("1776," New Jersey Youth Theatre). He high-stepped across the stage as Richard Henry Lee -- most delightful-lee.