Playing roles from an ambitious bartender to a compassionate teacher, here are the 2023 Orlando Sentinel honorees for best featured actor in a drama, as selected by theater critic Matthew J. Palm.

Although it’s impossible for one person to see every local production, as the Orlando Sentinel’s theater critic, each year I see a broad spectrum of dramas, comedies and musicals. The individuals selected by me for this 2023 theatrical honor roll, presented here alphabetically, elevated the theatrical arts. Go to OrlandoSentinel.com/entertainment to see the honorees in other fields, and check back on Dec. 21 to learn the Critic’s Pick in this category.

Jullien Aponte

‘The Cocaine Play’ ♦ Renaissance Theatre

Playing a social-media influencer in “The Cocaine Play,” Jullien Aponte showed his character living his life online, trying to share his every thought. Aponte painted a comic and tragically beautiful portrait of desperation — and the futility of living for everyone else instead of what really matters: your own truth.

Kate Bustillos

‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ ♦ Theater West End

As teacher to atypical learner Christopher in “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” Kate Bustillos was beautifully all heart. She struck just the right tone as a reassuring guidepost for a teen navigating his chaotic life.

Marquise Hillman

‘Angels in America, part 2: Perestroika’ ♦ Valencia College Theatre

In “Angels in America,” Marquise Hillman jolted needed comedy into a serious play as nurse Belize, gifted with lines such as “You come to room 1013 over at the hospital and I’ll show you America: Terminal, crazy and mean” — and making the most of them. Hillman played the nurse with sly style, landing deadly zingers with perfectly pitched nonchalance. Hillman was also honored in 2022 for playing the role in the first half of the two-part play.

Brent Jordan

‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams’ ♦ Orlando Shakes

As hopeful bartender Arthur in “Boulevard of Bold Dreams,” Brent Jordan gave a perfectly crafted, well-rounded performance. Every physical move he made reflected his character’s inner thoughts and feelings. And, moving effortlessly between comedy and drama, Jordan made the most of playwright LaDarrion Williams’ words, revealing layer after layer of aspirational Arthur. This is Jordan’s third appearance on these honor rolls.

Logan Lopez

‘The Sound Inside’ ♦ Florida Theatrical Association

In “The Sound Inside,” student Christopher is hotheaded, eccentric, passionate, talented. His portrayer, Logan Lopez, hit all of those qualities — while also cannily suggesting even more, possibly darker, layers to discover. And as Christopher’s actions became increasingly unnerving, giving the play its zing, Lopez sank his teeth into every twist.

Thomas Muniz

‘The Inheritance,’ parts one and two ♦ The Ensemble Co.

In “The Inheritance,” Thomas Muniz made an impact in two roles: As novelist E.M. Forester, he displayed a winning no-nonsense approach to the young protagonists of the play. Later, he showed warmth and heart as kindly Walter, a man perhaps too forgiving for his own good. This is Muniz’s third appearance on a year-end honor roll.

Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment.