Playing everything from a domineering director to the Son of God, here are the 2023 Orlando Sentinel honorees for best leading actor in a comedy, 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.

Luke Haynes

‘Speech & Debate’ ♦ The Ensemble Co.

In the dark comedy “Speech & Debate,” Luke Haynes provided a dizzy mix of the emotions of youth — excitement and bravado, but fear and uncertainty, too. As his character of Solomon unraveled, beneath the laughs Haynes displayed not stagy pain but real internal hurt.

Walter Kmiec

‘The Comedy of Errors’ ♦ Orlando Shakes

Orlando Shakes vet Walter Kmiec was in fine comic form as a new twin in town in Orlando Shakes’ “The Comedy of Errors,” and boy did he have fun with Shakespeare’s language. Kmiec was previously honored in this category for Orlando Shakes’ 2022 “Much Ado About Nothing.”

Kelley Mauro

‘Clue’ ♦ Osceola Arts

In the stage adaptation of the film “Clue,” Kelley Mauro used deadpan delivery, withering looks, incongruous laughter and drawn-out screams to effectively pay homage to her onscreen counterpart (the late, great Madeline Kahn). But this was no impersonation; Mauro made those “flames, on the side of my face,” her own.

Josh Melendez

‘Jesus: Origins’ ♦ New Generation Theatrical

No one thinks of Jesus as a cut-up, but in the adventure-comedy “Jesus: Origins,” Josh Melendez showed the Son of God could be funny. In doing so, he actually beautifully summed up the dual nature of Jesus —God and man, sent here to be one of us — as he radiated the goodness and kindness and, yes, grace that so many still seek to emulate.

Alexander Mrazek

‘Gothic Tavern’ ♦ New Generation Theatrical

Alexander Mrazek pulled trick after trick out of his comic toolbox and every one of them worked as he stole scene after scene in “Gothic Tavern.” Moments of physical comedy, that mischievous grin, a ridiculous accent, impeccable timing — Mrazek consistently scored laugh after laugh. Mrazek has been honored twice before for his acting.

Shelby Mae Randle

‘Speech & Debate’ ♦ The Ensemble Co.

In “Speech & Debate,” Shelby Mae Randle carried a lot of humor with gusto, as her awkward character tried so, so, so hard to be, well, less awkward. But, like much humor, hers came from pain, as Randle niftily indicated. Even as we laughed, we could feel the hurt underneath.

Kari Ringer

‘The Spider Queen’ ♦ Orlando Artist Guild

Playing the legendary theater director Julie Taymor, Kari Ringer dominated “The Spider Queen.” Her Taymor had an understandable chip on her shoulder for the misogyny she had faced, and an absolute conviction that her vision was the only one. It was such commitment to character, the audience’s belief in Taymor never wavered either. In the silliness that surrounds her in the comedy, Ringer stood steadfast — which in some ways made her the most humorous of all. This is Ringer’s fifth appearance on these honor rolls.

Jared-Austin Roys

‘Significant Other’ ♦ New Generation Theatrical

As perpetually single Jordan, Jared-Austin Roys is onstage for all of “Significant Other,” and in a script that asks him to be funny and tragic, sympathetic and sometimes unlikable, Roys didn’t miss a beat. In a character that could get exhausting, Roys kept Jordan beautifully human while landing the laughter in each awkward situation: The unrequited crush, the trying-too-hard date, the conflicting friend advice. And when raw emotion was called for, Roys delivered and how.

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