Drawing on expertise in country, rock, jazz and more, here are the 2023 Orlando Sentinel honorees for best music direction 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.

Jason M. Bailey & Matt Lynx

‘Nosferatu’ ♦ Renaissance Theatre

For Renaissance Theatre’s vampire-laden “Nosferatu,” Matt Lynx and Jason M. Bailey composed and performed original music, which built disquietingly like a pounding heart before opening up into orgiastic abandon to match the vampire’s appetites. This is Bailey’s fifth appearance on this honor roll; he was the Critic’s Pick in 2020 for his work on Creative City Project’s “Bright Young Thing.” Lynx appears twice on this year’s honor roll.

Terrance Lane

‘Next to Normal’ ♦ New Generation Theatrical

In September, I described “Next to Normal” as as one of the best sung shows I had heard all year. Terrance Lane led the rocking band and kept his musicians in balance with the thrilling vocals from the singers, who could hit the rafters with high notes and hit the audience’s heartstrings as well.

Christopher Leavy

‘A Swingin’ Christmas: The Holiday Music of Tony Bennett’ ♦ Winter Park Playhouse

In “A Swingin’ Christmas,” which saluted the late Tony Bennett, music director Christopher Leavy and his combo made the most of Vince di Mura’s jazzy arrangements. And he got a piquant blend from the cast of four as they negotiated complex harmonies. In a show where no one was meant to sound precisely like Bennett, Leavy made sure the music evoked the late crooner’s spirit. This is Leavy’s seventh time on this honor roll; he was the Critic’s Pick in 2017.

David M. Lutken

‘Moonshine & Mistletoe’ ♦ Victory Productions/Jessica Huckabey Theatricals/Garden Theatre

David M. Lutken made mountain magic in “Moonshine & Mistletoe,” with a cast that brought the holidays to life with the traditional Appalachian sounds of folk, country, bluegrass and gospel. From squeezebox to strings to spoons, under Lutken’s direction the music was full of joy and laughter, and he did justice to Larry Moore’s clever arrangements.

Matt Lynx

‘Middletown’ ♦ Kangagirl Productions

Matt Lynx’s original score to “Middletown,” which is not a musical, provided a steady sense of drama. Lynx’s compositions tinkled with surprise, ended on notes that feel delightfully askew, or moved steadily along — a musical representation of watching the play’s characters travel life’s inexorable and complicated journey.

Austin McElwain

‘Rock of Ages’ ♦ Victory Productions/Garden Theatre

In a musical that demands over-the-top rocking, Austin McElwain’s musicians and vocalists delivered with just the right grin-inducing hair-metal flair. The big sound from the tight band and the big voices on display complemented each other rather than competed and gave the show the aural energy it needed to soar.

Terry Thomas & Richard Crawley

‘Bright Star’ ♦ Theatre UCF

In Theatre UCF’s “Bright Star,” Terry Thomas’s musicians warmly brought the bluegrass score to beautiful life with nuance and polished flair. Vocal director Richard Crawley complemented the players with his actors providing beautiful harmonies, both lush and ephemeral, depending on the mood.

Garrick Vaughan

‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ ♦ Orlando Shakes

As an actor in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” Garrick Vaughn effectively evoked sympathy for a declining Billie Holliday as her increasingly concerned accompanist. But as the production’s music director, Vaughan and his top-notch trio found a full emotional palate — from rat-a-tat rhythms to blood-soaked blues.

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