An Odenton resident and veteran of the county theatre scene has been nominated as best actress for her performance in a recent production of Oklahoma! 

Rebecca Feibel's portrayal of "Aunt Eller" during performances at Bowie Playhouse in November earned recognition from the Maryland Theatre Guide, which nominated her as "Best Supporting Actress"  for its annual Readers Choice awards.

"I was pretty shocked … it was like 'wow, that's my name!" Feibel said when she learned of the nomination. "I'm very happy about it, very happily surprised."

In playing Aunt Eller, Feibel said she tried to capture the humor and "salt-of-the-earth" nature of the woman, a community leader who plays a central role in the lives of the other characters. But she was surprised to find the role to be larger than that in the popular film version of Oklahoma!

"Aunt Eller is funny, so funny," Feibel said. "But when I originally took the part, I thought it was a smaller character. I think she has the most lines in the play."

Feibel's nomination is her first, though she has performed extensively in theatre groups all around Maryland. Her performance of Oklahoma was alongside the 2nd Star Productions, and she has also worked with the Summer Garden Theatre and Colonial Players, where she is a former vice president. 

"I'm thought I did a good job, but it's so great to get recognition for your work," she said. "But it is all about the show and the people and having fun." 

Feibel has also lent her services to the theatre department at Arundel High School and has held theater classes at the Piney Orchard Community Center. She lives in Piney Orchard and has two small children. 

Anyone may vote for the Maryland Theatre Guide's Readers' Choice Awards. Voting closes on Jan. 18.