Lewis, Merkerson, Moore, Porter, et al. Win Audelco Awards

Norm Lewis, S. Epatha Merkerson, Melba Moore, and Billy Porter are among the winners of the 2005 Vivan Robinson/AUDELCO Recognition Awards, honoring excellence in New York-based Black theater. The “VIV” ceremony, as it is known, was held on Monday, November 21 at Aaron Davis Hall.

Merkerson and Porter won for their performances in the Second Stage production of Birdie Blue, which was named Best Dramatic Production of the Year and also earned an Audelco for lighting designer Donald Holder. Moore won for her solo show Sweet Songs of the Soul and Lewis won for his work in Dessa Rose, which was named Musical Production of the Year.

The Classical Theater of Harlem led the pack with 23 nominations and took home seven awards for its production of Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death — for actress Lizan Mitchell, director Alfred Preisser, choreographer Bruce Heath, musical director William Patterson, set designer Troy Hourie, costume designer Kimberly Glennon, and sound designer Toure Harris.

The Billie Holliday Theater’s production of A Freeman’s Hope was honored with awards to playwright Joyce Sylvester and actors Rob Bobb-Semple and Peggy Alston. Also taking home trophies were the ensemble cast of Home and Lillie Marie Redwood, director of The Old Settler.