If the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards are the most prestigious of the local theater honors, the L.A. Weekly Awards are known for their irreverent joy.
The L.A. Weekly Theater Awards honor productions in houses of 99 seats or less. This year’s 21st annual ceremony was appropriately held at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, where the bathrooms are located in the former bank’s former vault. (Some of the locking mechanisms are still in the wall to remind you….)
The lovable theater and TV veteran Charlotte Rae and the wildly funny Chris Wells co-hosted the evening, which featured ties in several categories. But a good portion of the night’s entertainment was offered in the lobby. The bar was open, and people streamed out of the theater to get their suds or their juice of the grape (once they’d received their awards, of course) and to log onto TheaterMania to type in their comments. Performers love to perform, whether on stage or screen or computer screen. And anyone who had a production coming up or a new space to promote was handing out postcards and press releases to those willing to accept them.
The eclectic group of presenters and performers had people talking in the lobby. Avery Schreiber–now, there’s a blast from the past! Do you remember his comedic partner in crime? Once the partner of George Carlin, as a matter of fact? Okay, enough hints: Jack Burns. Burns & Schreiber, remember?
Michael Learned–who recently appeared in What the Butler Saw at A Noise Within–presented Ellen Geer with the Career Achievement Award. John Spencer–from the best show on TV, The West Wing–chatted with lots of folks. The one and only Sally Kirkland was there, too.
Now, if this city would just do something about the disgusting parking facilities on Spring Street. Come on L.A.! While the Disney Hall and new cathedral are under construction, pay attention to caring for our existing cultural centers. Will you?
Following is a list of the nominees and winners in each category, with comments by some of the happy winners:
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PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR:
The Greeks, Odyssey Theater Ensemble
Harry Thaw Hates Everybody, Indecent Exposure Theater Co. at L.A. Theater Center
No Orchids for Miss Blandish, Evidence Room at the Ivy Substation
Resa Fantastiskt Mystisk, Burglars of Hamm/Ghost Road Company at Theater of NOTE
And the winner is…
The Greeks
Comments:
Ron Sossi: “It’s so terrific to be honored for a centuries old series of Greek dramas, running for six hours. It speaks to the growing enthusiasm and sophistication of an audience that is quickly becoming the aficionados the country’s most exciting theatre scene.”
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REVIVAL PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR (OF A 20TH-CENTURY WORK):
The Adding Machine, Sacred Fools Theater Company at the Heliotrope Theater
Dutchman, Authentic Company at Theater at the Improv
The Illusion, Namaste Theater Company at the Actors’ Gang Theater
Terminal, Non-Prophet Hatching Company at Theatre/Theater
And the winner is…
The Adding Machine
Comments:
Keller: “Sacred Fools was lucky enough to be asked to co-host the awards with LA Weekly this year, leaving me and the rest of the company far too busy to conceive of actually winning. Thanks so much to everyone, cast and crew, and especially to my wife. I wish Danielle was here…”
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MUSICAL OF THE YEAR:
How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Colony Studio Theater
Marry Me a Little, Celebration Theater
Medea: The Musical!, Hudson Mainstage Theater
Reefer Madness!, Hudson Backstage Theater
Too Old for the Chorus, Celebration Theater
And the winner is…
Medea: The Musical! (Jon Zimmerman/John Fisher)
Comments:
Zimmerman: “It was a wonderful honor to win this award. I’d like to thank John Fisher, the writer, and the cast and crew. Now, it’s on to New York.”
Fisher: “What he said!”
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LEADING FEMALE PERFORMANCE:
Michele Farr, The Cherry Orchard, Interact Theater Company
Ames Ingham, No Orchids for Miss Blandish, Evidence Room at the Ivy Substation
Bernadette Sullivan, Scenes From an Execution, Zoo District
And the winner is…
Bernadette Sullivan
Comments:
Sullivan: “Zoo district is an amazingly supportive family… and fertile, too. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To papa Art, artist and guide. I feel truly blessed.”
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LEADING MALE PERFORMANCE:
Loren Bass, Othello, Pasadena Shakespeare Company
Leland Crooke, 900 Oneonta, Odyssey Theater Ensemble
Richard Fancy, The Master Builder, Pacific Resident Theater
Craig Mathers, The Adding Machine, Sacred Fools at the Heliotrope Theater
And the winner is…
Loren Bass
Comments:
Bass: “Since arriving in this town, people in the industry have warned me that doing too much Shakespeare in not a good thing for one’s career. So I guess actually winning an award for doing Shakespeare probably means I’ll never work in this town again. I’m glad to go out on a high note.”
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