A Public Fit impresses with first play at theater awards show
Las Vegas' newest theater company, A Public Fit, lead the pack with 11 nominations for its single play of the season, "Foxfinder," during the second annual Vegas Valley Theatre Awards Monday. The ceremonies took place in front of a full house, with people literally standing in the aisles of the Inspire Theatre.
"Foxfinder" won awards for Best Production, Play; Ann Marie Pereth, Best Director, Play; Ginger Lanier, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Play; and Josh Wroblewski, Best Lighting Design.
The Super Summer Theatre-Feral Tale Theatricals production of ’Shrek the Musical’ walked in with 10 nominations and came out with six awards: Best Production, Musical; Ayler Evan, Best Actor, Musical; Best Ensemble, Musical; Erik Ball, Best Director and Costume Design; and Jordan Mazzocato, Best Supporting Role, Musical.
In a surprise of the evening Mazzocato shared his award with Steven Huntsman, who won for his performance in the Super Summer Theatre-P.S. Productions' "Spamalot."
A total of 20 awards were spread out among the participating companies. The awards are adjudicated by a cross-section of people in the community. But the general theatergoing audience gets its say as well and their choice for Best Production went to Signature Productions’ ’Mary Poppins.’
In a repeat performance, James Sohre brought a lot of fun to the night’s revelry as the master of ceremonies. Having a presence from the professional realm says something about how far local theater organizations have come in quality. Barry Brisco, cast member of "Puppetry of the Penis," with a hilarious addition to his attire, was in attendance to present two technical awards.
Myron Martin, president and CEO of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, was again on hand to give out some of the top awards.
Among the other awards:
Las Vegas Little Theatre's three nominations for ’Mrs. Mannerly’ delivered awards for Michael Blair and Gillen Brey for Best Actor and Best Actress, Play, respectively.
Joe Basso was presented with Best Supporting Actor, Play for Table 8's risk-taking "Motel," a production done in actual motel rooms.
The Best Ensemble, Play award went to Poor Richard’s Players for the zany "Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche."
Mary Beth Zentner scored the Best Supporting Actress, Musical award, and Ashley Oblad won the choreography prize for "Mary Poppins."
Ron Lindblom, stalwart designer at Las Vegas Little Theatre, received the award for Best Scenic Design for "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike."
Best Sound Design went to John McClaine for the Cockroach production of "Bug."
Jacob Coakley, founder and organizer of the Vegas Valley Theatre Awards, summed up the evening when he said, "The awards are not about competition. This is a celebration of and for the community."
Indeed, the applause and cheers for nominees and recipients alike sounded like the roar of a jet engine. People love to see their fellow artists succeed, because as the late Robert Dunkerly, former CSN Theatre Department Director, once opined, ’Good theater begets good theater.’
The next season (for awards purposes) is underway and it’s going to be exciting to see what amazing begets are in store. For more information on what the Valley Theatre Awards are all about, or if you’re interested in helping the organization reach its goals, log onto the website at www.lasvegasvalleys.com.
