Stage Standouts

When Sarah Hoover first told me about an idea to hold a community theater awards show, my immediate reaction was, “That sounds like a lot of fun!”

But as Hoover, the managing director of the Bartell Theatre, explained more about what the event would be, I realized it would be more than a night of celebration. Sure, the Bartell Theatre Awards would be a chance to recognize achievements by its resident companies—Encore Studio for the Performing Arts, Laboratory Theatre, Madison Theatre Guild, Mercury Players Theatre, StageQ and Strollers Theatre. Yet it would also bring the theater community together to highlight contributions that take place off the stage.

George Gonzalez and Peter Hunt hosted the event, which took place July 10, with appearances by Jessica Jane Witham, a.k.a. “Ms. Bartie,” and event director and producer Molly Vanderlin.

If you missed the ceremony, as I unfortunately did, and you're on Facebook, check out this opening video (inspired by a scene in Goodfellas) posted by Rob Matsushita and photos of the night by Colm McCarthy here.

Read on for the list of winners—and mark your calendar for next year’s Barties on July 9, 2011.

Best Drama
Tie: The Hot L Baltimore, Madison Theatre Guild, and Two Rooms, Madison Theatre Guild

Best Comedy/Musical
The Stops, StageQ

Best Dramatic Performance by an Actor/Actress
Tie: Liz Angle, Random Harvest, StageQ, and Jessica Jane Witham, Meg, Madison Theatre Guild

Funniest Performance by an Actor/Actress
Molly Vanderlin, Sappho In Love, StageQ

Best Ensemble Cast
Playboy of the Western World, Strollers Theatre

People’s Choice Award
Tidings from the Seasonally Affected, Encore Studio for the Performing Arts

Best Entrance
The ensemble cast, The Stops, StageQ

Most Memorable Sound Design
John Salutz, The Hot L Baltimore, Madison Theatre Guild

Biggest Tear-Jerking Moment
Terry Kiss Frank, Souvenir, Madison Theatre Guild

Most Memorable Lighting Design
Eric S. Barry, Sappho In Love, StageQ

Best Portrayal of a Non-Homo Sapiens
Marcy Weiland, In the Beginning, Mercury Players Theatre

Most Memorable Set Design
Greg Harris, Playboy of the Western World, Strollers Theatre

Most Memorable Costume Design
Sean Langenecker, Sappho In Love, StageQ

Biggest Belly-Laugh Moment
The Ensemble Cast, Forever Plaid, Madison Theatre Guild

Best Poster/Print Design
Andy Rusch, Man of La Mancha, Strollers Theatre

Best Stage Kiss
Rachel Granda-Gluski and Christine Esche, Sappho In Love, StageQ

Play Most Likely to Inspire Audience to Pursue a Career in Theater
The Stops, StageQ

Most Thought-Provoking Production
Souvenir, Madison Theatre Guild

Best Save by a Cast Member
Sarah Luedtke, “for knowing how to open a door” in Tidings From the Seasonally Affected, Encore Studio for the Performing Arts

Best Sharer of Space
StageQ

Most Valuable Volunteer
Rachel Friedman (for ten years of service for Encore)

Most Entertaining Curtain Call
Tie: Forever Plaid, Madison Theatre Guild, and Sappho In Love, StageQ

For more information, visit bartelltheatre.org.

Photos—of Molly Vanderlin, George Gonzalez, Peter Hunt and Jessica Jane Witham—courtesy of Colm McCarthy. 

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