| MY TOP TEN ACTING AWARDS FOR REGIONAL DRAMA/COMEDIES & MUSICAL | |
| Posted by: | Richard Connema 02:17 pm EST 12/27/14 |
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| I had a tough time selecting actors and actresses in both regional dramas/comedies and musicals after reviewing 140 production but here the list. ------------------------------ TOP TEN PRINCIPAL ACTORS IN DRAMA/COMEDY ----------------------- . DONALD CURRIE ---THE HABIT OF ART---THEATRE RHINOCEROUS---He was outstanding as the unconventional Auden. He made sure you cared about the character’s frailty and dried up talent. ROD GNAPP—EVERY FIVE MINUTES—MAGIC THEATRE—he was mesmerizing as a broken tormented person. He played a man bushed, jumpy and petulant. Also he was outstanding in the role of the road-weary, grizzled writer in “36 Stories by Sam Shepard at Z Below Space. CARL LUMBLY---FENCES---MARIN THEATRE---Carl was mesmerizing as Troy. He brought strong personal warmth to the part but also compellingly exposed Troy’s disturbing and unpleasant flaws. JAMES CARPENTER---AMERICAN BUFFALO—AURORA THEATRE---he knocked the role of the self-important Teach right out of the park What an outstanding performance. He was both comic and dangerous. . NICHOLAS PELCZAR---THE WHALE---MARIN THEATRE---he brilliant playing in an effective fat suit the lead Charlie. His performance seems dreadfully real at time with his frequent coughs and painting pauses. J. CONRAD FRANK----DIE, MOMMIE, DIE----NCTC---He was brilliant in the role of Angela. He gave an outstanding over the top performance and he paced beautifully about the stage when unfolding past glories and stole every scene that he was in. L. PETER CALLENDER---BREAKFAST WITH MUGABE---AURORA THEATRE CO---he was superb as her morphed into Robert Mugabe not only in voice but in facial and body movements. TIM HOMSLEY---PETER AND THE STARCATCHER---THEATRE WORKS—he was brilliant playing Peter. He captured the essence of the boy who would not grow up. PATRICK KELLY JONES---PETER AND THE STARCATCHER—THEATRE WORKS---He damn near stole the show as the flamboyant Black Stache who would someday be Captain Hook. Just the scene of when he caught his hand in the treasure chest and he kept reapeting “Oh my God” was fantastic MARK ANDERSON PHILLIPS---A CHRISTMAS CAROL---CENTER REP OF WALNUT CREEK---I have many persons playing Scrooge but Mark is probably one of the best Scrooge’s I have ever saw. It brought new liveliness and texture to the character. He infused the character with the spirit of a young man and in those last scenes he minded me of the great British actor Alastair Sim who played the role in the J. Arthur Rank film --------------------------- TOP TEN PRINCIPAL ACTRESS IN A DRAMA/COMEDY --------------------------- LYDIA DE VITO---CLYBOURNE PARK---CENTER REP---she gave a stunning performance as Bev, a pseudo 1950’s liberal. HARRIETT D FOY---HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND—AURORA---she was dynamic in the role of Makeda. She was abruptly witty with her earthly truth telling with her powerful voice of what was occurring in New Orleans at the time of the play. STACY ROSS---BAUER---SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE--- She was powerful playing Baroness Hilla and she made the role believable at Bauer’s past lover and mentor. MEGAN TROUT---DRACULAR INQUEST---CENTRAL WORKS---she gave a charismatic performance as the mad woman Mina Harker. ELENA WRIGHT—AS YOU LIKE IT---MARIN SHAKESPEARE---She was a pure delight as Rosalind. She brought a certain pluckiness to the part and there was a a natural uncalculated charm about her. MARILEE TALKINGTON---RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN--- she gave a wonderful performance as Catherine. Her credibility hinged on the character that is forced to consider where her dearest principals still apply to her current life. She skillfully allowed a mix of contradictory thoughts to play across her face. MARCIA PIZZO---AN IDEAL HUSBAND—MARIN SHAKESPEARE---she was exceptional as Lady Chiltern. Her confrontations between her husband were beautifully accomplished by two splendid actors. IRENE LUCIO---PYGMALION---CAL SHAKES----she was wonderful as Eliza Doolittle and showed the character as a tough working class girl. She skillfully captured the arc of Eliza’s development. CARLA PANTOJA----TAMING OF THE SHREW---SF SHAKES---she really tore up the stage as Katherine in this outdoor production. ARWEN ANDERSON—77%---SF PLAYHOUSE SANDBOX SERIES---She was brilliant in the role of Melissa. ----------------------- TOP TEN SUPPORTING ACTRESSES -------------- MARIE SHELL----PARDON MY INVASION--- she was hilarious with her smoky voice and her dialogue in her confrontations with one of the characters was outstanding and yes X Rated. SUSI DAMILANO---BAUER----SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE---she was superb as the headstrong wife who wanted closure for her husband Bauer. MARGO HALL---FENCES---MARIN THEATRE COMPANY---she gave a beautiful performance as Troy’s wife Rose. She gave the character warmth and humor. She also was terrific playing Bottom in Cal Shakes’s production of “A Midsummer Night Dream”. LAUREN ENGLISH---SEMINAR---SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE---She was very impressive as Kate, the would be Jane Austin. She showed great depth in her performance. SUZANNE GRODNER----THE GREAT PRETENDER---THEATRE WORKS---She gave an enthusiastic performance as the bombastic Carol. There was a little of Kathleen Turner in her performance. CARRIE PAAF---EVERY FIVE MINUTES---MAGIC---She gave a magnetic performance as the wife of Ben. NEIL GEISSLINGER----TRIBES----BERKELEY REP---she gave an impressive performance in the difficult role of Sylvia. RILEY KRULL---BAD JEW—MAGIC THEATRE—a wonderful performance who was “shiksa” girl friend the Jewish Liam. She beautifully underplayed the performance. LIZ SKLAR---THE WHALE—MARIN THEATER—she excels as Liz, the hard-bitten and jealouly protective friend and nurse of Charlie. KAREN GRASSIE---77%---SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE SANDBOX SERIES---She gave a splendid performance as Frankie the mother THE TOP TEN SUPPORTING ACTORS IN DRAMA/COMEDY ADAM ROY----AS YOU LIKE IT---MARIN SHAKESPEARE---He was hilarious as Touchstone dressed in an outlandish vaudeville clown suit. He played the role like an old time burlesque comedian. CHRISTIAN PHILLIPS---CAT ON A HOT TINE ROOF---TIDES THEATRE---he gave a brilliant performance as Big Daddy. He commanded the stage as if he owned it with this magnificent performance in the second act. JAMES CARPENTER---PYGMALION---CAL SHAKES---He was terrific as Eliza’s father Alfred. He had a wonderful range running from genial to ruthless. It was an outstanding performance. DARREN BRIDGET---AN IDEAL HUSBAND---MARIN SHAKES---he was outstanding as effete Lord Gorng who have all of Oscar Wilde’s best lines MAX ROSENAK---BAD JEW---MAGIC THEATRE---a terrific performance by the self-styled “bad Jew” who has been skeptical about religion . ADAM MAGILL---THE WHALE---MARIN THEATRE---he gave a winning performance as the enthusiastic young Mormon missionary. DEVIN S. O’BRIEN---DIE, MOMMIE, DIE---NCTC---he was spectacular as Lance. This is a young actor who has great potential and he gave it is all in the effeminate Lance. DAN HIATT---BREAKFAST WITH MUGABE---AURORA THEATRE---He gave a shining performance as the psychiatrist and his confrontations with Mugabe were breathtaking. JEREMY KAHN—PETER AND THE STARCATCHER---THEATRE WORKS—although a smaller role he was perfect as one of the boys in Peter’s gang. Also he was captivating as the confused Hamlet in “Wittenberg” MICHAEL RAY WISELY---A CHRISTMAS CAROL---CENTER REP OF WALNUT CREEK--- He was memorable as the Ghost of Christmas Present. He kept is performance fresh and added an extra element of fun to the production. ------------------------------- TEN TOP ACTORS IN MUSICALS ----------------------- RYAN DRUMMOND----PAINTING THE CLOUDS WITH SUNSHINE---42ND STREET Moon----He was marvelous giving a sumptuous performance singing and dancing in such songs as “Dusty Shoes”. He was also perfect for the role of Denny in the role with his lively, big vocal cords. BRUCE VALANCH---DU BERRY WAS A LADY---42ND STREET MOON—He brought special comic brilliance to the role of a nightclub attendant and then inadvertently imbibes in knock-out drops me to awaken to find himself King Louis XV in 18th Century France. WARREN WERNICK---THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE---CENTER REP OF WALNUT CREEK---this 23 year old kid gave an outstanding performance as the soft-hearted, colorfully clothed misfit Leaf Coneybear. He had the most marvelous expressions on his face when he was attempting to spell the words. A.J. SHIVELY---MARRY ME A LITTLE---THEATREWORKS--- he had a vibrant voice as he bounced about the stage. It was an outstanding performance. TIM HOMSLEY---INTO THE WOODS—SF PLAYHOUSE---he gave a vivid performance as Jack and he had remarkable force and musical dexterity in his songs. He was also crowd pleasing performance as the goofy Eugene with his pitch perfect voice. MORRIS ROBINSON---SHOW BOAT—SF OPERA--- he was outstanding as Joe and his rendition of the introspective protest song “Ol Man River” was very moving. KEITH PINTO---HARRY THAW HATES EVERYBODY---SHOTGUN PLAYERS—this is not really a musical but a play with music. He wonderfully appeared in the vaudeville musical and he gave a Brava performance. NATHANIEL ROTHROCK----THE BOY FRIEND---42ND STREET MOON---he gave a commanding performance as the Tony the delivery boy. He had pitch perfect voice singing “I Could be Happy with You and he had graceful moves when dancing the number. JEFFREY BRIAN ADAMS---PROMISES, PROMISES---SF PLAYHOUSE---he steals the show as the aspirating young man wanting to climb the ladder of success. He gave a flawless performance and he did so with zippiness and magnetism. Also excellent as the prancing prince of Cinderella in “Into the Woods” at SF Playhouse RAY REINHARDT----PROMISE, PROMISE—SF PLAYHOUSE this veteran actor lighted up the stage every time he was in a scene with his great one liners as the neighborhood doctor. ------------------------------ THE TOP TEN ACTRESSES IN MUSICALS --------------------- ALLISON F RICH---PAINTING THE CLOUDS WITH SUNSHINE===42nd street Moon---she was splendid as Ryan’s partner. She stunning singing a song about “pot”. ASHLY RAE LITTLE---DU BERRY WAS A LADY---42nd STREET MOON--- She played DuBerry. She belts out with powerful vocal cords such songs as “Come on It”, “But in the Morning No” and the popular “Friendship” with Bruce Vilanch. FAITH PRINCE---THOU SWELL! THOU WITTY!---42ND STREET MOON---She headline the revue of Rodgers and Hart songs and one again she rocked in her numbers. LEANNE BORGHESI---THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE---CENTER REP OF WALNUT CREEK---She brilliantly belted out Ethel Merman style “The Rules” BRITTANY DANIELLE---THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE—CENTER REP OF WALNUT CREEK---she played the angry rebel Logainne and she gave an energy driven performance SHARON RIETKERK---MARRY ME A LITTLE—THEATREWORKS she was perfect in the role of Her. She had a melodious voice and handled the Sondheim melodies beautifully. She was also entrancing as Lois and had dynamic vocal chops singing the songs. SAFIYA FREDERICKS—INTO THE WOODS—SF PLAYHOUSE---she was mesmeric with strong vocal chops as the witch. EMILY SKINNER---DO I HEAR A WALTZ?—42ND STREET MOON---she was magnificent in the role of Leona Samish. She had a bright and solid but expansive voice singing the Rodgers-Sondheim songs. HEATHER ORTH----YEAST NATION---RAY OF LIGHT---she was outstanding as the blind, witchy see Jan-the Unnamed. She had a vibrant voice singing the songs. She was also great in “Something for the Boys” and she could belt out Ethel Merman style the Cole Porter songs . JENNIFER MITCHELL---THE BOY FRIEND—NCTC---she was effervescent as Polly Brown. She had a wonderful voice and a commanding stillness. | |
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| re: CORRECTIONS ON NAMES OF ACTORS &ACTRESSES IN THE MUSICALS | |
| Posted by: | Richard Connema 12:18 pm EST 01/08/15 |
| In reply to: | MY TOP TEN ACTING AWARDS FOR REGIONAL DRAMA/COMEDIES & MUSICAL - Richard Connema 02:17 pm EST 12/27/14 |
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| Sorry for the mistakes Bruce Vilanch---"Du Barry Was a Lady" Ashley Rae Little---"Du Barry was a Lady" Jennifer Mitchell---"The Boy Friend" ""The Boy Friend" was produced by 42nd Street Moon Company as was "Du Barry Was a Lady" | |
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| re: MY TOP TEN ACTING AWARDS FOR REGIONAL DRAMA/COMEDIES & MUSICAL | |
| Posted by: | Richard Connema 07:48 pm EST 01/06/15 |
| In reply to: | MY TOP TEN ACTING AWARDS FOR REGIONAL DRAMA/COMEDIES & MUSICAL - Richard Connema 02:17 pm EST 12/27/14 |
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| Oh I made a mistake on this very last actress in a musical comedy. It was Jennifer Mitchell in "The Boy Friend" but 42nd Street Moon presented this delightful musical rather than New Conservatory Theatre Center. My apologies to 42nd Street Moon Company | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message | |
| re: TOP SOLO PERFORMANCES TOP OSF PRODUCTIONS, TOP ACTING EMBAMBLES AND SPECIAL AWARDS | |
| Posted by: | Richard Connema 02:27 pm EST 12/27/14 |
| In reply to: | MY TOP TEN ACTING AWARDS FOR REGIONAL DRAMA/COMEDIES & MUSICAL - Richard Connema 02:17 pm EST 12/27/14 |
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| I grouped the following into these categories -------------------------- SOLO PERFORMANCES -------------------- KAREN MASON---BAY AREA CABARET—FAIRMONT== her show was called “Secrets of Ancient Divas” and she wowed the audience with her powerful and crystal clear voice with her warm and endearing personality. MAESTRO---BERKELEY REP---Hershey Felder was brilliant as Leonard Bernstein talking about his life. BARRY LLOYD---SOCIETY CABARET---His take on Cole Porter songs were skillful with his distinguish controlled baritone voice. He also did a wonderful tribute to composer and lyricist Murray Grand laster that year. EACH AND EVERY THING—THE MARSH---Dan Hoyle who is a skilled performer in recreating voices of people he met was excellent in his newest solo performance. TERRY BAUM---HICK: A LOVE STORY—CRACKPOT CRONES---she brought life to this hard-living butch reporter, Lorena Hickok who had a “romance” with Eleanor Roosevelt. HERSHEY FELDER---MONSIEUR CHOPIN---BERKELEY REP—Once again Hershey morphed into Fredic Chopin where he talked about his relationship with George Sands and played brilliantly on the piano Chopin’s lovely melodies . DARLENE POPOVIC---SOCIETY CABARET---Her show was called “Love and Laughter” and she delighted the audience with her stories and songs of relationships between male and female . MICHAEL URIE---BUYER AND CELLAR—SHN---He was fine, funny and fabulous as a wanna be actor Alex who gets a job as a custodian and clerk of the basement of Barbra Streisand’s fabled estate. AN AUDIENCE WITH MEOW MEOW---BERKELEY REP---Meow Meow voice was outstanding in range and textue. She had terrific comic timing, improvisation wit and some fetching audience participation. JAI RODRIGUEZ----SOCIETY CABARET—He did a bang up show talking about his life and struggles to come out a gay man to his family of strict Catholics . LESLIE UGGAMS---BAY AREA CABARET---she exemplied the old time Broadway professionalism in her 80 minute “Classic Uggams”. At age 73 she still had a melodious voice and she could still belt out a tune. This was also my last night with Eddy and he was over the moon with her voice and talking to her afterwards. He left this earth on a high note. KATHLEEN TURNER---RED HOT PATRIOTS—BERKELEY REP----she beautifully morphed into Molly Ivins, a liberal Texas firebrand whose syndicated columns ran in 400 newspapers. She caught the brassy, sharp-written columnist in all of her glory ------------------------------- TOP ACTING ENSEMBLES ----------------------------- L.PETER CALLENDER, TOBIE WINDHAM AND NICHOLAS PELCZAR---I could not distinguish each separate actor since they all gave outstanding performances RON CAMPBELL, DARREN BRIDGETT, MICHAEL GENE SULLIVAN---HOUNDS OF THE BASKERVILLES--THEATREWORKS---once again I could not distinguish each separate actor since each played their various roles brilliantly STACY ROSS AND JAMIE JONES---GIDION’S KNOT—AURORA---Two very excellent actresses held the audience for 75 minutes spellbound their confrontation of words. KIT WILDER AND THOMAS GORREBEECH ---SLEUTH---CENTER REP OF WALNUT CREEK—Also both were outstanding in this two character play. ARWEN ANDERSON, PATRICK RUSSELL AND KAREN GRASSIE ----77%---SF PLAYHOUSE SANDBOX they gave magnetic performances in a play that needed more work. CARRIE PAFF, MARK ANDERSON PHILLIPS, MICHAEL RAY WISELY, JASON KOPOOR AND BEN EUPHRAT ---IDELATION----SAN FRANCISICO PLAYHOUSE. ---. Once again it has one of the great cast of the year and each gave a fantastic performance. CONOR HAMILL AND MELVIN THOMPSON---THE TRAIN DRIVER---OFF BROADWAY WEST—they gave gripping performances. Conor gave a robust performance with a striking Boar accent. Marvin as a simple Black man who has seen more hardships then his white counterpart. ---------------------- SPECIAL AWARD TO ------------------- MOTOWN, THE MUSICAL---SHN. ---book was weak but all those amazing singers and dancers made up for the weak book of Berry Gordy and Motown Records. PIPPIN---SHN---I saw the original and this revival which won the Tony was just as good. It had a new approach and it was a brilliant and magical production. KINKY BOOTS--SHN ----This was filled with likable pop tunes and intense ballads thanks to Cyndi Lauper’s score and Harvey Fierstein’s book celebrated the diversity and preached a conventional and conversant message about respecting other people’s variances. ELF---THE MUSICAL—SHN---A clever little old fashioned musical with delightful brassy musical numbers. ------------------------ THE BEST OF THE OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ------------------------- Once again the Oregon Shakespeare Festival presented an excellent season at the beginning of Spring. Outstanding and hilarious was “The Coconuts”. Mark Bedard as Groucho, John Tufts as Chico and Brent Hinkley as Harpo were pure enjoyment and there actually morphed into these three zany brothers. The seventeen member cast really rocked in this fast pace screwball comedy The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window has an awe inspiring OSF cat who expertly approached the playwright’s character study of the 60’s. The Comedy of Errors was fantastic. It took place in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s. It was one of the most endearing and funniest production of the play I had ever seen. | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message | |
| re: TOP SOLO PERFORMANCES TOP OSF PRODUCTIONS, TOP ACTING EMBAMBLES AND SPECIAL AWARDS | |
| Posted by: | dreambaby 01:51 pm EST 12/30/14 |
| In reply to: | re: TOP SOLO PERFORMANCES TOP OSF PRODUCTIONS, TOP ACTING EMBAMBLES AND SPECIAL AWARDS - Richard Connema 02:27 pm EST 12/27/14 |
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| I so enjoy and appreciate these Richard - especially with the moving report of Eddy's and your pleasure in the Leslie Uggams performance. Wishing you good health, and much joy and pleasure in 2015! | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message | |
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