YOUNGSTOWN AREA COMMUNITY THEATRE AWARDS

     The “6th Annual Marquee Awards”  were held last night in a lavish ceremony at the Youngstown Saxon Club on Meridian Road.  Hosted by WYTV’s Jim Loboy and three time Marquee Award winner, Brandy Johanntges, the evening was attended by about 200 local actors, technicians and theatre managers as the “best” performances were announced for the 2008 / 2009 season.  And although local theatres fared well, Akron’s Weathervane Community Playhouse walked away with both the top prize of Best Musical and 21 other awards.  CHILDREN OF EDEN, along with gaining top mention also collected 17 other awards for Weathervane with their MAN OF LaMANCHA winning Best Cameo Performance by an Actor in a Musical for Jeff Bixby’s portrayal of The Barber.  Weathervane also picked up awards for their productions of  LOVE, VALOUR, COMPASSION, A DOLL’S HOUSE and A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM.

     The evening got off to a rousing start with Rob Joki, and company, performing “Seasons of Love” from the musical RENT.  It then continued in high gear with Loboy and Johanntges as hosts as they injected energy and humor into the evening along with jabs to keep the audience laughing.  Local theatres were no slouch this year as the Oakland Center for the Arts collected 9 awards among them being DRIVING MISS DAISY, which won Best Play honors along with Director Terri Wilkes picking up the Best Director award for directing the audience pleaser.  Other Oakland winners were REEFER MADNESS, DOUBT and I’M NOT THAT GIRL, directed by and starring Joki.  Top Hat Productions claimed 5 awards for their productions of AIDA and THE EARTH TREMBLED.  Following Top Hat, the New Castle Playhouse scored 4 hits with SOUTH PACIFIC and LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR.  Remaining winners were the Stage Left Players with 2 for QUILTERS and GOLDILOCKS IN BOBBY SOX; Victorian Players with one for THE MIRACLE WORKER and the Youngstown Playhouse with one for COMPANY.

     The YACTA committee is to be commended this year for staying away from the special awards, which slowed the evening considerably the past two years.  Although the special awards should be continued, they need to be done on a short leash in the future.   The evening started off with a cocktail hour with live entertainment.  Dinner was then served with the awards beginning at 8pm.  As is usual, the main body of the awards moved along well and was appreciated by the enthusiastic audience. For a complete list of winners check the list in today’s paper or go to www.marqueeawards.com.