And the Ostrander Award goes to . . .
After a season of well-crafted and widely varied theater productions, no single show stole the spotlight at the 26th annual Ostrander Awards Sunday night at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Instead, the plaques honored a broad spectrum of performances, ranging from period pieces such as "Cyrano" and "1776," to powerfully acted contemporary shows, "Bad Dates" and "Third."
Rory Dale
The "1776" cast has Megan Stein (Martha Jefferson), Michael Detroit (John Adams) and Dave Landis (Ben Franklin). The Circuit Playhouse play won "Best Musical Production" at the 2009 Ostrander Awards.
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Theatre Memphis once again dominated the design categories, taking a total of 14 awards, half of which went to technical and backstage personnel.
"Cyrano," a first-time collaboration between Theatre Memphis and the University of Memphis, split its five awards between the college and community divisions.
Circuit Playhouse, with its strong, actor-driven productions, won a total of seven Ossies, including the top two: best musical ("1776") and best dramatic production ("Third"). Playhouse on the Square won six awards, all but one for its immaculately produced debut of "The Light in the Piazza."
In an unusual turn for the Ostranders, the smaller theaters (Germantown Community Theatre and Harrell Theatre) were virtually shutout of the competition, though they had received nominations.
Sponsored by Contemporary Media and ArtsMemphis, the Ostranders -- the local equivalent of the Tonys -- was emceed by actor Steve Swift in character as Sister Myotis, a creation that will take him and Voices of the South to New York City in June.
The winner of this year's Eugart Yerian Award for Lifetime Achievement went to University of Memphis theater and director professor Joanna "Josie" Helming.
Community Division
Leading Actress in a Musical: Carla McDonald, "The Light in the Piazza," Playhouse on the Square
Leading Actor in a Musical (tie): Mike Detroit, "1776," Circuit Playhouse; Jesus Manuel Pacheco, "The Light in the Piazza," Playhouse on the Square
Supporting Actress in a Musical: Lydia Hart, "Curtains," Theatre Memphis
Supporting Actor in a Musical: Alvaro Francisco, "Rent," Playhouse on the Square
Direction of a Musical: Bob Hetherington, "1776," Circuit Playhouse
Musical Production: "1776," Circuit Playhouse
Leading Actress in a Drama: Kim Justis, "Bad Dates," NextStage at Theatre Memphis
Leading Actor in a Drama: Jerre Dye, "Cyrano," Theatre Memphis
Supporting Actress in a Drama: Ann Marie Caskey, "Our Town," Theatre Memphis
Supporting Actor in a Drama: Ron Gephart, "Third," Circuit Playhouse
Direction of a Drama: Ann Marie Hall, "Bad Dates," NextStage at Theatre Memphis
Dramatic Production: "Third," Circuit Playhouse
Larry Riley Rising Star Award: Alvaro Francisco
Eugart Yerian Award for Lifetime Service to Memphis Theatre: Josie Helming
Costumes: Andre Bruce Ward, "Cyrano," Theatre Memphis
Lighting Design: Ken Friedhoff, "Oklahoma," Theatre Memphis
Music Direction: Renee Kemper, "The Light in the Piazza," Playhouse on the Square
Choreography and Fight Choreography: Jesus Manuel Pacheco and Scott Ferguson, "Altar Boyz," Circuit Playhouse
College Division
Leading Actress in a Drama: Jane Kilgore, "The Skin of Our Teeth," Rhodes College
Leading Actor in a Drama: Darius Frye, "Talk Radio," U of M
Supporting Actress in a Drama: Shannon King, "Fat Pig," Rhodes
Supporting Actor in a Drama: Sean Christian Taylor, "Eurydice," U of M
Costumes: Joyce Bamman, "Eurydice," U of M
Lighting Design: John McFadden, "Cyrano," U of M
Makeup: Jason Blank, "Eurydice," U of M
Sound Design: Eric Sefton, "The Skin of Our Teeth," Rhodes
Direction of a Drama: Bob Hetherington, "Cyrano," U of M
Dramatic Production: "The Skin of Our Teeth," Rhodes
Best Original Script: Steve Swift, Latrelle Bright, Jerre Dye, "Pre-sent Pres-ent," Voices of the South
Best Production of a New Play: "Guided Tour," Playwrights' Forum
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