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The Artie Awards

The 16th Annual Artie Awards, celebrating excellence in Buffalo theater, will be presented Monday, May 22 at the Town Ballroom. The doors will open at 7:30 and the awards show, hosted by actors Lisa Ludwig and Norm Sham, and me, will begin just after 8pm. Jazz singer Peggy Farrell has committed to make her 16th Artie appearance.

The event will benefit Benedict House, which provides for the needs of people living with AIDS. Area theaters sold red ribbons during the month leading up to the Arties. In addition, the $10 donation at the door will also go to Benedict House.

The awards are given only to artists who reside or work primarily in Western New York. In addition, the Katharine Cornell Award is giving to visiting artists.

Each year Studio Arena uses its large audience base to add significantly to the total contribution to Benedict House. This year newly appointed artistic director Kathleen Gaffney will be on hand as an Artie presenter. Other highlights include the traditional song parodies in tribute to the nominated shows.

The Artie award nominations, published in last week’s Artvoice, provide evidence of significant work in the 2005-2006 theater season.

The Arties are always a fabulous party. Whereas Curtain Up! is for the audience, Artie Night is the one night each year when the theater community actually gets to celebrate with each other. Congratulations to all the nominees!