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19th Annual Artie Awards
by Anthony Chase
It was another fabulous night at the Arties with 400 people in attendance and a record-breaking total of over $12,000 going to Benedict House. With Studio Arena out of the game, Buffalo’s smaller theaters sold red ribbons with reenergized commitment. Tim Newell made the pitch at the Irish Classical Theatre, bringing in $6,000; MusicalFare collected $5,000. This even tops last year when the cast of Avenue Q at Shea’s pitched in!
Peggy Farrell performed at her 19th Arties this year, again, with Mike T. Jones.
Jimmy Lee of TT New York provided gorgeous gowns for Lisa Ludwig. Marty’s Formal Wear outfitted co-hosts Norm Sham and Doug Weyand with tuxedo attire, adding to their already irrepressible charm. Michael Hake lent his exceptional talent and limitless humor to musical direction, shining brightest with a heart-wrenching and inspiring performance by the memorial choir.
Tom Dooney of Jewish Rep gave countless hours to the administrative oversight of the voting. The Artie Committee attended an average of 50 productions each and voted with devoted care.
Caitlin Crowell and a posse of volunteers from the Nichols School decorated the Town Ballroom and helped with logistics. The Town Ballroom itself provided exceptional hospitality and an elegant atmosphere. Deb Ellis, Betsy Frazer, Rose Mattrey, and everyone at Artvoice gave above and beyond to make the event a success.
Performers from nominated musicals lent their voices to an entertaining evening at which a spirit of community was all-pervasive.
Presenters made an effort to look grand, and to be entertaining. Todd Benzin and Michele Roberts made a surprise appearance with their newborn baby, Vincent. (They sneaked in through a back entrance with the child and took him home immediately after their presentation). Manny Fried made an inspiring appearance to present the new play award named in his honor. Roslyn Ruff wins the award for coming the furthest, taking a break from rehearsal in New York to present the career achievement awards.
Launch the 2009 Arties Slideshow
2009 Artie Winners
Production of a Play Doubt, BUA Production of a Musical Sunday in the Park With George, MusicalFare Direction of a Play Scott Behrend, The Man Who Had All the Luck Direction of a Musical Randall Kramer, Sunday in the Park with George Choreography Michael J. Walline, Go Dog, Go! Ensemble of a Play Is He Dead?, Kavinoky Ensemble of a Musical Jamestown Gals, MusicalFare Actor in a Play David Oliver, Endwords Actress in a Play Ellen Horst, Awake and Sing Supporting Actor in a Play Richard Wesp, Ah! Wilderness Supporting Actress in a Play Mary Loftus, Beauty Queen of Leenane |
Actor in a Musical Joe Wiens, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Actress in a Musical Jenn Stafford, Sunday in the Park with George Supporting Actor in a Musical Tim Newell, Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh Supporting Actress in a Musical Stephanie Bax, Hell Hole Honeys Set Design Chris Schenk, Sunday in the Park with George Lighting Design John Rickus, The Man Who Had All the Luck Costume Design Donna Massimo, King Lear Emanuel Fried Award for New Play A Little Bit of Paradise by Annette Daniels Taylor Career Achievement Beverly Dove June L. Saunders Duell |
Video from the 2009 Artie Awards: Song Performances
Issue Navigation> Issue Index > v8n23 (Summer Guide: week of Thursday, June 4, 2009) > 19th Annual Artie Awards This Week's Issue • Artvoice Daily • Artvoice TV • Events Calendar • Classifieds |