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19th Annual Artie Awards

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



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