Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Ostrander Nominations 2010
Posted by Chris Davis on Wed, Aug 4, 2010 at 1:03 PM
This year's nominations all seem fairly obvious, although there is at least one name missing from the list below that has me absolutely stunned. Can anybody else guess who that may be? Hint: He was in a show that received several nominations and he could have been nominated for either best leading or supporting actor depending on how the judges wanted to call it. I'll go into greater detail about this in a later post. Meanwhile, talk among yourselves. Tell me who you think was left out, and who you think should go home with an Ozzie.
OSTRANDER COMMUNITY THEATRE AWARDS - NOMINEES 2010
- Hairspray
SET DESIGN
Christopher McCollum, La Cage Aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
Chuck Britt, The Seafarer, Circuit Playhouse
Jimmy Humphries, Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Playhouse on the Square
Dan Kopera, The Crucible, Harrell Theatre
Jimmy Humphries, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
Christopher McCollum, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Theatre Memphis
COSTUMES
Rebecca Powell/Amie Eoff, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
La Cage Aux Folles, Andre Bruce Ward, Theatre Memphis
Rebecca Powell, Musical Comedy Murders, Playhouse on the Square
Amie Eoff, Trouble in Mind, Circuit Playhouse
Guy Lee Bailey, Buffalo Gal, Next Stage
LIGHTING DESIGN
Ben Wheeler, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
Diane Kinkennon, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Theatre Memphis
Chris Swanson, Guys and Dolls, Germantown Theatre
Matthew Stampe, The Crucible, Harrell Theatre
Diane Kinkennon, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Theatre Memphis
PROPS
Betty Dilley, Visiting Mr. Green, Germantown Theatre
Grace Anne Harnish, Musical Comedy Murders, Playhouse on the Square
Jerre Dye, Cicada, Voices of the South
Bill Short, Fallen Angels, Theatre Memphis
MAKEUP/WIGS
Barbara Sanders (wigs,) Daniel Matthews (makeup) La Cage, Theatre Memphis
Anthony Lascoskie, Jr., Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
MUSIC DIRECTION
Marsha Neely, God’s Trombones, Hattiloo Theatre
Renee Kemper, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Circuit Playhouse
Renee Kemper, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
Gary Beard, La Cage, Theatre Memphis
Angelo Rapan, 13, Harrell Theatre
SOUND DESIGN
Rory Dale, Musical Comedy Murders, Playhouse on the Square
Steven Gary, Driving Miss Daisy, Theatre Memphis
David Newsome, Cicada, Voices of the South
David Newsome, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Theatre Memphis
CHOREOGRAPHY
Mitzi Hamilton/Kathy Caradine, La Cage Aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
Shorey Walker/Jordan Nichols, Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
Chris Hanford/Megan Homas 13, Harrell Theatre
Jay Rapp, Pippin, Playhouse on the Square
SUPPORTING ACTRESS/MUSICAL
Katie Ward, 13, Harrell Theatre
Carla McDonald, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
Laura Stracko, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Playhouse on the Square
Kim Baker, Pippin, Playhouse on the Square
Laura Stracko, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
SUPPORTING ACTOR/MUSICAL
Jason Lee Blank, 13, Harrell Theatre
Karlos Andre Nichols, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
Matt Reed, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
Kent Fleshman, Pippin, Playhouse on the Square
David Foster, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
LEADING ACTRESS/MUSICAL
Deborah Manning Thomas, Mahalia, Hattiloo Theatre
Courtney Oliver, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
Jenny Odle Madden, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Playhouse on the Square
Emily Chateau, Guys and Dolls, Germantown Theatre
Hannah Dowdy, Oliver, Playhouse on the Square
LEADING ACTOR/MUSICAL
Tim Greer, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Circuit Playhouse
Jonathan Christian, La Cage Aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
Pete Montgomery, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Playhouse on the Square
Ken Zimmerman, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
Jordan Nichols, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Emily Wells, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Circuit Playhouse
Amy Hanford, 13, Harrell Theatre
Mitzi Hamilton, La Cage, Theatre Memphis
Dave Landis, Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Circuit Playhouse
13, Harrell Theatre
Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
La Cage Aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
SUPPORTING ACTRESS/DRAMA
Christina Wellford Scott, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Theatre Memphis
Cecelia Wingate, Cicada, Voices of the South
Mary Buchignani, Fallen Angels, Theatre Memphis
Liz Sharpe, Trouble in Mind, Circuit Playhouse
Angela Fredriksson, Is He Dead?, Germantown Theatre
SUPPORTING ACTOR/DRAMA
Steve Swift, Cicada, Voices of the South
Tony Isbell, The Seafarer, Circuit Playhouse
Jason Hansen, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Circuit Playhouse
Tony Isbell, Buffalo Gal, Next Stage/Theatre Memphis
Justin Asher, The Crucible, Harrell Theatre
LEADING ACTRESS/DRAMA
Jude Knight, Souvenir, Next Stage/Theatre Memphis
Jo Lynn Palmer, Driving Miss Dais, Theatre Memphis
Christina Wellford Scott, Buffalo Gal, Next Stage/Theatre Memphis
Erin Shelton, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Theatre Memphis
Teresa Willis, Trouble in Mind, Circuit Playhouse
LEADING ACTOR/DRAMA
Ron Gephart, Visiting Mr. Green, Germantown Theatre
Bill Andrews Frost/Nixon, Playhouse on the Square
Michael Gravois, The Seafarer, Circuit Playhouse
Elizah Zelonky, Over the Tavern, Germantown Theatre
David Shipley, Souvenir, Next Stage/Theatre Memphis
DIRECTION OF A DRAMA
Jerry Chipman, Buffalo Gal, Next Stage/Theatre Memphis
Bennett Wood, Souvenir, Next Stage/Theatre Memphis
Jerre Dye, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Theatre Memphis
Bob Hetherington, The Seafarer, Circuit Playhouse
DRAMATIC PRODUCTION
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Theatre Memphis
Souvenir, Next Stage/Theatre Memphis
The Seafarer, Circuit Playhouse
Buffalo Gal, Next Stage/Theatre Memphis
ENSEMBLE CAST
13, Harrell Theatre
The Seafarer, Circuit Playhouse
God’s Trombones, Hattiloo Theatre
Jekyll and Hyde, Theatre Memphis
Hairspray, Playhouse on the Square
FEATURED ROLE
Kent Mathis, Is He Dead? Germantown Theatre
Renee Kemper, Jacques Brel Circuit Playhouse
BEHIND THE SCENES AWARD
Sue Binnie, Theatre Memphis
Tina Fockler, Playhouse on the Square
Mary Jane Taintor, Germantown Theatre
EUGART YERIAN LIFETIME AWARD
Otis Smith
COLLEGE OSTRANDER AWARDS - NOMINEES 2010
SET DESIGN
David Galloway, Hay Fever University of Memphis
Dave Nofsinger, Dark of the Moon University of Memphis
Lee Bryant, Reckless McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
COSTUME DESIGN
David Jilg, assisted by Madison Hannahs, The Elephant Man, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
Laura Perkins, Dark of the Moon, University of Memphis
Janice Lacek, Hay Fever, University of Memphis
LIGHTING DESIGN
Laura Canon, The Elephant Man, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
Daniel Mueller, Dark of the Moon, University of Memphis
Laura Canon, Reckless, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
PROPS
Jay Innerarity, Hay Fever, University of Memphis
Kathy Haaga, Shakuntala, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
Daniel Mueller and Morgan Yeates, The Horror of the Little Family Farce, University of Memphis
SET DRESSING
David Galloway/Jay Innerarity, Hay Fever, University of Memphis
Daniel Mueller/Morgan Yeates, The Horror of the Little Family Farce, University of Memphis
Dave Nofsinger/David Galloway, 12 Angry Jurors, University of Memphis
MUSIC DIRECTION
Davis Fancher/Matthew Karner, Dark of the Moon, University of Memphis
Brennan Villines, Blood Brothers, University of Memphis
SOUND DESIGN
Jennifer Northup, Hay Fever, University of Memphis
Dave Mason, Shakuntula, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
Jennifer Northup, Dark of the Moon, University of Memphis
CHOREOGRAPHY/MOVEMENT
Heather Wilson and Holly Lau, Dark of the Moon, University of Memphis
Jyo Carolino, Shakuntula, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
LEADING ACTOR/MUSICAL
Jason Blank, Blood Brothers, University of Memphis
Taylor Burnside, Blood Brothers, University of Memphis
Bruce Huffman, Blood Brothers, University of Memphis
SUPPORTING ACTRESS/DRAMA
Emily Childers, Hay Fever, University of Memphis
Alicia Queen, Reckless, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
Alicia Queen, The Elephant Man, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
SUPPORTING ACTOR/DRAMA
Sean Christian Taylor, Hay Fever, University of Memphis
Spencer Miller, The Horror of the Little Family Farce, University of Memphis
Chris McCollum, Dark of the Moon, University of Memphis
LEADING ACTRESS/DRAMA
Sarah Brown, Hay Fever, University of Memphis
Lee Bryant, Reckless, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
Monica Engesser, 12 Angry Jurors, University of Memphis
LEADING ACTOR/DRAMA
Ed Porter, The Elephant Man, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
Jason Gerhard, 12 Angry Jurors, University of Memphis
Adam Maldonado, Dark of the Moon, University of Memphis
- RECKLESS at Rhodes
ENSEMBLE ACTING
12 Angry Jurors University of Memphis
Shakuntala, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
CAMEO ROLE
Jade Hobbs, The Horror of the Little Family Farce, University of Memphis
Jason Gerhard, Dark of the Moon, University of Memphis
DIRECTION OF A DRAMA
Bob Hetherington, Hay Fever, University of Memphis
Brandon Lawrence, 12 Angry Jurors, University of Memphis
David Jilg, Reckless, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
DRAMATIC PRODUCTION
Reckless, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
12 Angry Jurors, University of Memphis
Hay Fever, University of Memphis
BEST ORIGINAL SCRIPT
Jerre Dye, Cicada, Voices of the South
Dave Mason, Shakuntala, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
Phil Darius Wallace and Jerre Dye, Hold Fast, Voices of the South
BEST PRODUCTION OF AN ORIGINAL SCRIPT
Hold Fast, Voices of the South
Cicada, Voices of the South
Shakuntala, McCoy Theatre, Rhodes College
Comments (57)
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Congratulations to all the nominees. As far as Chris's "missing nominee" goes, I'll put up Jim Palmer for THE SEAFARER. A nuanced performance that could have been lead or supporting, depending on how you called it.
Cicada wasn't nominated for best for Dramatic production? I'd say your missing link was Jerre Dye and Alice Berry.
The costume designer's name for Hairspray and Trouble in Mind is Amie Eoff, not Annie Eoff. Thank you.
I really think that Jackie Murray was left out and should get one. Also, I think Josh Massey was left out also, for behind the scenes award.
Good eye TingTing. I read both of those as Arnie, but sure as the world it said Annie. #timetogetglasses
Tony wins a Kewpie doll for calling one of the two. But Jim was my afterthought. The person I was referring to in the original post has yet to be named.
Randall Hartzog x 2. But we all know it's popularity contest, anyway. Especially, when cronies predict winners (in public print -- no, not you) before nominations are out!
Pied Piper and Serenity Now get the second round of Kewpie Dolls. Although Jonathan deserves any and all accolades, Randy was the beating heart of that show. The two of them together made me forget I'd ever seen it before.
I'll make my predictions--and my complaints about who got robbed-- in a later post.
I'm not sure that this is a popularity contest though. I think the judges take their jobs pretty seriously.
I agree with Chris that Randall should have been recognized. And, Serenity Now, if it was a popularity contest, Randall would have been nominated, he's a rather loved and popular fella. I also agree with a post that Jerre Dye was overlooked for Jekyll/Hyde. But such is the process...
There's a Leading Actor in a Musical in the College Division, but not Leading Actress... why is that?
I'm still not sure why there isn't a Leading Actress category in the College Division. Someone please explain?
I am pleased with the nominations, though I believe the ENTIRE leading and supporting cast of Hairspray should have been nominated; they were all fantastic, including the outstanding ensemble. I saw the show 3 times because it was such a fantastic production. I am rooting for Playhouse 200%!!! They produce such great shows, not only Hairspray but all the others they were nominated for.
Both Jerre Dye and Alice Berry in Cicada! I'm blown away that they were left out!
Whitney Branan in Hairspray! Agree with nycgal10 that the entire leading and supporting cast of Hairspray should be recognized. It's great that there was so much fantastic theater in Memphis this year.
FIRST - one must have seen all 40 productions eligible for Ostrander consideration this season; then determine the many possible nominations in 25+ categories that are possible; then compile a list of multiple nominations in each category from 9 very different people on one panel who must then assess each possibility to determine and narrow down the list to the 5 (sometimes more, sometimes less) nominees in each category; then determine the one of the five that has shown brighter than the others - at times by a very small margin. No small task and one that is NOT taken lightly by all those involved in the process.
Both the College/University judges and the Community Theatre judges have the perogative of making a "no nominations" decision in any category if, after due deliberations of all the possible nominees, they determine that an award of excellence is not warranted.
Didn't see all the community productions, but Alice Berry did her best work in "Cicada."
As for "Leading Actress in Musical" in college production, do realize that there was on only one musical produced this season.
Randall Hartzog's performance as Georges was brilliant. And it is an injustice that he was not nominated.
Two leading actor nominations for Hairspray? So who's the lead? Add to those the one lead actress nomination, the three supporting actor nominations, and the two supporting actress nominations. Wait for it, wait for it. And an ensemble cast nomination. If the cast of Hairspray is an ensemble, why are there lead and supporting actor nominations? And my question also pertains to 13, The Seafarer, and Jekyll & Hyde. Are these casts ensembles, or are they not?
In the category of direction of a drama, college division I'd like to recognize the excellent work done by Leigh Ann Evans in the presentation of "Elephant Man" at Rhodes. Alas, her dedicated service as a theatre judge precludes her from receiving the accolades she so richly deserves. Thanks to all the judges who sacrifice their own shots at recocnition that they might serve the theatre community.
mtown the judges determined that there would be no nominations in that category.
Theatre Judge... simmer down. You don't have to have seen all of the shows to have a legitimate beef, that doesn't stand up to scrutiny. You only have to have seen all the shows nominated plus one.
Do not need to "simmer down", Chris - was merely stating the process that is necessary to arrive at the nominees each year for those that might be interested or that think the choices are a "popularity contest". Many of my personal nominations/preferences do not make the cut either! Select 9 people to serve on a panel/committee and you will get 9 different opinions/choices. Amazingly. we are able to agree, agree to disagree and/or shake our head in disbelief but remain civil - for the most part- during the day-long meeting and leave late in the afternoon with continued respect for the opinions and friendship of our fellows in this annual rite.
Theatre Judge, that was typed with all due respect. But it's slightly offensive to suggest that folks can't have a valid opinion about the nominations if they don't belong to your club and participate in its rituals. I know that the judges take their thankless job very seriously and said as much. But the comment I responded to begins with an all caps "FIRST" followed by the declaration that "one must have seen all 40 productions eligible for Ostrander consideration." That's overheated to be sure. Simmer that down and the rest will be fine. Your work is appreciated, but the experience doesn't invalidate the opinions expressed by others commenting here who "must" do nothing of the kind.
Your point is made and accepted. The opinions of others as to who was or was not nominated are never, nor should they ever be, discounted or taken as unworthy. The manner in which the opinion is offered, however, can be. And there are those in this large and talented theatre community who annually express negative opinions of the entire process of selection and awards. But, the bottom line remains unchallenged, we enjoy one helluva party where we get to meet and greet friends who, in many cases, we only see once a year. We can celebrate the fact that there is so much abounding talent in this community that worthy productions, performances or technical achievments can miss inclusion as a" top 5" but will still be rightly championed by their admirers.
Just a question: Has there ever been any consideration to making a seperate category for those actors/actresses under 18? We have such talented children in the area that would be way beyond thrilled to be nominated too. (Way to go Elijah Zelonky!) I know the Allie's in MS have a seperate category and just wondered if there was any thought to adding that to the Ostranders.
@ Theatre Judge and Mr. Chris Davis.
Who are the judges for these theatre nominations and awards? What are their qualifications (other than they are willing to endure a thankless task with seriousness) to judge theatre? What is the tenure of their service, and how often are new judges rotated into the annual contest? Are the theatre judges only judges, or do they also participate in the productions that are being judged for the annual contest?
The entire process seems very mysterious to me, and I am anxious to learn more.
I am very, very perplexed. I do not understand how three actors from the same production (Blood Brothers) can each be nominated for lead actor. I have never seen a production with THREE lead actors. Do the judges have a different understanding of "lead actor?" If so, I would very much like to see it. Can anyone enlighten my (obviously) confused mind?
"how often are new judges rotated into the annual contest? " I think that's the rub. Term limits might be nice, but it's hard to find folks who know what they are doing and willing. I don't have the full list at home but the ones I can think of--Marler Stone, Louise Levin, Greg Krosnes, Leigh Ann Evans, Tracy Ford, and David Allen-- have some bona fides.
Thank you Mr. Davis. I know of Marler Stone, Louise Levin, Greg Krosnes, and Leigh Ann Evans. I think I've heard of Tracy Ford, but I'm not certain. I am quite certain that I've never heard of David Allen before.
People willing to judge theatrical productions? I am quite certain that there are many people who would happily help. Marler Stone, Louise Levin, Greg Krosnes, and Leigh Ann Evans are all actors, are they not? And I don't know what Tracy Ford and David Allen do. Are there avid theatre goers who are not involved in any of the productions who might be willing to be judges? What about you, Mr. Davis? Would you be willing to be a judge?
The judges have to keep mum. That wouldn't really work for me. Tracy has a background in arts administration as well as performance and directing. David headed up Theatre Memphis' audition committee for years, and once acted with some frequency.
Community Theatre Judges = David Allen, Leigh Ann Evans, Josie Helming, Greg Krosnes, Louise Levin, Marler Stone, Sam Weakley, John Yorke, Tract Zerwig-Ford
College/University Judges = Kell Christie, Martha Graber, Rachel King-Barr, Michael Lupfer, Billy Pullen, Lindsey Roberts, Agnes Stark
Judges' Coodinator = Janie McCrary
@beeswax -
1st: the production of Blood Brothers was frought with complications. Two of the actors nominated for leading actor awards portrayed the same character due to injuries. (one was the understudy to the other)
2nd: the story is about twin brothers and they equally play a role in the story of their lives. So, that accounts for the third person...
beeswax-
I am a student at the U of M and can honestly say all three of these actors deserve the award. I don't envy the judges their job. When the original Mickey Johnstone was injured, Taylor Burnside was called in 2 days before opening. He did an amazing job and then the original (Jason Blank) was given a chance to perform the last 2 days of the show, which he did on top of his injury. All three actors did an outstanding job and the show was wonderful! All we could do at the show was tell people to come back so they could see both Mickey's in action--and Bruce did a phenomenal job as Edward Lyons. It was a wonderful show all around and all three actors deserve the nominations
:-)
theatregrl87, my comment was really directed at the judges for this annual contest. It seems, in the few years that I have paid attention to these nominations and awards, that the judges often cannot make up their minds about what constitutes a *lead,* *supporting,* or *ensemble* performance. If the judges continue to have difficulty, perhaps they should consider creating a category called Really Exceptional Acting, and simply give out 15 or 20 awards to the most deserving actors in the Memphis area.
There was an original script by a local author/playwright produced as Voices of the South's offering to the Memphis Children's Theater Festival. Sure, maybe most folks didn't see as it was for kiddoes, but the production and the script were excellent and good original plays by local writers deserve a nominating nod. If you didn't get a chance to see The Kallahoney Kids vs. the Shadow-Monsters: A Very Nearly Scary Story with Jazz, Featuring the Lady Who Lives in the Curtains.....ask someone who did (especially if they were small) and you'll see what i'm talking about.
Ah the ostranders-always full of drama, no pun intended.
I do agree that the judges need term limits for sure
Also agree that there should be all categories every year whether or not the "judges" think the people in that category were worthy or not. It is just community theatre and everyone gives up there time for free mostly to devote themselves to the role. I remember a year when there was no choreography category because the "judges" didn't think any of the possible 3 musicals with choreography were worthy of a nom. So what is the harm in using all the categories, just seems kinda snobby and rude to not have a category. Trying to save money on one 5x7 plague?? Use all the categories it ain't gonna kill you and might make some people not feel so bitter towards judges. And for the record I was not in any position to be nominated the the categories that were left out that one year or this year. I don't want anyone to think I am a bitter. Just supporting the individuals time that I feel should be recognized if there is a possible category.
And Chris yes there were people left out of the nominations! Happens every year...some deserve their nom, some don't...
I'm actually quite disapointed that there is no supportings from 12 Angry Jurors. I hope everyone saw that one (at U of M) and I think the nominations are very well deserved. I just wish Daniele or Annikatrina had gotten a nomination--they were supporting roles but did an outstanding job.
And I agree with beeswax! Kallahoney Kids was a great show! I took my kids to the festival both days and they loved that show--The Jazz Man and the Lady who Lives in the Curtains were our favorites. But the whole cast did a phenomenal job
:-)
@ Beeswax,
We already have a Chris as a judge, just an unofficial one. Unfortunately, he also happens to be the other theatre critic. Ah....and Ms. Lane....it's not 'just community theatre'. Memphis' only 'professional' theatre is also right up there with the amateurs. The defining difference being the loose term 'paid'. One wonders...will kids and the Orpheum be included next?
Just for sake of clarification...note that Playhouse on the Square is no longer Memphis' only professional theatre company. The tagline on their website is now "Memphis' Professional RESIDENT Theatre Company".
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