Monday, August 13, 2012
Beat Davis, Win Steak: The Ostrander Contest
Posted By Chris Davis on Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 1:55 PM
By now I'm sure you all know how this annual contest works. First I list my picks for who I think will win this year's Ostranders. I'm usually wrong and readers can take advantage of this sad but true fact —and possibly win $50 in Folks Folly bucks— by making their own winners lists and emailing them to me (davis@memphisflyer.com) with "Ostrander Contest" in the subject field, or by simply typing your picks in the comments section of this post. If nobody beats me I get to keep the prize (bwahahahahahaha!). Otherwise it goes to the lucky/brilliant person who picks the most winners. In the case of a tie there will be a drawing.
How easy is that? My picks can be found below the fold.
Also, be aware, I'm only picking a limited selection of awards from the community nominees.
SET DESIGN
This year the judges seemed to go for literal sets and retro cool. Although Bye Bye Birdie, a knowing ode to mid-century design, will probably win the Ostrander I'm going with Mark Guirguis's straight-faced design for Present Laughter at the Circuit Playhouse. Guirguis supplied plenty of doors to slam without ever letting on that the material might be farcical.
COSTUMES
This is a weak category and I am completely guessing: Andre Bruce Ward for Emma.
LIGHTING
There were moments during God of Carnage when I wanted to stand up and applaud John Horan's lighting.
PROPS
Who can resist steampunk dildoes? The winner's got to be Lydia Baughman for In the Next Room The Circuit Playhouse
HAIR/MAKE UP
Y'all, I kinda think Sally Stover may be a dude. Just saying. The pick: Nicholas Bursoni, The Club, Playhouse on the Square
MUSIC DIRECTION
Angelo Rapan for A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline at Playhouse on the Square. He made Honky Tonk Heaven... with the help of some excellent players, including Richard Ford on pedal steel.
SOUND DESIGN
Matthew Stone composed an effective original score for The Boys Next Door at Germantown Community Theatre.
CHOREOGRAPHY
Uh, skates, people: Jay Rapp Xanadu at Playhouse on the Square
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
When you're Good to Mama, Mama's good to you: Cecelia Wingate, Chicago,
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Nobody does delightfully dim like Randall Hartzog did in Chicago at Theatre Memphis
LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
I'd like to think Lindsey Roberts might win this one but she's not nominated. I'd also love to see Renee Kemper take home an Ossie for her spot on recreation of Patsy Cline. But I'm guessing Leah Bray Nichols will win for her strong performance as the tormented mother in Next To Normal, Playhouse on the Square
LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
David Foster's been showing off lately, and why not. He'll also win for Next To Normal at Playhouse on the Square
DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
I'd really like to see Jordan Nichols pick up an Ossie for his fine, funny staging of Avenue Q at The Circuit Playhouse
BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION
I'd also like to see Avenue Q win for Best Musical, but that will probably go to Next To Normal at Playhouse on the Square
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
There are so many great choices in this field but I'm picking Irene Crist, Present Laughter, The Circuit Playhouse
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Truth be told, I can get tired of Lear's Fool with all of his "nunkle" nonsense. But James Dale Green nailed every word in King Lear for the New Moon Theatre Company
LEADING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Sameka Johnson was a wonder in The Bluest Eye, Hattiloo Theatre
LEADING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
In a tight field I'm picking a longshot: Jerry Chipman, Glengarry Glen Ross, Theatre Memphis
SMALL ENSEMBLE ACTING (Cast of 7 or less)
God of Carnage was pretty close to perfect at Playhouse on the Square
LARGE ENSEMBLE ACTING (Cast of 8+)
As was Avenue Q at The Circuit Playhouse
FEATURED ROLE
It was a good year for James Dale Green who was more then sufficiently revolting in The Boys Next Door at Germantown Community Theatre
DIRECTION OF A DRAMATIC PRODUCTION
Bob Hetherington's Present Laughter was a high-energy lesson in screwball comedy at The Circuit Playhouse
BEST DRAMATIC PRODUCTION
I was impressed by The New Moon Theatre Company's King Lear. It may not have been the year's best production, but it was a serious contender. And it will win.
Submission Deadline: 24-Hours prior to the start of the awards ceremony.
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