‘13,’ ‘In Arabia’ given top drama circle prizes

Center Theatre Group’s production of “13,” a musical about the tribulations of early adolescence, and Stephen Adly Guirgis’ gritty drama “In Arabia We’d All Be Kings,” a look at down-and-outers in a Hell’s Kitchen bar, took top honors for outstanding production and tied for most wins in the 39th annual Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, announced Monday night at the El Portal.

“13,” by children’s book author Dan Elish and composer Jason Robert Brown, was seen at the Mark Taper Forum. “In Arabia We’d All Be Kings,” by Elephant Theatre Company in association with VS. Theatre Company, was presented at the tiny Elephant Space Theatre. Each received four awards.

The awards, selected by LADCC’s voting members -- writers for daily, weekly or online publications -- are designed to recognize excellence in L.A. and Orange County theater in 2007. West Coast Ensemble’s “Zanna, Don’t” at Lyric-Hyperion Theatre won for Nick DeGruccio’s direction and lead performance (Danny Calvert) and ensemble performance, three of its five nominated categories. Other directing honors went to Michael Michetti for Theatre @ Boston Court’s “dark play or stories for boys” and Dan Bonnell for “Anatol” at Pacific Resident Theatre, which also was awarded for best revival, for “The Hasty Heart.”

Recognized for lead performance were Matt Letscher for “Anatol,” Alan Mandell for “Trying” at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, Laurie Metcalf for “The Quality of Life” at the Geffen Playhouse, Rebecca Marcotte for Theatre Banshee’s “Loyal Women” and Gabriel Olds for “Tryst” at the Black Dahlia Theatre.

Winners for writing were Guirgis and Jeff Goode, the latter for “Love Loves a Pornographer,” presented by Circle X at [Inside] the Ford.

“13,” which had tied for most nominations -- five -- with “dark play or stories for boys,” “Love Loves a Pornographer” and “Zanna, Don’t,” took awards for musical score (Brown), musical direction (David O) and ensemble performance; other nods for the Guirgis play include scenic and lighting design (Joel Daavid).

A complete list of winners can be found at www.latimes.com/arts.

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lynne.heffley@latimes.com