Local theaters take in Ovation nominations
JOYCE RUDOLPH
The Falcon Theatre received four Ovation Award nominations from L.A.
Stage Alliance, it was announced last week.
“A Christmas Carol King,” co-produced by the Troubadour Theatre
Company, was nominated in the World Premiere Musical category, and
for Director of a Musical -- Matt Walker. Another nomination came for
“Aga-Boom!” in the category of Production from a Touring Company.
Jeremy Pivnick was nominated for Lighting Design -- Larger Theater
for “Gretty Good Time.”
Nominated for three was the Alliance Repertory Company’s “The
Hostage” for Ensemble Performance; Play -- Smaller Theater; and Set
Design -- Smaller Theater, Matthew C. Jacobs.
The Colony received two for “Toys in the Attic,” for Play --
Larger Theater; and Featured Actress -- Nancy Linehan Charles.
The Victory Theatre also received two for “Judy’s Scary Little
Christmas” for World Premiere Musical; and Lead Actress -- Connie
Champagne.
The awards will be announced Nov. 23 at the Orpheum Theatre in
downtown Los Angeles. For more information, check the Web site at
www.theatrela.org.
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Only one word can describe Sunday’s final performance of Stepping
Stone Players “Annie”: endearing.
I took my mother and two nieces and nephew and we were all tickled
by its humor and touched by its sentimentality.
In my 48 Hours column Saturday, I said how director Susan Kussman
had staged the show with 40 people in 20 minutes, from curtain call
to taking their bows. But Kussman explained that curtain call and
taking bows are the same thing. It only took her 20 minutes to stage
the process of the 40 actors taking their final bows.
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Also enjoyable was Musical Theatre Guild’s concert staged reading
of “Parade” last week at The Alex Theatre.
It was difficult getting used to people carrying around their
scripts and referring to them from time to time. But, after I read
how these professionals only have 25 hours of rehearsal on this huge
undertaking, I could see why they might need the scripts in hand.
Ira Denmark showed great versatility, turning a distant and
indifferent Leo Frank, who is accused of murder, into a caring and
loving husband. An incredible vocal delivery added to Misty Cotton’s
stunning portrayal of his wife, Lucille. Michael A. Shepperd was
exuberant as chain-gang member Jim Conley.
Next up is “Dear World,” with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and
book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee, scheduled for Nov. 3.
* JOYCE RUDOLPH’s column appears Wednesdays. For events happening
this weekend, read her 48 Hours column Saturdays. Reach her at
637-3241.