Noises Off, Producers, Wild Party Win Big at 2009 Grand Awards

2009 Grand Awards

The 2009 Grand Awards were far from a farce last night with Circle Theater’s Noises Off dominating with 6 awards, including Outstanding Play and trophies for Amy Osborn, Ben Cole, and Tracey Walker. Civic Theater’s The Producers followed closely with 5 awards (including Outstanding Musical and Supporting Actor in a Musical, Michael Doriean). Actor’s Theater’s The Wild Party nearly swept the acting in a musical categories with Stephen Grey, Lynn Brown Tepper, and Carrie McNulty each winning.

Aquinas College ruled the college theater categories, with the popular musical theater parody revue Forbidden Broadway receiving 3 awards for Outstanding College Production, Director of a College Production (Mary Rademacher), and Supporting Actor in a College Production (Rob Karel).

While the winners are very pleased with their new “Grand Award Winner” titles, the true and often overlooked meaning of the Grand Awards is to celebrate the whole Grand Rapids theater community and foster its future with scholarship.

Every year, 3 local students are awarded scholarships to help them continue their theater education. This year scholarships were awarded to Amie Bajalieh, studying Stage Management at Rutgers University; Jana Veldheer, studying at Aquinas College; and Julia Freyer, studying at Penn State University. While only Ms. Veldheer was in attendance, each wrote a heartfelt speech showing their love and appreciation for Grand Rapids theater.

Special awards were also given to David Kolenda for his specially designed projections on shows for Actor’s Theater, Heritage Theater, and Circle Theater this past season. And long-time theater volunteer Mary Lou Smith–a musician, actress, and dancer–was honored with the Norma Brink Lifetime Acheivement Award for her continued commitment to Grand Rapids theater.

You can find a full list of winners after the jump. If you would like to share your 2009 Grand Award experience, comment below or send an email to manjula8@hotmail.com.