| ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Closer Than Ever (musical) ## Musical: Closer Than Ever ## My husband and I were swept away by this terrific production at the Yoder Barn. We went actually to see the theater, having been intrigued by the description of it. Instead, or in addition, we were tremendously impressed with the four actor/singers who performed creatively, dynamically and with comic timing as appropriate for the several songs in this category. The set [by Jeremy Morris], simple but effective, was a perfect backdrop for the show. It was a very professional production and Jim Bredeson deserves a big hand for mounting such a welcome entertainment. No Way to Treat a Lady (musical) ## Musical: No Way to Treat a Lady ## Lead Actor: Jim Bredeson as Kit Gill ## No Way To Treat A Lady was by far the favorite musical that I saw this year (a close second to Triumph of Love at CNU). The production was original in most every sense of the word and the groups seemed to work as such an ensemble. This said, the performance of Jim Bredeson in particular as the killer elevated this campy musical to a campy musical with gusto—his work deserves mention. I also saw this group’s Closer Than Ever, another fine piece of ensemble work. Each of those performers deserves praise. ## The actor who played the killer was enchanting. He seemed to have the audience in the palm of his murderous hand. He deserves mention. The Spitfire Grill (musical) ## Musical: The Spitfire Grill ## Director of a Musical: Jim Bredeson ## I was most impressed by The Spitfire Grill, directed by Jim Bredeson of All Things Bright & Beautiful (terrible name for a theater company), especially Wendy Jade in the role of Percy Talbot. It was a terrific ensemble piece and Bredeson used the Yoder Barn to its best advantage. ## Lead Actress: the redhead in The Spitfire Grill [Wendy Jade] ## The scenic design for The Spitfire Grill at the Yoder Barn. I don’t know who did it. Its use of all natural wood complemented by the huge wood paneled pine tree skyline was simply majestic. It truly brought me into the world of the musical. [Jeremy Morris] |
| CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY ## Newcomer: Kate Collins Brown (seen as Liz Morden in Our Country's Good and as Princess Leonide in Triumph of Love; also appeared in VMT's Meet Me in St. Louis) Our Country's Good (drama) ## Lead Actor: Justin Sease as 2nd Lieutenant Ralph Clark ## Lead Actress: Kate Collins Brown as Liz Morden/Lieutenant Will Dawes The Scarlet Letter (drama) ## Scenic Design: George Hillow Triumph of Love (musical) ## Musical: Triumph of Love ## Director of a Musical: George Hillow ## Music Direction: Scott Root ## Scenic Design: Tanya Sweet ## Costume Design: Kathleen Jaremski ## Lead Actress: Kate Collins Brown as Princess Leonide |
| EASTERN SHORE MUSICAL THEATRE Godspell (musical) ## Director of a Musical: Judi Beck ## Music Direction: Mike Ellis ## Supporting Actress: Marilyn Kellam ## Supporting Actress: Linda Harlow ## Supporting Actress: Joanne Molera |
| ELIZABETH RIVER THEATRE COMPANY The Shape of Things (drama) ## Drama: The Shape of Things ## Lead Actress: Sandra Pilár Hernandez as Evelyn ## Supporting Actor: Brad McMurran as Philip ## This year I saw a great number of shows but none as good as The Shape of Things. The Elizabeth River Company put on a very good show at Stables Theatre. It was original and poignant. VERY GOOD. In particular Brad McMurran was a riot. I have watched this boy in numerous roles and he always makes my wife and me laugh! His role as Philip was perfect. Every time he came on stage he commanded your attention. He played this character with a deadpan insincerity that completely captured the spirit of Philip. He seems to instinctively know how to make people laugh. I read in his bio that he does stand up comedy and perhaps that is why he understands timing. Whatever he does to convey his craft it certainly worked as this self-serving character. He not only was funny but he also showed a vulnerable side that was nice to see. In the same show Sandra Pilár Hernandez whom I had never seen act before was splendidly EVIL as Evelyn. She was a great villain who also commanded our attention. She never let on that she was evil until the right time. As a newcomer I hope to see her act again locally. Evelyn was poised and powerful throughout the whole play. |