By BTL Staff
Wilde Awards founder Don Calamia presenting an award at the 2011 Wilde Awards. BTL Photo Andrew Potter
It will indeed be one "Wilde" night when Michigan's professional theater community comes together Sept. 22 for The 13th Annual Wilde Awards. "Although the number 13 may be considered by many to be unlucky, it will prove to be anything but for more than a couple dozen thespians who are competing against their peers from across the state for honors at this year's ceremony," said Donald V. Calamia, co-creator and host of The Wilde Awards. "Michigan is blessed with an abundance of talent, and it's a privilege to help the community celebrate and acknowledge the excellence found in theaters big and small and from one side of the Mitten State to the other."
Established in 2002 by Pride Source Media Group and produced by EncoreMichigan.com, the premier source for news and information about the state's professional theater industry, this year's Wilde Awards honor the best performances, productions and technical accomplishments of the recently concluded 2013-14 theater season. "And what a season it was," Calamia said. "Our team of professional critics visited 49 theaters, saw 225 shows, and then had to winnow down the work of hundreds and hundreds of artists into a handful of nominees in 27 categories. To say it wasn't an easy task is an understatement!"
Now, with the hard work over, the fun begins. Often referred to as Michigan's version of the Tony Awards, The Wilde Awards is a delightfully prestigious event filled with food, drinks and camaraderie. "And a ceremony that's equal parts solemn and irreverent, fun and serious, comedic and drama-filled – with musical numbers interspersed throughout," Calamia said. "It's a night where the unexpected can happen – and it usually does, which gives attendees something to gossip about for days to come."
The ceremony, co-hosted by noted actress Naz Edwards with music direction by R. MacKenzie Lewis, will once again be held at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield. "And every year we're there, the show gets better and better. Why? That's easy to explain," Calamia said. "The Berman's managing director, Elaine (Hendriks) Smith, is wonderful and easy to work with, and technical director Eric W. Maher always comes up with new twists and turns for us, and this year is no different. This will likely be the most high-tech and visually appealing theater awards show ever produced in the state. Together, they and their staff work very hard to make the evening a smashing success. And this year will be the best yet!"
Plus, he said, having Edwards produce the musical numbers with Lewis on the keyboard and choreography by Phil Simmons mean the entertainment will be top-notch. "An amazing troupe of performers has been assembled from all across the state, and I can't wait to see what they've come up with."
Ultimately, the night will be one of memories and magic, Calamia said. "While both the good and not-so-good will be acknowledged, our main purpose is to share an evening during which all of the great work over the past season will be celebrated and honored. And then we can start all over again in anticipation of yet another great year of theater to come!"
For more information about The 2014 Wilde Awards:
http://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=8822
For the complete list of nominations and honorable mentions:
http://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=8824
PREVIEW
'The 2014 Wilde Awards'
The Berman Center for the Performing Arts
6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield
248-661-1900
http://www.theberman.org
Monday, Sept. 22, 2014
Hors d'oeuvre and cocktail reception begins at 6:30 p.m.
Awards ceremony starts promptly at 8 p.m.
Dessert afterglow immediately follows.
$21 per person, or $46 VIP admission per person (which includes unlimited bar service)
Recommended for ages 18 and above only.
Sponsored by Pride Source Media Group
