WEST BLOOMFIELD – Theater professionals from across Michigan gathered Aug. 31 for The 2015 Wilde Awards ceremony at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts. Presented by EncoreMichigan.com, the most comprehensive resource for news and information about the state's professional theater industry, The Wilde Awards were established in 2002 to honor excellence in Michigan's professional theaters.
"Although I say something similar pretty much every year, this past season was certainly a memorable one – both onstage and behind the scenes," said Donald V. Calamia, co-founder and editor-at-large of EncoreMichigan.com. "New theaters popped up, a few established ones kept a very low profile, and quality work was seen on stages all across the state and in theaters large and small. Plus, we got a new owner not long before the end was imminent. So all in all, I'd call this one heck of a successful season!"
EncoreMichigan.com's new owner and editor-in-chief, David Kiley, was formally introduced to the community. "We have many exciting plans for the near future – including a total redesign of the website this fall," said Kiley.
In total, EncoreMichigan.com's team of critics reviewed 168 productions produced or presented by 49 professional theater companies located in 25 communities across the state during the abbreviated 2014-15 season. Shows had to be performed for four consecutive days or more or over two weekends or more to be eligible for a review. And only shows reviewed by EncoreMichigan.com could be nominated for a Wilde Award.
Now in its 14th year, The Wilde Awards – named in honor of 19th century playwright Oscar Wilde – honored the best productions, performances and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Here's a listing of the 2015 winners:
WINNERS: The 2015 Wilde Awards
Best Comedy
"Leaving Iowa," Beth Torrey, director; Tipping Point Theatre
Best Drama
"Annapurna," Guy Sanville, director; The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Best Musical
"Violet," Steve DeBruyne, director; The Dio – Dining & Entertainment
Best Opera
"Elektra," Nicholas Muni, director; Michigan Opera Theatre
Best of the Bard
"King Lear," Frannie Shepherd-Bates, director; Shakespeare in Detroit
Best Theatre for Young Audiences
"Sleeping Beauty," Igor Gozman, director; PuppetART
Best Touring Production
"Kinky Boots," Jerry Mitchell, director; Broadway in Detroit: Fisher Theatre
Best Performance, Actress – Comedy
Emily Sutton-Smith, "Miracle on South Division Street"; Williamston Theatre
Best Performance, Actress – Drama
Inga R. Wilson, "Sugarhill"; The Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company
Best Performance, Actress – Musical
Mahalia Greenway, "Violet"; The Dio – Dining & Entertainment
Best Performance, Actor – Comedy
Brandy Joe Plambeck, "Boeing Boeing"; Hilberry Theatre
Best Performance, Actor – Drama
Mike McGettigan, "Buried Child"; The Abreact
Best Performance, Actor – Musical
Sebastian Gerstner, "Spamalot"; The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Best Performance – Opera
Christine Goerke, "Elektra"; Michigan Opera Theatre
Best Performance – The Bard
Julia Garlotte, "King Lear"; Shakespeare in Detroit
Best Performance – Theater for Young Audiences
Sam Carter, "The Diary of Anne Frank"; Flint Youth Theatre
Best Teamwork
Tony Caselli and John Lepard, "The Best Brothers"; Williamston Theatre
Best New Script
Linda Ramsay-Detherage, "Sugarhill"; The Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company
Best Music Direction
Brian E. Buckner, "The Ugly Duckling"; Wild Swan Theater
Best Choreography
Irina Baranovskaya and Igor Gozman, "The Crane Maiden"; PuppetART
Best Design – Sound or Video
Tim Culver, Cameron Lake and Lauri Rowe, "It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play"; Great Escape Stage Company
Best Design – Sets
Bartley H. Bauer, "Annapurna"; The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Best Design – Props
Danna Segrest, "Annapurna"; The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Best Design – Lights
Harley Miah, "Red"; Open Book Theatre Company
Best Design – Costumes
Monika Essen, "Frida"; Michigan Opera Theatre
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Critics' Choice Award:
Farmers Alley Theatre
Critic's Choice Award
Detroit Improv Collective
Founders Award for Excellence
Kurt Stamm, Mason Street Warehouse
Jim Posante Community Pride Award
Bailey Boudreau, Slipstream Theatre Initiative
Council Cargle Award for Dedication to the Michigan Theatre Community
Kristine Thatcher
