Smattering of Small Companies Get Helen Hayes Nods
The Helen Hayes awards nominating committee this year recognized what theatergoers have been aware of for some time now - that tiny companies like Keegan Theater, Solas Nua and Rorschach are doing stellar work in the city that should be recognized.
Though the majority of this year's nominations, announced last night, are for the usual subjects like Studio, Arena, Signature and Woolly, a couple of smaller theaters did get nods for their impressive work last season.
Among the shows noted were Theater Alliance's Insurrection: Holding History, which was nominated for its director Timothy Douglas and its outstanding ensemble cast.
The best ensemble category was introduced last year, with Catalyst Theater scoring a surprise win. This year, the category will provide the potential for under-recognized companies Keegan Theater and Solas Nua to get their due; Keegan's up for Alone It Stands, which we missed, and Solas Nua for Scenes from the Big Picture, which mesmerized our critic.
Rorschach Theater got what we believe is their first set of its third and fourth nominations for their sexy production of References To Salvador Dali Make Me Hot; Shirley Serotsky is up for best direction and Gabriela Fernandez Coffee for Best Actress in a resident play.
Olney Theater, Round House Theatre, Theater J and MetroStage also got a smattering of nods among the major players.
As far as the usual suspects are concerned, we were pleased, if not surprised, to see Arlington's Synetic Theater widely praised for a number of its shows this year; with the company's silent productions of Macbeth and Hamlet as well as an innovative take on The Fall of the House of Usher, it was one of their best seasons. The Witches of Eastwick at Signature cleaning up the musical categories was a no-brainer, along with Woolly Mammoth's She Stoops To Comedy earning some well-deserved acting nominations. Sarah Marshall was justifiably praised for her supporting work in Folger's As You Like It as well.
The winners will be announced at a gala at the Warner Theater April 28. For information on that and a full list of nominees (and don't worry; we'll have predictions and coverage of the winners later this spring), check out the Helen Hayes web site.