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2011 Suzi Awards Spotlight Equity Theatres, Actors

On Monday, November 7, Atlanta's 7th Annual Suzi Awards honored 20 Equity Theatres and dozens of AEA Actors and Stage Managers at a gala event at the Conant Center on Oglethorpe University's campus.

Karen Howell, Eric J. Little, David Lotz
John A. Delves

With over four hundred in attendance, the show began as each of the casts nominated for Ensemble-Musical performed a medley of numbers from their shows. By the end of the evening, the Horizon Theatre took home 10 star-shaped trophies, including 6 Suzi's for its puppet-infused production of AVENUE Q, which is being remounted in 2012. The Alliance Theatre followed with 7 Suzi's for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, including Best Play, Best Director (Susan V. Booth), and Best Actress (AEA member Tess Malis Kincaid). Booth attributed the production's success to the breadth of talent and close relationships amongst the cast.

The Broadway-bound BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL won for the Alliance and its creators (Lin-Manuel Miranda,Tom Kitt, Amanda Green & Jeff Whitty) in the World Premiere category. AEA member Andy Blankenbuehler took home the Choreography Suzi for his wildly inventive mash-up of dance and cheerleading acrobatics, and Brian Ronan impressed Suzi judges with his full-on sound design for the show.

In the nominated performer categories, AEA proudly sponsored this year's Lead Actor - Play award. Before announcing the winner, National Communications Director David Lotz gave a shout-out to the Atlanta AEA Liaison Committee (chaired by Karen Howell) and told the audiences that Equity was deeply committed to keeping theatre alive in the current economic climate. Lotz presented the Suzi to Eric J. Little, who impressed the judges as his cocky, confident young writer in SUPERIOR DONUTS at Horizon Theatre . The Featured Actress - Play Suzi went to AEA member Mary Lynn Owen for THE LITTLE FOXES at the Horizon Theatre.

Several Equity Membership Candidates garnered awards, including: Nick Arapoglou (Lead Actor - Musical) for AVENUE Q, Horizon Theatre; Leslie W. Bellair (Featured Actress - Musical) AVENUE Q, Horizon Theatre; and Jeremy Wood (Featured Actor- Musical) SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, Aurora Theatre).

A very special "Bravo goes to Suzi Awards Executive Director Deadra Moore, Master of Ceremonies Rob Cleveland; and Awards Director Paul Holly for all of their hard work.

For a complete list of nominees and winners, visit www.suziawards.org

L to R: Doug Kaye; Chris Ekholm; Jackie Prucha; Susan Shalhoub Larkin; Deadra Moore, Executive Director/Suzi Awards and Committee Vice Chair; Jon Goldstein; Karen Beyer; Bill Murphey; Edith Ivey; Karen Howell, Committee Chair, David Lotz
John A. Delves