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The Post-Standard News
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May 10, 2005 SALT gives out annual awards for area theater Joan Vadeboncoeur, Entertainment Columnist Actress-director-drama coach Lucille Markson and the late director-choreographer Marshall Nye were named winners of the Hall of Fame Award at the Syracuse Area Live Theater (SALT) Awards ceremony on Monday night. Chosen for the Lifetime Achievement honors, another award recognizing distinguished service, were Bill Molesky and Holly Wilson-Perrotto. The awards were presented at a red-carpet ceremony at the New Times Theater at the state fairgrounds. The second annual event is administered by the SALT Academy, whose president is newspaper publisher Art Zimmer. Except for the people's choice awards, the winners were chosen by 38 live-theater enthusiasts and professionals who comprise the voting members of the SALT Academy. Balloting took place January through February and was tabulated in March. In the category of professional theater, Syracuse Stage's "Big River"' won the Play of the Year award while Michael Donald Edwards, associate artistic director of Stage, was named Director of the Year. In the community theater categories, top honors for Musical of the Year went to "Funny Girl," produced by The Talent Co. Its star, Moe Harrington, took home Actress of the Year honors. The best nonmusical award went to "Children of a Lesser God" from Appleseed Productions. Its director, Sharee Lemos, also won for Director of the Year. In the same category, Frank Fiumano was chosen as Actor of the Year. Best Original New Play honor went to "Fever 1793" from Gifford Family Theater. Music Director of the Year honors went to Josh Smith, with choreographer Shannon Tompkins cited as the top nonperforming person. In the summer-season portion, "Pippin," the musical presented by Wit's End Players, was chosen as best production. Rachel Lampert, of Ithaca's Kitchen Theatre, was voted Actress of the Season. Tied in the category for actor were Karl Gregory, of Kitchen Theatre, and Josh Mele. Named as best touring show was the musical "42nd Street," presented by Famous Artists Broadway Theatre series. Three awards were designated as people's choice. Play of the Year was "Laramie Project," a Syracuse Civic Theatre production, while Harrington was selected as best actress and Bill Molesky as top actor. Another highlight of the awards ceremony was the unveiling of a poster of last year's winners. Additional posters will be sold, and proceeds will go to a scholarship for students who plan to make a career in live performing arts or associated fields. Copyright © 2005 The Post-Standard. |
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