Suzi Bass Award nominations celebrate best in local theater
Best in showbusiness!
- BreeAnne Clowdus
- IN LOVE: Kelly Chapin Schmidt (left) and Edward McCreary in Serenbe Playhouse’s outdoor production of Oklahoma!, which was honored with 11 nominations.
The Suzi Bass Awards, Inc. has released the list of nominees for the 2013-2014 Atlanta professional theatrical season, honoring outstanding work in the city’s professional theaters in 29 categories. The Alliance Theatre leads the pack, racking up 35 total nominations, while Actor’s Express and the Aurora Theatre round out the second and third spots with 23 and 14 nominations, respectively. Of course, for these three high-profile companies, the recognition is a familiar distinction — together, they took home nearly half of last year’s awards. Other companies include the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and Serenbe Playhouse, whose production of Oklahoma! has garnered an impressive 11 nominations in nine categories.
Named in honor of local acting legend Suzi Bass, whose gregarious personality and Southern charm commanded the stage and screen from the late ‘70s to her death in 2002, this year’s awards also celebrate the work of individuals in prominent areas such as acting and direction. But behind-the-scenes talent has also drawn recognition: Kevin Frazier heads the group with four nominations for Lighting Design of a Play, Lighting Design of a Musical (for both Oklahoma! and Urinetown), and Design for Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA). This latter category is part of the expanding awards for TYA, which no longer covers just production but also direction, design, and performance.
In addition to specialty awards for Lifetime Achievement and Volunteer of the Year, the Suzi Awards grant one person or organization with the Spirit of Suzi, which honors acts of service, community, and professionalism. But as someone who worked on and off stage as tirelessly as Bass did, she can be a tough act to follow.
The Suzi Awards will be presented on Mon., Nov. 3 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center. Final balloting is underway and open to members of the Suzi Bass Awards. For the complete list of nominees , visit the Suzi Awards website.