‘And the Award Goes To … Theatre Palisades’

The annual Theatre Palisades Awards were held on August 9 at the Pierson Playhouse, in which talented people participating in this season’s productions were recognized for their efforts. The festivities began with a cocktail reception and the installation of a new board of directors, including Nona Hale (executive board), Shirley Churgin (president, VP administration), Cynthia Wright-Banks (VP building), Sherman Wayne (VP production), Dieter Holberg (treasurer) and Richard Little (secretary). Other board members are Carol Becker, Sherry Coon, Gloria Depiante, Andrew Frew, Sylvia Grieb, Sigrid Hofer, Eva Holberg, Martha Hunter, Matt Landig, June Lissandrello, Dennis Owens and Dorothy Reinhold. A catered buffet dinner took place with picnic tables set on Founders Oak Island, across Haverford from the Pierson. After some business details (the theater is running in the black, thanks to the ongoing efforts of Dieter and Eva Holberg, treasurer and former president), the awards were held inside the Pierson.   Performances in between the award announcements included three songs from ‘Smokey Joe’s Caf’,’ a comedic musical monologue by Robert Green, and a skit combining all of the nominated plays, written by Martha Hunter. Below are the evening’s big wins: ”I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE’ Best Lead Actor: Sean Spence Best Lead Actress: Wendy Douglas Best Director: Lewis Hauser Best Producers: Cindy Dellinger and Sherry Coon ‘LOST IN YONKERS’ Best Featured Actor: Brian R. Harris Best Featured Actress: Rebecca Silberman Best Supporting Actor: John Clement Best Supporting Actress: Chrissy Cawley Best Costume Design: June Lissandrello Best Graphics: Joanne Reich ‘YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU’ Best Cameo Actress: Julia Witcombe Best Sound Design: Bill Prachar Best Light Design: Andrew Frew and Sherman Wayne ‘EARLY ONE EVENING AT THE RAINBOW BAR & GRILL’ Best Set Design: Sherman Wayne ‘ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST’ Best Cameo Actor: Kevin Olson The awards and entertainment portions of the evening were produced by Churgin and Hunter. Theatre Palisades encourages residents to get involved in their community theater, whether it’s through auditioning for a part, helping to paint or build a set, or assisting with hospitality.