The Mexican Association of Theatre Journalists (Asociacion de Periodistas Teatrales, APT) awarded the best of theatre produced in Mexico during 1997 at their annual ceremony, this year held at Mexico City's Teatro Fernando Soler on Mar. 16. Founded by Emmanuel Haro Villa, the APT has honored the best of Mexico's theatre for 15 consecutive years.

The host for the ceremony was actress Ofelia Guilmain, who was joined by star presenters like Angelica Maria, Eugenio Derbez, Manuel Landeta, Lisset and Angelica Vale.

Among the winners of the night were the hit new Mexican musical Houdini: La Magia del Amor (Houdini: The Magic of Love), which received the Award for Best Mexican Musical; Enrique Chi, who was designed Best Actor in a Musical for his superb portrayal of Harry Houdini; Disney's Beauty and the Beast, which won the award for Best Foreign Musical, and Lolita Cortes, who was honored with the award for Best Actress in a Musical for her charming performance as Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

There were two special awards for a lifetime achievement, one for actress Carmen Montejo (currently starring in Edward Albee's Three Tall Women) for her 65 years of career, and other for actor Gonzalo Correa, for his performance in the classic Spanish drama Don Juan Tenorio, in which he has starred for 35 consecutive seasons.

The full list of recipients follows: Best Mexican Musical: Houdini, La Magia Del Amor, music by Antonio Calvo, lyrics by Patricia Perrin, book by Antonio Calvo, Patricia Perrin & Rafael Perrin. Produced by OCESA.

Best Foreign Musical: Disney's Beauty and the Beast, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton. Produced by Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, OCESA and Rock & Pop International.

Best Play (Drama): La Grieta by Sabina Berman.

Best Play (Comedy): Yo Miento, Tu Mientes, Todos Mentimos by Marc Camoletti.

Best Director: Luis de Tavira, El Caballero de Olmedo.

Best Actor in a Musical: Enrique Chi, Houdini: La Magia del Amor.

Best Actress in a Musical: Lolita Cortes, Beauty and the Beast.

Best Actor in a Play: Rafael Sanchez Navarro, Art.

Best Actress in a Play: Martha Aura, Los Signos del Zodiaco.

Best Actor/Actress in a One-Performer Show: Angelica Aragon, Maquillaje.

Best Actor in a Comedy: Jorge Ortiz de Pinedo, Conexion sin Hilos.

Best Actress in a Comedy: Silvia Pasquel, OK, te lo Vendo.

Best Supporting Actor in a Play or a Musical: Gaston Tusset, Death Defying Acts.

Best Supporting Actress in a Play or a Musical: Veronica Langer, Death Defying Acts.

Best Debuting Actor: Juan Soler, Bajo las Sabanas.

Best Debuting Actress: Monica Sanchez, Bajo las Sabanas.

Best Set Design: Gabriel Pascal, Art.

Best Lighting Design: Manolo Sanchez Navarro, Death Defying Acts.

A special award was given to the musical drama Aventurera, an "environmental show" which recreates the atmosphere of Mexico City's nightlife during the late 50's. The show was not nominated as Best Mexican Musical because it doesn't features an original score, instead it uses popular songs from the period as incidental music.

--By Claudio Carrera
Mexico Correspondent