Theatre World Awards, chosen by industry folk and journalists, recognize Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway debut performances during the 2009-2010 theatrical season.
Past award recipients expected to present (or perform) at this year’s ceremony include Kate Burton (Winners, 1983), Michael Cristofer (The Cherry Orchard, 1977), Viola Davis (Seven Guitars, 1996), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, 2007), Robert LuPone (A Chorus Line, 1976 Special Award), Alli Mauzey (Cry-Baby, 2008), Michael McKean (Accomplice, 1990), Brian Stokes Mitchell (Mail, 1988), Alfred Molina (Molly Sweeney, 1996), Loretta Ables Sayre (South Pacific, 2008), John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, 2004) and Vanessa Williams (Kiss of the Spider Woman, 1995). Composer, arranger and pianist Alex Rybeck will serve as musical director for the event.
As previously announced, the 2009-10 Theatre World Award winners are Nina Arianda, Venus in Fur; Chris Chalk, Fences; Bill Heck, The Orphans' Home Cycle; Jon Michael Hill, Superior Donuts; Scarlett Johansson, A View from the Bridge; Keira Keeley, The Glass Menagerie; Sahr Ngaujah, Fela!; Eddie Redmayne, Red; Andrea Riseborough, The Pride; Heidi Schreck, Circle Mirror Transformation; Stephanie Umoh, Ragtime; and Michael Urie, The Temperamentals. In addition (also previously announced) The Dorothy Loudon Foundation will present the Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award (as part of the Theatre World Awards ceremony) to Bobby Steggert, for his performances in Ragtime and Yank!
The Loudon Award is given for an auspicious performance on or Off-Broadway during the recent theatrical season, although unlike the Theatre World Award, not necessarily for a debut performance.
The Theatre World Awards presentation will be held at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, in an invitation-only ceremony on June 8 from 2-4 PM. Peter Filichia will host, Barry Keating will direct, and Mary K. Botosan, Kati Meister and Erin Oestreich are the event's producers. John Willis, a founder of the Theatre World Awards, will be in attendance. First presented in 1945, the Theatre World Awards are the oldest awards given for Broadway and Off-Broadway debut performances, and are among the oldest honors given to stage performers. The Theatre World Award winners have been chosen by the Theatre World Awards voting committee, currently comprised of David Cote (Time Out New York and NY1), Joe Dziemianowicz (New York Daily News), Peter Filichia (The Star-Ledger and TheaterMania), Harry Haun (Playbill), Matthew Murray (Talkin' Broadway), Frank Scheck (New York Post and Hollywood Reporter) and Linda Winer (Newsday).
The Theatre World Award board of directors is Kati Meister, president; Erin Oestreich, vice-president; Steven Bloom, treasurer, Mary K. Botosan, secretary; Tom Lynch, founding board member; and Randy Hemming, Barry Keating, Cara Lustik and Jane Stuart.
For more information about the Theatre World Awards (including a listing of past recipients) visit theatreworldawards.org.
