The 26th annual Vivian Robinson Audelco Recognition Awards, which honor African-Americans in the theatre, were held Nov. 16, at 8 PM, at Aaron Davis Hall at New York's City College.
The winners are as follows:
Dramatic Production of the Year: Bolt from the Blue
Lead Actress: Janice Jenkins, Bolt from the Blue
Lead Actor: Gregor Manns, Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again
Solo Performance: Michael Broughton, Jim Beckwourth
Ensemble Performances on the Year: Fly
Musical Production on the Year: Satan Never Sleeps
Musical Director: Jimmy Miller, Satan Never Sleeps
Performance in a Musical -- Male: Jerome Shavers, Satan Never Sleeps
Performance in a Musical -- Female: (tie) Adriane Lenox, Dinah Was, Sandra Reeves-Phillips, Rollin' on the T.O.B.A.
Supporting Actress: Kimberly Purneli: Glady's Dilemma
Supporting Actor: Fulton Hedges, Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again
Playwright: Lillie Marie Redwood, Imperfection Flawed
Choreographer: George Faison, Dinah Was
Director -- Musical Production: Ronald Wyche, Satan Never Sleeps
Director -- Ensemble Production: Wynn Handman, Fly
Director -- Dramatic Production: Gertrude Jeannette, Bolt from the Blue
Sound Design: David Wright, Fly
Costume Design: Marcel Christian, Julius Caesar Set in Africa
Set Design: Steve Walker, Bolt from the Blue
Lighting Design: Christophe Pierre, Nzinga's Children
This year's presentation specifically honored playwrights. The "Pioneer Award" was given to dramatists Amiri Baraka, Ed Bullins and Melvin Van Peebles -- all three, important figures in the black theatre movement of the '60s.
Baraka is best known for his seminal drama Dutchman. He also penned Sidnee Poets Heroic and A Recent Killing. Bullins has authored dozens of plays, including The Electronic Nigger, Daddy, The Corner and The Gentleman Caller. Van Peebles' most famous work is Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death. He also wrote Champeen! and directed the seminal blaxploitation film, "Sweet Sweetback's Badasssss {sic] Song."
The Pioneer Awards will be presented by playwright Ishmael Reed. Entertainment at the event will include performances from the musicals Dinah Was, Rolling on the TOBA and Satan Never Sleeps. Among the awards presenters are Mary Wilson of the Supremes and playwright Laurence Holder. George C. Wolfe is honorary chairman of the awards committee.
For information, call (212) 368-6906, (212) 650-7148, or (212) 307 7171.
-- By Robert Simonson
