Theo Ubique’s award-winning “Evita” runs through June 27 at No Exit Cafe.
Theo Ubique Theatre Company swept the spring 2009 Joseph Jefferson Awards, winning seven of the 26 prizes given for non-Equity theater performances. The annual awards ceremony honoring Chicago’s storefront and black-box theaters took place last night at Park West.
Theo Ubique’s cabaret production of “Evita” received six awards — the most for any single production — including Outstanding Production &mdash Musical or Revue. Its director, Fred Anzevino, also received honors, as did its principal actress, Maggie Portman, and actor, Chris Damiano, who also received a second award for his supporting role in Theo Ubique’s “Jacques Brel’s Lonesome Losers of the Night.” “Evita” Choreographer Brenda Didier and Music Director Ryan Brewster were the other winners.
The prize for Outstanding Production — Play went to The Hypocrites’ “Our Town,” and the Outstanding Ensemble award went to Steep Theatre’s “In Arabia We’d All Be Kings.” Ken Prestininzi received the best new work award for “Beholder” at Trap Door Theatre. Other acting winners included Esteban Andres Cruz for Raven Theatre’s “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train” and Laura Coover for “Blue Surge” at Eclipse Theatre. In addition, Pegasus Players’ founder Arlene Crewdson received a special award for her lifelong contributions to Chicago theater.
Nearly half the awards went to Rogers Park venues in the Glenwood Avenue Arts District.
Performances of “Evita” continue at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through June 27 at No Exit Cafe in Rogers Park. Tickets are $31, or $54 with a pre-show dinner of Argentinean cuisine.
2009 Non-Equity Jeff Award Recipients
- Production — Play: “Our Town,” The Hypocrites
- Production — Musical or Revue: “Evita,” Theo Ubique Theatre Company in association with Michael James
- Ensemble: “In Arabia We’d All Be Kings,” Steep Theatre Company
- Director — Play: David Cromer, “Our Town,” The Hypocrites
- Director — Musical or Revue: Fred Anzevino, “Evita,” Theo Ubique Theatre Company in association with Michael James
- New Work: Ken Prestininzi, “Beholder” Trap Door Theatre
- New Adaptation: Katie McLean, “The Mark of Zorro,” Lifeline Theatre
- Actress in a Principal Role — Musical or Revue: Maggie Portman, “Evita,” Theo Ubique Theatre Company in association with Michael James
- Actress in a Principal Role — Play: Laura Coover, “Blue Surge,” Eclipse Theatre Company
- Actor in a Principal Role — Musical: Chris Damiano, “Evita,” Theo Ubique Theatre Company in association with Michael James
- Actor in a Principal Role — Play: Esteban Andres Cruz, “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train,” Raven Theatre
- Solo Performance: Janet Ulrich Brooks, “Golda’s Balcony,” Pegasus Players
- Actress in a Supporting Role — Musical or Revue: Amanda Hartley, “The Robber Bridegroom,” Griffin Theatre Company
- Actress in a Supporting Role: — Play: Mary Redmon, “Enchanted April,” Circle Theatre
- Actor in a Supporting Role — Musical or Revue: Chris Damiano, “Jacques Brel’s Lonesome Losers of the Night,” Theo Ubique Theatre Company in association with Michael James
- Actor in a Supporting Role — Play: Nathaniel Swift, “Blue Surge,” Eclipse Theatre Company
- Scenic Design (Tie): Alan Donahue, “Mariette in Ecstasy,” Lifeline Theatre; Bob Knuth, “Enchanted April,” Circle Theatre
- Costume Design: Suzanne Mann, “Hay Fever,” Circle Theatre
- Lighting Design: Jared B. Moore, “Touch,” New Leaf Theatre
- Sound Design (Tie): Victoria DeIorio, “The Mark of Zorro,” Lifeline Theatre;
- Joshua Horvath, “Rose and the Rime,” The House Theatre of Chicago
- Choreography: Brenda Didier, “Evita,” Theo Ubique Theatre Company in association with Michael James
- Original Incidental Music: Kevin O’Donnell “Rose and the Rime,” The House Theatre of Chicago
- Music Direction: Ryan Brewster, “Evita,” Theo Ubique Theatre Company in association with Michael James
- Fight Choreography: Geoff Coates, “The Mark of Zorro,” Lifeline Theatre
- Special Award: Arlene Crewdson
