The annual celebration of professional theatre in Edmonton let loose this week as the 24th annual Sterling Awards were announced.
The Citadel’s production of Brad Fraser’s play True Love Lies came out on top as Ron Jenkins’ production garnered seven nominations.
Catalyst Theatre’s Hunchback attracted six nominations including outstanding score of play or musical for former St. Albert resident Jonathon Christenson.
Surreal SoReal’s innovative production of Dog, which starred former St. Albert resident Sarah Sharkey, also captured six nominations including outstanding new play and outstanding independent production.
Sharkey, who is a bold presence on stage, also performed in the ensemble production of Communion directed by Marianne Copithorne. It received two nominations including outstanding director for Copithorne.
St. Albert Children’s Theatre (SACT) alumna, Vanessa Sabourin, had the pleasure of seeing her Maggie Tree production company receive three nominations for Shatter including outstanding independent production.
Former SACT musical director Ryan Sigurdson was nominated for two awards as outstanding musical director in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and for outstanding score for a play or musical in The Infinite Shiver.
Although it’s been a few years since St. Albert martial arts instructor David MacInnis made a living from judo chops, it’s safe to say he hasn’t lost his quickness and was nominated in The Sandkeeper Canto for Outstanding Fringe Performance.
And !mpulse Theatre’s remount of the energetic music Boy Groove received a nomination for outstanding independent production. SACT instructors Eric Wigston, Byron Martin and Jason Hardwick all contributed to the song and dance routines.
The awards, sliced up like a pie, will be presented on Monday, June 27 at Mayfield Theatre.
At noon today, the Edmonton Pride Festival kicks off with a parade in downtown Edmonton on 108 St. and 102 Ave heading down to Sir Winston Churchill Square. All day celebrations follow with entertainment and a beer garden.
Every day until Sunday, June 19 there will be events that range from a pancake breakfast, barbecue, family picnic and professional mixer to a self-defence workshop, a diversity conference and a discussion on spirituality.
Terry Harris, director of communication for the Edmonton Pride Festival Society, adds that although the festival started as more of a political mixer in 1980, it has evolved into an arts and culture festival. “It shows how far we’ve come in the last few years,” he adds.
For a full line-up of events go online to www.edmontonprideweek.ca.
