Celebrating theater -- and family -- at The Edge - #lakewoodnews

The Edge Theatre's sixth annual Edgy Awards on Dec. 12 gave the Lakewood-based theater company a chance to celebrate a year of artistic achievements and the new season to come.

"We started this theater with 30 people in the audience, and now you're all here with us," said Rick Yaconis, executive and artistic director of The Edge. "This is the one time a year we all get together to celebrate what we've done and why we do this."

Here's a list of the 2016 winners, and some of the best comments heard at the evening's celebrations.

1. Outstanding supporting actor --; Warren Sherrill for his performance as Albert/Bessie in "Casa Valentina": " 'Casa' was an amazing show. It's only once in a while do you get to do a show where you say, 'This is what it's all about.' Plus, I learned how to walk in high heels."

2. Outstanding supporting actress --; Kelly Uhlenhopp for her performance as Ruby in "Getting Out": "It was such a joy to do this show. I got to play a fierce, southern white trash woman, and I've been wanting to do that for a long time."

3. Technical awards: Jason Ducat for sound design work on "Medea;" Tom Quinn for sound management work on "Murder Ballad;" and Kenny Storms for sound and project work on "Marie Antoinette."

4. Rick's Picks: Justin Lane for set design work.

Jason Tyler Vaughn, the first musical director at The Edge on "Murder Ballad:" "Thank you to the Edge for putting on a rock musical in this space, and pulling it off," Vaughn said.

Emma Messenger, the first actor to do a one-woman show at the theater. "This is such a family here, and it was such a gift to be given this show. It was a pure pleasure to discover this incredible woman every night."

5. Outstanding ensemble --; "Casa Valentina"

6. Outstanding lead actor --; Kent Randell for his performance as Arturo in "By the Waters of Babylon": "We're very lucky to do what we love to do here at The Edge."

7. Outstanding lead actress --; Missy Moore for her performance as Arlene in "Getting Out": "This year has been a great one creatively for me. I've been with The Edge for all six seasons now, and I've grown as an individual and actor, and forged some amazing friendships."

8. Outstanding director --; Josh Hartwell for "Casa Valentina": "This show was not work at all. It was just fun the entire time, and The Edge has become another artistic home for me."

9. Outstanding production --; "Murder Ballad": "We've never done anything like this in a space like this before," said actress Shannan Steele. "This is a family at The Edge, and we felt like a welcome guest in your home."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Celebrating-theater-and-family-at-The-Edge,240429