River City Players reward their own with Abbot Awards

The River City Players' annual awards ceremony, The Abbott Awards, recently concluded the 2009 season for the local community theater group. The players are now looking ahead to more good times and great shows for the 2010 season.

The awards ceremony, held Jan. 16 at Port Cape, honored actors and behind-the-scenes workers with awards in six categories.

Debbie Barnhouse, president of the River City Players, said the actors who win the coveted awards create characters so believable that they make the audience forget they are watching a play.

"Some have many, many lines to memorize, which takes a lot of dedication and time," Barnhouse said.

Newcomer Melissa Wade took home two Abbott Awards. She received trophies for best actress in a leading role for her portrayal of Sara in "Getting Sara Married," and the President's Award, an honor bestowed solely by Barnhouse.

"This award is given to someone that has been a huge help to the president and River City Players," Barnhouse said. "They are willing to give of their time and talents and volunteer, not waiting to be asked."

Barnhouse said Wade won this year because of all the help she has given, not only acting but doing hair and makeup for other shows. Wade also helped with props and lighting.

"She is a very hard worker," Barnhouse said.

Matthew Heisserer also walked away with two Abbott Awards, one for best actor in a leading role as Brandon in "Getting Sara Married," and another for best actor in a supporting role for his depiction of Owen in "Make Me A Match."

Holly Raines was presented with the award for best actress in a supporting role for her performance as Aunt Martha in "Getting Sara Married."

Upon accepting her award, Raines thanked her co-stars and others who helped in the show. She said the people she knew at River City Players were "the best friends a girl could have."

"Getting Sara Married," directed by Barnhouse and assistant directed by Sara Corbin, was given the year's Best Show Award.

Brenda Ferguson was presented with the Unsung Hero Award. Barnhouse said the award is given to the person who goes above and beyond the call of duty.

"They put a lot of time and effort in behind the scenes making sure the show is an A-plus performance," she said.

The winners of the awards are decided by the group's board of directors by using secret ballots. Barnhouse also gives special awards, which she said are the highlight of the ceremony to her. She began giving the special awards last year.

"I come up with the categories and decide what kind of award to give," Barnhouse said.

This year, she awarded gold medals and an Award of Excellence ribbon.

Recognized for their work behind the scenes were Chuck Ross, Roseanna Whitlow, Mike Craig, Jason Sachon and Sheila Brown. Randy Barnhouse, Lindsay Miller and Joe Reed were recognized for their work on stage.

The theater group is already working on its 2010 lineup.

Craig will take his first turn as a director for "Let's Murder Marsha," which opens the 2010 season March 5. The play is a comedy surrounding a character, Marsha, who believes her husband and others have a plot to murder her.

Also directing this year, Barnhouse said, will be Tana Howard, who has directed and acted with the group before. She will direct "The Ransom of Red Chief," in June, based on a one-act comedy script that surrounds a kidnapping.

Raines, who directed for the first time last season with "Make Me A Match," will direct "Panic" in September.

Barnhouse will direct the last show of the season, "The Crazy Time," opening in November. The comedy play was written by Sam Bobrick, who also wrote "Getting Sara Married."

"Before you know it, it will be time for the 2010 Abbott Awards. The year goes by very fast," Barnhouse said.