ABBOTT AWARDS GO TO RIVER CITY PLAYERS

The Abbotts, named for longtime community theater director the late Ann Abbott, were bestowed last weekend for exemplary work on behalf of the River City Players. River City Players members were nominated for their work in five different productions: "On Golden Pond," "Nunsense," "Let Him Sleep Till It's Time for His Funeral," "Night of January 16th" and "Fools." The courtroom drama "Night of January 16th" brought in a number of awards for performers during the festivities Saturday at the River City Yacht Club.

Stacey Storey was honored with two awards, one for her work as co-director with Chuck Ross on the musical "Nunsense" and again as Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Karen Andres in "Night of January 16th."The other director teams nominated were Steve Ruppel and Stephanie Williams, Ann Swanson and Marty Koeller, Chuck Ross and Suzanne Scherer, and Ann Swanson and Marty Koeller.

Also nominated for Best Actress were Elaine Carlson, Ellen Dillon, Lori Prewitt and Sarah Semmler.

The award for Best Actor in a Leading Role went to Dan Finch and Jeff Statler, who portrayed attorneys in "Night of January 16th." Jeff Jackson, Jake Martin and David Hopper were the other nominees.

The Best Actress in a Supporting Role was Debbie Barnhouse, who played Ruby in "Night of January 16th." Other nominees were Megwyn Sanders, Anna Ruggiero, Camille Otteson and LeAnne Statler. Jackson High School student David Koeller, who played Billy Jr. in "On Golden Pond," was named Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The other nominees were Joe Sherinski, Champ Friend and Mike Manning.

The award for Best Technical Achievement went to Charlie Kent for his set design for "Fools." Also nominated were George Kraleman, Raina Childers and Jake Martin.

The Unsung Hero Award went to Marty Koeller for her work on the organization's newsletter. Also nominated were Bill Dunn, Dennis Seyer, Ken Petty and Doc Cain.

The President's Merit Award for promotion of the River City Players went to Bill Dunn.

The River City Players' next production will be "Bus Stop" in February. Also planned are "Play Dead" in May," "Nunsense II" in August and next fall "Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters' First 100 Years."