Members of Courtenay Little Theatre were overjoyed at the exciting end of the 2017 North Island Zone Drama Festival.
Their entry, The Drawer Boy by Michael Heatley, was chosen as Best Production.
Adjudicator Andrew McIlroy was impressed by many aspects of the CLT play. Catherine Hannon received Best Director, Jay Crowder won for Best Set Design, and Wes Buckle received the award for Best Male Lead Actor for his memorable portrayal of the head-injured Angus.
The second local company taking part, TheatreWorks, was also recognized. They were given several awards for their production of Asylum, written and directed by Kymme Patrick. Asylum won Best Backstage Co-ordination, Best Ensemble Acting, Best Sound Design and Best Lighting Design. Ross Stephanson was chosen as Best Male Supporting Actor for his effective role as Dr. Patterson.
Best Female Lead Actor award was given to Vicki Barta, for her role as the eldest sister, Theresa, in Echo Players’ Marion Bridge. The Best Female Supporting Actor award went to Nanaimo Theatre Group’s Dana Mowbray. Dana played the mentally handicapped daughter in their production of Toronto, Mississippi. This production was also selected as Runner Up, an award which is always given in case the winner cannot take part in the Theatre BC Mainstage Festival.
But Courtenay Little Theatre definitely plans to represent North Island Zone at Mainstage 2017 in Vernon. Winners of all participating zones take part, with performances each evening and a high calibre of daytime workshops and discussions.
Comox Valley supporters who are in the Vernon area are welcome to attend CLT’s presentation. They will once again enjoy this award winning production, with its subtle direction by Catherine Hannon and powerful performances by Brad Arlitt, Wes Buckle and Steve Hill.
Courtenay Little Theatre will perform The Drawer Boy in Vernon’s Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, July 6.