And the award for best production goes to ... Torch Song.
The Harvey Fierstein adaptation performed by the Vancouver Island Players went home with the adjudicator’s nod at South Island Zone Festival gala on May 21.
The win means the production will represent the South Island at the provincial competition, Mainstage, in Kamloops July 1 to 9.
Looking back on the festival, South Island Zone chair Wendy Wearne said it was a whirlwind of a week.
“It was a really solid week,” said Wearne.
Wearne praised the diverse group in attendance noting there was a good cross-section of age and expertise.
“I always find doing an event in that environment, it just volunteers such good representation from the community.”
Wearne credits not only the actors and crews, but the volunteers who helped make the festival a success.
“The gala is a very typical wind-up ... demonstrating that enthusiasm.”
Wearne said she is pleased to see Torch Song going to Mainstage as it is a representation of a group’s hard work. But, she added, all the productions were strong contenders.
“I liked the quality of work from everybody and I am very content with the winner being Torch Song,” she said.
The cast and crew were able to change a few things between their run and the festival and, Wearne said, and will go whole-heartedly on the provincial stage.
To get to Mainstage, Wearne estimates it will cost around $10,000 and expects some fundraising events to follow.
Other winners included: Best Costume Design: Parallel Players: Look Me In the Eye — Kira Mauriks, Sophie Heizer.
Best Lighting Design: The Shawnigan Players: The Children’s Hour — Robin LeGarff.
Best Sound Design: Ladysmith Little Theatre: A Visit From The President — Lorne Kraft.
Best Artistic Design: Vancouver Island Players: Torch Song (Widows and Children First) — Bruce Rowland.
Best Cast Ensemble: Parallel Players — Look me in The Eye.
Best Supporting Actress: Vancouver Island Players: Torch Song (Widows and Children First)— Joanne MacIntosh.
Best Supporting Actor: Ladysmith Little Theatre: A Visit From The President — Ted Girard.
Backstage Award: The Shawnigan Players — The Children’s Hour.
Greatest Contribution to SIZ: Susan Carthy.
Best Director: The Shawnigan Players: The Children’s Hour — Alex Gallacher.
Best Actor in a Lead Role:Vancouver Island Players: Torch Song (Widows and Children First) — Rick Meyers.
Best Actress in a Lead Role: The Shawnigan Players: The Children’s Hour — Kirsten Peters.
Best Production: Vancouver Island Players — Torch Song (Widows and Children First).
Adjudicator’s Choice Awards:
Best Newcomer. Vancouver Island Players: Torch Song (Widows and Children First) — Alyxander Szasz-Nicholson
Honourable Mention: Ladysmith Little Theatre: A Visit From The President — Bobbi Rowntree.
Spirit Award: Look Me In the Eye — Parallel Players.