As the media rolls out its “Best of 2009″ lists, CATCO is proud to be among the honorees!
The breadth of the offerings honored is a real salute to the growing wealth of theatre being produced in Columbus, despite some of the most trying economic times in recent memory. From Actor’s Theatre’s Shakespeare in the park with puppets, to the Phoenix/CAPA production of The Miracle Worker with both deaf and hearing actors, to Evolution’s Frozen, to Shadowbox’s original musical about Woodstock, to Gallery’s musical Parade, to Available Light’s Dirty Math, to CATCO’s Seafarer, our community of artists and audience has clearly shown that we are not backing down in the face of the recession.
Congratulations to all honored!
We at CATCO are proud to have several productions and artists named as “Bests” of the year:
Blackbird, David Harrower’s exploration of the boundary between love and abuse, directed by Geoffrey Nelson, and featuring Jonathan Putnam, Anna Paniccia, and Marisa Jean Riegle gripped our audience and held them spellbound within the intimate confines of the Studio Two Theatre. Dispatch critic Michael Grossberg named it to his “Best Of” list for 2009. The production featured set design by Jessica Trent Secrest , Costumes by Kristine Kearney, Lighting by Jim Hutchison, and sound design by Nitz Brown.
Anna Paniccia & Jon Putnam in CATCO's "Blackbird." Photo by David Alkire
The Seafarer, Conor McPherson’s darkly humorous tale of a Christmas Eve poker game involving copious amounts of alcohol, the devil, and the chance for redemption received several honors. Mandy Fox directed a 5-actor cast that included Damian Bowerman, Rick Clark, Ken Erney, Mark Mann, and Geoffrey Nelson. The production featured set design by Dan Gray, costume design by Tatjana Longerot, lighting design by Darin Keesing, and sound by Keya Myers-Alkire. Michael Grossberg named it to his “Best Of” list, and Richard Ades of The Other Paper declared it the “Best Comedy” saying:
“Director Mandy Fox was blessed with a cast of five fine actors, and she used them well in Conor McPherson’s alcohol-fueled tale. Dan Gray’s realistically dingy set was another plus.”
Ken Erney, Damian Bowerman, Rick Clark, Mark Mann, and Geoffrey Nelson in CATCO's "The Seafarer." Photo by David Alkire
Mandy Fox: Tied for Best Direction for The Seafarer. Richard Ades ‘ choice for “best Direction” was a three-way tie among Mandy for The Seafarer, Pam Hill for The Tempest at Actor’s Theatre, and Frank Barnhart for Parade at Gallery Players. Quoth Ades:
“Try as I might, I could not find a reason to favor one of these sterling efforts over the others.”
Congrats to Mandy, and Frank & Pam as well!
Michelle Schroeder, The Other Paper’s “Best Performance (Female)” of 2009! Richard Ades honored Michelle for her work with CATCO in Almost, Maine, and for her role in Available Light’s production of God’s Ear. If you saw CATCO’s Almost, Maine you will remember Michelle as the petite actress who portrayed a wide variety of roles from Sandrine, whose bachelorette party is interrupted by an ex-boyfriend, to Rhonda the tom-boy who discovers love wrapped up in a snowmobile outfit. Almost, Maine was Michelle’s debut production at CATCO and her work on the show was nothing short of brilliant! I had enjoyed her acting in Phoenix productions in the past, and colleagues tell me she was simply heart-breaking in AVLT’s God’s Ear. We were thrilled to have her with us for Almost, Maine and are glad her talents are being recognized!
Kevin McClatchy and Michelle Schroeder in CATCO's "Almost, Maine." Photo by David Alkire
Michelle Schroeder and Malcolm Callan in CATCO's "Almost, Maine." Photo by David Alkire
Congratulations Michelle, you deserve it!
Thanks to our colleagues in the press for their continued coverage and recognition!
Have a happy and safe new year!
–T.J. Gerckens
Managing Director
CATCO
Thank YOU, Tatjana! As always, it was an honor, a particular pleasure, and a real treat to work with you again! Hopefully I’ll get the chance to do so again in fewer that 4 years! Keep mending!
WOW -Congrats to all! I loved working on “The Seafarer”. Mandy is a great collaborator and the production team excelled under her leadership. Thanks to all who helped me make it through tech via sending me pics and watching rehearsals for me while I recuperated from surgery! And thanks to the “boys” – the nicest group of actors who cherished their beaten up and grungy costumes