UArts Scores Big at 2008 Barrymore Awards

Philadelphia (October 8, 2008) – UArts Faculty members scored big, winning five of a possible six Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre during a ceremony held at the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building earlier this week.

• Eric Ebbenga (SOTA Senior Lecturer) — Outstanding Music Direction, for Assassins at the Arden Theatre Company;
• Lee Ann Etzold (SOTA Lecturer) — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play, for her role as the Assistant Dramaturg in The Happiness Lecture at the Philadelphia Theatre Company;
• Scott Greer (SOTA Senior Lecturer) — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical, for his portrayal of Samuel Byck in the Arden Theatre Company’s production of Assassins;
• Richard St. Clair (SOTA Adjunct Assistant Professor) — Outstanding Costume Design, in Sleeping Beauty with the Arden Theatre Company;
• Jen Childs (SOTA Senior Lecturer) — Outstanding ensemble in a Play, in Suburban Love Songs with 1812 Productions.

UArts alumnae also had a good showing, garnering several nominations:

• Amanda Schnoonover, ’97, in the Outstanding Actress in a Play category, for her portrayal of Lucy in Mr. Marmalade at Theatre Exile;
• Erin Weaver, ’02, in the Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical category, for her turn as Jamie Hawkins in Treasure Island for The People’s Light & Theatre Company;
• Phoebe Silva ’07, in the Outstanding Ensemble in a Play and Best Musical categories, for her performance and violin composition, respectively, in the musical The Irish…And How They Got That Way at the Walnut Street Theatre, Independence Studio on 3;
• Elyse McKay Taylor, ’07, in the Outstanding Ensemble in a Play category for her role as the “Green Dog” in the Arden’s musical adaptation of the book Go, Dog. Go.

Additionally, Larry Loebell, an adjunct associate professor in the Writing for Film and Television program earned a nomination in the Outstanding New Play category for his House, Divided at the InterAct Theatre Company.

Marc Dicciani, ’75, Musical Director for the Barrymore Awards Show for more than a decade and Director of the UArts School of Music, led a musical performance, which featured School of Music faculty member Judy Glover on the piano.

"It was a splendid evening for UArts and the Philadelphia theater community,” said SOTA Interim Director Charles Gilbert. “You couldn’t turn around without bumping into someone with a UArts connection. It was a fine evening to feel a part of the Philadelphia theater family, and to see so many students, alumni and faculty recognized for their contributions to the vitality of our community.”

Produced by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, the award show was named after the legendary Barrymore family and has recognized and celebrated Philadelphia theaters and artists since its inception in 1994. Each year, over 100 productions, produced by professional theaters in the region, are reviewed by the Barrymore nominating committee.