“Company” and “The Shape of Things”

Share Top Honors at 

PowPAC’s Annual Awards Banquet

      It was head-to-head competition for “Company,” the Stephen Sondheim musical that lit up the boards for PowPAC, Poway’s Community Theatre, and “The Shape of Things,” a controversial drama by Neil La Bute that gave PowPAC audiences something to think about.  The event commemorated completion of PowPAC’s 25^th season. 

     In the end, “Company” and “The Shape of Things” each walked away with seven awards at PowPAC’s 19^th Annual Awards Banquet that recognized shows for the 2006-2007 season. Plays also recognized with nominations and awards included ”Let’s Murder Marsha,” “Beyond Therapy,” “Night Watch” and “Caught in the Net.” 

     Nan Katona, a long-time management team member and past president of the Board of Directors,  was judging coordinator and, with Sabato Fiorello and Sherrie Colbourn, co-chaired the event. Debbie David and Frank Remiatte, both award-winning actors, were masters of ceremonies...       

     Best lead actor and actress awards went to Rob Conway and Allie Dana, both for “The Shape of Things.” The best direction award went to Dave Kelso for “the Shape of Things”, and the producer/production award went to Sherrie Colbourn and Debbie David, also for “The Shape of Things.”

      Best musical direction and choreography was presented to Rick Shaffer and Alisa Williams, respectively, for “Company,” and best support ensemble was awarded to Karen Reed Bamesberger, Shannon Jacobson and Bonnie Nichols, also for “Company.”

     Best actress and actor in a major supporting role went to Meredith Russo for “Company” and to Christopher Duzan for “The Shape of  Things.” The awards for best actress and actor in minor supporting roles went to Karen Reed Bamesberger for “Company” and to Kirk Irvine for “Caught in the Net.”

     Other awards included: Sharon Bowen, costume design, “Night Watch”; Chad Oakley, lighting design, “Company”; David Kelso, sound design, “The Shape of Things”; Chad Oakley, set design, “The Shape of Things”; and Sabato Fiorello, set decoration, “Let's Murder Marsha.”

      The house management award went to Claudette Heffner for “Company.” She was assisted in the category by colorful and appropriate lobby decorations by James A. Seal, Dennis Rivera and Alan Trown.

       Joel Colbourn, PowPAC’s new president, received The Jim Payton Artistic Excellence Award for his work as a set designer, set builder, producer, and occasional actor.

        Claudette Heffner, hospital coordinator and a board member, was presented the Women’s Auxiliary Spirit of Giving Award.  Heffner was also recently recognized for her contributions to PowPAC by the San Diego Performing Arts League.

       Chris Cote, a Poway businessman and owner Grafiks Signs of Poway, received the Star Award presented to someone from the local community who makes significant contributions to the theatre.

        The 2006-2007 President’s Award was presented by former President Sabato Fiorello to Debbie David and Gerry Reeves. David is an award-winning actress, musical theatre performer, producer, and past artistic director, and she currently serves as PowPAC’s community relations manager. Reeves currently serves as PowPAC’s publicity manager.