The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee said Tuesday that there was always supposed to be two winners in the category of best director of a musical: Matt Hawkins ("Cabaret' from The Hypocrites) and Brenda  (Theo Ubique Theatre Company's "Cats").

There was confusion Monday night at the Non Equity Jeffs when the organizers appeared to only be prepared to give the award to Hawkins (and the pre-prepared list of winners had only Hawkins' name).

"It should have been two winners," said Jeff spokesman Jeffrey Marks, saying that there was a statistical tie in the category. "(Didier) is getting a plaque today with her name and show."

Marks said futher that the committee was investigating the cause of the confusion.

The Hypocrites' production of the musical "Cabaret" was the big winner at the 2011 Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards, winning five Jeffs, including for best production of a musical and a nod for director Matt Hawkins. Redtwist Theatre, a relative newcomer at the non-union Jeffs, also did well, with its production of "Man from Nebraska" winning best production of a play.

This year's ceremony, at the Park West nighterie in Lincoln Park, was hosted by Kevin Bellie and generally spread its awards across a broad variety of companies.  Presenters were mostly past winners, but a couple of awards were presented by the innovative, albeit fingerless, robots of "Heddatron."

Uncharacteristically, the ceremony had a couple of serious hiccups. Director Brenda Diddier was announced as winner of the Jeff for best director of a musical, even as the slide said Matt Hawkins. The winner was, in fact, Hawkins. The unknowing Diddier ascended the podium and gave an acceptance speech. Alas, she was not the winner.

"Brenda, look at your plaque," a squirming, award-less Hawkins said from the stage. "This is not really awkward at all."

The Hypocrites, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre and Lifeline Theatre scored the most nominations in the non-Equity wing of the Joseph Jefferson Awards, which were announced Wednesday night. The Hypocrites' production of "Cabaret," with nine nominations, was particularly admired by the volunteer committee. Among newer companies, Redtwist Theatre was especially well represented.

The winners will be announced at the 38th-anniversary ceremony will be held 7:30 p.m. June 6 at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage; tickets are $40-$45 at www.jeffawards.org

A full list of nominations appears below; a record 32 companies are recognized for their work in the past year.

2011 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARD NOMINEES

PRODUCTION - PLAY

• “A Delicate Balance” - Redtwist Theatre
• “Lobby Hero” - Redtwist Theatre
• “Stage Door” - Griffin Theatre Company
• “The Love of the Nightingale” - Red Tape Theatre
• “Man From Nebraska” - Redtwist Theatre
• “The Master and Margarita” - Strawdog Theatre Company

PRODUCTION - MUSICAL

• “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” - Bohemian Theatre Ensemble
• “Boojum! Nonsense, Truth and Lewis Carroll” - Chicago DCA Theater, Caffeine Theatre and Chicago Opera Vanguard
• “Cabaret” - The Hypocrites
• “Cats” - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James
• “The Pirates of Penzance” - The Hypocrites

DIRECTOR - PLAY

• Louis Contey - “The Master and Margarita” by Strawdog Theatre Company
• Zeljko Djukic - “Baal” by TUTA Theatre Chicago
• Keira Fromm - “Lobby Hero” by Redtwist Theatre
• Jimmy McDermott - “The Three Faces of Doctor Crippen” by The Strange Tree Group
• James Palmer - “The Love of the Nightingale” by Red Tape Theatre
• Robin Witt - “Stage Door” by Griffin Theatre Company

DIRECTOR - MUSICAL

• Brenda Didier - “Cats” by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James
• Sean Graney - “The Pirates of Penzance” by The Hypocrites
• Matt Hawkins - “Cabaret” by The Hypocrites
• Jimmy McDermott - “Boojum! Nonsense, Truth and Lewis Carroll” by Chicago DCA Theater, Caffeine Theatre and Chicago Opera Vanguard
• P. Marston Sullivan - “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Bohemian Theatre Ensemble

 
"Ragtime," which played at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace March through May this year, was the big musical winner of the 42nd annual Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards, held Monday night in Oakbrook Terrace. “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” won for best large play.

“The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity,” a wrestling-themed drama by Kristoffer Diaz, scored a knockout Monday night at the 42nd annual round of the Joseph Jefferson Awards.

The show, first produced by the Victory Gardens Theater in association with Teatro Vista and a 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist currently in development for Broadway, slammed its way to five Jeffs in major catagories. Its director, Edward Torres, beat out David Cromer, nominated for his Writers' Theatre production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Playwright Diaz, who gave a powerful speech at Monday night's event, emerged triumphant from a singularly powerful roster of new plays first produced in Chicago.

"You took me to my first play and to my first WWF event," said acting winner Desmin Borges, referencing his parents. "You made me into the man I am today."

The Jeff Committee, which judged 111 Equity-affiliated shows in Chicago this past season, also liked the Drury Lane's production of “Ragtime,” which sashayed to eight Jeffs, the most of any show this year. "I've waited 20 years for this," said Roberta Duchak, the musical director.

Top acting honors went to Borges, Quentin Earl Darrington (winning, he said Monday night, the first important award of his career), Cory Goodrich, Natasha Lowe, Francis Guinan, Mark David Kaplan, Natalie West and Mary Beth Fisher, honored for her solo performance in the Court Theatre's “The Year of Magical Thinking.”

This year's Jeffs, which were hosted in classy fashion by actors Deanna Dunagan and Felicia P. Fields and was the most proficient and enjoyable ceremony in some years, were held at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. Not all the winners were present. The ceremony was slated on the same night as a Goodman opening, and, bizarrely, only one of the members of the Steppenwolf ensemble of "The Brother/Sister Plays" appeared to collect the Jeff.

Nonetheless, this was a night to celebrate Chicago theater.

"No Broadway lights or jumping kangaroos," Dunagan said, "can substitute for the city that works."

The return of the Jeffs to Drury Lane, and the formidable achievements of "Ragtime," were further confirmation of that theater's renaissance. There were many shout-outs to the DeSantis family from the stage reflecting wide gratitude that the younger generation of the famous theatrical family had re-energized such a much-loved theater, founded by their grandfather, Tony DeSantis.

"Tony," said winner Mark David Kaplan, "would be so proud of what you have done."

Winners of the 42nd Annual Jeff Equity Awards:

PRODUCTION / PLAY (LARGE): “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” – Victory Gardens in association with Teatro Vista
PRODUCTION / PLAY (MIDSIZE): “The Farnsworth Invention” – TimeLine Theatre Company
PRODUCTION / MUSICAL (LARGE): “Ragtime” – Drury Lane Productions
PRODUCTION / REVUE: “Oh Coward!” – Writers’ Theatre
ENSEMBLE: “The Brother/Sister Plays” – Steppenwolf Theatre Company
DIRECTOR / PLAY: Edward Torres – “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” – Victory Gardens with Teatro Vista
DIRECTOR / MUSICAL: Rachel Rockwell – “Ragtime” – Drury Lane Productions
SOLO PERFORMANCE: Mary Beth Fisher – “The Year of Magical Thinking” – Court Theatre
ACTOR IN PRINCIPAL ROLE / PLAY: Desmin Borges – “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” - Victory Gardens with Teatro Vista
ACTOR IN PRINCIPAL ROLE / MUSICAL: Quentin Earl Darrington – “Ragtime” – Drury Lane Productions
ACTRESS IN PRINCIPAL ROLE / PLAY: Natasha Lowe – “A Streetcar Named Desire” – Writers’ Theatre
ACTRESS IN PRINCIPAL ROLE / MUSICAL: Cory Goodrich – “Ragtime” – Drury Lane Productions
ACTOR IN SUPPORTING ROLE / PLAY: Francis Guinan – “A Guide for the Perplexed” – Victory Gardens Theater
ACTOR IN SUPPORTING ROLE / MUSICAL: Mark David Kaplan – “Ragtime” – Drury Lane Productions
ACTRESS IN SUPPORTING ROLE / PLAY: Natalie West – “Abigail’s Party” – A Red Orchid Theatre
ACTRESS IN SUPPORTING ROLE / MUSICAL: Valisia LeKae – “Ragtime” – Drury Lane Productions
ACTOR IN A REVUE: Rob Lindley – “Oh Coward!” – Writers’ Theatre
ACTRESS IN A REVUE: Kate Fry – “Oh Coward!” – Writers’ Theatre
SCENIC DESIGN (LARGE): Walt Spangler – “A True History of the Johnstown Flood” – Goodman Theatre
SCENIC DESIGN (MIDSIZE): James Leaming – “Tobacco Road” – American Blues Theater
COSTUMES (LARGE): Alison Siple – “The Mystery of Irma Vep” – Court Theatre
COSTUMES (MIDSIZE): Sarah E. Ross and Kristin DeiTos – “Tobacco Road” – American Blues Theater
LIGHTING (LARGE): John Culbert – “The Illusion” – Court Theatre
LIGHTING (MIDSIZE): Jaymi Lee Smith – “Mary’s Wedding” – Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
SOUND (LARGE): Ray Nardelli – “Hephaestus: A Greek Mythology Circus Tale” – Lookingglass and Silverguy Entertainment
SOUND (MIDSIZE): Victoria DeIorio – “Mary’s Wedding” – Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
CHOREOGRAPHY: Tammy Mader – “Thoroughly Modern Millie” – Drury Lane Productions
INCIDENTAL MUSIC: Ray Nardelli, Andre Pluess, Joshua Horvath, and Kevin O’Donnell – “Hephaestus” – Lookingglass and Silverguy Entertainment
MUSIC DIRECTION: Roberta Duchak – “Ragtime” – Drury Lane Productions
NEW WORK / PLAY: Kristoffer Diaz - “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” – Victory Gardens with Teatro Vista
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN: Bridges Media – “Trust” – Lookingglass Theatre Company
FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY: David Woolley – “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” – Victory Gardens with Teatro Vista

"Ragtime" was a hit this spring at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace; it pulled in 11 nominations for the 42nd annual Joseph Jefferson Awards, to be presented Oct. 25.

The resurgent Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace tops the list of nominated theaters for the 42nd annual Joseph Jefferson Awards, announced Tuesday. Among Drury Lane's 26 nominations, Rachel Rockwell's production of “Ragtime” scored 11 nominations and “Cabaret” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie” collected seven apiece. Court Theatre dominates the best large-play category with three nominees: “The Illusion,” “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom” and “The Mystery of Irma Vep.”

The nominations in 31 categories are for Chicago-area Equity theatrical productions between Aug. 1, 2009, and July 31, 2010. The Jeff Awards will be presented Oct. 25 at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. (For tickets, go to www.jeffawards.org)

Here's a full list of nominations for the 2010 Equity Jeff Awards:

PRODUCTION – LARGE PLAY 
“The Brother/Sister Plays” - Steppenwolf Theatre Company
“The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” - Victory Gardens Theater with Teatro Vista
“The Illusion” - Court Theatre
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” - Court Theatre
“The Mystery of Irma Vep” - Court Theatre
“A Streetcar Named Desire” - Writers’ Theatre

PRODUCTION – LARGE MUSICAL
“Animal Crackers” - Goodman Theatre
“Cabaret” - Drury Lane Productions
“The Drowsy Chaperone” - Marriott Theatre
“Hairspray” - Marriott Theatre
“Ragtime” - Drury Lane Productions
“Thoroughly Modern Millie” - Drury Lane Productions

The Profiles Theatre production of Tracy Letts' “Killer Joe” and the Theo Ubique Theatre Company revival of “Chess” are the two big winners of the 2010 Non-Equity Jeff Awards. The honors for “Chess” continue the Jeff committee's affection for Theo Ubique's brand of storefront musical. Maggie Portman, winner in the actress in a principal role/musical category, has won that category two years in a row.

"Thank you to my parents," said Peter Oyloe, winner in the category of best supporting actor in a play for his work in "The Pillowman" at Red Twist Theatre,"for believing that you don't have to have money to be successful."

James T. Scott, winner for his work on Quest Theatre Ensemble's "Evolution/Creation" thanked "the residents of Andersonville" for allowing the contents of their dumpsters to be recycled into Jeff Award-winning puppets.

Other major acting awards presented at Monday night's event at the Park West nighterie went to Kendra Thulin, who played the title role in Steep Theatre Company's hit production of “Harper Reagan,” Courtney Crouse of “Chess” and Darrell Cox of “Killer Joe.” The much-coveted award for ensemble was awarded to the Raven Theatre's company for “Twelve Angry Men.” New-plays kudos were shared by Ellen Fairey (for “Graceland”) and Michael Rohd and Phillip C. Klapperich (for “Wilson Wants it All” at the House Theatre). And the Jeff committee presented a special award to Circle Theatre, which has been producing theater in Forest Park for 25 years.

"Our companies," said Glen Z. Herring, chair of the Jeff Awards Committee, introducing Circle Theatre as emblematic of the entire Chicago theater, "are both fierce and fearless."

David Cromer, who has two shows in Chicago this season and two shows on Broadway next season, presented the two Jeff awards for best play and musical. The theater-loving Ald. Joe Moore was present supporting Theo Ubique, located in his Rogers Park ward.

Hosts Kevin Bellie and Frances Limoncelli had many droll tricks up their sleeves, including a medley poking fun at the popularity of musicals by adding songs to plays ("The Pillowman can...") that ended with the hosts leading the crowd at Park West, lighters in hand, singing "all we are saying, is give plays a chance."

2010 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARD RECIPIENTS

PRODUCTION / PLAY
“Killer Joe” - Profiles Theatre

PRODUCTION / MUSICAL
“Chess” - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

DIRECTOR / PLAY
Rick Snyder for “Killer Joe” - Profiles Theatre

DIRECTOR / MUSICAL
Fred Anzevino and Brenda Didier for “Chess” - Theo Ubique with Michael James

ENSEMBLE
“Twelve Angry Men” - Raven Theatre

ACTOR IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE / PLAY
Darrell W. Cox in “Killer Joe” - Profiles Theatre

ACTOR IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE / MUSICAL
Courtney Crouse in “Chess” - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

ACTRESS IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE / PLAY
Kendra Thulin in “Harper Regan” - Steep Theatre Company

ACTRESS IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE / MUSICAL
Maggie Portman in “Chess” - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE / PLAY
Peter Oyloe in “The Pillowman” - Redtwist Theatre

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE / MUSICAL
John B. Leen in “Chess” - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTNG ROLE / PLAY
Nancy Friedrich in “The Crucible” - Infamous Commonwealth
Vanessa Greenway in “The Night Season” - Vitalist Theatre with Premiere Theatre

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE / MUSICAL OR REVUE
Kate Garassino in “Bombs Away!” - Bailiwick Repertory Theatre

NEW WORK
Ellen Fairey for “Graceland” - Profiles Theatre
Michael Rohd and Phillip C. Klapperich for “Wilson Wants It All” - House Theatre of Chicago

NEW ADAPTATION
Frances Limoncelli for “Busman's Honeymoon” - Lifeline Theatre

CHOREOGRAPHY
Brenda Didier for “Chess” - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

ORIGINAL INCIDENTAL MUSIC
Trevor Watkin for “The Black Duckling” - Dream Theatre Company

MUSIC DIRECTION
Ryan Brewster for “Chess” - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

SCENIC DESIGN
John Zuiker for “I Am My Own Wife” - Bohemian Theatre Ensemble

LIGHTING DESIGN
Sean Mallary for “St. Crispin's Day” - Strawdog Theatre Company

COSTUME DESIGN
Theresa Ham for “The Glorious Ones” - Bohemian Theatre Ensemble
Joanna Melville for “St. Crispin's Day” - Strawdog Theatre Company

SOUND DESIGN
Miles Polaski for “Mouse in a Jar” - Red Tape Theatre

ARTISTIC SPECIALIZATION
Lucas Merino: Video design for “Wilson Wants It All” - House Theatre of Chicago
James T. Scott: Puppets for “Evolution/Creation” - Quest Theatre Ensemble

FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY
Geoff Coates for “Treasure Island” - Lifeline Theatre

SPECIAL AWARD
Circle Theatre

Lifeline Theatre, the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble and Theo Ubique Theatre Company scored the most nominations in the non-Equity branch of Chicago's venerable Joseph Jefferson Awards, announced early Thursday morning. Musicals dominate the slate of 105 nominations. Shows with multiple mentions include Theo Ubique's “Chess,” BoHo's “The Glorious Ones” and the Circle Theatre production of “The Who's Tommy.” The awards will be handed out June 7 at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. The Jeff committee judged 116 shows, produced by 55 Chicago companies.

2010 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARD NOMINEES

PRODUCTION / PLAY

• “Busman’s Honeymoon” - Lifeline Theatre
• “Death of a Salesman” - Raven Theatre
• “Killer Joe” - Profiles Theatre
• “The Pillowman” - Redtwist Theatre
• “St. Crispin’s Day” - Strawdog Theatre Company
• “Wilson Wants It All” - The House Theatre of Chicago

 TimeLine Theatre's production of "The History Boys"  just concluded a 25-week run. It picked up five Jeff Awards Monday night in Skokie.

Nick Bowling’s TimeLine Theatre production of “The History Boys” passed the examinations of the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee and emerged triumphant at Monday night’s ceremony at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. It won five Jeffs, including one for best midsized play.

In his acceptance speech Monday night, the young Jeff Award-winning actor Alex Weisman said that the production "has completely changed my life."

"History Boys" director Nick Bowling lauded the spirit of the Chicago theater and paid tribute to his mentors. "I am fortunate," he said, "to take it, feel it and pass it on."

Other moving speeches were delivered by Spencer Kayden (the original Little Sally in "Urinetown"), who said that her work in "Don't Dress for Dinner" had helped her escape the rut of living (and not working) in Los Angeles. 

Saidah Arrika Ekulon (Mama Nadi) and Russell G. Jones (Christian) in Goodman Theatre's world premiere production of "Ruined" by Lynn Nottage.

The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee has announced its nominations for Chicago Equity theatrical productions which opened between Aug. 1, 2008, and July 31, 2009. Among the most-honored shows: The Writers' Theatre production of "A Minister's Wife," Court Theatre's "Caroline, or Change," Drury Lane Oakbrook's "Miss Saigon," the Goodman Theatre's "Ruined," and Chicago Shakespeare Theater's "Twelfth Night."

 A long list of leading Chicago (and visiting) actors received nods, including Maury Cooper, Russell G. Jones, Timothy Edward Kane, Larry Neumann Jr., William L. Petersen, Robert Sella, Joseph Anthony Foronda, Sean Fortunato, Nick Garrison, Brian Sears, Richard Strimer, Taylor Mac, Max McLean, Tom Mula, Gwendolyn Whiteside, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Mary Beth Fisher, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Mattie Hawkinson, Peggy Roeder, Rebecca Spence, E. Faye Butler, McKinley Carter, Mary Ernster (twice, in a banner year) and Hollis Resnik.

Among the well-reviewed shows snubbed: The American Theater Company and Congo Square co-production of "Topdog/Underdog." Jeff also did not like Brett Neveu's terrific new play "Old Glory." He had no love for Heidi Stillman's fine adaptation of "The Brothers Karamazov," and, incredibly, Robert Falls' Broadway-bound "Desire Under the Elms" didn't even get so much as an acting nomination for the widely acclaimed Carla Gugino. But then, historically speaking, Falls and the Jeff Commitee have rarely been on the same page.

The Jeffs, which do honor a plethora of very worthy shows and artists, will be handed out Oct. 19 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

Here's the complete list:

PRODUCTION – LARGE PLAY 

“The Arabian Nights” - Lookingglass Theatre Company
“Boleros for the Disenchanted” - Goodman Theatre
“The Troublesome Reign and Lamentable Death of King Edward II” - Chicago Shakespeare Theater
“The Lieutenant of Inishmore” - Northlight Theatre
“The Piano Lesson” - Court Theatre
“Ruined” - Goodman Theatre and Manhattan Theatre Club
“The Seafarer” - Steppenwolf Theatre Company
“Twelfth Night” - Chicago Shakespeare Theater

 PRODUCTION – LARGE MUSICAL

"The Boys from Syracuse" - Drury Lane Oakbrook
"Caroline, or Change" - Court Theatre
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" - Marriott Theatre
"Million Dollar Quartet" - Dee Gee Theatricals, John Cossette Productions and Northern Lights Inc.
"A Minister’s Wife"- Writers’ Theatre
"Miss Saigon" - Drury Lane Oakbrook
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" - Marriott Theatre

Jeff favorites 'Evita,' 'Our Town' top the Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards (posted June 8, 2009)

In fall 2004, the Curious Theatre Branch announced its intent to abandon its theater, the former home of the No Exit Cafe on the corner of Glenwood and Lunt Avenues in Rogers Park. At the time, Curious co-founder Beau O’Reilly cited issues with the neighborhood’s high crime rate. “There is a difficulty going on in the ’hood,” O’Reilly told the Chicago Reader, “that seems to have increased.”

The quick departure of Curious was seen as a blow for the nascent arts district that had grown up with the blessing of Ald. Joe Moore (49th). But that was five years ago. At Monday night’s Joseph Jefferson Awards—the annual fete that honors the best work of the year in Chicago’s non-Equity theater—the thriving arts district around Morse Avenue on Chicago’s Far North Side did very well.