|
"It was the most fantastic, avante garde, awards show I've ever
attended! And that opening number! That was just incredible!
John, that was truly an amazing night!". |
|
|
-106.1 KISS FM's Radio Host Kidd Kraddick on Tuesday morning's
national broadcast of his morning radio show - KIDD KRADDICK IN THE
MORNING. Executive Director John Garcia and the ever dashing
Mr.Kraddick talked Tuesday morning on the radio About the big night… and setting John up with (insert giggle) Rich the producer. |
UPTOWN PLAYERS & ICT MAINSTAGE
SWEEP "COLUMN" AWARDS SUNDAY EVENING!
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
It is 24 hours later after the big night. I woke up Monday (I slept
off and on ALL day on Monday) with gold glitter in my hair and in my
undies. I walked into my living room and almost had a heart attack. I
completely forgot I brought home those MASSIVE, glittery floral
arrangements that became the focal point of many of Sunday's night's
jokes.
BUT WHAT A NIGHT! I mean WHAT AN INCREDIBLE NIGHT!
For those who were not there, you missed a GREAT evening!~
I'm not trying to brag here-but the compliments that have poured from
the hundreds of emails, tons of phone calls-and even a bouquet of
roses that arrived at my doorstep Monday!
Quite a few guests came backstage afterwards and praised highly how
beautiful, elegant, and dazzling everything looked and ran Sunday
night.
And here's a surprise: We had 56 awards to hand out, 6 nominated
musical performances, an opening number, and a closing number-we
clocked in at 2 hours and 40 minutes!! How's that for not making it
into a long evening! |
| |
| |
|
|
*OPENING NUMBER-The stage was filled with 8 sexy, gorgeous showgirls
(dressed in jaw dropping beaded gowns and towering headdresses-THANK
YOU MICHAEL ROBINSON!); we had four handsome male dancers, and 20 beautiful, energetic dancers that came from the
Chamberlain Musical
Theater Company and yours truly-me.
We did "I go to Rio" from THE BOY FROM OZ. Jennifer Laws and Shannon Werthmann choreographed it superbly. It had
dancers, feathers, sequins, and glitter explosions at the end………….and a wardrobe malfunction. You had to be there that's
all I can say! The audience went CRAZY for this number! The company was on a high the rest of the evening. |
|
| |
|
|
*Ricky Pope's new original song for "The Column" Awards-again-you had
to be there. Some of his very witty lyrics had the audience falling
over in laughter. Hmmmm….were YOU mentioned in the song? Had to be
there to know the answer to that question. One lyric Ricky had to
stop because the audience could not stop laughing! He added, "Well-
someone had to say it!". |
|
| |
|
|
*During our opening comments, a letter from BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY
FIGHTS AIDS Executive Director Tom Viola in New York was read to the
audience. Mr. Viola congratulated all the winners, nominees, etc.
He also praised "The Column" Awards for raising over $6,000.00 for
BCEFA. |
|
| |
|
|
*The running joke for the evening was our floral arrangements
designed by Timm Zitz. They were very beautiful, full of glitter and
very tall! They swallowed some of our smaller presenters up. Timm and
I already have next year's floral arrangement designed due to this!
Hehehe….. |
|
| |
|
|
*We had 6 outstanding musical numbers performed by wonderfully
talented performers: |
|
| |
|
|
-FMPAT's A XMAS CAROL
with Lon Barrera in a wig that came from the Ozzy Ozborne collection
-Doug Fowler working the stage while leading a
dancing line of secret service agents in "King Herod's song" from UCD's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
-Phillip Bentham and Margaret Shafer's beautiful vocals created magic for a duet from STATE FAIR
-The cast of FMPAT's SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD brought the house down with their gorgeous harmonies
-Megan Elizabeth Kelly sang wonderfully the balled "Hold On' from ICT Mainstage's THE SECRET GARDEN
-And finally we had Matt Brewer as "Joseph" leading a highly energetic cast of
over 20 in JOESPH…DREAMCOAT from FUMCR/RCT. They danced up a storm and were dressed in 60's garb for "Go, Go, Joseph".
They were just
amazing!
A very sincere thanks you to each and every person who performed in
the above numbers. Each time I saw from the wings a number and just
watching the joy in your faces performing-you all reminded me why I
created this gala. Every number and every cast member from these
numbers gave it their all. I will never, EVER forget that. |
|
| |
|
|
*The emotional moment of the evening came when Caroline Craddick
(Kidd's beautiful and taller than me daughter) came on stage to
present with me The Ben Brettell Youth Performance Award.
Having heard so much about her over the years listening to Kidd's
show, it was a very special treat for me to see her when she came
through the silver Mylar curtain. We just hugged each other for a few
minutes. We both knew Ben, and you could feel our bond for him right
there and then.
I asked Caroline to prepare a speech about Ben. Just like her dad, she
was a pro. She spoke from her heart and it moved everyone to tears.
She was fine to the very end. But when she finished and looked at me,
her eyes gleamed from tears, causing me to well up as well. We hugged
yet again. Her speech moved many in the house to tears.
She announced the male winners and I announced the girls………..it was a
THREE WAY TIE! Alex Altshuler (adorable in red satin); Meredith
McAllister-a gorgeous red headed girl whose cast (JOSEPH) went crazy
for her, and finally Caroline Kraddick!
Caroline gasped and just covered her face and started crying. Here is
a girl who worked with Ben, up to his last show, to lose him, and it
was her home that they held a memorial get together for Ben-and here
she is receiving an award in honor of him.
That was a very magical, personal moment I will treasure for a life-
time. Watching these three girls just overcome with emotion-it moved
me deeply. |
|
| |
|
|
*Then came her dad, Mr. Kidd Kraddick! I've talked to him and his
morning bunch several times now on the radio. I'll be doing a
"musical theater review" for them when I get back from New York.
But I've never met Kidd Kraddick. This would be my first time. Well,
when he came on stage-we just hugged like two good friends who
haven't seen each other in awhile. Kidd-did you noticed I giggled
when we hugged! LOL! A very handsome man!
His first words to the audience were, "Sorry. My heart is about to
burst out of my chest". He was very happy for his daughter winning an
award just seconds ago. Well, Kidd had the audience laughing non-
stop as he told the audience, "here are several hints when your show
is not working or is NOT a hit"-and proceeded to have the audience
laughing like crazy. That's why he's my favorite Deejay! Thank you
again so much Kidd, Caroline, and the beautiful Carol Kraddick for
coming. My board and I will never forget your support! |
|
| |
|
|
*Another radio host-and actor-and our official photographer-Mr. Mark
Oristano told the audience before presenting that all the money raised
from his selling of the pictures he took Sunday night he will MATCH
THAT DONATION! The audience gasped and applauded loudly at that!
That's why Mark is on my list of people who I highly respect dearly.
He tells you like it is and backs it up with proof. Thank you Mark so
much! |
|
| |
|
|
*We had great moments with many of the presenters-hilarious couples-
Ashley & Brian Gonzales; Tony & Sara Shelby Martin ; Jimmy & Kellie
Songy Nelson; Kim Titus & Lisa Fairchild; Michael Albee & Matthew
Butler (I'M SO, SO, SO SORRY MICHAEL!-you had to be there to know
what happened with Michael!); Melanie Mason and David Wilson "I go to
Rio" Brown, James Paul Lemons and Denise M. Lee, among others.
A very HUGE, MASSIVE THANK YOU to all our presenters! I got to meet
some of my new readers face to face, as well as see some dear, close
personal friends come on stage. It's so much fun watching appear on
stage close friends and the new friends that I've created from this
column that were presenters Sunday night. Thank you all for doing
it!
|
|
| |
|
|
*The winners of the CHITA RIVERA DANCE AWARD got a special surprise!
When we presented the awards for the male and female winners, sadly
Brian Hunt was not there to accept his award.
But Kelly Songy Nelson was-so she got to enjoy this surprise on stage!
Everyone knows how much I admire and respect Ms. Rivera. She is a
Broadway legend and living icon of theater. I've interviewed her and
have been invited backstage personally by this incredible, brilliant
woman. I adore her. The last time I saw her in New York (NINE) I told
her I created an award in her name, she just loved it and hugged me!
SO……….
With the incredible and loving assistance of Michael Serrecchia, we
were able to contact Ms. Rivera, where upon she sent us this
beautiful, handwritten letter thanking us for naming an award after
her AND wishing congrats to the winners for the award for which her
name is on!
When I told Kelly (who was on stage with me) and the audience about
this letter-Kelly's jaw dropped to the floor!
I read the letter to the audience (as it was shown on our video
screen) and the house went crazy!
As a gift-both Brian and Kelly each received a copy of the letter
framed along with their trophy!
How's THAT for an awards surprise! A two time Tony Award legend
congratulating the winners right here in Texas! Thank you again so
much Michael S. for your amazing assistance on this-we could have NOT
done this without you-period! |
|
| |
|
|
*Finally we ended our gala evening with a very moving ballad that was
written by Ricky Pope & Robert Silva, and sang with vocal finesse by
Ashley Puckett Gonzales. |
|
| |
|
|
There was so much that happened that night, I can't remember it all!
I know I'm forgetting stuff. But to everyone who attended:
Thank you again so much for coming. I saw many of your faces from the
stage, friends I haven't seen in a long time, new friends, and
supporters who believe in our quest for unity. Thank you all for
coming and celebrating!
Sunday could not have happened without my amazing board! I had an
inner core of board members that went so beyond the call of duty that
I will never know how to ever thank them enough. They worked endless
hours on creating what we feel was the best column awards gala we
have done so far. |
|
| |
|
|
Chris Robinson for his dazzling, professional video & graphics. It was his craftsmanship you
saw on the massive video screen. Were they not just terrific? Chris also designed our new official logo and was the
mastermind behind the slick, glossy, elegant new gala programs we had Sunday night. If you didn't attend, you need to
see our program-
they were beautiful. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Dennis Yslas-He was the mastermind behind the creation and handling of all those trophies!
He oversaw the design, writing, etc. on the trophies as well. Dennis also did so much of the paperwork for us He helped
us in connecting with the right people and resources. His assistance on this board was endless! |
| |
|
|
| Wayne Hoskins-Our superb lighting designer! He worked non-stop for 5 days creating that
BRILLIANT lighting design you saw on stage Sunday night. He gave EACH musical number their own lighting-it was
marvelous. Wayne is a genius! And did you see our official logo as a lighting gobo on the stage floor? How COOL was
that? That is the kind of incredible work you get from Wayne! |
|
| |
|
|
| |
William Eickenloff Jr-the KING OF SOUND! Like Wayne, Bill spent five days straight at the
PAC making sure all sound problems were fixed prior to our first tech-any sound errors were COMPLETELY FIXED prior to
show time. On Sunday we had not one sound problem. And that was all due to the professionally designed sound by Bill! He
has been one of my hardest working board members-and his technical aspect for sound is the best in the metroplex! |
| |
|
|
| Richard Armstrong & R2Creations-the man behind our official website and handles all
balloting, voting, etc. This guy is truly phenomenal! He works so hard and keeps making our voting online better each
year. We could have NOT done this without him! Thank you Richard! |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Timm Zitz-for those towering, glittery floral arrangements! I loved them-hell, they are now
sitting in my living room! |
| |
|
|
Chris Hawthorne & Tom Ortiz-our production stage managers! They made everything flow so
smoothly Sunday night. Chris was there every night
on our five day "put everything up" schedule. He did so much, and I will never know how to thank him and Tom enough. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
New board member Dave Dunning! This guy came in the last minute to help our sound and
music-and did outstanding. He made all the music and "bits" cues go superbly. He was a wonderful asset to our team! |
| |
|
|
| Paul McKenzie-another great guy who helped so much backstage with body mikes, sound, as well
as front of house décor. Thank you Paul! |
|
| |
|
|
| |
My right hand-Ms. Sheila Rose-this girl is my Executive Assistant who I treasure dearly. I
just give her an assignment-and the gal delivers every single time. She never fails. I love her dearly. |
| |
|
|
| Becky Hawthorne-My advisor! She helped wherever she was needed. She is a hard worker who
never once said no. She's a dream on my board. I love and adore her! |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Charles Ryan Roach-for so many reasons. He took off my hands those god awful index cards and
did a BRILLIANT job as our announcer! His assistance on music and script was impeccable. He's been on my board since the
first year-and his dedication is why I will always need him. He's the best! |
| |
|
|
| My magnificent box office manager-Mr. Craig Hess-he helps in making all that go so smoothly.
He is another original board member who I trust and love dearly. We could not have succeeded without his knowledge and
logic when it comes to those tense tabulation meetings. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Our official photographer-Mr. Mark Oristano! He's the best! Period! You want to look good-he
knows how to do it. I take horrific pics-but he made even me look good. Want proof-look in the gala program-that pic of
me-he did it! |
| |
|
|
| We also had great assistance on the big day from Dan Nolen Jr, Sharon & Michael Rains.
Thanks you guys so much for helping us on the big day! We could not have done this without you! |
|
| |
|
|
Finally to my choreographer Jennifer Laws. This girl takes my idea and delivers an opening number each year that
surpasses what I envisioned. That was her and Shannon Werthmann's choreography you saw in that opening number! It was
mind blowing in what they did!
So many people have commented that that was the BEST opening number they have ever seen locally. That was all due to
these two VERY talented ladies and fantastic company members. |
| |
|
|
My showgirls:
Theresa Lingren, Gina Sawyer, Suzanne B. Alstaetter, Dana Carlson,
Michelle Hames, Lauren Rempert, Jennifer Sipes & Renee Smith. Half of
these gorgeous, gorgeous, sexy girls served as our official "Miss
Column" girls. Did they not look so lovely coming on stage with the
trophies? I LOVED IT! They had to wear those massive headdresses and
dance. They looked so elegant and divine! I LOVE YOU ALL! |
|
| |
|
|
| |
To my Rio guys:
Phillip Bentham, Steven Edwards, Eddie Floresca, and J. Alan Hanna-
thank you so much for working so hard in the number-you were all
terrific. It should be noted that Phillip did this number even
though he had like a billion things on his plate and Steven came in
at the very last minute to replace another dancer who got injured. My
super best friend Alan Hanna and the always-reliable Eddie Floresca
both worked extra time with these guys to help them catch up. I love
all four of you so, so, so much for doing this number! |
| |
|
|
And my sweethearts-the Chamberlain Musical Theater Company Dancers:
My adorable, beautiful girls who ROCKED THE HOUSE! Did they dance
like a fine oiled machine or what? I mean they danced like what you see
on TV! I adore my teen dancers dearly-you girls made the number the
hit it was! Thank you all and I hope to see you all next year! |
|
| |
|
|
| The Labyrinth Theatre |
ICT Mainstage |
|
| Accent Awards of Arlington |
Verge Media |
|
| ACT I Productions |
Dennis Sloan of New Directions |
|
| Theatre Britain |
A to Z Girls Productions |
|
| Garland Summer Musicals |
Uptown Players |
|
| Creative Arts Theatre & School |
Chamberlain Ballet |
|
| Onstage in Bedford |
Mark Oristano photography |
|
| Piano-Vox Specialties |
Lambert Studios |
|
| |
|
|
I want EVERY SUBSCRIBER to re-read those names again. These theater
companies and individuals bought ads in our official program. It is
because of THESE advertisers is the MAIN reason were able to purchase
the trophies. They were expensive, and thanks to those named above,
we were able to buy them.
We sent out an email asking for help-and they helped us by buying an
ad. And you should see the gala program-it is ravishing!
I urge each and every single subscriber to patronize their businesses.
Better yet-attend one of their productions-EVEN BETTER-buy a season
subscription for their up-coming year.
My advisory board-and myself in particular-will never forget these
theater companies and individuals that helped us when we needed it.
Because of each of you- we were able to make our dream of changing
from certificates to actual trophies a reality. Thank you from the
bottom of my heart. I will never forget what you did for us. |
|
