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by Michael Portantiere


    Every One a Winner

    One of the nicest things about the Theatre World Awards is that there are no nominations, so no one "loses." And since past honorees are chosen to present these annual awards to actors who have made their first big splash on the New York theater scene, it's accurate to say that everyone on stage is a winner. Here are my photos of the 66th annual Theatre World Awards ceremony, held on Tuesday, June 8 at New World Stages.

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    Johansson.jpg

    Here's Scarlett Johansson, the beautiful young film star who made a smashing Broadway debut in an excellent revival of Arthur Miller's A View From the Bridge.

    Sahr.jpg

    Sahr Ngaujah, honored for his amazing performance in the title role of Fela!

    Stokes.jpg

    Presenter Brian Stokes Mitchell, who won his Theatre World Award in 1988 for his performance in Mail.

    Davis-Viola.jpg

    Presenter Viola Davis, a 2010 Tony Award nominee for her performance in Fences and a 1996 Theatre World Award winner for her performance in Seven Guitars.

    Urie.jpg

    Michael Urie was honored this year for his work in The Temperamentals.

    Williams.jpg

    Urie's award was presented by his Ugly Betty co-star Vanessa Williams, a 1995 Theatre World Award winner for Kiss of the Spider Woman.

    Heck.jpg

    Here's Bill Heck, who was honored this year for his performance in The Orphans' Home Cycle.

    Hill.jpg

    I caught some of this year's winners in the lobby at New World Stages before the ceremony began. Here's Jon Michael Hill (Superior Donuts).

    Umoh-Steggert.jpg

    Here's winner Stephanie Umoh with her Ragtime castmate Bobby Steggert, who won this year's Dorothy Loudon "Starbaby" Award.

    Arianda.jpg

    Nina Arianda, who earned across-the-board rave reviews for her performance in Venus in Fur.

    Redmayne-Molina.jpg

    Winner Eddie Redmayne with his Red co-star Alfred Molina, a 1996 Theatre World Award honoree for his work in Molly Sweeney.

    Keeley.jpg

    Keera Keeley, a winner this year for her performance as Laura Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie.

    Rashad-Chalk.jpg

    Chris Chalk (right), honored for his performance in Fences, with Condola Rashad, who won a Theatre World Award last year for her work in Ruined.

    Barnhart-Tartaglia.jpg

    In addition to the presentations and acceptance speeches, the fast-moving ceremony featured some entertainment and special appearances. Since the event was held on the set of Avenue Q, it was great to have original cast members Jennifer Barnhart and John Tartaglia on hand.

    JG.jpg

    I leave you with this photo of Jonathan Groff, a 2007 Theatre World Award winner for Spring Awakening, who wowed the crowd with his rendition of "Only in New York" from Thoroughly Modern Millie.

    Wednesday, June 09, 2010 at 8:47 AM | Item Link


    Michael Portantiere comes to BroadwayStars with more than 30 years' experience as an editor and writer for such media outlets as TheaterMania.com, InTHEATER magazine, and BACK STAGE. He has also contributed articles and reviews to AfterElton.com, Playbill, and Stagebill, and has written notes for several major cast albums. Additionally, Michael is a professional photographer whose pictures have been published by THE NEW YORK TIMES, the DAILY NEWS, and several notable websites. (Visit www.followspotphoto.com for more information.)
    He can be reached at [email protected]


    The last five columns written by Michael Portantiere:

    07/13/2010: Presidential Material

    07/04/2010: Hardy Boy

    06/29/2010: High School Stars

    06/21/2010: Falling in Love Again

    06/17/2010: A Meeting of the 'mos (and Their Friends)

    For a listing of all features written by Michael, click here.

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