The 2002-03 Abilene theater season saw a new theater group form, the return of two summer programs, and 33 main stage plays, up eight from the year before.

It was, to say the least, a busy year — and we’re not even counting high school, student-directed or professional shows.
The Abbie Awards honor the best in local college and community theater each season. For the first time, we are giving certificates to the winners. Alas, there is no awards ceremony, but at least the winners don’t have to justify their choice of outfits to Joan and Melissa Rivers.

Judging for the Abbies was done by ? well, me. And, yes, I saw all 33 plays.

After spending a lot of time in dark rooms seeing shows by the new Abilene Actors Guild, Abilene Christian University (which brought back the Abilene Shakespeare Festival), Abilene Community Theatre, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University (which brought back summer dinner theater) and Paramount Productions, these actors and plays stuck out in my mind.

And the award goes to . . .

Musicals

Lead actor

Alex Organ, as Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, Jekyll & Hyde, ACU. The whole package — good singer, good actor.

Cody McLain, as Curly, Oklahoma!, Paramount. As a never-hokey frontier settler, the big, strapping guy also had a big voice.

Nathan Brainard, as The Baker, Into the Woods, McMurry. Strong voice, and you could see his character grow into a team player.

Lon Hicks, as Everyman, Everyman, ART. Tempered his dying character’s despair with shreds of hope.

The winner: Brainard was this close, but Organ takes the prize.

Play of the Year

Forever Plaid, ACT, directed by Robert Barton. Kick yourself if you missed this fun night of music, comedy and plumbing supplies.

Jekyll & Hyde, ACU, directed by Adam Hester. ACU puts many resources into its homecoming musicals, and provides near-professional entertainment.

The Laramie Project, AAG, directed by Billie Vinson. Well-performed, unnerving and thought-provoking — the play asks if hate crimes could happen in your town.

The Boys Next Door, ART, directed by Jennifer Hair. Few cast standouts, but the sum was greater than its parts with a touching, often hilarious, look at the mentally challenged.

The Tempest, ACU, directed by Mark Smith. Playful, tight — no wonder seats filled quickly.

Into the Woods, McMurry, directed by Philip Craik. Featured a wonderful singing ensemble.

The winner: Jekyll was flashy. Woods had a great cast. The Tempest had both.


Contact leisure writer Brien Murphy at murphyb@reporternews.com
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