February 23, 1998

Shakespeare Santa Cruz captures record number of Drama-Logue awards

Paul Whitworth as Richard III

Shakespeare Santa Cruz was awarded nine Drama-Logue Critics Awards for its 1997 season. The coveted awards, presented each year for the past 21 years by the Hollywood-based weekly theater review and casting magazine Drama-Logue, recognize exceptional theater produced in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas during the previous year. This year's awards ceremony was held January 19 at the Pasadena Playhouse.

San Francisco Bay Area critic Dean Goodman recognized Shakespeare Santa Cruz's production of Richard III in the following categories: overall production (Artistic Director Paul Whitworth), direction (Michael Edwards), costume design (Tom Broecker), performance (Paul Whitworth in the title role), original music (Robby McLean), scenic design (Kevin Adams), and lighting design (Kevin Adams). Shakespeare Santa Cruz's production of As You Like It was recognized in the following categories: original music (Greg Coffin) and performance (James Newcomb as Touchstone.)

The Drama-Logue awards are based on each individual critic's expression of appreciation for impressive work done. "Stardom is not what Drama-Logue Awards are about," says Drama-Logue theater editor Polly Warfield. "They're about talent, skill, quality, a special something that makes a performer, a production, a design--the work--stand out."

Shakespeare Santa Cruz is a nonprofit theater company dedicated to exploring and shaping the new American voice in the performance of Shakespeare. Last year's festival attracted a record 32,000 patrons.

The 1998 festival season opens July 23 and runs through September 6. It features Othello, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Marriage of Figaro by French playwright Beaumarchais. For more information, call (408) 459-2121.

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