WIESBADEN, Germany - Five golden statuettes left Heidelberg in the company of Wiesbaden thespians and technical crew members April 18.
The prized Installation Management Command-Europe Tournament of Plays awards, known as Toppers to anyone involved with the U.S. Forces Europe theater program, recognize the best of the best in military community theater.
"All together, technical, musical, acting, artistic and directing achievements were celebrated by the presentation of a record number of 88 golden Topper statues, and 216 framed nomination certificates," said Jim Sohre, IMCOM-Europe's entertainment director. "Nineteen musicals, comedies and dramas were produced during the six-week adjudication period in Army, Air Force and international community theaters in Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Turkey."
During the gala evening in Heidelberg's Village Pavilion, guests were treated to an Academy Awards-like show featuring highlights from both Broadway and community stages performed by military and civilian actors and music makers in addition to the awards recognition.
The Wiesbaden Amelia Earhart Playhouse production of "Fools" dazzled audiences and Topper judges alike, garnering a slew of nominations and five Toppers.
"It was a great cast - a great group of people," said Air Force Staff Sgt. J.J. Russell, honored as best stage manager for a comedy.
"I was really excited about winning," said Russell, adding that the award was a testament to the hard work that goes into a production both onstage and backstage by everyone involved.
Russell, who has volunteered at the playhouse for several seasons, was attracted to the theater after having formerly toured with the Air Force's Tops in Blue. "I had the experience with working with a lot of professional equipment and people."
He advised anyone interested in becoming involved to "give it a try - be patient and give it some time. Also come see our next show," he said.
Full-time student and theater volunteer Sanja Parkos added a best actress in a comedy Topper to her collection of acting awards for her performance in "Fools" (she was named best actress at the One-Act Play Festival last fall).
"I was very surprised I won this one as well," said Parkos, who explained she had only been acting for a little more than a year. "I guess I've progressed.
"The Amelia Earhart Playhouse has really become my second family. It's a lot of fun being involved," said the dependent of a retired Air Force member. "It's helped me become more self-confident - given me a chance to evolve. ... I've learned a lot and it's a fun experience."
Three other Wiesbaden backstage crew members were singled out for top technical awards including Sue Zarutskie (best properties and dressing), Eric Robinson (best sound) and Jim Ehrenreich (best scene painting).
For long-time Family, Morale Welfare and Recreation supporter Ehrenreich, winning the award was particularly sweet. "This was my first season with the Amelia Earhart. ... I used to be a presenter (as a member of the U.S. Army Garrison Hessen staff) and to be on the receiving end was a pleasant surprise. I liked the irony of it - not having to give it away but getting to keep it.
"'Fools' was a great production," added Ehrenreich, explaining that in his capacity as set painter he "tried to flesh out the vision of the director."
After retiring from a full career of military and government service, Ehrenreich turned to set painting while working at the Five Pfennig Playhouse in Hanau - which he ultimately helped close as the garrison drew down. An experienced easel painter, Ehrenreich said, adapting to painting sets took some mental adjustment, especially helping bring the director's vision to the stage. "For 'Fools' there was over 1,000 square feet of set to paint. ... I'm not painting with my fingers in the theater. As Charlie (playhouse director Charlie Fontana) said, the audience doesn't leave humming the set. It's not about me painting a picture. It's about reinforcing the creative environment created by the director and the players."
"It's been a while since I've won one," said Zarutskie, winner of the best properties and dressing Topper for a comedy. "I was surprised because we never get to see the competition."
As a member of the playhouse staff, Zarutskie invited everyone to get involved with the Wiesbaden theater. "We can always use creative people," she said, adding that help is welcomed to help manage props, move items on and off stage, build and paint scenery and to assist in the box office and front of the house.
"It's too bad there isn't an audience award for the Toppers," said Fontana, praising the outstanding support the playhouse receives from both international and U.S. military theater-goers. "We have a loyal fan base that comes regularly to our shows."
Fontana also lauded the strong command emphasis placed on the military community theater programs, thanks to the IMCOM-Europe Entertainment training and awards programs and its director Jim Sohre. "Anything that gives our volunteers motivation for excellence is greatly valued."
"This show we had three active duty service members - one of whom won a Topper - and we'd love to have more military participation," Fontana said.
Wiesbaden theater-goers can look forward to the Amelia Earhart's upcoming production of the Pulitzer-prize winning, classic American play, "Our Town," May 28-31 and June 4-7. For reservations and ticket information call mil 336-2473, civ (0611) 816-2473 or stop by Wiesbaden USO offices.
The Amelia Earthart Playhouse is located at Konrad-Adenauer-Ring 39 in Wiesbaden.
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