Wheaton Drama celebrates volunteers
Wheaton Drama, Inc. (WDI), held its annual Colby Awards celebration July 30 at Playhouse 111. The Colby Awards are named in honor of Colby Jones, a longtime WDI member who passed away in 1996. The Awards recognize members for their outstanding contributions backstage and behind the scenes.
A celebration of WDI's volunteers and its 2010-2011 season, this year's Colby Awards evening began with an hour for socializing, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres. The Colby Committee kicked off the Awards presentation with a humorous song parody written by Jeni Dees. After all of the presentations, attendees had time for more socializing, plus dessert and dancing.
The 2011 Colby Committee was: Jeni Dees (chair), Dave Amato, Melissa Goyette, Amy Johnson, Jo-Ann Ledger, Jessica Orozco, and Leah Rae. Julie Kanturek was piano accompanist, Peter Lemongelli ran sound, and Julie Rodgers-Baker ran the light board. Tony Abrego was the event's photographer. Tracy Adams, Ben Aylesworth, Bruce Ebner, Barb Giblin, Zach Gibson, Melissa Heischberg, Sara Malloy, Steven Merkel, Ish Rios, Amy Royle, and Debbie Trueblood provided additional support.
The following local businesses generously supported the Awards this year by contributing appetizers, desserts, or beverages for the evening: Cellar Bistro, Egg Harbor of Naperville, Front Street Cocina, Genghis Grill, Gino's East, Graham's Fine Chocolates, Ivy of Wheaton, Malloy's Liquors, Muldoon's, Shane's Deli, The Bank Restaurant, and Bob Zinke with Wirtz Beverage Group.
Melissa Goyette, Jessica Orozco, Leah Rae, and Steve Schroeder were among the WDI members who provided additional desserts.
Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, Jamba Juice, Jersey Subs, McDonald's, Panera Bread, and Taco Bell donated ice.
The directors and production managers for each show nominated outstanding crew from the season's productions. Awards were presented to the following:
For "The Drowsy Chaperone":
Tracy Adams (Choreographer)
Steve Blount (Properties)
Barb Giblin (Set Decoration)
Toria Hollyn (Assistant Director)
John Malecki (Plane Construction)
Marcia Steinbrecher and Pam Terry (Costumes)
Debbie Trueblood (Stage Manager)
For "Little Women":
Jeni Dees (Hair and Make-up)
Bill Donaldson (Set Decoration)
Jenna Eisenberg (Properties)
Julie Rodgers-Baker (Assistant Director)
Steve Schroeder (Front of House)
Marge Uhlarik-Boller (Costumes)
For "Twentieth Century":
Mike and Christianne Albrow (Front of House)
Alice Blount (Properties)
Bill and Brian Boylan (Sound)
Doug Buethe and Susan Carr (Set Construction and Decoration)
Jackie Haiser (Stage Manager)
Linda Wallace (Hair)
Gretchen Woodley (Costumes)
For "All My Sons":
Keith deBolt (Master Carpenter and Set Decoration)
Barb Giblin (Assistant Director and Set Decoration)
Susan Hajny (Costumes)
Randall W. Knott (Set Design and Construction)
Jen Neidl (Stage Manager)
Jim Quan (Sound Design)
Jim Van de Velde (Lighting Design)
For "1776":
Tracy Adams (Hair and Make-up)
Ben Aylesworth (Master Carpenter)
Melissa Heischberg (Costumes)
Amy Johnson (Properties)
Jen Neidl (Extra Support)
Penny Salvesen (Set Design)
Katy Smith (Set Decoration)
For "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" (studio show):
Ben Aylesworth (Set Design and Construction)
Melissa Heischberg (Costumes)
Amy Johnson (Properties)
Jo-Ann Ledger (Assistant Director)
R.J. Ogren (Scenic Artist)
Amy Royle (Front of House Manager; Lighting and Properties Crew)
The following members were honored with special awards: Ben Aylesworth (Candlelight Award); Traci A. Cidlik (Graphic Design); MaryBeth deBolt (Starboard); Donna Fletcher (Bill Hamilton Award); Amy Johnson (Rookie of the Year); Rod Kelly (Professional Advice); Julie Kanturek (Accompanist and More); Jo-Ann Ledger (Publicity and More); Rebecca Poole (Tickets); Kate Quan (Programmes); Lisa Savegnago and Nameplate & Panel Technology (Community Spirit).
WDI President Jim Van de Velde presented the Alice Burnham Award, the top honor, to Eileen Gilligan.
Wheaton Drama congratulates the award winners and extends sincere thanks to all of the people who helped to make the 2010-2011 season a success! Preparations are already underway for the 2011-2012 season, which opens in September with Michael Hollinger's comedy, "Incorruptible". The season also includes "On Golden Pond", "Bad Seed", "Black Comedy", and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels".
At play since 1931, Wheaton Drama is a volunteer community theatre organization dedicated to improving the cultural life in the community by providing quality theatre to its patrons and a creative, rewarding experience to its members. New members are welcome and are encouraged to attend a general membership meeting. Meetings are generally held the third Tuesday of every month, and are at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton.
For more information about Wheaton Drama, or to purchase show tickets, visit http://www.wheatondrama.org., or call 630-260-1820.