by Sandi Durell . . .
The Outer Critics have celebrated 71 years of theater on and off-Broadway in multiple categories. Founded during the Broadway season of 1949-50 as the Outer Circle, this group of dedicated drama critics banded together under the leadership of John Gassner (1903-1967), widely known and respected as a theater reviewer, essayist, dramaturg, and professor of theater. The impetus for the creation of what later became the Outer Critics Circle (OCC) was the recognition by Gassner and other critic-colleagues writing for academic and special-interest journals that had no forum where they could meet to discuss the theater in general, and current New York seasons in particular. The Outer Critics Circle Awards have grown in scope and importance, notably because the OCC has traditionally been the first to announce its nominees and winners. Pssst . . . it’s also the favorite of theater people because the winners have already been chosen and those accepting are not sitting in a state of anxiety waiting to see if their names will be called.
On May 26, 2022, from 3 – 5 pm, the Bruno Walter Auditorium at the New York Public Library at Lincoln Center was ablaze with member critics, theater folks and award winners waiting to step up on stage and have the fun of saying “Thank you” and lots more. Presenters included Andre De Shields, Beth Leavel and Brittney Johnson. Opening remarks were by OCC President David Gordon. Each winner received not only a beautiful Award Certificate but a bottle of Prosecco, presented by Richard Ridge. Just the right choices in background music were played by the incomparable Michael Lavine.
Here’s who won what:
Marjorie Gunner Award for Outstanding New Broadway Musical – SIX with Kevin McCollum accepting, noting it’s all about collaboration. SIX also received Outstanding Score Award to Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss as well as Outstanding Costume Design to Gabriella Slade.
The Lehman Trilogy took six OCC Awards in the categories of Outstanding New Broadway Play, Outstanding Actor in a Play – Simon Russell Beale, Outstanding Director of a Play – Sam Mendes, Outstanding Lighting Design – Jon Clark, Outstanding Sound Design – Nick Powell and Dominic Bilkey, Outstanding Video/Projection Design – Luke Halls.
The Outstanding Revival of a Musical went to Company with book by George Furth/Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Company also received an Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical given to Patti LuPone who thanked everyone for their love, support and generosity, congratulating all of the current theater ensembles for being the best in theater history. Matt Doyle received Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Company) loving the freedom of how roles were reimagined. He also loves what OCC represents.
The award for Outstanding Revival of a Play went to Take Me Out (written by Richard Greenberg) and was accepted by 2d Stage’ Artistic Director Carole Rothman. Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Take Me Out) went to Jesse Tyler Ferguson who said his two favorite theaters to perform for are 2d Stage and The Public.
Young Jaquel Spivey was thrilled to receive the Outstanding Actor in a Musical award for his lead role in A Strange Loop giving insight into what made him love musicals – being introduced into the fold watching The Wiz and Ain’t Misbehavin’.
The Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical went to Kimberly Akimbo with book & lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. David Lindsay-Abaire also receiving Outstanding Book of a Musical for Kimberly Akimbo. Receiving the award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical was Victoria Clark thrilled to accept for her role in Kimberly Akimbo (now slated to open at the Booth Theatre on Broadway). Jessica stone accepted Outstanding Director of a Play for Kimberly Akimbo noting how inspirational it is working with David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori and thanking her husband especially for taking care of their kids.
Lovely LaChanze was thrilled to accept her award as Outstanding Actress in a Play (rather than in a musical) for her role in Trouble in Mind, thanking her theater family.
Tearful Uzo Aduba thanked many as she accepted her Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Clyde’s) as a “dream come true.”
The very animated Kristina Wong was beyond happy accepting Outstanding Solo Performance award for her role Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord.
Outstanding Choreography went to Christopher Wheeldon and Rich and Tone Talaugea for MJ the Musical.
Paradise Square received an award for Outstanding Orchestrations by Jason Howland (his Broadway debut for orchestrations).
The John Gassner Award was given to Sanaz Toossi – a new American playwright who wrote English. Ms.Toossi, who is of Iranian descent, and thanked everyone by describing her play as “the quiet play” – she also gave her take on getting reviews – good and bad.
Special Achievement Awards were given to Ruben Santiago-Hudson for his one-man play (with music) Lackawanna Blues, a role he originated 2 decades ago. He described how difficult it is to find moments of joy in our current world but this was one – a pocket of joy. He’s also glad to see so many new writers, actors, directors being recognized so that “all have a seat at the table.”
The cast of How I Learned to Drive also received a Special Achievement Award that gave David Morse and Mary-Louise Parker an opportunity to remind everyone that 22 years ago at the Vineyard Theatre they opened this play for which they received an OCC Award. But more importantly they took this opportunity to express their sincere love and affection for cast-mate Johanna Day – a lovefest of major proportions ensued that brought tears to the eyes of many.
Summing up and as I always describe the Outer Critics Circle Awards – they’re the warmest and fuzziest award in the industry!
Photos: Joseph Marzullo for OCC
Lead Photo: David Morse, Mary-Louise Parker, Johanna Day (How I Learned to Drive) – Joseph Marzullo
SlideShow Photos: Lia Chang
Andre De Shields - Presenter
