Jeff Spreads the Love

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 6, 2006 7:37PM

Jeff’s back and he’s a little less predictable this year. This morning, the Joseph Jefferson Committee announced its 2006 nominations for Equity theater professionals (a.k.a. the Jeff Equity Awards). Jeff showered the most praise (9 noms) on another musical revival: Drury Lane’s Grand Hotel. The perennially loved Goodman, Court, and Marriott each received 13 nominations, but the big story is about the musicals.

This year, out of town shows like Urinetown and Spelling Bee and forays into the musical realm by About Face Theatre, Goodman, and Lookingglass stole focus from perennial favorites Porchlight and Theatre at the Center. Even if audiences didn’t flock to see homegrown shows like Urinetown and Two For the Show, Jeff loved them. But while it’s nice to see the Jeff Committee recognize quality musical revues, when you can only cite 3 shows, 2 actresses and 3 actors from the entire genre it might be time to rethink the process.

And in the whaddya-know department: fifteen busy professionals were awarded multiple nominations. While it’s not unusual for in-demand designers to compete against themselves, playwright Lydia Diamond, actors Greg Vinkler and Brian Gallivan, and musical director Doug Peck are also doubly recognized.

The 38th Annual Jeff Awards ceremony will be held November 6 at DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 Balbo Drive. Pre-show buffet starts at 5:30 pm, ceremony starts at 8. More information and the full list of nominees are at www.jeffawards.org.

Images via Allmusic and Wikipedia.