Jeff Thinks the Kids Are Alright

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on May 2, 2007 9:35PM

The House Theater of Chicago moved one step closer to world domination this morning, netting 13 Joseph Jefferson Citation nominations, 10 for their phenomenally successfully spring show “The Sparrow” (pictured, right) and 3 for their modestly admired fall show “Hatfield and McCoy.” TimeLine Theater improved by 10 over last year, netting 12 nominations, 10 for celebrating a New York mayor in song in "Fiorello!" (pictured, far right) Lifeline and Bailiwick Rep once again impressed, and the brand-spanking-new Bohemian Theatre Ensemble picked up 9.

The Jeff Citations celebrate non-Equity excellence, in the eyes of the Award Committee’s volunteer judges, among shows which opened through March 31 (more on the process here). By the numbers, this year is barely more competitive than last. Fifty-five shows were recommended each year from pools of 127 productions in 2005-06 and 129 productions in 2006-07. The group is slightly more diffuse. No one was nominated more than twice and of the ten people doubly nominated, three are 2006 Citation winners: actress Danielle Brothers, sound designer Michael Griggs, and musician Kevin O'Donnell.

Most nominated shows are long gone except for Equus at Actors Workshop, closing this weekend. The Citations will be handed out June 11 at the Park West. Each winner receives a shiny trophy, a pretty photo op and another note for their resume.