William Michals brought a rich baritone and touching vulnerability to Arvada Center’s Henry Award-winning “Man of La Mancha.” (P. Switzer)
For those who saw the Arvada Center’s handsome revival of “Man of La Mancha,” chances that the production would be competing for a number of Henry Awards could hardly be described as an impossible dream. At the Colorado Theatre Guild’s festive, occasionally tart-tongued ceremony Monday night, “La Mancha” won seven Henrys, including outstanding production of a musical, outstanding direction of a musical for Arvada artistic director Rod Lansberry and outstanding musical direction for David Nehls. The Curious Theatre Company took home — to a converted church in Denver’s Golden Triangle — the award for outstanding season and outstanding play, “The Brothers Size.” Also making the sort of showing that should have adventurous theatergoers heading west on I-70 was the Lake Dillon Theatre Company, with four Henrys.
The night was hosted with cheeky chemistry by Steven J. Burge and GerRee Hinshaw. Guest appearances included public television cultural maven Eden Lane and Channel 9 entertainment gadfly Kirk Montgomery. Were the name “John Moore” a drinking game, mention of the Post’s former and beloved theater critic, would have lead to many a DUI. Moore actively participated in the awards show, including producing this year’s in memoriam tribute.
Every musical likes to boast a show-stopper. The Henry Awards ceremony had its own when SuCh and Ashlie-Amber Harris, the leads of the Aurora Fox’s regional premiere of “The Color Purple,” sang the stirring, wounded duet “What About Love?” Local musical theater-goers should be well acquainted with Harris. The fierce performer was nominated for two best supporting actress Henrys: for Town Hall Arts Center’s “Hair” and for her turn as the unapologetic object of everyone’s desire, Shug Avery, in “The Color Purple.” But when director donnie l. betts cast the vocalist SuCh, he (and she) were taking a leap of faith; the Denver-based singer had never performed in a play. They nailed the landing and Monday night when SuCh was awarded the best lead actress prize and Colorado’s theater community was introduced to a significant talent. Henry Award winners for the 2012-2013 season.
