A Note From The Artistic Director

MetroStage is proud to announce that Cool Papa's Party, which premiered at MetroStage January 2009, has received six Helen Hayes Awards nominations: Outstanding Director Thomas W. Jones II, Outstanding Music Director William Knowles, Outstanding Choreographer Maurice Hines, Outstanding Lead Actor Jahi Kearse, Outstanding Supporting Actor Anthony Manough and Outstanding Ensemble in a Resident Musical. Congratulations to Tom, William and Maurice and to this remarkable ensemble of Jahi, Roz, William, Anthony, Gary, Lori, Gia, and Ben who tapped, sang and acted as they told the story of the "world's greatest entertainer." Since its premiere, Cool Papa's Party has continued to be workshopped in Atlanta, here at MetroStage and later this spring in New York in anticipation of future productions prior to a New York run.

Heroes, translated by Tom Stoppard and starring Ralph Cosham, Michael Tolaydo, and John Dow who so exquisitely portrayed three old soldiers passing their time on a park bench and displaying their camaraderie with wit and poignance, was recognized by the Helen Hayes judges with a nomination as Outstanding Ensemble in a Resident Play. Congratulations to Ralph, Michael, John, and to director John Vreeke who was so instrumental in creating this amazing ensemble. Heroes received four Moliere nominations in Paris and won an Olivier in London. This Helen Hayes Awards nomination is another honor for this lovely "little gem" and its wonderful cast.

Carolyn Griffin