Congratulations MetroStage On Receiving 3 Helen Hayes Awards April 5th

Congratulations to the 2010 Helen Hayes Awards Recipients!

Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production
♦ Maurice Hines, Cool Papa's Party

Outstanding Music Direction, Resident Production
♦ William Knowles, Cool Papa's Party

The Canadian Embassy Award for Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Play
♦ Heroes


To see all the results, CLICK HERE

Read what the artists told DC Theatre Scene in their "Meet the 2010 Helen Hayes Nominees" article, prior to the Helen Hayes Awards:

William Knowles

Cool Papa’s Party

Why this show?
I’m always interested in new work. I like being a part of creative team.

Greatest challenge…
There was a lot of information to teach in a short amount of time. This was the first time the show was on it’s feet. There was hardly any revision time.

Your best contribution…
With today’s technology, one is able to mock up examples of the work. In other words, you have a good idea of what it sounds like before you have to pay lots of people.

If you could work with anyone…
There is a strong connection between jazz musicians and theater. I would have loved to look over Eubie Blake’s shoulder for Shuffle Along, or Fats Waller’s for Hot Chocolates.

Is there a particular work of art you would like to see turned into a musical and why?
I’d like to do a piece on Nina Simone.

Next?
Cool Papa’s Party has legs. I intend to see where they carry me.


Heroes

John Vreeke, Director

When did you first realize there was something special about working with this cast?
After about a week of table work discussions and getting on our feet. This cast, the three of them together, have, well, let’s say over 100 years of experience in theater collectively.

- They work without ego…being beyond, past those needs…no time for ego…it’s stupid and counterproductive…never a moment of neediness or self doubt. – They know how to work…no teaching, no cajoling, no caretaking needed – They respect, love language…Stoppard’s is great for them…they know about music in language and how to make it sing – They have, again, years of technique experience so they know how to deliver the language. – They genuinely like and respect each other…love being in each other’s company…which pays off for the three way friendship in Heroes.

What moment(s) in the play do you think best exemplify the ensemble’s work?
The entire play.

To see the full story, click on the links below:
http://dctheatrescene.com/2010/03/28/meet-the-2010-helen-hayes-nominees-1/
http://dctheatrescene.com/2010/03/28/meet-the-2010-helen-hayes-nominees-2/