Our 2007 Mac Awards

While there were disappointments — the deliciously edgy Beowulf Alley Theatre let its staff go and started its season late (one staff member has returned) — there were also joys — Arizona Theatre Company's raucous "Love, Janis" among them.

But, as always, we've had our favorites. And it is those that we present with our annual Mac Awards, named after the late Mary MacMurtrie, who spent much of the last century turning Tucson children into actors, directors, stage technicians and audiences that appreciate heart, honesty and intent as well as excellence.

Our 2007 Mac Awards:

This is a category that's loaded with winners.

Douglas Mitchell's role as the conniving, possible murderer in Invisible Theatre's "The Business of Murder" was jittery and spellbinding.

Terry Erbe was the tender George in Beowulf Alley Theatre's production "Of Mice and Men"; Stephen Elton was the simple-minded Lenny. Erbe was able to eloquently balance his character's anger at Lenny and his faithful love for him. Elton gave the mildly retarded Lenny an honest innocence.

Bob Sorenson played 35 characters in Arizona Theatre Company's production of "I Am My Own Wife," and he gave distinct life to each of them.

Stephen Frankenfield was a full-of-self-doubt actor who has to play Hamlet, a role in a play he hates, in Live Theatre Workshop's production of "I Hate Hamlet." He was a complete hoot.

But it is University of Arizona student Kyle Harris who grabs the 2007 Best Actor Mac. Harris played the grown-up Tommy in Arizona Repertory Theatre's production of "The Who's Tommy." He has a magnetic stage presence, a powerhouse voice and oodles of charm. Once he stepped on stage, all eyes were on him — not because he's a stage hog (he isn't; he's quite generous on stage), but because he is such a large talent. We predict great things for him.

Stefanie Brown played Cunegonde, an innocent turned soiled woman in Arizona Rep's production of the musical "Candide." When she sang "Glitter and Be Gay," an operatic spoof, she caressed the challenging song and infused it with delicious comedic timing.

Cynthia Jeffery's portrayal of Nettie in Live Theatre's "The Subject Was Roses" did not have one false note, and Kristi Loera was a bright spot in Live Theatre's production of "Chapter Two."

Carlisle Ellis' poignant turn in Arizona Repertory's production of "Broadway Bound" was heartbreaking and transformative — as the middle-age character retold the story of a dance with actor George Raft, the years fell away and she was a young girl again.

Cathy Richardson rocked souls with her version of Janis Joplin in ATC's "Love Janis." She brought the belter to vivid life.

And Rogue Theatre's production of "The Maids" featured Cynthia Meier and Susan Arnold as two sisters who are bitter maids to a haughty mistress. They were disturbing, they were touching, and they were very effective.

The 2007 Mac for Best Actress goes to Judy Kaye, who played Florence Foster Jenkins in ATC's production of "Souvenir." Kaye fully possessed this eccentric character, giving her passion as big as her heart. And her comic timing was impeccable.

Live Theatre's "I Hate Hamlet" was another comedy that made the most of one-liners and actors with good-timing. It was sublimely funny.

Beowulf's "The Woman in Black" was a spooky ghost story enhanced by incredible sound effects and fine acting.

ATC's "I Am My Own Wife" was an eye-opening look at the strength and imagination that can take hold when faced with adversity.

And ATC's "Souvenir" kept us thoroughly entertained, thanks to Judy Kaye's performance, the outrageous costumes, and a staging that allowed the story to unfold with gracious hilarity.

The Rogue's "The Maids," however, gets the 2007 Mac for Best Play. The compelling and horrifying story was cleanly directed by Joseph McGrath and powerfully performed by a trio of actresses. It was fulfilling and challenging theater.

Invisible Theatre's "The Big Voice: God or Merman?" was a joyous production full of humor and music.

The Arizona Repertory Theatre's "Candide" was carried by a cast of students fully committed and wildly talented.

Arizona Onstage Production's "The Full Monty" was loaded with gutsy young talent giving its all.

And ATC's "Love, Janis" sent us soaring. It had a heartbreaking story and incredible music, and this was a pristine production.

But the 2007 Mac goes to ATC's "Pajama Game." Director David Ira Goldstein turned an old, potentially stilted story into a deliciously jazzy, witty one. No small feat, that.

Eva Tessler took a production that has barely changed in 12 years — Borderland Theater's "A Tucson Pastorela" — and made it fresh and sassy without being irreverent.

Randal Myler's direction of "Love, Janis" is proof that he has a true rock 'n' roller's soul. It was a bluesy blast — and we hear every performance was, understandably, a sellout.

David Ira Goldstein's direction of "The Pajama Game" made it silly and perky and giggly fun. Credit for this also goes to choreographer Patricia Wilcox, whose steps were innovative and kicky fun.

Directing a one-man show such as "I Am My Own Wife," which requires the actor to play multiple characters, can be tough. You've got to make sure that it moves, that the characters are clear, and that the story, always, is served. Samantha K. Wyer did exactly that with ATC's production of the play.

Joseph McGrath directed a smooth, tense version of "The Maids" for Rogue Theatre.

But it's to Howard Allen (no relation to this reporter) that we give the 2007 Mac for Best Director.

Allen directed Live Theatre's production of "I Hate Hamlet" with a knowing hand, making sure the comedy was not strained and the story clear. And he did it with a mix of community and professional actors. He made comedy look a whole lot easier than it is, not an easy thing to do. But Allen did it with aplomb and expertise.

'Mac'nificent performances

Disagree with Kathleen Allen's assessment of 2007 theater? Go to azstarnet.com/accent and click on "comments" to voice your opinion.