Employing an unusual mix of baroque material performed by modern artists evoked a comic, yet period atmosphere from the top of the production.  Carefully timed subtle sound effects as well added to the play’s production values.

Employing a textured white wash that reflected passage of time, and included several superb isolation specials and creatively considered special effects, Mr. Steele’s design did all a lighting design should: provide information, illuminate the actors, and create some intriguing imagery.

A beautiful blend of shadow, colour and pattern to create a memory atmosphere which brought a simple set to vibrant life.

Brilliant comedic work creating a fully complete character filled with all the nuances, idiosyncrasies, vocal shifts and range of facial expression required of a role of this complexity. Mr. Ouellette added his own perfect sense of comic timing to ‘inhabit’ Tartuffe. 

The James Dean award for Romantic Leading Man. John-Riley is a dynamic young actor who energized the play’s love scenes and became the principal memory in a memory play.

This beautiful stylized set evoked both the 17th Century period and, with its clever use of fabrics and multiple planes, created a luscious backdrop which receded perfectly with the entrance of actors.  Creative use of found materials accentuated the set’s intricate detail.

A finely detailed set design, which created both the context and atmosphere of the play.  This set served as a canvas for lighting and costume designers as well as actors.

In a role that was truly the centre of this production, Mr. Adatia’s performance required a deft balance of naturalistic and indicative styles.  His comic timing was superb and his one venture into demonstrative style, Selznick playing Scarlett O’Hara, was not only hilarious but unforgettable. 

From the moment she entered, Ms. McEwan’s obvious command of her character and of the stage brought all audience eyes to her.  Her subtle yet playful interpretation of Mrs. Savage was simply superb.

The complexity of the play, the declamatory style of performance selected, the pace and aplomb of the actors… each gave me the sense of a strong guiding hand and a director with a clear vision of what he wanted, and succeeded in giving to his audience.

This director created a believable blend of comic eccentricity and tragic pathos. Under his direction, all the characters in this production became heroes, making a silk purse out of the sow’s ear of their lives.

ACT-CO is pleased to announce that the Blackhorse Village Players production of "Rabbit Hole" has accepted the invitation to represent the ACT-CO region at the 2009 Theatre Ontario Festival that will take place in Kanata, Ontario on May 13 to 17, 2009. Click here for more information on this chance to see theatre from across the province of Ontario.

Award # 1
"Ensemble & Chorus"

With adept timing and superb comic creativity, these three actors with their director not only created memorable characters but their work in support  of each other, their skills in clown and physical comedy, their improvisational play with the audience, and their incredible energy produced a hilarious performance. 

I realised while watching this show what a brilliant piece of playable art Mr. Nicholson had created.  It must have taken months to get it just right.  A truly remarkable accomplishment.

Not designers, but adaptors, these two women researched the period, then searched out from many locations the suitable clothing, then tailored that clothing to each of the characters to create perfect fits, and to offer us a true sense of each character through their costumes. 

One benefit of adjudicating multiple productions is that sometimes one is able to glimpse a talented actor in more than one production.  Mr. Horbatuik’s abilities to completely inhabit his characters make each one an identity on its own with its own physicality, voice and persona. 

A detailed production concept in which set, lighting and special effects were integrated for maximum effect.  Fade the candles to black!

A brilliant casting achievement for a community theatre (17 men and 1 woman). There was not a weak link in this ensemble.