Country Players Of Brookfield

Celebrate With Paddy Awards

BROOKFIELD — The annual Paddy Awards presentation by Country Players of Brookfield celebrates the performers, production members and other volunteers contributing to the success of the playhouse both onstage and off. The theatre company hosted its annual celebration with an awards ceremony in February.

“It’s an evening of thanks,” explained Bart Geissinger, the playhouse’s current president, “to all those who make the playhouse work, those people who remember the dream and keep it going – all year, every year, year after year.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award drew a standing ovation for recipient Larry Stewart, a former longtime president of Country Players, a retired Danbury High School teacher, a resident of Brookfield and a well-known theatrical director.

David Tuttle of New Preston, the vice president of Country Players, received the Millennium Award, recognizing his efforts on behalf of the theatre’s successful capital campaign which included a grant from the Meserve Memorial Fund and a $125,000 state arts grant.

Mr Geissinger presented a President’s Award to Bob Williams of Roxbury for his technical guidance and recommendations in preparation for the installation of a new lighting system at the Brookfield Center theatre. Larry Pokorny of Weston also received a President’s Award, for his constant support and specifically his generous contribution to costume restoration and preservation.

The Paddy Award for Best Actress went to Adrienne Vournazos of Danbury for her work in Spider’s Web, with Best Supporting Actress presented to Judy Sullivan of Brookfield, also for work in Spider’s Web.

Michael Ballard of New Milford received Best Actor, and David Tuttle was Best Supporting Actor for his work in La Cage Aux Folles.

La Cage also captured Best Director, for Wendall MacNeal of Danbury; Best Producers, for Gene Golaszewski of Brookfield and Georgie Kobylanski of Danbury; Best Set Design, Rita Golaszewski; Best Costume Design, Bill Possidento of New Milford; and Best Lighting Design, Mr Golaszewski.

Throughout the evening, Mr Geissinger also recognized the special contributions of the behind-the-scenes volunteers including box office, house and grounds, music, choreography, photography, decoration and upkeep crews. A single red rose was presented to each contributor as they were brought onstage to be recognized and applauded.