ACT nabs honors in European military's Oscars equivalent

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Wagner
  • 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Some went by car, some went by bus, and others flew to Heidelberg, Germany, but all converged at the annual TOPPERS awards show April 30.

This year was a banner year for the Aviano Community Theater in a fierce competition for top honors in what is the European military's equivalent to the Academy Awards. The ACT competed against 19 other musical and straight plays for top honors. This year ACT entered two plays into the mix -- Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," a straight play comedy directed by Kristen Holiday, and "Hello Dolly," a musical based on the book "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder and directed by Staff Sgt. David Wade Weaver.

The following are this year's Aviano winners:

Staff Sgt. Mary Miller - Best House Management - "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Master Sgt. Carol Wagner - Best Props for a Comedy and Best Stage Management for a Comedy - "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Lt. Col. Chris Senkbeil - Best Programs - "Hello Dolly"
Janna Hudson - Best Scene Painting for a Musical - "Hello Dolly"
Staff Sgt. John Beck - Best Military Performer in a Musical - "Hello Dolly"
Jennifer Lewis - Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy - "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Staff Sgt. David Wade Weaver - Best Actor in a Musical - "Hello Dolly"
Jennifer Lewis, Lt. Col. Tristanne Spotswood, Davida Ogelsbee, Maj. Eric Ogelsbee - Special Award for Outstanding Dance Achievement: Head Waiters Dancing Quartet - "Hello Dolly"

This year's nominees from ACT included:

Lindsey Holland - Best Hair and Wig Design - "The Importance of Being Earnest" & "Hello Dolly"
Staff Sgt. Mary Miller - Best Costumes in a Comedy - "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Wagner - Best Programs - "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Col. Patrick McClelland - Best Set in a Musical - "Hello Dolly"
Chris Miller - Best Stage Management in Musical - "Hello Dolly"
Maj. Kwame Curtis - Best Military Performer in Play - "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Lt. Col. Tristanne Spotswood - Best Military Performer in Play - "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Chelsea McClelland - Best Female Youth Performance - "Hello Dolly"
Ben Holiday - Best Debut in Musical - "Hello Dolly"
Sam Cole - Best Chorus Member - "Hello Dolly"
Chris Miller - Best Actor in Comedy - "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Debbie Terrazas - Best Actress in Comedy - "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Best Play - "The Importance of Being Earnest"

Officials with the ACT said this year's success story lies with the countless hours donated to making this year's performances a shining example of dedication. Next year's challenge is just as great with the constant permanent changes of station and changing dynamics of military life.

For more information on how to participate or volunteer in ACT, visit Facebook and search for Aviano Community Theater.