Iveys reach behind theater curtain for achievement award

Sheila Livingston, director of education and community programs for the Guthrie Theater, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at Monday night's Ivey Awards at Minneapolis' State Theatre.

The Iveys, in their third year, recognize accomplishment in Twin Cities theater. About 1,700 people attended the ceremony, which featured a performance by "Grease" star Laura Osnes.

Livingston began her 46-year association with the Guthrie as a volunteer and joined the staff in 1971. She has served in a number of roles, most prominently since 1988 as education coordinator. Ten years later, she was given the Artistic Director's Award at the Guthrie. She has developed several successful programs, including the Summer Theater Conference, the Global Voices series and the In Conversation series.

"I just can't see how you would see fit to honor someone like me," she said. "There are artists who work upstairs, downstairs and all through the house. I really believe all of us are transformed by theater."

More than 200 productions by 61 theater companies were evaluated by theatergoers, who filed nearly 4,000 comments with the Ivey committee. The Iveys also honored three productions and four actors.

"Don Juan Giovanni," adapted by Theatre de la Jeune Lune's Steven Epp from Mozart and Molière, and "Love, Janis," a musical about Janis Joplin at the Ordway Center, were cited for musical direction and performances. Raymond Berg led the band for "Love, Janis," which featured actors Monica Heuser and Jill Mickelson. Dominique Serrand directed "Don Juan," with musical direction by Barbara Brooks. The cast included Epp, Bradley Greenwald, Jennifer Baldwin Peden, Christina Baldwin and Kory Bickel.

"Messy Utopia" was recognized in the category "Innovate Concept and Idea." The Mixed Blood Theatre production offered several playlets on the topic of mixed racial identity, and was directed by Aditi Brennan Kapil.

Mixed Blood scored another win with its production last fall of "Yellowman." Thomas W. Jones II was honored for his acting in the play about a man who struggles with skin-color prejudice in the African-American community. Kris Nelson was recognized for his brilliant performance as the late Sen. Paul Wellstone in History Theatre's "Wellstone," written by Mark Rosenwinkel.

Veteran Sally Wingert also scored with a singular portrayal, that of arts benefactor Peggy Guggenheim in Minnesota Jewish Theatre's production of "Woman Before A Glass." Edward Williams Jr. received recognition for his role in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" at Minneapolis Musical Theatre.

Three individuals were honored for behind-the-scenes work. John Arnone provided a stunning scenic design to the Guthrie's production of "Private Lives." Michael Matthew Ferrell was cited for his choreography in "Disney's High School Musical," which was produced by Children's Theatre Company. Sound designer Mike Hallenbeck was honored for his work on "Kid Simple" and "Hunger" with Emigrant Theater.

For the first time, the Iveys chose a non-actor for its Emerging Artist Award, giving it to scenic designer Kate Sutton-Johnson. This year, she designed "High School Musical." And coming up, her work will be seen in "The Rocky Horror Show" at the Ordway Center's McKnight Theatre.

Lou Bellamy and Jack Reuler, artistic directors of Penumbra and Mixed Blood, respectively, were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Awards in the first two years of the Iveys.

Graydon Royce • 612-673-7299

Graydon Royce • groyce@startribune.com