January 3rd - Will Angels in America fly away with best production? Will Scott Holden make it down the Boulevard as best supporting actor? Will Blow This Popsicle Stand blow away the competition for best original script?

Those are just a few of the questions that will be answered at the fourth annual Brickenden Awards for Theatrical Excellence in London. An eclectic list of nominations was announced this afternoon, dominated by Fountainhead Theatre’s ambitious production of Angels in America and Channel Surfing’s irreverent comedy, The UnderAchievers. Both are nominated for best production, along with Retreat from Moscow, Wit and The Donnelly Trial.

Other productions that fared well included Jayson McDonald’s gritty drama, Boulevard (best original script and best supporting actor) and the highly original mock musical, P & J (best musical, best original script and best actress).

In addition to Boulevard, The UnderAchievers, You Kiss by the Book and P & J, Blow This Popsicle Stand by newcomer Stephanie Demas is also jockeying for best original script and a $500 cash award.

The youth category was dominated by four Original Kids productions: A Year with Frog and Toad, Aida, Godspell and Romeo & Juliet. Jonathan de Souza’s original musical, Thomas and the Princess, also scored in this category, as did his Fringe Festival offering, You Kiss by the Book, which was nominated for best musical, along with The Secret Garden, Annie Get Your Gun, Into the Woods and P & J.

Touring shows that made the cut include Fringe Festival offerings like The Strange History of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Body and Her Father’s Barn. One of the highlights of the Grand Theatre’s season, MacHomer, was also nominated in this category.

A complete list of the Brickenden Award nominations can be viewed by clicking here.

A second on-line vote will now begin to help the Brickenden committee determining the winners. The public is invited to cast their ballots by visiting the website. The winners will be announced at a gala awards show at the Wolf Performance Hall at the Central Library on Monday, January 30th at 7 p.m. The master of ceremonies will author and broadcaster Erika Ritter. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the Grand Theatre at 672 8800.

For additional information, please contact Laurie Bursch of the Brickenden Adjudication Committee, at 660 2153 or by e-mail.

The Brickenden Awards are made possible through the generosity and support of The Greenway Family, Nonie Jeffery, The London Fringe Festival, VIA Rail Canada, Start Communications and our award sponsors:

Mainstreet London, Attic Books, Chaucer’s Pub, The Marienbad Restaurant, Clear Concept Events, City Lights Books, Jackie Farquhar, A Channel, Peter & Anne Busby, Rogers Television, The London Free Press, Joe Samuels, KPMG LLP, Len’s Mill Store, Susan Merskey, The Londoner, CIVA Communications and Luke Mattar Photography.