RPP’s Anna Awards

The Royal Palm Players’ Anna Award winners were announced recently, signaling the end of another season of entertainment on the island.

The awards, established in 2003 and named for founding member Anna Bowditch, are given in six categories: Best Featured Player, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor and Best Actress, and All Time Favorite Player.

Best Featured Player was awarded to Melissa Cripps for her singing in “S’Wonderful.” Cripps was known best this year for her renditions of  “Black Coffee,” “Good to Mama,” and “Black Magic.”

“Anyone who has heard her sing in any of those productions will remember the great range and depth of Melissa’s singing,” said Charlie Tyler, the executive director and an actor with RPP.

The Best Supporting Actress Award went to Linda Rollyson for her portrayal of the humorously repressed, plate smashing Clelia in “The Nerd.” Best Supporting Actor was won by Dan Headington for his stuffy depiction of Victor in “Private Lives.”

RPP’s All Time Favorite Player for 2007-2008 was Boots Tolsdorf, who has appeared in many Royal Palm productions over the years: “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Deadwood Dick,” “Who’s Happy Now?” “Steel Magnolias,” as well as numerous Christmas shows such as “We Need A Little Christmas.”

Best Actor went to Mike Maine who was featured as Yvan in “Art.”

“Mike’s facial expressions and his rendering of a long and humorous monologue earned him ovations at every performance,” Tyler said.

Best Actress was awarded to Michele Strauss for her beautifully sustained and nuanced representation of Rita in “Educating Rita.” Her performance made “Educating Rita” one of the best received shows in RPP’s history.

A special “Tina” Award, named for RPP’s first artistic director Kristina Johnson for the best child actor or actress, was given to Connor Byrnes for his work in “We Need A Little Christmas,” “The Nerd,” and “S’Wonderful.”

A Managing Director’s Award  was given to Ed Seely, who has appeared in many RPP shows since 2004. According to Tyler, his portrayal of Axel in “The Nerd” was a big favorite with many audiences.

The award for Volunteer of the Year went to Marcia Spencer who worked as a stage manager, house manager, and stage crew member on numerous shows.

“She is one of the many people who make it possible for RPP to put on shows by working behind the scenes,” said Executive Director Charlie Tyler.

Tyler said he would also like to thank Connie Gregg for running the box office, and to Sue Anne Bruzzesse for organizing the ushers.

“Without its volunteers, RPP would not exist,” Tyler said. “A special thank also goes to Shaffer Building and repair for their help in assembling the awards.”

All RPP members and participants in shows are eligible to vote.