Bay Area critics hand out awards

The Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle's 2006 award winners were announced last week, and the recognition was spread out pretty evenly. American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and California Shakespeare Theater all received four awards, while Aurora Theatre Company, SF Playhouse and San Jose Repertory Theatre each received three.In the musical category, Broadway by the Bay led with nine awards, and Foothill Music Theatre had five awards.The outstanding drama award was shared by Berkeley Rep's The Miser (left, which actually originated at Minnesota's Theatre de la Jeune Lune) and Aurora's Salome.Outstanding musical awards went to three winners: Broadway by the Bay's Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Foothill's Urinetown and TheatreWorks' Vanities.In the dramatic acting categories, principal performance awards went to Rita Moreno (below left, The Glass Menagerie, Berkeley Rep), Susi Damilano (Reckless, SF Playhouse), James Carpenter (The Master Builder, Aurora) and L. Peter Callender (World Music, TheatreFirst). Supporting awards went to Delia MacDougall (The Merry Wives of Windsor, Cal Shakes), Nancy Carlin ( TheImmigrant, San Jose Rep), Sue Trigg (Noises Off, Willows Theatre) and Dan Hiatt (The Immigrant, San Jose Rep).In the musical categories, principal performance awards went to Jessica Raaum (Annie Get Your Gun, Foothill) and Rick Williams (1776, Willows). Supporting awards went to Tiffany Marie Austin (Miss Saigon, Broadway by the Bay), Mary-Pat Green (Putting It Together, SF Playhouse), Maureen McVerry (Pardon My English, 42nd Street Moon), David Settler (Miss Saigon, Broadway by the Bay) and Paul Araquistain (Miss Saigon, Broadway by the Bay).Director awards went to Barbara Damashek (Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Center Repertory Company) and Alex Perez (Miss Saigon, Broadway by the Bay). Ensemble awards were given to San Jose Rep's The Immigrant, Center Rep's The Marriage of Figaro and Berkeley Rep's Passing Strange.Touring productions cited for excellence were Doubt, Hairspray and Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake.For a complete list of winners, visit www.theatrebayarea.org.