Just Happy to Be Here

In June, I wrote that there were reasons to believe that staying in San Diego through July was a wise decision. To avoid jinxing anything, I’d said, I was keeping a lid on some potentially exciting news. Yesterday, I intimated that my return to Nashville might be delayed. Well, now the lid can be lifted and the delay confirmed. At a ceremony last night in Chula Vista, rumors became official: I have been nominated for an acting award for my performance as Olive Madison in The Odd Couple (female version).

ACT San Diego, which has bestowed the honor, is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 to improve the quality of community theatres throughout San Diego County. Their annual Aubrey Awards represent the “best of the best” in San Diego community theatre and the winners are announced in a formal setting that has been called “San Diego’s hometown version of the Tony Awards.” This year, the 41st Annual Aubrey Awards will be presented at the Old Town Courtyard by Marriott in August.

Throughout each year, a panel of judges travels within the county, spanning theatres from the downtown area to those outside city limits -- north to Poway, south to Chula Vista -- to evaluate local productions. They grade each show using a standard form, rating actors, producers, directors, set and costume designers, and technical crews on a 10-point scale. Only those who achieved a score of 8.0 or better for their craft can be nominated for an award at the end of the season. Categories, then, can be either glutted with nominees or absent them.

As a nominee for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, I am joined by 6 actresses who have also scored 8.0 or better this season. With seven nominations, ours is one of the most competitive categories. While in San Diego, I’ve read the biographies, seen the reviews, or watched the performances of these other nominees. It is an honor to be named in their company.

Whether the winner is determined by best overall score on the ratings sheet or by the votes of ACT judges, I do not know. But I’ll be there for the announcements, fancy dress and all, rooting for Jeffrey Gastauer to win the Best Director Aubrey, for Marge Hale to win for Best Production, and for Rett Becker or Joey Georges (our Costazuela brothers) to take home Best Actor, Minor Support. I’ll be rooting for friends: Chris Armour, Debbie David, Frank Remiatte, Teri Brown; and for acquaintances: Christopher Duzan, Michael Barnett, renee levine; and I’ll be clapping whole-heartedly for whoever wins Best Actress.

Unless it’s that over-the-top chick. Or the snob. Or the one who doesn’t deserve it. Or....

;)