“The Column” has announced its picks for Best in DFW Theatre for 2019 and it is no surprise that the Garland Summer Musicals and Garland Civic Theatre received recognition for several productions.
Garland Summer Musicals’ Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was named one of the Productions of the Year and Michael Isaac’s portrayal of Adam Pontipee was one of the actors who received a nod for Performance of the Year. The seven brothers in the show were also recognized for Best Ensemble.
Also for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Buff Shurr was recognized as Best Director, Kelly McCain as Best Choreographer, Larry Miller as Best Music Director and Kelly Cox for Best Scenic Design.
The Column’s staff of associate theatre critics made the following recognitions:
Named Actors of Note from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers were Michael Isaac as Adam Pontipee and Ryan Caviola as Gideon Pontipee. Lauren LeBlanc, in the role of Milly Brandon, was named an Actress of Note.
Garland Summer Musicals’ production of Mama Mia was noted as Best Musical – Non-Equity.
The critic said, “This production was just so much fun, and the chorus of college students was perfect. The leads belted out those ABBA numbers with ease.”
Garland Civic Theatre also received recognition for two of its productions. The of the staff of associate theatre critics named Ian Mead Moore the Best Actor Musical for his role as Buddy Holly in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.
Also in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Phil Gosselin got the nod as Best Supporting Actor, Musical in his role as Hipockets.
Stephanie Oustalet as Catherine Simms in The Foreigner received recognition as Best Actress, Play and Hank Baldree was recognized for Best Set Design in The Foreigner.
About GSM: In 1982, the Performing Arts Center Guild was formed to provide volunteer support for Garland’s newly constructed Performing Arts Center. The guild volunteers tirelessly supported various arts groups with thousands of volunteer hours, selling concessions and promoting all the arts organizations by publishing the “Arts in Action” Newsletter and TV show. One of the major goals of the PAC Guild was to bring professional musicals to Garland. In 1983 the PAC Guild created the Garland Summer Musicals. GSM’s mission was to provide a training ground for aspiring performers with the focus on maintaining a professional and educational environment that taught area youth all areas of theatre production. Since 1983, GSM has created productions that encourage professional artists to work with aspiring performers of all ages as part of a theatre training and semi-professional production company.
About GCT: Since 1967, GCT has provided quality shows, including musicals, mysteries, comedies and dramas, by joining gifted directors with talented actors and crew, along with great music and beautiful sets. In December 1967 a “Goals for Garland” committee recognized the need for a small theater program. Vivian Yarborough, who served as chairman of Garland Parks and Recreation Department board, then called a meeting of those interested in forming a theater group. Pat Adams was also instrumental in getting the theatre started, attending that first meeting. Fundraising efforts began and the theatre was incorporated in April 1968. Acting workshops were held and by August, “The Drunkard” was performed on two weekends to great acclaim. By November, the first season production took place in a church fellowship hall.