September 25, 2007 (Peoria, AZ) Arizona Broadway Theatre (“ABT”) won seven awards at the 17th annual ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence ceremony held at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts last night. Nominated for 24 awards in 13 artistic and technical categories, ABT notably garnered three of five nominations for Best Overall Production-Contracted Musical (for La Cage aux Folles, The World Goes ‘Round and Kiss Me, Kate).

The following are the seven recipients of the prestigious awards:

Actor in a Major Role – Contracted Musical:  Jason Fleck for Kiss Me, Kate

Actress in a Supporting Role – Contracted Musical: Emily Mulligan-Ferry in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Actor in a Supporting Role – Contracted Musical: Tim Luoma in La Cage aux Folles

Director – Contracted Musical: Tralen Doler for La Cage aux Folles

Musical Direction – Contracted Theatre:  Alan Ruch for The World Goes ‘Round 

Choreography – Contracted Theatre: Tralen Doler for La Cage aux Folles

Costume Design – Contracted Theatre: Martha J. Clarke for La Cage aux Folles

About ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence
Established in 1991 in Arizona by Mark Edelman of Theater League, the ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence are based on a similar Kansas City-based program. The former Arizona Film, Theatre & Television (AFT&T) organized the initial program for Stage West at the Herberger Theater Center. Held at the larger Center Stage for all but two out of the past 10 years, theatres apply to become part of the adjudication process by selecting one of four theatrical divisions: professional touring, contracted, non-contracted (including educational), and children’s.

Theatres must meet specific production criteria: have a scheduled season; present full-length productions on a regular basis; have a minimum of four performances on four separate days; and not remount previously a adjudicated show unless it is a substantially new production. Contracted theatres must meet two of the following three criteria: operate in association with an Actor’s Equity Association contract; have at least 50% of actors and designers as salaried employees; and have a minimum annual budget of $150,000. Non-contracted theatres are community, dinner, educational, and theatre for youth performed by adults. (The children’s category consists primarily of child performers).

Productions are adjudicated as a play, musical or original work. There are currently 13 categories for adjudication including: award of excellence for actress/actor in a major role; actress/actor in a supporting role; directing; musical direction; original script/playwright; choreography; scenic design; costume design; hair and make-up design; lighting design; and sound design. For more information, visit www.arizoniawards.com

About Arizona Broadway Theatre
ABT, Arizona’s one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art professional dinner theatre showcases locally and nationally acclaimed artists both onstage and behind the scenes. Kicking off ABT’s third season is Little Shop of Horrors (September 21 – November 4), followed by Crazy for You (November 9 – December 30), Fiddler on the Roof (January 11 – March 2, 2008), Jekyll & Hyde (March 7 – April 20), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (April 25 – June 8), The Music Man (June 13 – August 3), and Nunsense (August 8 – September 21).

ABT’s luxurious auditorium comfortably accommodates 400 guests with unobstructed views from every seat. The theatre offers a number of performances year-round with a variety of prices and times to fit every lifestyle. ABT boasts full-service gourmet selections prepared by award-winning executive chef Allen Dowe and served by gracious wait staff 90 minutes prior to each show. The theatre can facilitate luncheons, parties and special events in its private banquet room, expansive lobby or auditorium. Groups can purchase an entire performance for its exclusive entertainment. Discounts are offered to groups of 20 or more.