The 53rd Annual AUDELCO Awards, which recognize excellence in Black theater, were held on Monday, Nov. 17 at Harlem’s Alhambra Ballroom and they were absolutely spectacular! It was a Black theater family reunion at its best as the ballroom was packed with some of the most talented, exquisitely dressed, theater artists you could imagine.
The coveted VIV award, named after AUDELCO founder Vivian Robinson, was bestowed on shows and individuals that entertained, informed, and celebrated the stories of our people in grand fashion throughout this past theater season. The evening was hosted beautifully by actor Jerome Preston Bates and actress Toni Seawright. Singer Tina Fabrique was absolutely fabulous as she started the night off with a very take-your-time, soulful rendition of “God Bless The Child” and believe me, everyone in that room was blessed, not only by her performance, but because this is the one time during the year that so many members of the Black theater family get to come together with old friends and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. There was a feeling in the air of love and blessings.
There were so many incredible productions this season, I was just excited to be in the room with so many actors, playwrights, directors, and technicians who had succeeded in bringing phenomenal pieces to life. New Federal Theatre’s production of “The Wash,” a tremendously phenomenal play, received four VIV Awards, including best play (which it tied for); best playwright — Kelundra Smith, outstanding ensemble performance — Rebecca Haden, Bianca LaVerne Jones, Margaret Odette, Alicia Pilgrim, Kerry Warren, Eunice Woods, and best sound design — Bill Toles.
The Negro Ensemble Company’s production of “Day of Absence/Remaining Absent” walked away with four well-deserved VIV Awards for best revival of a play, lead actor in a play — Benjamin Rowe, best costume design — Kathy Roberson, and best lighting design — Antoinette Tynes.
The American Theater Group, in partnership with UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage’s production of “Purlie,” shone brightly as it won four VIV Awards for best revival of a musical, best direction of a musical — Kenny Ingram, outstanding musical director — Gary Mitchell Jr., and featured actress in a musical — Nicole Powell.
It truly warmed my heart to witness Classic Stage Company’s production of “Wine in the Wilderness” be acknowledged with three VIV Awards for best director of a play — LaChanze, especially with this impressive work being her directorial debut! Olivia Washington received the VIV for lead actress in a play and Milton Craig Nealy won featured actor in a play.
New York Theatre Workshop’s stunning production of “Lights Out: Nat ‘King’ Cole,” written by Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor, received three very well-earned VIV Awards for best musical, Dulé Hill — lead actor in a musical and Daniel J. Watts — featured actor in a musical.
The Public Theater’s production of “Goddess,” which was absolutely splendid, won Amber Iman — lead actress in a musical and Darrell Grand Moultrie — best choreographer.
Tanja Hayes photos
Vy Higginsen and Charles Randolph Wright as Higginsen received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual AUDELCO Awards at the Alhambra Ballroom. 
Jerome Preston Bates and Linda Armstrong as she received the Board of Directors Award for 40 years of Theater Criticism at the 53rd Annual AUDELCO Awards. 
The cast and creative team of New Federal Theatre’s “The Wash” as they received the VIV for Best Play at the 53rd Annual AUDELCO Awards. 
Debbie McIntyre and Heather Simms as McIntyre received the Board of Directors Award for her 50 years in the business. 
Jerome Preston Bates, Celeste Joseph (AUDELCO nominating committee member) and LaChanze as LaChanze wins the VIV for best director of a play at the 53rd Annual AUDELCO Awards.
Lincoln Center Theater’s “Blood Quilt” tied for best play! Peccadillo Theater Company, Negro Ensemble Company, and Eric Falkenstein’s production of “Ceremonies In Dark Old Men” earned Norm Lewis, best lead actor in a play, tying him with Benjamin Rowe. Atlantic Theater Company’s production of “A Freeky Introduction” earned a VIV for outstanding solo performance for NSangou Njikam. Lucille Lortel Theatre’s production of “Duke and Roya” won the VIV for featured actress in a play for Noma Dumezweni. Black Spectrum Theatre’s production of “Wednesday Woman” earned Harlan Penn, Donald Taylor, and Mike Turner the VIV for best set design.
In addition to the winners for the night, were those who were honored. The AUDELCO always strives to acknowledge the incredible things that those of our community are doing to enrich our culture. Commissioner of Cultural Affairs for the City of New York, Laurie Cumbo, received the Board of Directors award. Cumbo shared, “This administration wanted to make sure we can tell our stories with people like Woodie King Jr., Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, and Voza Rivers. In this administration we have increased the culture budget to $75 million. The Coalition for Theatres of Color started off with eight organizations and added on 53 additional organizations. God bless each and every one of you for the incredible stories you tell.” The next person to be honored was Dr. Indira Etwaroo, the Artistic Director of Harlem Stages, who received an outstanding achievement award.
Zenzele Etwaroo, her daughter, accepted the award for her mother saying, “My mother stands in the lineage of those who built brilliance out of scarcity and who kept moving forward … The ones who believed that our stories were worthy even when the world did not … When we tell our stories we are not just making theater, we are making a new America, a new world.”
Crystal Field, artistic director for Theater for the New City, was given the Legacy Award. Field shared, “Quality is what matters. Theater for the New City is famous for being able to spot and nurture potential talent.” Distinguished educator/social justice advocate/community activist/author — Dr. Geraldine Baker and her twin sister, Educator/community activist/former principal of STAR Academy — Dr. Audrey Baker received Legacy Awards for all they have done for the culture and community. Dr. Geraldine Baker said, “As educators we have fought for children, senior citizens, for the vulnerable and voiceless. We have sworn to leave every space better than we have found it. If you see us shining tonight it is because of those who have lifted us … Our life mission and purpose on earth is not to be served, but to serve.” Dr. Audrey Baker recited a poem called “Dangerous Women,” which actually empowered women; it was very moving.
Ajene D. Washington, director/set designer, was presented with the Pioneer Award. Washington shared, “I want to thank those peers who allowed me to come in and make theater — theaters like Black Spectrum and many others. I will carry this honor with pride, purpose, and gratitude.”
Voza Rivers, founder of New Heritage Theater, presented an award to Carl Clay for Black Spectrum Theater’s 55 years. Clay shared, “I’m proud of all of our theaters because we continue to keep working and that’s what’s important.”
Zora Howard, actress/playwright/director, received a special achievement award. Howard recalled, “I first attended the AUDELCO Awards in 2004. I was 11 years old, it was the first time I was recognized and celebrated for my artistry for the power and possibility of my voice … I remember how special I felt and I feel no less special tonight. I’m from here. The Black theater community in this city was the first village to encourage me as a maker, to tell me to keep writing. We believe in you. It’s so important what you have to say. It’s not lost on me how big this community plays in my practice. I’m humbled in this room to be with my peers, my mentors, and so many artists I’ve collaborated with and good friends. I thank the AUDELCO and Jackie Jeffries for continuing to celebrate Black Theater makers. Humanitarian Awards were presented to the co-founder of Grandparents Around The World/Playwright/fashion designer — Evern G. Randolph, and CFO of Grandparents Around The World/community organizer — Brenda Prescott. A special achievement award was presented to accomplished Broadway and Off-Broadway pianist, who also plays for Dionne Warwick — Andre Chez Lewis. Outstanding achievement awards were presented to Musical Director/musician — Kenny Seymour and Theater/TV/Film star — Adrienne C. Moore. A Pioneer Award was presented to Producer/Actress/Director – Kim Weston-Moran.
A Lifetime Achievement award was bestowed on Mama Foundation founder, Vy Higginsen. Higginsen shared, “I’m truly honored to receive this Lifetime Achievement award for ‘Mama I Want To Sing’ and for the Mama Foundation Founder. When we began 40 years ago it was simple. Our mission was to tell a story and to uplift our community and youth. ‘Mama I Want to Sing’ was born out of faith and famine and the power of a mother’s love and we had no idea that it would travel the world and inspire so many. The Mama Foundation for the Arts has been my greatest joy. Thank you for this award and may we continue lifting up young voices for generations to come.”
A lifetime achievement award was also presented to Producing Director of the St. Louis Repertory — Ron Himes and Actress/educator/founder and artistic director of the Children’s Theater Workshop — Marie Thomas-Foster. Board of Directors awards were presented to Audience Developer/Usher/Actress — Debbie McIntyre, and me, Journalist/Theater Critic for 40 Years for the New York Amsterdam News — Linda Armstrong. I greatly appreciated the honor, as my passion is to always spotlight what my people are doing in theater!
A Legacy award was presented to accomplished educator / singer / actress / counselor /mentor — Juanita Howard. Humanitarian Awards were presented to the co-founder of Grandparents Around The World/Playwright/fashion designer — Evern G. Randolph, and CFO of Grandparents Around The World/community organizer — Brenda Prescott.
What an exceptional evening it was! AUDELCO President Jackie Jeffries gave everyone an evening to long remember! I can’t wait until next year. To learn more about AUDELCO and become a member visit AUDELCO.org.