Nine Denver Post Ovation Award nominations for Into the Woods

The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company's production of 'Into the Woods' was nominated for nine 2007 Denver Post Ovation Awards, including "Best Musical," "Best Ensemble" and "Best Director."

In a May 25, 2007, review entitled, "Colorado Springs troupe's Broadway-worthy musical," Denver Post critic John Moore wrote: "(W)ith its latest big-bang, big-bucks to-do, the FAC again proves that nobody, but nobody, does musicals like they do musicals to our south.”

Out of 154 productions reviewed or observed by Denver Post critics, 'Into the Woods' was the second-most nominated production in the state.

The nominations included:

Best Musical
FAC Theatre Company's Into the Woods

Actor, Musical
Kelly Walters, (The Baker)

Director, Musical
Alan Osburn

Supporting Actress, Musical
Mercedes Perez, (The Witch)
Sally Lewis Hybl, (Cinderella)

Ensemble
FAC Theatre Company's Into the Woods

Best Band
Roberta Jacyshyn

Musical Number
“Opening," Mary Ripper Baker and Roberta Jacyshyn

Set Design
Christopher L. Sheley

Finalists were culled from Colorado productions opening after Jan. 1, 2007, that were either reviewed or observed by Denver Post critics. Winners have been selected by theater critic John Moore and will be published Dec. 30. Readers can go online now and vote for their favorite in major categories for "Readers Choice" selections at denverpost.com/theater.

'Into the Woods,' 'Katrina' earn PPAC awards

The Pikes Peak Arts Council honored the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company's production of 'Into the Woods' and the FAC MODERN exhibition, 'Katrina: Catastrophe and Catharsis,' on Sunday night at the SaGaJi Theatre, during its 7th Annual Awards for Excellence in the Arts ceremony.

'Into the Woods' earned two awards, including Sally Hybl for "Best Actress" for her portrayal of Cinderella and director Alan Osburn for "Traditional Production." The FAC's Roy Ballard also won for "Behind the Scenes: Set Design" for his work on '1940's Radio Hour' and 'The Last Night of Ballyhoo.'

"For someone who was raised on the FAC stage, to be recognized by the arts community in such a meaningful way is an incredible honor," said Sally. "Truly, being a part of 'Into the Woods' was an honor in itself, and the award is really a testimony to all of those involved in this amazing production."

The 2007-2008 FAC Theatre Season opens on Oct. 12 with a production of Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”

“Katrina: Catastrophe and Catharsis” earned an award in the Visual Arts category of "Out of Town." The exhibition was the first in the nation dedicated to the works of internationally respected artists responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, debuting at the FAC MODERN in March.

The current exhibition, “Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray,” closes on Sept. 30 and is followed by “Faces in the Crowd: Portraiture from the FAC Permanent Collection” on Oct. 12.

Into the Woods is a hit

Mark Arnest of The Gazette writes, "'Into the Woods' shows that the Fine Arts Center is serious about making its theater productions every bit as good as its visual-art presentations. The first production by the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company ... is without a doubt the most ambitious musical theater production in the history of Colorado Springs." Read the full review.

Into The Woods Interview

Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece musical, will be performed by the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company at the SaGāJi Theatre May 11 - June 3. This is the FAC’s biggest production yet and features three Broadway actors in an outstanding ensemble cast. This interview features director Alan Osburn discussing the show, rehearsals and what to expect after ‘happily ever after.'