A wave of creativity surged through the Vero Beach Theatre Guild’s Season 68 Genie Awards Celebration, held at the historic Heritage Center. With its theme of Tides of Talent, the affair marked the recognition of artistic milestones over the past year.
Guild President Dee Rose welcomed the crowd, noting that while they had moved away from a formal banquet for a few years, the overwhelming desire for communal celebration necessitated its return.
The Genies represent the heart of the volunteer-driven Vero Beach Theatre Guild, the longest-running nonprofit community theater on the Treasure Coast.
The evening kicked off with an unexpectedly over-the-top multiverse-hopping film of cinematic proportions. Designed to “save the Genies,” the short film highlighted the year’s past shows in a comical farce, with the character Igor [from Young Frankenstein] leading the charge, much to the audience’s delight.
Attendees mingled, reminisced and relived theatrical moments before settling in for a dinner catered by Adrienne Drew. To toast the year’s milestones, the crowd raised glasses of the Tidal Wave, a signature cocktail crafted specifically for the occasion, in reference to the evening’s nautical theme.
The voting process involved separate panels of judges for Mainstage and Black Box productions. The judges had attended every performance and evaluated performers and crew in real time.
While the night honored a wide array of performers, the focus remained on the collective effort that makes local theater possible. Some 60 awards were handed out, including five special recognition awards presented to individuals who went above and beyond.
Judith Adams was presented with the Joe Paldi Award for Outstanding New Volunteer, recognized for her seamless integration into VBTG’s day-to-day operations. The Jim Hindert Award for Outstanding Backstage Service was presented to Amber Young, recognizing the tireless work that goes on behind the scenes.
Sandi Hellstrom-Leonard was honored with the Jacobus Siebert-Hazen Award, a tribute to her years of service and efforts on behalf of the theater. The Steve Stahl President’s Choice Award was presented to Beth Shestak, whose leadership and versatility across every facet of the theater, from stage to administration, exemplify the spirit of the organization.
The Show Must Go On awards are presented as a reminder of the resilience of VBTG cast and crew, recognizing individuals who stepped into roles or joined crews at the last minute to save a production. This year’s recipients were Victoria Dowdell, Corinne Harris, Jackie Rueff, Angel Young, Jarrod Cannon, Jenna-Rose Drea and Jackson Harris.
The high-energy production of the musical “Cabaret” took home the award for Outstanding Mainstage Musical, and the gripping mystery “The Mousetrap” was named Best Mainstage Play.
As the evening drew to a close, the night’s theme was fully realized, proof that the Vero Beach Theatre Guild continues to make waves on the community stage.
“If it doesn’t come from the heart, it doesn’t mean anything,” Rose remarked in closing.
Upcoming Mainstage productions include “Steel Magnolias,” “Come From Away,” “A Christmas Carol: The Musical,” “Mame” and “Noises Off.” Blackbox After Dark presents “Songs for a New World,” “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” and “Vanities: A New Musical.”
For more information, visit verobeachtheatreguild.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
