'Deathtrap' and 'Autobahn' take home high honors

The envelope please - Saturday's 60th annual Hosscar Awards at the Porterville Barn Theater had two plays neck to neck as they captured award after award during the red-carpet semi-formal event simulated after the Academy Award "Oscars."

"Oliver!" and "Deathtrap" were honored again and again during the night in front of a packed house.

A panel of nine judges with longtime theater experience attended the season's shows and kept score through the year to determine the winner of the Hosscars. And in the end, it was "Oliver!" who took home six Hosscars — best juvenile male and female, best male and female in a bit part, and best male and female in a major supporting role.

Deathtrap" won several distinctions as well, including best lighting design, best male and female in a minor supporting role, best set design, and best show.

When it came to the best male in a leading role, the honor went to George Pearce for his role in "Autobahn."

Best female in a leading role was won by Michelin White, also for "Autobahn."

The Hosscars opened with a welcome by Katie Schulz and Gordy Plaisted, but along the way, clips from the season's various plays were shown, and all presenters shared their favorite memories of their time at the Barn Theater. Several choreographed singing and dancing numbers were also weaved into the night's entertainment.

Pearce said he was not expecting the win.

"I was as giddy as a school girl," he joked before getting a little more serious. "It isn't so much the award — it's nice to get it because it means that people are paying attention to you - but the reason we do it is for the audience."

But Josette Looft was quick to comment on Pearce's talents.

"George is a star. He comes to the theater all the time and he enjoys the theater," Looft said. "He's very talented, as many here are. We're a small town, but there's a lot of talent here."

It was a sentiment expressed by others.

"I think everyone did an excellent job," White said. "I wish everyone could win. We all win by participating. We're a family and we have a good time here. I wish more people in town could understand this."

-- Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1047 or eavila@portervillerecorder.com.

AT A GLANCE:

Best Show - "Deathtrap" directed by Bob Merzoian

Best Male in a Leading Role - George Pearce for

"Autobahn"

Best Female in a Leading Role - Michelin White for

"Autobahn"

Best Male in a Major Supporting Role - Chris Kemp for

"Oliver"

Best Female in a Major Supporting Role - Ashley Brown

for "Oliver"

Best Male in a Minor Supporting Role - Gene Anacleto

for "Deathtrap"

Best Female in a Minor Supporting Role - Pam

Putnam-Bourne for "Deathtrap"

Best Juvenile Male - Doug Murdock for "Oliver!"

Best Juvenile Female - Danielle Hanks for "Oliver!"

Lighting Design - Ian Hammer and Michelin White for

"Deathtrap"

Best Male in a Bit Part -Terry Crewse for "Oliver!"

Best Female in a Bit Part -Mariah Phillips for

"Oliver!"

Best Set Design - Bob Merzoian for "Deathtrap"

Best Costumes - Michelin White and Desiree Smith for

"The Diary of Anne Frank"

Board of Directors' award - Derek Hurt

Lifetime Membership award -Steve Ross