Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 12/98) - Stars shined and wings flashed inside the walls of NACC, and those who braved the stage over the past year were honored at the 1998 Aurora Awards last week.

Sponsored by NorthwesTel, the awards recognized outstanding individuals within Yellowknife's small theatre community.

Major productions including Guys and Dolls, Carousel, Of Mice and Men, and Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) appeared side by side and sometimes twice, on each nominee list.

"I can honestly say I was rooting for the other guy," said director Christopher Foreman when he tied with himself for his outstanding direction in Guys and Dolls and Carousel.

"Thanks for the laughter," said Kirsten Watt as she accepted the award for outstanding lead female. Watt was still in costume after performing a selected piece from Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet).

Scenes from almost all of the award-winning productions allowed actors to relive their characters for one more night. Emcees Jodi Woollam and Simon Taylor also entertained the audience with quirky remarks and a multitude of props including ropes, smokes and bombs.

Carousel's Frank Hamilton was named outstanding lead male in a musical. Christine Machtans took home the female version for her performance in Guys and Dolls.

Of Mice and Men racked up its share of theatrical awards including outstanding lead male performance (Brian Collins), outstanding supporting male (Meno Tessema) and Outstanding direction (Heather Ross).

Major productions also shared the stage with youth performers and musicians.

St. Pat's Grade 11 songstress Katy Dillon was honored for her outstanding achievement in the performing arts. Dillon also founded the Yellowknife Theatre Youth Group with the prize money she received from a science fair.

The Gumboots won for outstanding musical group, while Moira Cameron was recognized for an outstanding individual performance.

Honored for her overall outstanding contribution to the performing arts, stage manager extraordinaire Barb Cook took home and award for her efforts.

"I was told by the actors to imagine you all naked," Cook said.

After the awards, people mingled in NACC's foyer amidst live jazzy tunes and a gourmet buffet. The crowd then celebrated at a reception hosted by Giorgio's.