BEST-OF-SEASON STAGE AWARDS SHOW RAISES $39,000
DETROIT REPERTORY THEATER
ANTIONETTE D. GRIFFITH Free Press staff writer

The Detroit Repertory Theatre recently held its annual black-tie awards benefit at the theater in Detroit.

The event began in the art gallery of the theater with a reception of gourmet food, champagne and cocktails and an awards presentation.

In the theater itself, the evening featured a performance of the Repertory's current five-actress comedy about aging but feisty women in retirement home, "Coming to Life."

The afterglow included dessert and champagne.

Amyre Makupson, television personality and author, was the mistress of ceremonies.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the annual Detroit Rep subscribers' choice awards for Best of the Season. Winners received an engraved mosaic plaque and a cash prize.

The actors recognized were Bernard Owens and Cecilia Foreman for last season's "Yellowman"; B.J. Love for "Drawer Boy" and My-Ishia Cason-Brown for "Unspoken Prayers."

Tim Rhoze won the award as the director of the best play, "Yellowman."

The benefit raised approximately $39,000 in net proceeds. Funds will be used for the theater's Capacity Building Program. The program is designed to raise the theater's level of operations to support its professional productions, educational outreach programs and beginning plans for expansion in its neighborhood.

The Detroit Repertory Theatre has been producing professional theatre since 1957, when it toured public schools in the Great Lakes area with musical plays for children performed by a diverse group of adult professionals.

Last season, the group reported 96 percent sold-out houses, and net income was up 13 percent at its 194-seat house at 13103 Woodrow Wilson near Davison in Detroit.

For information on this season's productions, tickets and group sales call 313-868-1347 anytime or visit the Web site at www.detroitreptheatre.com.

Contact ANTIONETTE D. GRIFFITH at 313-223-4496 or griffith@freepress.com.

Bernard Owens voted Detroit Rep's best actor in for his role in the season's best play, "Yellowman," receives his award from Bruce E. Millan, Detroit Repertory Theatre artistic director.