Atlanta's 2013 Suzi Awards Nominations Announced

The Suzi Bass Awards, Inc. announced nominations for the 2012- 2013 Atlanta professional theatrical season this evening to theatre patrons and industry artists. The Suzi Nomination Party, which rotates venues, was hosted this year by 7 Stages in the Little Five Points neighborhood of Atlanta. Guests enjoyed drinks, hors d'oeuvres and mingling with their colleagues and admirers. Guest announcers and former Suzi winners Ingrid Cole and Glenn Rainey revealed Nominees and quipped about the past season.

Included in this year's nominations were several internationally-recognized artists. Scott Schwartz, nominee for directing the Alliance's Next to Normal, is known for his New York work such as Golda's Balcony, Bat Boy: The Musical and tick, tick . . . Boom! Broadway triple threat Natascia Diaz is nominated for Featured Actress - Musical for her feisty Inez in the ALLIANCE THEATRE's Zorro. Other well-known artists also nominated for Zorro are Helen Hayes-nominated musical director Fred Lassen, choreographer and Olivier Awards nominee Rafael Amargo, Olivier Award-winning scenic and costume designer Tom Piper, UK lighting designer Ben Ormerod, and 2012 Tony Award Nominee for sound design, Kai Harada. Atlanta resident artists fared well with multiple nominations. Justin Anderson received two directing nominations for his work on Aurora Theatre's Les Miserables and on 7 Stage's World Premiere of Angry Fags by local playwright Topher Payne. Actors Bryant Smith (Les Miserables and Kiss of the Spider Woman), Kevin Harry (Ragtime and Les Miserables) and Suehyla El-Attar (Swell Party and Angry Fags).