Playwright Warren Bowles Wins Ivey Award

Twin Cities theater veteran Warren C. Bowles took home an Ivey Award for his direction of Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC)'s 2016 production of The Tale of the Allergist's Wife by Charles Busch. The play, which portrays the existential angst of a bored housewife when an old friend arrives, featured Sally Wingert, Linda Kelsey and Maggie Bearmon Pistner as part of its stellar cast.

Bowles accepted the award at the Monday, September 19th ceremony, saying "When people say they are surprised, believe them!" The director recently celebrated his "rebirthday" on September 16, marking five years since he survived a sudden cardiac arrest during a performance at Mixed Blood Theatre.

The Ivey Awards were established in 2004 to celebrate and increase awareness of Twin Cities professional theater. Unlike similar ceremonies, there are no nominees, pre-determined award categories or set number of awards. The Ivey committee selects the limited number of winners based on volunteer evaluations, and feedback from participating theaters and the theater-going community. This year the committee recognized only 10 productions and artists, in addition to the recurring Emerging Artist and Lifetime Achievement awards.

This is the fifth Ivey award recognizing MJTC's outstanding artists and productions. Previous honors were awarded to the overall production of Rose (2014), Miriam Monasch for her direction of Our Class (2012), Chris Griffith for his puppet design in Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (2009), and Sally Wingert for her performance in Woman Before a Glass (2007).

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) is a non-profit organization in its 22nd season. Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company ignites the hearts and minds of people of all cultural backgrounds by producing theater of the highest artistic standards. Rooted in Jewish content, our work explores differences, illuminates commonalities, and fosters greater understanding among all people. For further information about MJTC and its 22nd season, visit www.mnjewishtheatre.org, email info@mnjewishtheatre.org, or call (651) 647-4315.

To post a comment, you must register and login.