Tacoma Little Theatre Advances To National Theatre Festival

Tacoma Little Theatre's production of The Pillowman, a 2003 play by Irish writer Martin McDonagh, took top honors at the American Association of Community Theatre: Region IX competition in Spokane, Washington, April 18 through 20. Its director, Blake R. York, along with his cast, thereby qualified to compete in national finals held June 18 through 22 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

"I am at a loss for words on how proud I am of this cast and crew," said Chris Serface, Managing Artistic Director for Tacoma Little Theatre. "This is a testament of the quality of theatre in our Puget Sound community. During the last festival we were proud to cheer on our fellow Tacoma theater, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, as it made this journey." York won AACTFest Region IX's award for best director. This was his first time helming an adult, mainstage production, but he's been TLT's resident technical director since 2014. A frequent actor on area stages, he's also designed sets for troupes all over the southern Puget Sound region. His wife, Jen York, won an award for her contributions to The Pillowman's interrogation-room setting, while Michele Graves won for best costumes.

Top individual-acting awards went to members of Bellingham (Washington) Theatre Guild and The Verona Studio (Salem, Oregon). Regional adjudicators, however, bestowed a special award for ensemble acting on The Pillowman cast for the contest's one-hour abridgement. That quartet comprises Christian Carvajal, Andrew Fry, Sean Neely (named best actor at the state festival in Prosser, Washington) and Jacob Tice. Its stage manager, both on stage at TLT and in competition, is Nena Curley.

"This is such a Cinderella story," said Carvajal. "We're all in total shock about it. We were only moved forward to regionals when another team couldn't make the trip, so it's especially gratifying for us to earn a spot now among the best of the best. We feel we represent those other teams as well."

Given that a weeklong trip to Pennsylvania wasn't in TLT's expected budget, Serface is actively soliciting donations. "We can always use donations of money, of course," Serface noted, "but we could also use air miles, lodging and travel connections, gas cards - anything you think will help TLT represent Tacoma and the other, outstanding community theaters of Washington State. We will be attempting to raise $15,000 in 52 days. I'm confident our wonderful community will help us reach that goal." People wishing to donate are encouraged to contact Serface at (253) 272-2281 or visit TLT's website (www.tacomalittletheatre.com).

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