Drammies!

Tonight was the 33rd Annual Drammy awards, held downtown at The Crystal Ballroom. The Drammy awards are to celebrate "outstanding achievements" in the Portland theater community over the last season. I've been really excited to go because Mona and I went and saw so many shows this past year. Nobody really seemed to take them seriously, but I was excited nonetheless.

The night did not disappoint. It was so much fun to get to see everyone all dressed up and to hear friends/colleagues/fellow company members cheer for one another. Everyone was in  such a good mood! Everybody who was there was excited to see each other recognized, not scheming over who would win. I got kisses and hugs and more birthday wishes from everyone.

The highlight of my night, of course, were the three awards The Storm in the Barn took home. Black Prairie won for Best Original Score, which was really exciting. Cameron won for Best Projection, which was thrilling! But the best was when Don won for Best Light Design. I so loved the light design in that show and when the announcer started to describe "the dusty sepia tones" of the winner, I just grabbed Maria's hand and started to squeeze.

Don was sitting a row ahead of me and I saw him jump up and throw his fist in the air when his name was announced. I immediately stood and started to clap and cheer. When Don got up to accept his award he talked about how it was a shame more people didn't came to see Storm, just because it was a children's show (I couldn't agree more) and ended with a couple of thank-you-s: one for Marci and one for me. I'm sure he thanked more people after that but when I heard my name come out his mouth, I kinda stopped breathing for a second. I know it sounds silly but to not only be remembered, but remembered fondly for the work I'd done? It floored me. I admire and look up to Don. I think he's a fantastic collaborator and an incredible light designer and that thank you, in front of everyone, meant so so much.

After the show was over I refused to leave before I was able to find Don and Cameron and congratulate them. After I gave Don a huge hug and had squealed "Mozaltav!" in his ear he said, "I'm glad I won for this. I don't normally care but I did for this one."
He deserved it. I saw it 11x a week for three weeks and I thought it was beautiful every damn day.