Edom Civic Theater holds annual awards ceremony
by Sibyl Creasey

AWARD WINNERS-- ECT's 2006 Edey award winner are (Back row) Meridyl McBurney, Russell Hall, Carole Davis, Tommy Aduddell, (Front) Sherry Gasper, Linda Parker, Mary Scott and Ann Lewis.

Edom Civic Theatre named Mary Scott of Edom best director of the 2006 season during the theatre group's annual awards banquet held Saturday, January 27, 2007, at the Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler. The Edey award was given for her direction of "A Sanders Family Christmas" in November. Also nominated for the coveted award was Carole Davis of Edom for "Coming Apart" and Lois Arneson of Edom for "Guess Who's Coming to Lunch."

The best actor Edey was presented to Russell Hall for his portrayal of the Rev. Oglethorpe in "Sanders Family Christmas." Others nominated were Gene Wommack for his role in "Coming Apart" and Eddie Pirtle for "Sanders Family Christmas."

Sherry Gasper was awarded the best actress Edey for the role of Molly in "Guess Who's Coming to Lunch." Others nominated in this category were Cathy Pavageau for "Coming Apart," Ruth Dickson for "Guess Who's Coming to Lunch," and Lois Arneson for "Sanders Family Christmas."

Jim Morgan and Tommy Aduddell were nominated for best supporting actor with Tommy Aduddell winning the award for his role in "Sanders Family Christmas."

The best supporting actress Edey went to Linda Parker for her role in "Guess Who's Coming to Lunch." Also nominated were Ruth Dickson for "Coming Apart," Vicki Tindall for "Guess Who's Coming to Lunch," and Linda Parker for "Sanders Family Christmas."

Wayne Jumper won best minor role for his part in "Sanders Family Christmas." Ann Lewis won the best female minor role for her role in "Sanders Family Christmas." Also nominated in this category were Lahri Gentry, Erica Hall and Polly Martin, all for their roles in "Sanders Family Christmas."

Best male newcomer award was a tie and was awarded to both Tommy Aduddell and Russell Hall for their roles in "Sanders Family Christmas." Best female newcomer award went to Lahri Gentry for her role in "Guess Who's Coming to Lunch."

A special musicians award was presented to pianist Meridyl McBurney. Also nominated in this category was Terry Tomison, bass violin; Wayne Jumper, guitar and mandolin; and Tommy Aduddell, guitar. Best allaround supporter award for the 2006 theatrical season was awarded to Carole Davis.

Everyone who took part in any production during 2006 was presented a special certificate of appreciation with the director of each play presenting them to their cast and crew.

Edom Civic Theatre was first organized in 1996 and has staged at least three or four productions each year. Membership in the group is open to all. The 2007 season will begin with a comedy, "Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain," scheduled for February 23 and 24. For information on ECT or on future productions, call Polly Martin at 903-852-6803.