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The Empty Space Theater Awards
Topics: Empties, The Empty Space Awards, TES, 2008, Bakersfield, Bakotopia, january
Posted by seafaire Mon Jan 21, 2008 17:07:54 PST
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0 responses 1 comment Location: 2000 Grand Lakes Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93311

The Empty Space Theater Awards
Not even the Hollywood writers strike can stop this party. Check out some of the winners…


By Cherylanne Farley, Bakotopia.com contributor / photos by Todd Powers

Any event where the evening’s attire could include a fully sequined pink dress or a witch’s hat covered with purple feathers - or both - deserves notice.

<CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS FROM THE BIG-NIGHT!
 
The deserving of such sartorial thought is the presentation of the awards known as The Empties - to the brave, rebellious and hard working members of Bako’s live theater community recently held on Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Seven Oaks Country Club.

For the uninitiated, The Empty Space is the company dedicated to “setting theater free,” and judging by the many full houses their productions enjoy they are succeeding in style!

The rush of blood as the words “And the winner is...” filled the air during each award announcement. But don’t be confused, this was by no means a stuffy affair!



Finding a direct path to the bar, we all enjoyed many martinis, black Russians, silly Heinekens (the “cool” college beer) followed by coffee cups filled with Jameson’s (“Ireland's best whiskey”) and coffee to ward off the chill. There were hugs all around and honest eye contact that comes from the heart, reminding us of our love for the stage.

A great example of Empty Space talent was the superb “Macbeth.”

This was the 13th production of the play by director Porter Jamison that also happened to open on, of all days - Friday the 13th. During its run, “Macbeth” managed to pack the small 99-seat theater for almost every show, with turn-away crowds on two nights.



Like most Empty Space shows, an art exhibit complemented “Macbeth” in the lobby with a theme of murder and mayhem by curator Genevieve PH Dethlefson.

Deb Terrell earned the award for lighting design. Her lighting for “Murder and Mayhem” created pools of light making walls and spaces for a wicked, mysterious feast for the eyes - pure theater magic coupled with years of experience and solid technical/electrical skills.



“Hair - the American Tribal Musical,” directed by Bob Kempf, was another of the night’s big winners by earning: best ensemble, best show and best supporting actor (Lorenzo Salazar). Weaving a spell of music and optimism, this ambitious musical was like stepping into a time machine for those too young to be touched by the revolutionary fire of the ‘60s. Judging by the response from audiences, the message of “Hair” is as relevant today as it was for the flower children of yesteryear.

My secret favorite moment of the evening was R.A.T.

The stage set-up: a female weathercaster is faced with a lack of appropriate graphics and sound effects for her report. What’s a weather girl to do when it’s “raining down south” and there are no sound or graphics to back up the report?  Well, of course our good Lord has provided us all with a magnificent collection rainmaking equipment located in the southern part of our bodies. But would you have the courage to use it on stage live in front of an audience? If you have seen a R.A.T. show before, make sure to catch their next production. Just make sure to tip the custodian on the way out the door.

So much talent! From main stage classics to the outlaw antics of late night, The Empty Space rocks! Congrats to all winners!

Originally printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 20, 1-24-08

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Comment From: matt

I agree...Lots of talent over Empty Space! Thanks for the great article and also to Todd Powers for the photos!