Kokandy Productions' “Jekyll & Hyde” and Invictus Theatre's "Angels in America" tied for the most honors Monday at the 52nd Non-Equity Jeff Awards, with each show winning seven awards.
The theaters that staged them each won eight awards in combination with other productions. The annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards recognize Chicago’s storefront scene and other theaters that are non-unionized.
The event inside the Harris Theater Chicago in Millennium Park featured several performances, including one from "Jekyll & Hyde," which earned a rousing standing ovation from the crowd.
The cast of “Jekyll & Hyde” performs a song from the musical during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards at Harris Theater.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Invictus received awards for two productions including “Angels in America,” which was recognized for ensemble, direction, and performances, and “The House that Will Not Stand.” Director Charles Askenaizer did not appear to receive his award, and some boos were heard in the crowd when his name was called. The Chicago Tribune reported last month that the theater company recently postponed a production due to a third-party investigation into the director's conduct.
Terry Guest won the award for Performer in a Principal Role — Play at the 52nd Non-Equity Jeff Awards for “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen.”
Courtesy of David Hagen
The best performance award in a play went to local actor-playwright Terry Guest, who won for his unforgettable lead role in “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen” produced by Story Theatre at Raven Theatre. In the show, Guest plays a fictional version of his real-life uncle, a drag queen in rural Georgia, who died of AIDS.
“So many of y'all came out to support the show, and it's a really personal show," Guest said as he accepted his award. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to God for making me gay and Black.”
Ava Lane Stovall with Kokandy Productions, lef
