VPA members choose winners

WASILLA — Valley Performing Arts marked the end of its 37th season at its annual meeting and awards ceremony June 12 at the Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla.

Mat-Su College Director Talis Colberg was master of ceremonies for the evening.

VPA season ticket holders elected Elizabeth Hanson, Ron Bissett and Lucas Parker to the board of directors and gave out the following Members’ Choice Awards:

• Best Production: “The Sting.”

• Best Director: Garry Forrester, “The Sting.”

• Best Actress: Laura Horning as “Granny” in “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

• Best Actor: Ted Carney as “Inspector Clouseau” in “The Pink Panther Strikes Again.”

• Best Supporting Actress: Mariah Schachle as “Elly May” in “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

• Best Supporting Actor: Larry Bottjen as “Henry Gondorff” in “The Sting.”

• Best Costume Design: Cheri Trask for “Sense and Sensibility.”

• Best Sound Effects: Josh Newman for “The Sting.”

• Best Lighting Design: Aaron Zulliger for “Clue the Musical.”

• Best Set Design: Barb Laucius for “Clue the Musical.”

The VPA Board of Directors also honored the following dedicated volunteers:

• Volunteer of the Year: Chuck West.

• Best Newcomer of the Year: Kelly Anderson.

• Board Appreciation: Kathy Sage.

VPA Artistic Director Larry Bottjen also presented the Artistic Director’s Award to Wendy Golter for her years of dedicated service and The Milking Stool Award went to Bianca Purcell for her performance as “Fern” in “The Sting.” Executive Director Garry Forrester recognized volunteer Joyce Martin for her years of service as the official photographer for VPA.

Season 38

Valley Performing Arts’ Season 38 runs Sept. 6 to May 25, 2014, and includes “Brigadoon,” “Murder on the Nile,” “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” “The Dixie Swim Club,” “Pollyanna,” “The Marvelous Wonderettes” and “See How They Run.”

For season tickets, contact 373-0195. Individual tickets for each play go on sale in August.