The Barron Spotlighters 30^th anniversary season was successfully brought to a close with the annual awards and recognition banquet held

at the Four Square Church in Barron.  Four Square has been our host for the last several years and we thank them for their kindness in allowing us to use their excellent facilities.

 

Approximately 56 people attended the banquet which included a wonderful Italian spaghetti dinner and all the fixins’ prepared by the Board of

Directors.  Special thanks to David Blumer who led the crew in preparing the food and getting everything ready on time.  David is Spotlighters

concessions manager and always does an outstanding job.

 

The first part of the program featured special music provided by Abby Wellens, winner of the 2008-2009 Maxine Wiesner Scholarship.  She will

be attending the University at River Falls in September.  Congratulations and “thank you”, Abby.  Presentation of awards for the 2008-2009

season followed, interspersed with a number of raffles.  Raffled were two passes to any show during the 2009-2010 season, a free registration

to the Childrens Theatre Camp offered in July, two season tickets, and last but not least, 40% of the total raffle money received. 

 

Recognized for their outstanding acting were Jodie Swanson, best actor in a minor role, for her portrayal of Annie in “Life With Father”, Kathy

Fladten, best female supporting actor, for her portrayal of Pauline in “Prisoner of Second Avenue”, Shane Miller, best male supporting actor, for

his portrayal of Clarence, Jr. in “Life With Father”, Becky Splett, best female lead, for her role as Vinnie in “Life With Father”, and Bill Koslofsky,

best male lead, for his portrayal of Mel in “Prisoner of Second Avenue”.  Winner of the best show was “Prisoner of Second Avenue”, directed by

Kathy Fladten.  Barron Spotlighters also presents People’s Choice awards for each show, determined by the audience.  Winners in that

category were Pattye Miller as Estelle Goodrich in “Final Intrusion”, Tommy Yousten as Dexter in “High Society”, Bill Koslofsky as Mel in

“Prisoner of Second Avenue”, and Becky Splett as Vinnie in “Life With Father.

 

And finally, a very special musical number and award was given to Margaret Accola for her work with costumes.  She was named “Angel of the

Theatre”, while David Blumer and Tommy Yousten and friends sang a unique version of “You’ve Got That Thing” from “High Society”.  They

had the audience in stitches as the group circled Margaret while she sat on a very high stool.

 

Hats off to all who participated, either as guests or volunteers.  We look forward to our 2009-2010 season.