Richmond Theatre Critics Circle presents awards

They may not be as tony as the Tonys or as iconic as the Oscars, but the awards given out by the Richmond Theatre Critics Circle have a better name: the Artsies. (Say the group's initials fast and you'll get it.)

The second annual Artsies award ceremony, held Sunday night at the Empire Theatre, celebrated Richmond's wealth of theater arts. And it was about theater, not drama: no Kanye West-style stage-crashers, no one-upmanship in the dress department -- just down-to-earth love and support for the theater community.

Big winners for the evening were Barksdale Theatre's production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," which won best musical and nine other awards, and Firehouse Theatre's production of "Eurydice," which took away best play and four other awards. Swift Creek Mill Theatre founders Buddy Callahan and Dr. Lou Rubin were honored posthumously with the Liz Marks Memorial Award for their ongoing contributions to Richmond-area theater.

Six theater critics from the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly and WCVE (88.9 FM) meet monthly and choose nominees in 23 categories. "Winners are chosen by vote among the six of us after the theater season ends in August, with a majority of votes needed to win each category," critics circle member Susan Haubenstock, who reviews theater productions for The Times-Dispatch, said by e-mail.

Aaron Gilchrist, a WWBT news anchor, hosted the event that was attended by about 450 people.

Awards were presented by a fleet of Richmond actors and public personalities, including Mayor Dwight C. Jones and author David L. Robbins. Most honorees kept their acceptance remarks brief, and yes, a few thanked their mothers.

Sue Griffin, accepting her award for hair and makeup design in Barksdale Theatre's production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," simply thanked "all the beautiful people in the cast."

Proceeds from the event will go to Richmond's Theatre Artists Fund, an account set up to support actors and others in financial distress.

Despite the among-friends mood of the night, tuxes were in order for the men. Bare shoulders or elegant scarves and shawls were common among the women.

Gilchrist's colleague Sabrina Squire took the stage with him at one point. She thanked everyone involved in Richmond theater for "bringing beauty . . . and magic into our lives. You give us a much-needed escape from reality TV."