It was near the end of the night on February 5^th at the 36^th annual Robby Awards when it happened. The awards recognize achievements in theater for the year just passed and the awards show included celebrity performances of songs by the late Stephen Sondheim. The penultimate award was for “Best Actor in a Drama”. Three of us from Angels in America had been nominated along with acting giants Bryan Cranston, John Rubinstein and Harry Groener. Being included in a list of names alongside those luminaries was an incredible honor and enough for me to live happily the rest of my days.

        Angels in America had been nominated for a total of ten awards and, at this late in the evening, we had won none. Not surprising, considering the amount and caliber of talent that we were up against, but I think we had all secretly hoped for at least one win. Thus, at this late hour, it looked like a bust. I think we all were stunned—no one more than I—when Rob Stevens announced the winner of the "Best Actor in a Drama" award and we heard my name. I stumbled to the stage and improvised the best expression of gratitude my reeling brain could compose.

        I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: any win of this nature is a testament to more than the person whose name ends up on the trophy or plaque: the entire cast and crew of a production work as a team to make each element the best it can be, so everyone’s success is inextricably linked. And this is true even more so in smaller scale productions—every person adds something to the mix. My performance as Roy Cohn was the result of Tony Kushner’s script, Mikey Mulhearn's direction, the support of my brilliant cast whose talent inspired and propelled my own; every person involved shares in whatever success any one us may achieve. And this award is no different; it truly is for everyone who made this production of Angels in America the unique theatrical experience that it was.

        I am so grateful for the opportunity to have played this character. To have been a part of this monumental piece of theater. And, yes, to have been recognized for it.  

“You'll find, my friend, that what you love will take you places you never dreamed you'd go.”
― Tony Kushner, Angels in America

Angels, Gifts and Joy

 

Well, it’s been a while…and my apologies. But here’s to 2023 being a great year for everyone.

Now…If you want to know what I got up to since last May’s post, I have a full run-down of the year here: http://www.2writers.com/Gregory_2022Review.htm

Lots of great things happened, but the most recent have truly been exceptional for me.

I received two nominations for “Best Actor” for my role as Roy Cohn in “Angels In America”. These are exceptionally meaningful, since I had not been on stage for several years and the play (and the role) are monumental in scope.  The play (actually two plays) span about 7 ½ hours and the role of Roy goes from the height of his power to his tragic and horrific death.

Being cast and getting to play the role was a gift. Getting to do it surrounded by a dedicated and talented cast was a gift as well. So were the glowing reviews we received.

And then I was nominated for first a Broadway World Award and then a Robby Award. Both awards are huge in the theater world for Los Angeles.  And I am honored to be considered alongside such luminaries as Bryan Cranston, John Rubenstein and Harry Groener. Again: what a gift!

I feel very blessed. I will cherish all the gifts this production has bestowed upon me for the rest of my days.

With gratitude to all who have allowed me such joy.

May we all find more joy in the days to come.