THEATRE NEWS: COC dominates Dora noms
2 Jun'10

JOHN COULBOURN - QMI Agency

When it comes to hitting the theatrical high notes in Toronto, it appears the opera is the one to beat — specifically the Canadian Opera Company. Not only did the COC dominate the opera division when nominees for the 2010 Dora Mavor Moore Awards (or Doras, as they are commonly known) were announced Wednesday, scoring a total of seven nominations out of a possible 10, but they also went on to garner a further seven nods in the general theatre division, bringing their total to an impressive 14 nominations.

That equals the 14 nods scored by Soulpepper Theatre Company and puts the COC out in front of such august theatrical companies as Tarragon Theatre (11 nominations), Necessary Angle (seven nominations) and Theatre Passe Muraille (four nominations).

Meanwhile, in the smaller independent theatre category, Theatrefront managed to score a total of seven nods, while Aluna Theatre and DVxT Theatre trailed closely with five nominations apiece and k’Now Theatre, New Harlem Productions and Volcano wracking up a total of four nods each.

In the brand new musical theatre division, Dancap took the lead with five nominations, including one in the general theatre division, while Acting Up Stage Company and BirdLand Theatre/Talk Is Free each scored a total of four nods apiece.

In the dance division, The Dietrich Group and adelheid productions earned three nominations each, while in the theatre for young audiences category, Roseneath Theatre emerged as the frontrunner with a total of three nominations.

Also announced at the same event were recipients of two other major theatrical awards. The 2010 Barbara Hamilton Memorial Award recognizing excellence and advocacy in the performing arts goes to R.H. Thomson, while the 2010 Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award for excellence in theatre, dance and opera administration goes to Tarragon Theatre’s Natasha Parsons.

The 2010 presentation of the 31st annual Dora Awards will take place June 28 at the St. Lawrence Centre, preceded by a VIP Reception at the Rosewater Supper Club and followed by an After-Party Soirée Under the Stars on Front Street.

For tickets, information and a complete list of nominees visit www.tapa.ca