Each year South Florida's theater community -- well, a great deal of it, from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach County -- gathers at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to recognize some of the best work done at the region's many theaters during the previous year. The annual Carbonell Awards, which will take place on Monday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Broward Center's Amaturo Theater, also give out several special honors, including the George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts. It goes this year to Jack Zink, longtime Sun-Sentinel theater critic, for his many contributions to theater, to the evolution of the Carbonells themselves and to the work he did as president of the American Theatre Critics Association foundation. The hard-working, multi-tasking Zink becomes the first person to win the Abbott Award twice.
The recipients of three other special awards were announced today.
The Bill Hindman Award -- an honor very close to my heart, as it is named for my late father -- goes to New Theatre founder Rafael de Acha. The award recognizes significant long-term contributions to the region's cultural life. As artistic director of a theater where a multicultural company performed classics and new work, De Acha was responsible for helping get the commission that led to Nilo Cruz's Anna in the Tropics, a play that made Cruz the first Latino winner of the Pulitzer Prize for drama after its world premiere at New Theatre. De Acha also directed my dad in many productions, giving him a real working "home" toward the end of his life and becoming his dear friend.
Also being honored at this year's Carbonells is Michael Hall, founder and artistic director of Boca Raton's 33-year-old Caldwell Theatre Company. Hall is being given the Ruth Foreman Award, named in honor of the late producer-director who was long known as Florida's "First Lady of Theater." The Foreman recognizes contributions to South Florida theater development, and Hall is getting it for his achievement in guiding his company's new $10 million Count de Hoernle Theatre from dream to reality.
The third honor, the Howard Kleinberg Award, goes to the Theatre League of South Florida. Named for former Miami News editor Howard Kleinberg, it recognizes contributions to the health and development of the arts in South Florida. Meredith Lasher, the League's current president, will accept the award at the Carbonell ceremony.
Congratulations to all!
It's wonderful to see Jack Zink being honored once again. Along with the Herald's resident "Drama Queen" Christine Dolen, Jack's been a major force, and a guiding light for elevating the arts in our community for years. A consummate professional and a passionate supporter for all facets of the performing arts, he's spearheaded so many endeavors we now take for granted - including the Carbonell Awards themselves. How fitting that he will receive recognition from them once again. Our community is a much richer place thanks to his pioneering efforts.
Cheers to Jack!
Posted by: Jaye Abbate | March 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM
As I read the recipients for the Carbonell Awards, I am wondering if the awards cover only the South Florida region, and not the rest of Florida? I am inquiring this, because my wife and I saw a spectacular play "A Tale of Two Cities" in Sarasota, and nothing has been mentioned about it, although all actors, costuming, set design, directing and musical score are extremely worthy of recognition...
Can you fill us in? Is it because they were "Rep"? Or because they are maybe considered
Central or North Florida? I think of Sarasota as South Florida, but maybe I am wrong?
Posted by: SAM | April 30, 2008 at 04:18 AM
The Carbonell Awards are for eligible productions in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties only -- all in southeast Florida. Sarasota is in southwest (almost central-west) Florida, too long a drive for Carbonell nominators and judges. "A Tale of Two Cities" is going to Broadway next season, though.
Posted by: Christine, aka Drama Queen | April 30, 2008 at 10:56 AM