Signature wins big at Hayes

Signature Theatre led the field at last night’s Helen Hayes Awards, taking home four trophies for its production of Stephen Sondheim’s dark musical “Assassins” during a star-studded presentation at the Warner Theatre.

More than 2,000 theater artists and supporters packed the historic downtown venue for the 23rd annual celebration of professional theater throughout the Washington metropolitan area. The awards, named in honor of legendary actress and District native Helen Hayes also known as the “First lady of the American Theater” ere presented in 24 categories.

Additionally, the Helen Hayes Tribute was given to legendary stage and screen actress Frances Sternhagen for her storied career of 50-plus years. Past recipients have included James Earl Jones, Mary Martin, Angela Lansbury, Jason Robards, Chita Rivera, August Wilson, Jerry Herman and Terrence McNally.

TV and film star Jason Kravits, a Washington theater veteran who’s currently appearing on Broadway in the Tony-winning musical “The Drowsy Chaperone,” served as the evening’s host. The Awards awards show was highlighted by music and dance numbers and a star-studded cast of presenters, including, among others, Marvin Hamlisch; Sir Derek Jacobi; Lynn Redgrave; Kathie Lee Gifford; Emery Battis; E. Faye Butler and James MacArthur, son of Helen Hayes and playwright Charles MacArthur.

The complete list of winners:

- Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production: Jeff Dumas, “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” the National Theatre

- Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production: David Burnham,”The Light in the Piazza,” the Kennedy Center

- Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production: Danai Gurira, “In the Continuum,” Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

- Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Play or Musical: Catherine Zuber, “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” Shakespeare Theatre Company

- Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Play or Musical: Charlie Morrison, “The Elephant Man,” Olney Theatre Center

- Outstanding Set Design, Resident Play or Musical: James Kronzer, “The Beaux’ Stratagem,” Shakespeare Theatre Company

- Outstanding Director, Resident Musical: Joe Calarco, “Assassins,” Signature Theatre

- Outstanding Director, Resident Play: Michael Kahn, “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” Shakespeare Theatre Company; and Aaron Posner,”Measure for Measure,” Folger Theatre

- The Canadian Embassy Award for Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Play or Musical: “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui,” Catalyst Theater Company

- Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical: Donna Migliaccio, “Assassins,” Signature Theatre

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