THEATRE PROGRAM WINS FIVE PORT FOLIO AWARDS

Old Dominion's University theatre program won five awards at the annual Port Folio Weekly Awards for Theatrical Achievement ceremony Aug. 4.

The program's first musical, "Jesus Christ Superstar" was recognized as best musical. Its director, Christopher Hanna, was honored as best director of a musical, and Bruce Hanson's role as Pontias Pilate was singled out as best supporting actor in a musical.

The show's musical director, Kevin Long, received a special award for achievement in musical direction, both at Old Dominion and in the local community theatre. At ODU this year he also directed and musical directed "The Fantasticks" for the music department.

Playwright Chelley Merrill, who is working on her MFA in the creative writing program, was presented a critic's choice award for her one-act play, "Italy," which was produced at Old Dominion this spring.

In all, the program had 14 nominations, including best season.