Signature Theatre’s revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson took home four Lucille Lortel Awards for outstanding achievement off-Broadway in a ceremony held on May 5. The Whale, by Samuel D. Hunter, won three awards, including Outstanding Play, and Dogfight took home two prizes, including Outstanding Musical. The awards were presented at NYU’s Skirball Center in a ceremony hosted by Maura Tierney and Aasif Mandvi.
In addition to 14 competitive awards, special awards were presented to Old Hats (outstanding alternative theatrical experience), Roundabout Theatre Company artistic director Todd Haimes (lifetime achievement award), Neil LaBute (playwrights’ sidewalk inductee) and Theatre Development Fund (outstanding body of work). A complete list of winners is as follows:
Outstanding Play: The Whale, by Samuel D. Hunter, produced by Playwrights Horizons
Outstanding Musical: Dogfight, music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, book by Peter Duchan, produced by Second Stage Theatre
Outstanding Revival: The Piano Lesson, by August Wilson, produced by Signature Theatre
Outstanding Solo Show: All the Rage, written and performed by Martin Moran, produced by piece by piece productions, Rising Phoenix Repertory in association with The Barrow Group
Outstanding Director: Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson
Outstanding Choreographer: Christopher Gattelli, Dogfight
Outstanding Lead Actor: Shuler Hensley, The Whale
Outstanding Lead Actress: Roslyn Ruff, The Piano Lesson
Outstanding Featured Actor: Chuck Cooper, The Piano Lesson
Outstanding Featured Actress: Annie Funke, If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet
Outstanding Scenic Design: Clint Ramos, Wild With Happy
Outstanding Costume Design: Jessica Pabst, The Whale
Outstanding Lighting Design: Scott Zielinski, A Civil War Christmas
Outstanding Sound Design: Leah Gelpe, Slowgirl