Two River Theater Earns "Jersey Tony"

Winning a Tony Award is the height of artistic achievement when it comes to stage performances. 

Unfortunately, the prestigious award ceremony fails to recognize the efforts of every writer, actor, singer, dancer, director, ensemble - you get the idea - not located in the insular world of Broadway. That's just not right!

To combat the award prejudice the Star Ledger staff, which remains one of the few dailies left in the state that provides adequate coverage of the state's arts, has developed its own set of Tony Awards call the "Jersey Tonys" that recognize performances made in state.

Why are we mentioning this here? Well, it just so happens that a virtual award was handed out, virtually, of course, to an actress for her performance in a Two River Theater production.

Winning the Jersey Tony for Best Featured Actress was an Anglo-Caribbean girl in London charged with writing an essay about her day. Winnie, according to the TRTC's synopsis of the play, sits quietly with her notebook and observes and records the events around her, taking stock of an adult world, with its foibles, and failed hopes and dreams.

From the Ledger:

Heyward’s no child, but she convinced as a 9-year old who was simply trying to do her homework while so-called adults made fools of themselves. Watching her eyes dart up in judgment at every indiscretion was utterly priceless.

Congratulations to Heyward and Two River Theater.