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Sarasota News Leader April 5, 2013 Page 91 THEATRE ODYSSEY ANNOUNCES THE 2013 FESTIVAL WINNERS Theatre Odyssey has announced the winner of this year's Ten-Minute Play Festival is A Little Help, written by Bernie Yanelli and directed by Catherine Randazzo. An Honorable Mention went to They're Gonna Kill Gertie, written by Connie Schindewolf. New this year was an Audience Favorite Award, which was presented to Connie Schindewolf for her comedy, Leaving Nic, starring Ross Boehringer as Nic and Mary Jo Johnson as Sue. "The actors and directors did a terrific job," said Tom Aposporos, vice president of Theatre Odyssey, in a news release. "Telling a story on stage in 10 minutes can be a challenge. It's always exciting to see what the actors and directors do with the playwrights' work. This year's finalist selections were half comedy and half drama, so we had a good mix and an excellent group of professionals to present the work." (From left) The cast of A Little Help: Bernie Yanelli, Tami Vaughn, Jenny Aldrich and Don Walker. Contributed photo Theatre Odyssey was founded in 2006 to encourage and promote the efforts of local playwrights and actors, the release notes. "Over the years, the group has premiered almost 70 plays written, directed and performed by Gulf Coast playwrights, actors and directors," the release adds. For more information about Theatre Odyssey visit www.theatreodyssey.org. VAN WEZEL TO WELCOME SMOKEY ROBINSON Smokey Robinson will return to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on April 11 at 8 p.m., the hall has announced. "A true legend of musical artistry in every sense of the word, [Robinson] has been writing, producing and performing for almost 60 years," a news release says. "[He] has propelled himself to the top of the Billboard charts with numerous hit songs, including Being With You, You've Really Got a Hold on Me, Just to See Her, Tracks of My Tears and Cruisin'. Tickets are priced from $30 to $95. For more information, call the box office at 953-3368 or visit www.VanWezel.org. The Van Wezel is located at 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Smokey Robinson/Contributed photo