Page among winners at ACTRA, Merritts awards at Alderney

It may not be the Oscars, but Dartmouth got a taste of ritz and glitz on Monday evening when the Alderney Landing Theatre opened its doors to Nova Scotia's theatre awards - the Merritts.

Hosted by actor Mart Burt, the ceremony recognized some of the best of Nova Scotia's 18 professional theatre companies. And, for the first time, the Maritime ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) Awards were presented in conjunction with the Merritts - including one to Nova Scotia superstar Ellen Page.

The evening included music, video and lots of laughter - much of it at the expense of well-known actor and artistic director of the now defunct Atlantic Theatre Festival Nigel Bennett, who took the good-natured ribbing in stride when he accepted the ACTRA award for outstanding performance by a male for his role in the miniseries The State Within.

"Funny, I've had seven Merritt nominations and I end up with an ACTRA award," he said, as he hoisted his trophy. "But it really is a special pleasure to be recognized by your peers in the place you call home."

Page received the award for outstanding performance by a female for her role in Bruce McDonald's pop-art film The Tracey Fragments.

"Ellen couldn't be here tonight," said Martha Irving, who accepted the award on her behalf. "I happen to know she's a little busy."

Dartmouth native Stewart Legere took home the Merritt for outstanding actor in a supporting role for his performance as the crazed and charismatic Harry in Zuppa Circus's Penny Dreadful. Legere was also nominated for his role in the Angels and Heroes production of Antigone.

"I honestly didn't expect to win," Legere said. "It feels great, but I guess the best part of it is that I got to play such great roles and work with such wonderful people."

For a complete listing of the Merritt Award nominees and winners, go to the website at www.merrittawards.ca.

watsons5@accesswave.ca