A Twentynine Palms woman was honored with an “unsung heroes” award Sunday for her volunteer work with Theatre 29. Kerry Jimenez was awarded the Bill Kuhlman Award by the Desert Theatre League during its Desert Star Awards ceremony in Palm Desert. The award recognizes her contributions to the theater that may not be seen in the glow of the footlights. Jimenez accepted the award on behalf of her family, saying, “They say it takes a village to raise a child; it takes an army to raise a curtain.”
Seven other local Desert Star awards were split by Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms and Groves Cabin Theatre in Morongo Valley. For productions at Theatre 29, Kathryn Ferguson received Outstanding Costume Design for “An Ideal Husband;” Ben Bees was named Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy for “The 39 Steps;” Mandi Pushkar was named Outstanding Choreographer for “Mel Brooks’ ‘Young Frankenstein;’” and Pamela Crane was awarded the Desert Star Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical/Opera for “Mel Brooks’ ‘Young Frankenstein.”
Winning awards for their work at Groves Cabin Theatre were Joy Groves, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama for “Door to Door;” Analisa Pilecki, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for “Suddenly Last Summer;” and Outstanding Lead Actor went to Kurt Schauppner for “The Weir.” Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.
