Arlington's very own Signature Theatre won a 2009 Regional Tony Award on Monday, just in time for the theatre's 20th anniversary season.
The Tony Award, handed out by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, comes with a $25,000 grant and is the second award of its kind to be earned by a D.C.-area theatre since 1976, the year the award was established.
"The award gives recognition to the D.C. theatre community, which has a lot of great theatres ... for Signature, it recognizes all the risks we've taken," said artistic director Eric Schaeffer. "It's thrilling on all levels!"
Schaeffer also said that the $25,000 prize will "go right back into the work," the latest of which includes their production of "Giant," which Signature will preview this week.
Signature's national reputation is based on its musical productions -- particularly 12 by Stephen Sondheim -- as well as its role as an incubator for new talent.
"We didn't even know we were being considered for the award," Schaeffer said. "It's all very secretive."
But, Schaeffer had a hunch of why the theatre was being recognized in such a big way.
"People see the caliber of work we are doing and the artists that we attract," he said. "[They] see the creative charge we give off."
Visit Signature Theatre's Web site for information on its current season and tonyawards.com to read up on the winners.
