RUSHVILLE — The Rush County Players recently celebrated their 2011-2012 season at the Knights of Columbus in Rushville. Following a dinner prepared by the K of C, it was time to present the coveted Hammy Awards. These awards are chosen by a top secret committee, known only to the president, and recognizes the best of Rush County Players in several areas for the recently completed season.

The first award given was for Outstanding Youth Supporting Actress. Youth awards are given to those 18 and under to recognize the hard work of the next generation of Rush County Players. The Outstanding Youth Supporting Actress for 2011-2012 was McKenzie Conrad for her role as Head in "The Clumsy Custard Horror Show."

Outstanding Youth Supporting Actor was LJ Conrad, for his role as the evil Dacron in "The Clumsy Custard Horror Show."

Jennifer Berkemeier was named Outstanding Supporting Actress for playing Ado Annie in "Oklahoma!" and Alan King was awarded Outstanding Supporting Actor as Ali Hakim in the same production.

The Hammy for Outstanding Set was given to Michael Fisher for the set of "The Clumsy Custard Horror Show." Matt Griffin and Steven Locchetta were awarded the Hammy for Outstanding Technical Achievement for their work on "It's a Wonderful Life."

Donita Davis' hard work on costuming for "The Clumsy Custard Horror Show" was rewarded with the Outstanding Costuming Hammy, and Lisa Boaz's plan for fancy footwork in "Oklahoma!" was recognized with the Hammy for Outstanding Choreography.

There are so many wonderful musical performances in Rush County Players' productions each year, and these have their own category.

The Outstanding Musical Performance by a Female Hammy was given to Jenny Peters for her beautiful rendition of "Think Of Me" from "The Best of Broadway." Bill Craven was named the Outstanding Musical Performance by a Male winner for "Pharaoh's Story" from the same show.

Leah Noe was given the Outstanding Youth Musical Performance-Female award for her part in "Summer Night," and Wade Griffin was recognized as Outstanding Youth Musical Performance-Male for his performance of "Ladies' Choice." Both appeared in "The Best of Broadway."

The Outstanding Musical Performance-Ensemble Hammy was given to the "nuns" performing "I Will Follow Him" from "Sister Act," as performed in "The Best of Broadway."

Marvin Rees and the orchestra from "Oklahoma!" were recognized for Outstanding Non-Vocal Musical Performance for the "Dream Ballet."

The Hammy for Outstanding Lead Actor-Youth went to Wade Griffin for his role as Worfle in "The Clumsy Custard Horror Show," and Laura Smith was named Outstanding Lead Actress-Youth for portraying the Narrator in the same production.

Shawn Simpson's heartfelt portrayal of George Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life" was worthy of the Outstanding Lead Actor Hammy, and Whitley Griffin's lovely Laurey from "Oklahoma!" was recognized as Outstanding Lead Actress.

Matt Amos and his production team were thrilled to be given the Hammy for Outstanding Production for "It's A Wonderful Life."

The final award of the evening was the Trooper of the Year Award, given to Donita Davis.

The Trooper personifies the best of what Rush County Players stands for: giving of yourself, many times in several area, always ready to help, without seeking any attention.

Donita was instrumental in each and every production this year, from costuming to producing to working extensively with the youth, and was a driving force behind RCP's participation with Jelly Stone Park's Haunted Trail. She will be heading that effort again, as well as continuing to work with the youth of RCP.

The opening production for the 2012-2013 season will feature familiar tales told in a new venue.

"The Little Rushcals," RCP's take on the beloved "Little Rascals," will be a re-telling of Mother Goose tales, Aesop's Fables, Hans Christan Andersen and Grimm's Fairy tales, presented at the gazebo in South Veteran's Memorial Park in Rushville.

Show dates are planned for Sept. 14, 15 and 16 with rain dates (if needed) set for Sept. 21 to 23. All shows are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Tickets will be on sale soon and can be reserved by visiting http://www.rushcountyplayers.org or by calling 765-938-1711.