Maple Ridge theatre group wins Cleo Award

Emerald Pig Theatrical Society celebrated a win at the third annual Cleo Awards gala over the weekend. Salvatore Moustakas received the “Oh, Hello There” Award for outstanding new actors for playing Tucker Dell in the group’s production of Five Alarm. The Cleo Awards recognize theatre achievements in the Fraser Valley.

Five Alarm director Angela Bell said she had searched widely to cast the role and immediately saw something remarkable in Moustakas at his audition. She said he had no previous experience but brought positive energy and met every challenge she gave him. Bell said she was proud of his award and that the cast and crew had remained friends.

The society also received four nominations. Too Many Cooks and Five Alarm were nominated for the “Kneeslapper” Award for best comedy. Trent Glukler was nominated for the “Hopelessly Hilarious” Award for his performance as Frank Plunkett in Too Many Cooks, while Dave Tanchak was nominated for the “Made You Look” Award for outstanding performance in a small role as Caleb, the television reporter in Five Alarm.

The society congratulated its other nominees and the productions, thanked the Cleo board for organizing the event and attending shows throughout the year, and said it looks forward to next year.