CCOSD

Jenilee, First Deaf Actress Winning the Award

June 14, 2010….Jenilee Simons Marques received the DEBUT Award for her outstanding acting as Helen Keller in the performance of the “Miracle Worker” from Connecticut Critics Circle at its 20th Annual Awards ceremony tonight. When receiving the awards, she spoke of her gratitude to Doreen Simons, her mother and family members for their heartfelt support and Aaron Kubey, Director, National Theatre of the Deaf for his guidance, and Ed Peltier, Executive Director of American School for the Deaf for encouragement and support while she rehearsed during many school weeks, and demonstrated her performance at Ivoryton, CT in the past March. This award ceremony was hosted by Westport Country Playhouse at Westport, CT., and Mark Lamos, Artistic Director of Westport Country Playhouse. During his direction at the Hartford Stage in the 1990′s, Mr. Lamos had received the grants to provide the ASL interpreting services for the deaf theatre lovers to enjoy the performances for many years. Jenilee, we are proud of you!! Congrats!!!