…our very own Seth Amadei! Seth is known for many behind-the-scenes responsibilities for Y Arts Detroit, including overseeing operations of our Marlene Boll Theatre, curating exhibits for the lobby gallery at the Boll Y, and managing our community choir, the Deep River Choir. Now, it’s his time to shine. His talented performance in a local production recently won him a Wilde Award for Best Performance by an actor in a comedy.
Wilde Awards recognize the best in Michigan professional theater, and the competition is fierce. More than 225 productions at 49 professional theaters in the state were eligible for awards this year.
Seth won for his performance in “November,” which ran last season at Planet Ant in Hamtramck. In the political satire, he played U.S. President Charles H.P. Smith, who lays it all on the line for a last-ditch effort at reelection. The play brought lots of laughs to not only the audience, but to actors on stage as well.
“This performance was a chance to work with my close friend, Andy Huff, who played my chief of staff. It had been about ten years since we worked on a show together. I think we spent more time laughing at each other on stage than anything else,” Seth said.
Seth also enjoyed working closely with his wife, Kelly Komlen-Amadei, who directed the production and cast Seth for the role.
“This was the first time we worked together in an actor/director situation,” Seth said. “We had a great time working together on the project.”
Despite his stellar onstage performance, Seth said he prefers to live real life out of the spotlight. It seems like the spotlight is following him, though, as the award has people talking.
“I was surprised and humbled to win this award,” Seth said. ” I’ve never been one to like attention, but it is definitely nice to have your work recognized.”
Way to go, Seth!