Prepping for Haltom Theater, crew of AMON! is honored

Readying for a Jan. 30th show at the Haltom Theater, the cast and crew of AMON! The Ultimate Texan took a detour to receive their first set of honors.

The Society of Professional Journalists/Fort Worth chapter honored the team that put together the hit play about Amon “Mr. Fort Worth” Carter. The play and companion book serve as a love story to Fort Worth, its most famous promoter and also the fun history of Fort Worth journalism.

The awards were given at SPJ’s 2019 December holiday BBQ dinner, one year after playwright Dave Lieber originally debuted portions of the play before the same group.

AMON! was performed 30 times in 2019. Shows are scheduled for Jan. 30, 2020 at the Haltom Theater, Feb. 22, 2020 in Abilene, and a charity benefit in Hurst on March 27, 2020.

Kelvin Dilks, the Birdville ISD school board member who originated the role of Amon and plays him, was honored as “Best Actor.

The play enjoyed its world debut at Artisan Center Theater in Hurst, Texas.

Dee Ann Blair, who founded the theater 16 years ago, received “Best Founder” honors. With 400 performances a year. her theater has grown into the largest community theater in North Texas.

Daniel Orges was honored as “Best of Crew.” Haley Allen was named “Best Stage Manager.”

Best Stage Manger Haley Allen shows award to her father, David Allen.

Reyes Sanchez was honored as “Play MVP” — always available to help when needed.

Connie Sanchez, who masterminded the play’s look as director, set and costume designer and script consultant, was honored as “Best Director.”

Last but not least, Rick Blair was honored as “Best Producer” for his efforts. The play was performed at Artisan Center Theater, at the Fort Worth Club and the Scott Theatre in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, across the street from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Rick was a driving force behind the production’s extraordinary popularity.

Coincidentally, the occasion was also the 140th birthday of Amon Carter. To celebrate Director Connie Sanchez presented Amon/Kelvin with a birthday cake. (But there weren’t 140 candles.)

Kelvin Dilks also served that night as celebrity guest auctioneer.

Several dozen Star-Telegram alumni were in attendance, including former Star-Telegram publisher Wes Turner, pictured below, who held Amon’s job as publisher until Wes retired.