I'm equal parts Objective Distance and Genuflecting Fool about this recent honorific from Creative Loafing's 2007 Best of the Bay issue (this year's flavor, next year's fodder?), albeit eternally grateful for the praise. (For the record, and just to assuage this ex-English major's heart, it's Katurian with an "a".) In the spirit of Ving Rhames, this accolade truly belongs to every honest, area artist who took the stage this past season. Bravo to you all! (Oh, alright! -- Bravo to us all!)

And while I have your attention, might I please implore your hopefully continued (although neophytes are always welcome) support of local theatre, and art in general? You may not always like what you see, but a light on the human condition may be precisely the tonic required to ameliorate your cares, and any resultant debate is worth the price of admission in our woefully dumbed-down society.

[INSERT GRATUITOUS AND SHAMELESS, POTENTIALLY DAMAGING, AMITY-WITHERING PLUG HERE] Don't forget Jobsite Theatre's production of Gorey Stories opens October 18th at TBPAC's Shimberg Playhouse! The menacing ghoul in the banner is me! (Alright! -- Who said that?!...)