The Obie Awards were created in 1955 at the suggestion of then editor Jerry Tallmer. The award served to encourage the newly burgeoning Off Broadway theater movement and to acknowledge its achievements. The Threepenny Opera, Uncle Vanya, George C. Scott, and Hal Holbrook were among the winners of the first Obies decade.
Winners
Special Citations
-
Hal Holbrook
Mark Twain Tonight!
Distinguished Performances (Actresses)
-
Rosina Fernhoff
"Fashion," "The Geranium Hat"
-
Anne Fielding
Ivanov
-
Nancy Wickwire
A Clearing in the Woods
Distinguished Performances (Actors)
-
Zero Mostel
Ulysses in Nighttown
-
Lester Rawlins
The Quare Fellow
-
Harold Scott
Deathwatch
Best Revue
-
Steven Vinaver
Diversions
Best Proscenium Set
-
Will Steven Armstrong
Ivanov
Best Open-Stage Set
-
David Hays
The Quare Fellow
Best Musical
-
A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Best Music
-
David Amram
Many Productions
Best Lighting
-
Nikola Cernovich
Many Productions
Best Director (Foreign Play)
-
William Ball
Ivanov
Best Director (American Play)
-
Jack Ragotzy
Arthur Laurents Cycle
Best All-Around Production
-
Daniel Hineck and Harlin Quist
Ivanov
Best Actress
-
Kathleen Maquire
The Time of the Cuckoo
Best Actor
-
Alfred Ryder
I Rise in Flame, Cried the Phoenix
Obie Committee
-
Kenneth Tynan
-
Henry Hewes
-
Jerry Tallmer