Recognizing excellence in Los Angeles-area theater, the L.A. Stage Alliance announced its Ovation Award nominations for the 2008-09 season Monday evening. Leading the pack were El Portal Theatre's revival of "Smokey Joe's Cafe" with eight nominations; Center Theatre Group's "9 to 5: The Musical" with seven; and Martin McDonagh's "A Skull in Connemara" at Theatre Tribe, also with seven.
The roster includes such celebrity nominees as Chris Pine ("Farragut North") as well as Allison Janney and Dolly Parton (both for "9 to 5").
