I feel like doing something a little different this time around. Its the end of the year, and I'm feeling a little on the less-than-grumpy side. So here's the year end awards ceremony, if you will. Sure, its only one person's opinion ... so what, it gets read anyway.

Its been a rather eventful year for Rocky in Houston. The Sadistic Pleasures relocated a few miles further south after Southpoint theater underwent an ownership change. The THEM cast celebrates their anniversary in January. So let's get with those awards. I'll start with the small stuff and build up to the two big ones at the end. Feel free to disagree ... its only one person's opinion. Nevermind that I've apparently been the source of more wars than William Randolph Hearst.

2002 Best Frank - David Z - the Outback performance sealed this one. Any Frank not afraid to have two photographers take pics of his crotch ... that says a lot.

2002 Best Brad - Daniel - still new at the role, and shows signs of inconsistency at other roles. This one, however, he was born to play. A great look for the role, he adds great personality to the role as well.

2002 Best Janet - Kassi - there's a lot of close seconds here, but Kassi is too consistent, too accurate, to cute, and too inventive with the role to really have anyone else win this one.

2002 Best Riff - Jim - when focused, there are simply none better. It should be noted that I still have not seen Jim's Frank, so I am not able to dethrone the mighty David Z from his award. Jim can cover a slew of roles with amazing skill and accuracy. If there's a better amateur actor in the city of Houston, I say its time to pony up with the proof.

2002 Best Magenta - (tie) Stephanie & Mel - As if to prove that the best performers at certain roles do not perform enough, Steph has been in and out of the performing business over the course of this year. She still earns a share of the title based on a smattering of appearances. Mel earns hers by consistently improving on this role and leaving me just downright impressed the last time I was at Webster. Progress like that simply has to be noted.

2002 Best Columbia - (tie) Kassi & Jessie - yes, another tie. Kassi's done this longer and has consistently aced the role. Jessie is a relative newcomer to THEM, but has quickly mastered the role to perfection.

2002 Best Rocky - David Z - there are several that play this role well. There are none that leave you laughing as hard. People want to go to Rocky to enjoy themselves ... David never disappoints in this role.

2002 Best Eddie - Uber - this was won a long long time ago, when Uber first whipped out the maracas. He's not looked back since, even though he now sits in retirement.

2002 Best Dr. Scott - Johnathan - the man simply has a patent on the role. A perfect combination of screen accurate looks, some hilarious add-ons to the role, and a great character performance. So many take this role and fade into the background (or get replaced by a wet floor sign) ... Johnathan serves as an example of how to entertain with the role.

2002 Best Crim - Pete - Again, proving that one can be damned entertaining with a relatively minor role, Pete has basically MADE a show from this role before. The Sadistic Pleasures have been blessed with a roster full of great Crims: Johnny Foster, John A, Pete, Kassi, Uber ... not a one of them is wanting for performance ability and a case could be made for all of them at this role. I opt for the epileptic one. Granted, its a judgement call.

2002 Best Trixie - Kitty - always provocative, always entertaining. Whether fully clothed or not, Kitty is by far the most creative Trixie seen yet in Rocky.

So there ... now that I've offended 4/5ths of the entire casts of THEM and SP, here's the big awards ... the Best Performers of Both Casts ... one each from each cast. Not hard to figure out how that works. Keep in mind its all subjective, so if your feelings are hurt, go cry to someone else.

Best Sadistic Pleasure - David Z
Versatility, talent, and willingness to perform week in week out all add up to this one. The fact that David plays the best Brad in the business yet plays it so infrequently is a testament to his versatility. He is by far the most hyperactive Frank and Rocky. He can even play a mean Riff. His Morganna/Trixie routine is classic. Just go flip through your thesaurus, locate the word "Good" and every word synonymous will apply here.

Best THEM - Jessie
I'm reminded of the book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn everytime I see Jessie perform. The most recent performance as Columbia sealed the deal. She's dead on with the role, she's adding her own personality to the role, and she actually performs the movie. Find ten more like this, and you've suddenly got one hell of a cast.