Anne Bertasso still smiles every time she remembers the cheers of the Roche

crowd. The minute her name was announced as winner of the 2004 Perry Award

for Outstanding Stage Management in a community theater musical, she heard

four tables of fellow Roche Players hoot and holler.

"The roar was incredible. The first thing I did when I got to the podium was ask

them to be quiet," she laughed, recalling the joy and thrill that all the Players

felt to be recognized during this year's Perry Awards -- the Emmy-like event held for community theater in N.J.

For the first time ever, Roche received five nominations for its 2004 production of

The Music Man in the prestigious community theater competition that

reviewed more than 200 productions by community theater groups. Some 700

representatives of those groups (including 40 from Roche) gathered for a black

tie, white glove, "envelope please" award gala on Sept. 19, 2004.

(R.E.C.T.), a non-profit group dedicated to recognizing achievements by artists

of all disciplines involved in New Jersey community theater. Winners are chosen

by R.E.C.T. reviewers who attend and evaluate performances throughout the state.

Roche's own "Music Man" Bob Schwarz, compliance and technical trainer in Quality Engineering

and Compliance, was nominated as Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Harold Hill in The

RochePlayers' spring 2004 production.

"It was absolutely the thrill of a lifetime," said Anne, Associate Clinical Director,

her 17 years at Roche. As stage manager for The Music Man, performed five times

from April 30-May 8 2004, she had to organize and oversee auditions, rehearsals

and, ultimately, everything that went into the show, from lighting and curtain cues

to scene changes.

Award for Outstanding Properties. During The Music Man, she secured and took

care of dozens of props, including the trademark big bass drum.

"I was surprised to have been chosen from among the other nominees," exclaimed

Joan, who joined the Players shortly after coming to Roche in 1998. "When

they called my name, I was very shocked and excited. I'm very proud to have been recognized!"

Cast and crew members from The Roche Players celebrate at the

Perry Awards, where Roche received five nominations and two

awards for its 2004 production of The Music Man.

In addition to outstanding stage management and props, The Music Man received

three other nominations -- for Outstanding Musical, Best Actor in a

Musical and Best Choreography.

The Roche troupe was thrilled to be among the seven Outstanding Musical nominees

to perform a number during the gala. The honor, noted Anne, was even

more meaningful given the competition.

"The fact that we were even nominated was wonderful," said Anne. "Many of the other

groups use semi-professional and professional people, and also have large communities

to draw from. We have a much smaller pool, just employees and their families.

And we're just regular people, admins, scientists, production workers . . .The Players

are really an incredible group!"

For Roche's own "music man" Bob Schwarz, compliance and technical trainer in

role as Harold Hill was really a surprise, even more so since he was up against

leading men from hundreds of other shows.

"There's a lot of exceptional talent in New Jersey's local theater community...Just

getting the opportunity to play Harold Hill was rewarding enough," he said,

adding that he was especially pleased at the awards given to Anne and Joan.

"Backstage efforts so often go unrecognized and they are so critical to the

success of a production."

Professional Choreography Director Danielle Aldrich-Babicz was also nominated for

a Perry Award. "Everyone in the Roche Players is very proud," said

with the Players for more than a decade.

The Roche Players have been entertaining audiences with outstanding shows for

nearly 35 years. It is one of many clubs supported by Roche to enhance

employee's work-life experience. Along with the overwhelming rewards of applause

and camaraderie, the Players also get tremendous satisfaction from giving back to the community. Since the company picks up all production costs, the Players

are able to contribute 100% of ticket proceeds to local charities. Since its founding, the

group has donated more than $200,000, including approximately $50,000 in the last five

years alone.

As a nominee for the Best Musical, The Roche Players had the

honor of performing a scene from The Music Man during the Perry

Awards gala.

"We are very proud of the Roche Players and their Perry recognition. They are a

talented and dedicated group of thespians who have fun, put on remarkably

professional shows and represent Roche's commitment to the community," said

Copyright © 2004 Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.