The stars came out Saturday night as the cream of the Cape Girardeau acting crop was recognized and honored during the River City Players annual awards banquet at the River City Yacht Club.

Actors from the four productions in 2008 waited with bated breath to see if they would be carrying home that little gold-colored man: the Abbott Award.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Justin Aden for his role as the Reporter in "Charming Billy."

Aden, 19, said he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his hero Mike Myers and study improvisation at Chicago's near-mythic Second City theater, which has produced a who's who of comedic actors over the past 40 years.

Joe Reed

Mike Craig also won for his performance as a college professor in "When the Reaper Calls."

Unsung Hero

Lisa Letner won the award, which recognizes someone who is willing to anything and everything asked of her, for the third time.

"I'm just so fortunate to be involved with a great group of people and to work with others who appreciate what we do," she said.

Sami Gross was also honored in this category.

Holly Raines

Best Actor in a Lead Role

Joe Reed for his portrayal of Victor in "When the Reaper Calls."

"It was great," he said. "I was nominated last year but didn't win. So this is the first one and, it was just great."

President's Award

Holly Raines received the award, straight from Debbie Barnhouse, the president of the group, that is based on work, time put in and effort.

Lisa Letner

"It was a great honor. I feel really appreciated and it felt so good to win."

Best Show

"Steel Magnolias," directed by Stacey Storey.

"I've been with the group since 1995 acting and directing," she said. I'm also on the board and it's just a blast."

Other winners

Stacey Storey

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Sara Corbin and Lindsay Miller

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Sami Gross