On Monday night, i had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that I hope will become something less rare: I went to the Obie Awards show!

The Civilians won an Obie grant for $3,333! I have to admit it’s a little confusing to describe exactly what the recognition was since i kind of blanked out on that part of the tribute. I believe it was an award recognizing that this very young theater company has produced a very promising, impressive body of work and here’s some money so they can continue to do more. Earlier in the evening, one of the winners said that receiving this award makes your career harder because it means that from then on, you have to prove the Obie’s people were right.

I feel that way about the Civilians. What an incredible honor to get so early in it’s life. And to receive the tribute from no less than Swoosie Kurtz! She was so cool, and her tribute speech was perfectly “on.” She read the words of the Civilians theme song, which ends with the hilarious line: “Do we rock? You betcha!”

Hearing her read those words straight gave it a whole new meaning. Michael Friedman, the musical director said he nearly cried listening to her. Steve Cosson, who got on stage to receive the award — he’s the artistic director and founder — gave a great speech and then, after the show, needed to drink a couple martinis to get over his stage fright.

It was just very cool.

Jenny Morris, one of the founding members of the company said she bumped into a Time Out theater reviewer who congratulated her and then mused, “I remember seeing your very first show (Canard, Canard, Goose! — 2001) and thinking it was such a goof. And now, you’re actually a theater company!”

Great things can happen when a bunch of talented, creative people decide to goof together! Bravo, Civilians!