Milly Quezada won the El Soberano, the highest honor rendered to an artistic performer in the D.R. Engineer Rafael Menicucci, general manager of the Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana that sponsors the event, handed her the award together with Napoleón Beras, president of the Dominican showbusiness writers association, Acroarte, organizer of the Casandra Awards Night. Milly Quezada also received the trophy for being "Singer of the Year." She made a comeback in 1997, following the death of her husband/manager from cancer. The winners for 1997 are: THEATERActress: Niurka Mota Actor: Ivan Garcia: Secondary actor/Actress: María Cristina Camilo Theater director: Amarilis Rodriguez Theatral production: "La Cena de las Solteronas." Foreign theater production: Desahogo de una Viuda Children’s show: Isha Contigo Classic bailarina: Michelle Jiménez Classic/modern dancer: Armando González Choreographer: Patricia Ascuasiasti Show: Homenaje a Verdi Popular choreography: Guillermo Cordero Folklore ballet of the year": UASD ballet Arranger: Armando Olivero Composer: Alicia Baroni Classic composer: Bienvenido Bustamante Classic instrumentalist: Luis Ruiz Chamber music: Quinteto de Metales Lyric singer: Teresita Pérez Most outstanding performer abroad: Jose Antonio Molina RADIO AND TVAnnouncer: Miguel Susana Master of Ceremony: Jatnna Tavarez Presenter: Henry Brito Investigative TV show: Nuria en el 9 TV special: Cronica Chell Special TV program: Esta Noche Mariasela Children’s TV program: Club de Isha Humor on TV: De Remate Comedian: Raymon Pozo Video clip: Tío Juan Weekly variety show: El Reto Semanal; Daily variety show: Punto Final POPULAR MUSICRock/merenhouse group: Los Ilegales Typical group of the year: José el Calvo Bachata: Leonardo Paniagua Resident group abroad: Toño Rosario Most outstanding foreign performing group in the DR: Gilberto Santarosa Revelation: Freddy Gerardo Most oustanding performance of a popular group abroad: Los Ilegales Female singer: Milly Quezada Male singer: Victor y Shire Concert: Bailemos Bolero Show: Milly for Siempre Music CD: Raices Merengue: Suero de Amor Musical Group: Fernando Villalona SPECIAL AWARDSOlga Tañón, Gilberto Santarosa, Shakira, Gloria and Emilio Estefan were recognized with the Casandra International for their contributions to Dominican show business. Musical producer Kike Santander was honored with a plaque. Angela Carrasco received a special honor for her contributions to Dominican art. Likewise, Johnny Ventura received another special award for "bringing happiness to Dominicans throughout 40 years." Highlights of the eveningDuring the show, Rafael Solano, Joseito Mateo and Vinicio Franco rendered tribute to Luis Alberti. Adalgisa Panteón interpreted "Entre pinales" in duo with the late Rafael Colon, one of the most outstanding ballad singers of all times, who appeared on a video screen. Then Niní Caffaro sang, "Luna sobre el Jaragua," again in duo with Rafael Colón, while scenes of life in Santo Domingo in the 50s were shown. Milagros Hernández sang "Mi tierra," in honor of visiting Emilio Estefan. Johnny Ventura sang a medley of his hit songs –Merenguero hasta la Tambora, El Tabaco, El Pinguino, Pitaste, La Agarradera, and Miel por los Poros — with Milly Quezada. Jatnna Tavárez and Jochy Santos were the masters of ceremony for the evening.
