Avon’s High School Drama Club came away from Rochester’s Auditorium Theatre last week with quite a haul.
Competing in the small schools division of the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s annual Stars of Tomorrow competition, Avon’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” earned excellence awards for overall musical production, acting ensemble, dance ensemble, production crew and production design.
Four cast members - Emma D., Hannah C., Michael F. and Olivia N. - were also recognized individually in the excellence in a leading role category.
• Emma D., sophomore, was recognized for her portrayal of Olive Ostrovsky, a bee newcomer who made friends with a dictionary as a means of coping with her absent and neglectful parents.
• Sophomore Hannah C. was recognized for her role as Rona Lisa Peretti, a former bee champion and number one realtor in Putnam County who now serves as the bee’s moderator.
• Michael F., a senior, was recognized for his portrayal of William Barfée, the hyper-competitive bee contestant whose magic foot has never failed to lead him to a correctly spelled word.
• Sophomore Olivia N. was recognized for her portrayal of Marcy Park, a no-nonsense over-achiever who came to the bee to win, not to make friends.
“This was a tremendous group of students who have always stood out with their talents in developing characters and a great sense of comedic timing,” said Director Stephanie Campbell. “The directing team felt that 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' would showcase their strengths, and though there are many challenges in the show - they rose to those challenges and put on a phenomenal production. We are so proud of their efforts. We also have a strong crew and tech team who worked diligently behind the scenes and did an amazing job - we couldn't do it without them!”
In addition to her acting award, Emma D. was also chosen to compete in the Stars of Tomorrow: NYC Bound competition on May 23 and 25 for a chance to represent the greater Rochester area at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as The Jimmy Awards, this summer in New York City. Emma will perform for a panel of judges along with 39 other competitors for one of two tickets to New York City.
Finally, Emma D. is also in the running for Stars of Tomorrow’s WROC Fan Favorite award. Each unique email address is able to vote once per day through 12 p.m. (noon) on May 24. Winners will be announced May 25.
Click here to vote for Emma.
Photos courtesy of Kim Miron and Stephanie Campbell
Cast and crew of Avon High School Drama Club’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” are pictured at the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Stars of Tomorrow competition May 11 at the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester.
Photos courtesy of Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Cast and crew of Avon High School Drama Club’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” are pictured performing at the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Stars of Tomorrow competition May 11 at the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester.