A Musical-Best Song Nominee Marjory Stoneman Douglas. {Ian Ibbetson}
By Sharon Aron Baron
The South Florida Critics’ Awards Program, or Cappies for short, celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, where the program was launched two decades ago.
“We were thrilled to celebrate our 20th Anniversary Season live back at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts,” said Lori Sessions, South Florida Cappies founder, and Program Director. “It was a wonderful evening full of celebration for our outstanding theatre artists and critics from Broward and Palm Beach counties.”
She added, that through the 20 years, teachers have changed, critics have charged, schools have changed, nominees have changed — even awards and their logo changed.
“…There is one thing that hasn’t changed. We all still share a passion for high school theatre and the Cappies role in bringing students together, fostering respect between schools, encouraging student leadership, and building theatre criticism, performance, and technical skills.”
Nominees from 19 participating schools in Broward and Palm Beach competed for the awards in 38 categories that honor outstanding achievement in high school theater recognizing performers, designers, technicians, publicists, and critics.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School took home the most awards with eight for its production of the musical Something Rotten.
The Benjamin School produced the most honored play winning five for All My Sons. In addition, two special awards were presented to Melinda Berks and Susan Euler for their service to Cappies.
“The Cappies Gala is one of the most exciting nights in the Au-Rene Theater as students and their families, friends, and teachers come together to celebrate the outstanding talent in our high school theater programs – on the stage, behind the scenes, or as critics,” said Kelley Shanley, President & CEO of the Broward Center.
Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the gala featured songs and scenes from the top-nominated shows. Cappie Award winners are determined by votes from students through a weighted peer-review voting process. Nominations are made by student critics from participating schools who attend productions at rival schools and write reviews, which then are edited by theater educators and published on FloridaTheaterOnStage.com.
“This year’s gathering was a testament to the dedication and commitment of our high school theater community after the challenges they faced in bringing shows to the stage this past season; this milestone celebration was a reminder of the power of the arts to unite us,” added Shanley.
2021-2022 CAPPIES WINNERS BY SCHOOL
American Heritage School – Les Miserables School Edition
Orchestra: American Heritage Orchestra
Supporting Actor in a Female Role in a Musical: Diane Li
Supporting Actor in a Male Role in a Musical: Ethan Shavelson
Lead Actor in a Male Role in a Musical: Miles Levitan
Song: “One Day More”
Archbishop McCarthy High School – Steel Magnolias
Featured Actor in a Female Role in a Play: Mia Martinez
Comic Actor in a Female Role in a Play: Isabella Ruiz
Supporting Actor in a Female Role in a Play: Bella Nanavichit
Lead Actor in a Female Role in a Play: Erica Gouldthorpe
The Benjamin School – All My Sons
Play
Ensemble in a Play: The Neighbors
Featured Actor in a Male Role in a Play: Jakob Kroll
Comic Actor in a Male Role in a Play: Xan Blount
Supporting Actor in a Male Role in a Play: Caden Quinn
Cooper City High School
Sophomore Critic: Sarah Abisror
Dillard Center for the Arts –Spongebob the Musical
Male Dancer: Trey’lon Salley
J.P. Taravella High School – Xanadu
Sound: Laura Haurie, Francesca Dumary and Erin Richter
Lead Actor in a Female Role in a Musical: Fallon Collins
Senior Critic: Emma Sugarman
Critic Team
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – Something Rotten
Musical
Marketing and Publicity: Douglas Drama Publicity Team
Lighting: MSD Lighting Crew
Sets: Colin McLean
Choreography: Sarah Wyner
Creativity: Adriana Peña, Music Director
Stage Management and Crew: Hannah Grinbank, Reese Garrity, Deanna O’Connell, and Gabrielle Hoffman
Male Vocalist: Logan LaPierre
North Broward Preparatory School – Catch Me If You Can
Featured Actor in a Female Role in a Musical: Hannah Bauer
Female Vocalist: Sasha Geisser
Junior Critic: Abigail Alder
Freshman Critic: Makayla Whelchel
NSU University School – Into the Woods
Special Effects and or Technology: Nico Wellons
Featured Actor in a Male Role in a Musical: Anthony Langone
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School – The Addams Family
Comic Actor in a Male Role in a Musical : Cameron Wasteney
South Plantation High School – The Jungle Book
Lead Actor in a Male Role in a Play: Jermaine Jenkins
West Boca Raton High – Grease
Hair and Make-up: Morgan Seeley, Mariel Ricks
Props: Ella Martinez
Costumes: Kelsey Bonner, Rachel Frenchmen
Ensemble in a Musical: The Burger Palace Boys
Female Dancer: Elliana Herr
Comic Actor in a Female Role in a Musical: Paisley Kinkade
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