The Bellwood-Antis High School production of Shrek The Musical was a huge hit.
Now it has received multiple nominations for The Isaac Awards that will be hosted in May at Altoona’s one and only historic Mishler Theatre. The awards with take place Saturday May 24 at 7:30.
The cast was called to the auditorium to learn the news after the nominations were announced Thursday morning, April 24.
Molly Burns, who directed Shrek the Musical, was one of the leaders of the local theater community who suggested a high school award ceremony many years ago, which made the overwhelming success for her own play in this year’s nomination process quite surreal.
“When I was a freshman at Seton-La Salle High School in Pittsburg, a similar program was started titled Kelly’s, named after Pittsburg-born song and dance legend Gene Kelly. While serving on the board at ACT (Altoona Community Theater), we were brainstorming fundraising ideas and ways to reward musical excellence in the area, and the idea of the Isaac’s, named after Isaac Mishler, was born.” Molly said. “Never would I have thought that it would have grown into what it is today! And to be acknowledged in every category we were eligible in is such an accomplishment! I couldn’t be prouder! This is our playoff championship!”
To award nominations, ACT sends representatives to all of the high school plays in the region.
ACT also awards scholarships at the Isaac’s, last year handing out $12,000 of a total $67,000 earned by Isaac Award students.
Bellwood was nominated in the following categories:
- Best Production – Shrek, Bellwood-Antis High School
- Best Production/Musical Number – “What’s up, Duloc?”
- Best Dance or Dancer(s) – “Morning Person“
- Best Lead in a Male Role – Jacob Caracciolo as Shrek
- Best Lead in a Female Role – Gianna “Gigi” Juart as Fiona
- Best Supporting Actor in a Male Role – Christian “Chug” Jennings as Donkey & Derek Stivers as Lord Farquaad
- Best Featured Actor – Halee Young as Dragon
- Best Ensemble – Fairytale Characters
The only category preventing Bellwood from a total sweep was Best Supporting Actor in a Female Role, and it is yet unknown what number they will be performing at the awards.
“I’m proud of all the students and their performances. I am excited that they are being recognized for their talents and hard work,” said Mr. David Logue, who was the play’s musical director.
Congratulations to the cast and director’s of this years production, and good luck at the awards!
