By William / www.mcpherson-county-ks.com
LINDSBORG – On Tuesday, the Smoky Valley high school musical theater group received notice that they earned a listing as regional honorees and Jester Award nominations for this year.
According to Eric Lundstrom, Smoky Valley Theater Director, the Jester Awards is a program through Music Theater in Wichita in which high schools pay to have their musical productions adjudicated.
“This year 49 schools around the state were judged,” explained Lundstrom. “The state is broken into five regions and the top productions from each region are identified and are then ‘regional honorees’. The top two scores in each category from each region move on to become Jester nominees.”
For their fall production of ‘Matilda’, the Smoky Valley musical theater group received 13 regional honors, of which four progressed into being Jester Nominations.
Lundstrom continued by saying, “this is a great accomplishment considering in our regions, other area schools are larger schools with very impressive programs. To be able to compete and beat out these schools is a testament to the hard work our students put into these productions and the support that our program receives from the administration.”
Among the other area schools Lundstrom referenced were Salina South, Salina Central, Andale, Abilene, Newton, and McPherson.
An Award Ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 24 at which the winners will be announced.
Lundstrom concluded his reflections on the earning these awards and nominations by stating, “For us being up against schools from all over the state, this is exciting news and I want to reiterate how proud I am of our program and how well the students, staff and public give it continued support.”
SMOKY VALLEY JESTER NOMINATIONS
Direction of a Show: Eric Lundstrom
Choreography: Angela Dolezal
Lighting Design: Eric Lundstrom
Sound Design: Tyler Breneman
SMOKY VALLEY REGIONAL HONOREES:
OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION:
Direction of a Show: Eric Lundstrom
Lead Actress: Lauren Dolezal
Lead Actor: Per Nelson
Supporting Actress: Myah Stambaugh-Tubbs
ENSEMBLE & CHORUS:
Production Number: Revolting Children
Vocal Music Direction: Britney English
Choreography: Angela Dolezal
Scenic Design: Eric Lundstrom
Costume Design: Marika Peterson
Lighting Design: Eric Lundstrom
Sound Design: Tyler Breneman
(William is a free-lance writer covering McPherson County Activities – he can be reached at crossdovewriter@gmail.com)