The Spotlight Shines on High School Musical Theater
Rebekah Ostermann performs a number from North High’s production of “The Addams Family.”
The competition keeps getting stiffer but DMPS keeps collecting “Teenage Tonys” at the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, now in its third year under the auspices of Des Moines Performing Arts.
Last night at the Des Moines Civic Center all five DMPS high schools were prominently recognized among a field of 30 schools from around the state. Last year 17 high schools participated. In its inaugural season in 2012-2013, there were nine. This year, all high schools within 125 miles of the Des Moines Civic Center were invited.
Listed below are the recognitions awarded to Des Moines schools and students:
Outstanding Musical Production
- HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
Outstanding Scene
- “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” in ANNIE, East High School
- “Mama Will Provide” in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
- “We Both Reached for the Gun” in CHICAGO, Lincoln High School
- “Just Around the Corner” in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, North High School
Outstanding Ensemble
- HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
Outstanding Student Orchestra
- ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
*Outstanding Community Engagement (only 2 nominees)
- ANNIE, East High School
- HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role
- Julian Gruber as “Link Larkin” in HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
- Rebekah Ostermann as “Morticia” in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, North High School
- Cal Reed as “Edna Turnblad” in HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School (NOTE: Also received a full scholarship to the STAGEright Broadway Experience, a week-long Broadway intensive workshop at the Des Moines Civic Center in July.)
- Paden Scheumaker as “Ti Moune” in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role
- Max Tensen as “Papa Ge” in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
Outstanding Achievement in a Creative or Technical Role – Individual Awards
- Isabel Allaway, Dance Captain, HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
- Emma Burriola, Hair and Makeup Design, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
- Ella Kreyling, Costume Design, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
- Jamie Malone, Scene Painting and Poster Design, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
- Paden Scheumaker, Costume Design, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
Special Recognition for Ensemble
- ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
- THE ADDAMS FAMILY, North High School
Special Recognition for Performance in a Leading Role
- Kendall Bruce as “Motormouth Maybelle” in HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
- Kameron James as “Gomez” in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, North High School
- May Rucker as “Tracy Turnblad” in HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
- Josh Smith as “Billy Flynn” in Chicago, Lincoln High School
- Grace Zarway as “Matron Mama Morton” in CHICAGO, Lincoln High School
Special Recognition for Performance in a Supporting Role
- Kiera Bender as “Little Inez” in HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
- Emma Burriola as “Asaka” in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Hoover High School
- Brent Nery as “Rooster Hannigan” in ANNIE, East High School
- Emma Wellman as “Velma Von Tussle” in HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
Special Recognition for Creative or Technical Role – Individual Awards
- Myles Boone, Lighting Design, ANNIE, East High School
- Charlotte Hilker, Stage Management, HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
- Steven Hodges, Stage Management, CHICAGO, Lincoln High School
- Michael Reid, Stage Management, HAIRSPRAY, Roosevelt High School
Additional Special Recognition
- Roosevelt High School, Providing ASL Interpretation
- North High School, Theater Upgrades
