On Sunday night the Overture Center for the Arts hosted the first annual Tom Wopat Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater, aka The Tommys! It was a special night, with Overture Hall brimming with energy and excitement. The six winning schools for outstanding musical each performed a medley, as did all winners for outstanding lead performer (pictured above is Janesville Craig High School’s winning production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”) Over in the presenters section, we just couldn’t believe the talent on stage. The voices, the dancing, and the maturity and aplomb of everyone on stage was truly thrilling.
It was also exciting to pick out Madison Opera High School Apprentices, past and present. Former apprentice Carrie Juergens was a big winner for leading performer in “Once on this Island” at Waunakee Community High School. Also on stage belting it out were Abigail Graf in Monona Grove’s best musical medley for “All Shook Up” and Caitlin Miller in River Valley High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors.” A big thank you to Overture’s Tim Sauers for organizing a fantastic event, and a special nod to Madison Opera chorus master Andrew Abrams, who acted as pianist and music director for the show. Pictures are now online here.
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