THEATER/EVENT: Isaac Awards 2012

The Isaac Award Ceremony was held at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona this past Sunday. Twelve high schools from across Central and South Central Pennsylvania took part. Full of Red Carpet glitz and glamour, it is the “Tonys” for high school musicals.

In addition to recognizing the outstanding performances, the winner of each category receives a $500 scholarship to be used in any field of study at any accredited post-secondary educational institution.
Hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies, Carolyn Donaldson of WTAJ, the evening included a musical number from each school, a thank you to each of the corporate sponsors, and awards presented by last year’s winners.

This year’s winners were:

• Best Actor or Actress in a Featured Role--- Seth Hull, Bishop Carroll High School.

• Best Actor in a Supporting Role--- Benjamin Laskovansky, Bald Eagle High School.  Runner-up--Jesse Moore, State College High.

• Best Actress in a Supporting Role---Erin McQuay, State College High School.

• Achievement in Design Award---Tracy Eckenrode and Olivia McCall, Bishop Carroll High School.

• Best Ensemble Award---West Branch High School and Philipsburg Osceola High School (tie),

• Best Musical Number Award---State College High School (As We Stumble Along).  Runner-up -- Bald Eagle High School (Honestly Sincere).

• Best Actress in a Leading Role Award---Emily Dennis, State College High School.  Runner-up--Morgan Sichler, State College High School.

• Best Actor in a Leading Role---Ben Unpingco, Bishop Guilfoyle High School.  Runner-up-- Ricky Howsare, Bedford Area High School.

• Best Featured Dance Award--- Philipsburg High School (The Shriner’s Ballet).  Runner-up-- State College High School (Toledo Surprise).

• Best Production Award --- State College High School.  Runner-up-- Central Cambria High School.

• The Judges’ Discretionary Award: Rising Star went to Daniel Slogosky from Philipsburg Osceola High School for his role of Randolph MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie.

• Chosen by their classmates the Isaacs MVP Awards went to Lexi Krug, Courtney Reese, Shannen Snyder, Tracy Eckenrode, Moran Horell, Mike Kinley, Katie Pribish, Caleb Pons, Joanna Ruhl, Justin Baumgartin, Rachel Reed, and Jamison Monella.

The Isaacs Booster Check of one thousand dollars was accepted by Bald Eagle High School senior, Maggie Mehalko.

THEATER: The Drowsy Chaperone

Anyone lucky enough to have seen the State High Thespian production of The Drowsy Chaperone knows that the days of high schools doing plays with titles like “Abner Slick from Pumpkin Creek” are definitely a thing of the past.

Thanks to Director/Choreographer Jill Campbell, the capacity audience in North Auditorium saw a sophisticated production. Costumes were beautiful, the sets attractive, and the cast well prepared. It was difficult to remember that it was not a professional company.
It is hard to limit my comments to the space allowed to me here. Each member of the chorus could be mentioned by name; I have never seen such a large group of students stay in character every time they were on stage. Because so much of the humor of the play depends on the characters being played over the top, facial expressions were vital and the actors were having a ball with their parts.
It has to be noted also that the all student orchestra under the direction of Paul Leskowicz was not only good, but I could hear the lyrics. That is very important to me.

Erin Quay made me smile each time that she stepped on stage. I am looking forward to next year and a chance to hear Brittany Farnsworth’s voice in a larger part. Mitchell Cornwall was the romantic lead that every movie should have - tall, dark, and handsome.

Luckily for all of us, Emily Dennis is a junior and will be available next year. Am I the only one that compared Emily Dennis to Mame Dennis? What great casting that would be!  As the Man in Chair, Jason Doll was an expert at keeping the audience involved in what was happening on stage. It is the role that holds the show together and Jason had the talent/personality to do it.

The true “star turn” was performed by Morgan Sichler as she explained why she will not show off any more, thus giving Morgan a chance to sing, dance, juggle, do splits, charm snakes, well, you get the idea. This number alone will keep less talented groups from doing the show.

Jesse Moore is one of the reasons that I love my job. The part of Aldolpho is so far from the other roles that I have seen him do that I will be watching the local theaters this summer for him. I admire anyone who can run the gambit from drama to farce in the same year.

This was the first of the local high school spring musicals. Trust me; if you have not seen a high school performance recently, you are missing a fun, inexpensive evening. Cast and crew work hard and just for our entertainment. Come out and support them.

(photos courtesy of Drew Frank)

THEATER: A Year With Frog and Toad

ARTsmART with the State High Thespians presented A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD recently and if you did not take your favorite youngster to see it, you both missed a fun show.

What made this production so special is that the high school students were responsible for everything from the choreography to publicity to sound design, and yes, even to the baking of the cookies. I can not begin to tell of all of the creative touches throughout the show; I loved the actress who played the fire in the fireplace at Christmas time.

Frog and Toad were played by Stephen Zimmerer and Tyler Weakland, respectively. Both young men had exceptional voices and great stage presence. Tyler was as full of fears and negativity as I always pictured Toad, but it was easy to see why he and easy-going Frog were good friends.

It is important that any “animal” show give the audience fun characters while staying within the natural character of the animal. This was probably best shown by Snail as she slooowly delivered the letter to Toad. I thought that Morgan Sichler played Snail because she was pretty and had a lovely smile. Then Morgan did her solo “I’m Coming Out of My Shell” and blew me away. This was no quiet little snail!

The Birds, Kylie Bumbarger, Madeline Lusk, and Jana Bontrager, were delightful. Their voices blended so well, reminding us older folks of the Andrew Sisters. The luggage for the trip South was a nice touch.

It is hard to pick out individuals from the ensemble. The turtles, frogs, seeds, moles, etc were played by Page McDonough, Bryanna Kifolo, Sasha Scherlinsky, Kim Farnsworth, and Taliya Reisterer. Jacob Hopkins was the voice of Large and Terrible Frog and really should check into a future in horror movies. He was frightening. The one person who did stand out for me was Jason Doll. I can not wait to see what he does in the future; he has a voice that I will remember and seemed to be having a ball with his parts, even if it was just standing there being a Christmas tree.

This was a show that was clever, very creative, moved exceptionally well (a vital element for a children’s show) and full of cast and crew who were having a great time. I am already excited to see their Spring Musical.