Staff writer
Marion High School drama department was honored Wednesday for its production of “Grease” with four nominations for the Jester Awards, presented by Music Theatre of Wichita.
The musical earned a nomination for outstanding production number for “Born to Hand Jive.”
“Greased Lightning” is one of the nominees for outstanding small ensemble.
Andrew Brookens received a nomination for outstanding guest performance by an alumnus or teacher for his part as Vince Fontaine.
Emporia State University theater student Emily Young received a nomination for outstanding choreography or musical staging.
Director Janet Killough said the students earned the recognition because of the time and effort they put into the musical.
“They deserve that, and they deserve to win,” Killough said.
Students are committed to presenting good plays and musicals to thank the school district and community for supporting fine arts education, Killough said.
“Marion is really holding its own against 5A and 6A schools,” Killough said.
The musical’s cast was very young, Killough said. She looks forward to even greater success next year.
Jester Awards judges saw 32 musicals presented by 30 high schools. Awards will be given in 23 categories.
Music Theatre created the Jester Awards eight years ago, at the suggestion of producing artistic director Wayne Bryan.
There are about 30 similar high school theater awards in the U.S. The Jester Awards were among the first dozen, Bryan said.
Multiple awards can be given in the same category. The awards are about recognition, not competition, Bryan said.
Marion’s inclusion with much larger schools indicates that high school theater is about effort, teamwork, and problem solving, not size or money, Bryan said.
A group will travel to the awards ceremony Friday at the Mary Jane Teall Theatre in Century II. Tickets are available from Music Theatre box office, (316) 265-3107.
MHS presented “Grease” Nov. 14-16.
HHS also recognized
Hillsboro High School garnered eight nominations for “Annie Get Your Gun,” which ran Nov. 13-15.
Nominees include outstanding lead actress, Jessica Elliott; outstanding graphic design or playbill, Michael Klaassen; outstanding lights, Kelsey Bartel and Shelby Koons; outstanding sound, Glanzer Pro Audio; outstanding scenic design, Terry Bebermeyer; outstanding costumes, Bebermeyer; outstanding direction, Lynn Just; and outstanding ensemble.