Legacy’s production of Disney’s Newsies received multiple honors, including honorable mention for Achievement in Theater, the highest recognition category in the Hennepin Arts Spotlight Education Program.
As Achievement in Theater recipients, Legacy’s full cast has been invited to perform at the Spotlight Showcase, Minnesota high school theater’s biggest annual celebration! More than 1,000 students participate in this statewide event, held in early June at the historic State Theater in Minneapolis (dates to be announced). Cast members will begin practicing with biweekly rehearsals throughout the remainder of the school year.
Spotlight evaluators shared encouraging feedback about the production. One evaluator noted,
You all should be commended for an excellent performance. There was so much good energy and talent presented on stage. And the audience reactions to the number of showstoppers was proof of what you had accomplished. The work you put into this production was evident. This show was perfect for this group of actors and technicians—your passion and commitment are what shined through from beginning to end, and I found myself tearing up several times during the production. A great production of a great show!
The cast also received 9 additional group achievements:
- Overall Technical Production: Outstanding
- Ensemble Vocal Performance: Outstanding
- Overall Technical Team: Outstanding
- Overall Performance: Outstanding
- Ensemble Performance: Honorable Mention
- Ensemble Acting Performance: Honorable Mention
- Ensemble Dance Performance: Honorable Mention
- Run Crew: Honorable Mention
- Sound Crew: Honorable Mention
Reflecting on the technical artistry, another evaluator wrote,
This show has so many moving pieces, including a big cast with lots of costumes, set changeovers, and a unique space to work in. Incredible work, all around!
Another evaluator was moved by the vocal performance and shared,
The vocal performance of the full group was really the star of this show. I could have listened to the group numbers forever. Excellent work!
Cast members also achieved individual honors across four categories:
- Outstanding in Technical Leadership: Jeremiah (Jerry) Chaney as Board Operator and Lydia Callaway as Asst. Stage Manager
- Honorable Mention in a Leading Role: Olivia Cairl as Katherine, Mason Damm as Jack Kelly, Giada Marana as Medda Larkin
- Honorable Mention in Technical Leadership: Lucas Mortensen as Run Crew/Spotlight Operator
- Shout-Outs: Liam Sorenson, Stephen Chaney, Asher Bayer
Evaluators provided comments for each individual honoree. See the full awards overview and individual honors comments.