The Patriot Players honored at musical theatre awards

The Patriot Players—Liberty’s talented group of student actors—received numerous accolades at the 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards for their production of Seussical. Designed as a high school version of the Tony Awards, the 5th Avenue Awards program honors high school students throughout Washington who put on quality musical theater entertainment. All nominees are invited to the annual awards show at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, which was held this year on Thursday, June 8.

In addition to being asked to perform on stage during the ceremony, the Patriot Players won Best Chorus and Best Costume Design. Teacher Katherine Klekas took home Best Director. Seussical was also nominated in eight other categories: Outstanding Overall Musical Production, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Group, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Orchestra, Outstanding Lighting Design, Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design, and Outstanding Stage Crew.

More information and pictures of the Patriot Players are online.

Actors at Issaquah High and Skyline also stole some time in the spotlight at the ceremony.

Issaquah High’s production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was nominated for Outstanding Orchestra. Erin Roberts, who played Milly, received an honorable mention in the category of Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role. And Jordan Swartz was named an Outstanding Ensemble Member.

Skyline’s Patrick Shelton received an honorable mention in the category of Outstanding Male Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Hero in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

The awards ceremony, including performances from schools around the state, can be viewed in streaming video on TVW’s Web site.