News release
MADISON — The Overture Center for the Arts in Madison has announced that cast and crew members from the Parker Arts Academy at Parker High School have been recognized with awards through its Jerry Awards program.
The program, named after Madison-area philanthropist and arts supporter W. Jerome Frautschi,
encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in musical theater.
Ninety-seven high schools and community theaters from 28 Wisconsin counties participated in this year’s Jerry Awards.
Parker Arts Academy’s production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]” received the following Jerry Awards:
Outstanding Musical
Outstanding Direction: Colin Swanson and Jim Tropp
Outstanding Music Direction: Abby Goodhall and Matt Knutson
Outstanding Choreography: Michael Stanek and Dijon Kirkland
Outstanding Scenic Design: Colin Swanson and Jim Tropp
Outstanding Sound Design: Bob Mentele
Costume Design: Amber Hayes and Amber Fornstedt
Outstanding Leading Performance: Griffin Eldridge
Outstanding Supporting Performance: Michael Sanchez
Outstanding Dance Performance: Owen Pittenger and Leah Sodemann
Spirit Awards: Gari Sellers and Sonia Tomasiewicz
Parker’s production of “Mamma Mia!” received the following Jerry Awards:
Outstanding Dance Performance: Sophia Meyer, Leo Rainiero and Leah Sodemann
Spirit Awards: Haven Lane and Michael Miller
Outstanding Choreography: Micahel Stanek
Outstanding Scenic Design: Jim Tropp
Outstanding Lighting: Bob Mentele
Parker’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical” received the following Jerry Awards:
Outstanding Supporting Performance: Faith Clasen and Lucy Natale
Spirit Award: Ella Hale and Aliyah Housley
Outstanding Direction: Colin Swanson
Outstanding Choreography: Michael Stanek and Dijon Kirkland
Outstanding Scenic Design: Colin Swanson
Outstanding Lighting Design: Bob Mentele
Outstanding Costume Design: Amber Hayes and Amber Fornstedt
Outstanding Stage Crew
This year, the program has 500-plus award recipients from 105 productions in 97 communities across the state. These productions were at schools of varying sizes with varying budgets.
“I continue to be impressed at the high quality of high school musical theater programs across our state,” said Tim Sauers, chief artistic experiences officer.
The 2022/23 Jerry Awards program will culminate in a show honoring student and school achievements, including performances by the Outstanding Award recipients, in Overture Hall on
Sunday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Two outstanding lead performers will be selected to represent the program at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (Jimmy Awards) competition in New York City.