Pittsburgh CLO’s Gene Kelly Awards recognize top high school musicals
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Aspiring stars of tomorrow were recognized for their talents at the 31st Annual Pittsburgh CLO Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater on May 28 in Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center.
Named for the legendary song-and-dance man and Pittsburgh native, the awards recognize excellence in high school musical theater among 32 participating Allegheny County schools, while emphasizing the importance of arts in education.
Student thespians also gave the audience a taste of their spring musicals with a variety of live performances.
“It was thrilling to be back in the Benedum Center again,” said Mark Fleischer, Pittsburgh CLO executive director. “The last time we did the awards live was in 2019.”
Awards are given in four budget levels to ensure that all public and private schools, regardless of resources, have an equal opportunity to participate and win.
Westinghouse Arts Academy in Wilmerding came up big for its production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” with wins in categories including Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting, Best Vocal Ensemble and Best Dance Ensemble.
Woodland Hills High School also won five awards, including Best Musical, for its production of “Shrek The Musical.”
Tyler Guinto-Brody from Elizabeth Forward High School was named overall Best Actor for his portrayal of Seymour Krelborn in “Little Shop of Horrors – Broadway Version.”
Overall Best Actress honors went to Kylie Edwards from Gateway High School for her role as Janet Van De Graaff in “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
“On the surface, it feels like a competition, but it’s so thrilling to see the camaraderie and sense of community as these 32 schools come together to present this live performance,” Fleischer said. “As I watch from the wings or on the stage and hear the Benedum Center erupt, seeing the looks on (the students’) faces is just priceless.”
Theater is all about collaboration, said Nick Lenz, head of the musical theater department at Westinghouse.
“That’s what really struck us when we saw the categories that we won,” he said. “They all dealt with collaborations. Even our Best Musical win, it speaks volumes about the many people who worked on it — from top to bottom, the whole team is responsible for that win.”
Also among honorees were:
• Chartiers Valley, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins:” Best Crew/Technical Execution
• Hampton High School, “Into the Woods:” Best Scenic Design, Best Vocal Ensemble
• Pine-Richland High School, “Shrek The Musical:” Best Student Orchestra
• Riverview Jr./Sr. High School, “The Little Mermaid:” Best Lighting Design
• Thomas Jefferson High School, “Legally Blonde The Musical:” Best Scenic Design, Best Vocal Ensemble, Best Dance Ensemble, Best Crew/Technical Execution
• Maddie Casella, stage manager for North Hills Senior High School: Outstanding Student Artist
• Maxwell Pratley, as Bud Frump in Baldwin High School’s “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying:” Best Supporting Actor
Student performers also were presented with more than $70,000 in scholarships.
The evening’s entertainment included live ensemble performances by eight Best Actor and six Best Actress nominees, along with Best Actor and Actress nominees performing in character-driven medley groups. Ensembles also presented 5-minute selections from their nominated musicals.
“The awards are the icing on the cake,” Lenz said. “What was more amazing to me was seeing my kids performing on the Benedum stage. For many of them, that will be the only time they’ll have that opportunity.
“They walked off that stage feeling like stars,” he said. “That would not be possible without the CLO and the Gene Kelly Awards and everybody else who was involved.”
As Best Actor and Actress, Guinto-Brody and Edwards will represent the Gene Kelly Awards at the Jimmy Awards/National High School Musical Theatre Awards on June 27 in New York City.
There, they will join with students from across the country who participate in high school musical competitions for a week-long theater intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals, followed by a one-night showcase at The Jimmy Awards on Broadway, where judges crown the nation’s top performers.
“It’s an honor to celebrate these students and teachers and what they accomplish in the face of so many challenges,” Fleischer said. “It’s like a musical theater prom.”
For a complete list of winners, visit pittsburghclo.org.