Hampton High School musical captures 6 Gene Kelly Awards

Hampton High School’s “Something Rotten!” won a school record-tying six awards at the 32nd annual Pittsburgh CLO Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater.

The event, featuring group performances by the students from the participating schools, and medleys from the nominees for Best Actor and Actress, was held on May 27 at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

Hampton captured these awards in Budget Level IV (the highest budget category): Best Musical, Best Dance Ensemble, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Costume Design.

In addition, senior Brooks Brady was named Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Thomas Nostradamus in “Something Rotten!” Senior Leah McConnell was also awarded a 2023 Gene Kelly Awards Scholarship for representing the vision and integrity of the program as demonstrated through their artistic and academic excellence.

“These kids have been working together as long as I’ve known them since ninth grade, and they collaborate exceptionally well,” said Daniel Franklin, high school musical theater director. “They possess a wealth of experience on stage, drawing energy from one another and supporting each other. What’s remarkable about these kids is that many of them share a strong bond off stage.”

Hampton High School won six Gene Kelly Awards in 2014 (Young Frankenstein) and in 2017 (Big Fish).

The Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater was launched in 1991 as a means to recognize and encourage student achievement, and to focus the attention of the community and school districts on the importance of musical theater and arts education.