The Wauwatosa West High School theatre department has secured multiple Jerry Awards nominations for its fall production of Frozen: The Broadway Musical.
The production ran from November 10 to 18, 2023. In September 2022, Wauwatosa West secured the exclusive rights to produce Frozen, being the only high school in Wisconsin awarded this opportunity through "The United States of Frozen: Love Is an Open Door" competition.
“I am immensely proud of our cast, crew, and the dedicated students whose hard work and commitment brought this unique production to life,” said Adam Steffan, Wauwatosa West High School theatre director. “To see their efforts recognized by the Jerry Awards and celebrated with such acclaim and rave reviews is an honor in itself."
Jerry Awards nominations received for the production include Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble, and Outstanding Orchestra. Individual nominations recognize the contributions of Wauwatosa West Theatre Director Adam Steffan for Outstanding Direction, Alex Hunt and Sarah Melcher for Outstanding Musical Direction, and Sarah Plamann, Anne Shaw, Nancy Visintainer-Armstrong, and Bella Zeimet for Outstanding Choreography.
The production also received praise in design and technical categories, with nominations for Outstanding Overall Design, Outstanding Scenic Design by Dale Shively, Outstanding Lighting Design by Aaron Zimmerman, Outstanding Sound Design by Matt Pea, Outstanding Stage Crew, and Outstanding Costume, Wig/Hair and Make-up Design by Andrea Loss, Anna Thaney, and Katie Krause.
Students garnered nominations for Outstanding Leading Performances by Faye Muma, Ceili Callahan, Benjamin Everts, Charlie Hannan, and Brett Burgoyne. Additionally, Evan Hryniewicki, Peter Neugent, and Ashley Nash were nominated for Outstanding Supporting Performances, while Amelia Sajdak and Cora Boyce received nominations for Outstanding Youth Performance.
The Jerry Awards, named after Madison-area arts supporter Jerome Frautschi, celebrate excellence in Wisconsin high school musical theatre. Reviewing over 85 high schools across 30 counties, only a select few of the evaluated productions and student thespians receive awards annually.
The 2023-24 Jerry Awards winners will be announced in May of 2024. To learn more about the awards, visit https://www.overture.org/engage/jerry-awards-ensemble/.