BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR THE 11TH ANNUAL ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS

The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) 

Are Back In Person for 2022

Come check out the future famous!

Both of my kids were in their high school musicals, as was I, so we know what a great experience shows can be for the young people involved. Every year since it's inception, we've been happy to spread the world about The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®). They're back in person for 2022 on Monday, May 23rd, so get your tickets today.

Broadway In Chicago is thrillified to announce the 24 nominees for the 2022 Broadway In Chicago Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA), which celebrates excellence in high school theatre throughout the State of Illinois and is the regional program that feeds into the National High School Musical Theatre Awards also known as The Jimmy Awards®.

NOMINEES FOR BEST ACTRESS

From Benet Academy: Madeline (Dee) Pace

From Coal City High School: Chloe Peacock

From Deerfield High School: Juliet Simon

From East Leyden High School: Athiana Moran

From James B. Conant High School: Emma Schuth

From Lane Tech High School: Charlotte Weissman

From Maroa-Forsyth High School: Katelyn Beller

From Prairie Ridge High School: Claire Jansen

From Prairie Ridge High School: Abby Malina

From Romeoville High School: Tiara Green

From Wheaton North High School: Isabella Diaz

From York Community High School: Regan Wright

 

NOMINEES FOR BEST ACTOR:

From Barrington High School: Josh Fermin

From Cary-Grove High School: Nicholas Anchetta

From Coal City High School: Derek Carlson

From Coal City High School: Aiden Kostbade

From East Leyden High School: Joel Arreola

From Harry D. Jacobs High School: Jesse Iroanyah

From Harry D. Jacobs High School: Alex Quast

From Lincoln-Way East High School: Joseph Kotze

From Mother McAuley high School: Aidan Edwards

From Mundelein High School: William Gonzalez

From Oak Park & River Forest High School: Joshua Bonds

From York Community High School: Owen Espinosa

The nominees (24 high school performers) selected from over 200 student applicants from 76 participating schools across the state of Illinois have been invited to participate in the Awards program, which will be held at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) on Monday, May 23, 2022, at 6:30 PM, hosted by Program Sponsor NBC 5’s entertainment reporter LeeAnn Trotter. Additionally the ceremony will feature a student group number number and Broadway workshop supported by WICKED. The students are taught the music number and are staged by a show representative and given the experience to work with a Broadway professional on a Broadway stage. Additionally, the show representative sits on the panel of judges made up of industry professionals in the city of Chicago to adjudicate and select the top 6 finalists along with Best Actor and Best Actress.

The 2022 program will be in person on the Broadway Playhouse stage for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic lead to 2 years of virtual events. This year, from the twenty-four nominees, two Illinois award recipients (one Best Actor, one Best Actress) will go on an all-expense-paid trip to New York City to represent the State of Illinois at The Jimmy Awards® and participate in a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on Broadway, where a panel of judges crowns the nation’s top performers. The Jimmy Awards® are named for legendary Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander. Broadway In Chicago is a Nederlander presentation and is excited to be a part of the network of theatres across the country participating in The Jimmy Awards®.

The Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards have proven to be a stepping stone for young performers, with several appearing in Broadway productions. Nathan Salstone (2012 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his Broadway debut in HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD and recently appeared in the National Tour of HADESTOWN, John Clay III (2013 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his Broadway debut in CHOIR BOY. Jack Cahill-Lemme (2016 Best Actor) is currently in the North American tour of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL which premiered in Chicago in March 2022. Additionally, Wren Rivera (2017 IHSMTA Nominee) made their Broadway debut in JAGGED LITTLE PILL, and Joy Woods (2018 IHSMTA Finalist) made her Broadway debut in March 2022, joining the Broadway cast of SIX.

Other Illinois winners have also been successful at The Jimmy Awards®: Jonah Rawitz (2014 IHSMTA Best Actor) was awarded the 2014 Jimmy Award® for Best Performance by an Actor, Cecilia Trippiedi (2016 IHSMTA Best Actress) was awarded the 2016 Jimmy Award® for Best Dancer, Darian Goulding (2018 IHSMTA Best Actor) was a 2018 Jimmy Award® finalist, and Jacob Simon (2019 IHSMTA Best Actor) was the recipient of the 2019 Rising Star Award from The Jimmy Awards®.

The 76 participating high schools involved in the program are given opportunities to see Broadway In Chicago shows and receive invitations to special events throughout the year. In years past, students performed with the casts of DEAR EVAN HANSEN and HAMILTON at Broadway In Chicago’s Summer Concert at Millennium Park, and performed with HAMILTON Chicago Company’s Miguel Cervantes (Alexander Hamilton) at the Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party at Navy Pier. Most recently students performed at Sunday’s On State, the Chicago Loop Alliance activation inviting people back to the loop after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on The Jimmy Awards®, also known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, visit www.JimmyAwards.com. For more information on both awards and complete rules and regulations, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com/about/IHSMTA/.

ABOUT THE JIMMY AWARDS®

The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) program impacts more than 140,000 students who participate in 46 regional high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $5,000,000 in educational scholarships. Presented by The Broadway League Foundation, the NHSMTA invites one Best Actress and one Best Actor nominee from each local regional ceremony to New York City for a week-long theatre intensive that includes coaching, training, and rehearsing led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals. Nominees will spend one week in New York City from Monday, June 20, 2022, through Tuesday, June 28, 2022, and their combined efforts throughout the week will lead to one extraordinary talent showcase performed live in front of an audience on a Broadway stage. The thirteenth annual Jimmy Awards will take place on Monday, June 27, 2022, at the Minskoff Theatre. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

About WICKED

WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED —the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today cheers is “a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think.”

Single tickets will go on sale on May 23, 2022. However, you can purchase group tickets now by visiting https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/tickets/groups/

About NBC 5 Chicago

NBC 5 (WMAQ-TV) is the NBC Universal owned-and-operated station in Chicago. In partnership with Telemundo Chicago (WSNS-TV) as a duopoly station, NBC 5 serves the incredibly diverse and bilingual audiences throughout the city and suburbs. As the third largest television market, NBC 5 provides news, weather, community initiatives and more for the Chicago metropolitan area, as well as, areas of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. NBC 5 features daily local news on “NBC 5 News” and local lifestyle content on “Chicago Today.” All original content is available on-air, across streaming platforms, on NBCCHICAGO.COM and on the NBC Chicago Mobile App.

About Sound, Production & Lighting (SPL)

SPL is a full-service event production and system installation company. We provide production services for corporate meetings, galas and fundraising parties, marketing activations, and anything between – we’re always up for a challenge. We offer permanent installation services for a variety of venues in fields such as live performance, education, worship, and hospitality. Our goal for any project is to provide an unparalleled experience and service. www.splchicago.com

About Jennifer Heim Photography

​Jennifer Heim Photography specializes in live stage, rehearsal and headshot photography. Having shot over 900 productions and countless headshots, Jennifer is able to capture the emotion of a scene and create images that portray character depth and beautiful lighting design. Being a director and choreographer, she can anticipate blocking and movement to capture the best moments of your production for IHSMTA submissions. You want your students to stand out in their college auditions. Jennifer teaches them how to be in front of the camera to perfectly capture their personality for college auditions. www.jenniferheimheadshots.com   

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and, over the past 20 years, has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop, including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

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Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

Got Your Fall Tickets For Broadway In Chicago Yet?

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: 

Broadway In Chicago is back with productions opening October 5th. Tickets are on sale now for touring shows from fall through January 2022. Check out the fabulous picks below and more at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Broadway In Chicago Box Office hours are currently Monday-Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. but they'll change as productions begin.

“Our audience’s health and safety is our top priority and as such you will experience many changes. We have enhanced our air handling and filtration throughout the theatres, incorporated new sanitation technologies, and have reduced all touchpoints including initiating mobile ticketing and making mobile Playbills available. And together with our audience COVID 19 protocols, we are committed to audiences being safe and healthy,” said Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago.

Audience members are all required to be masked and show proof of vaccination. For those with exceptions, proof of a negative COVID 19 test is required. All Broadway In Chicago schedules, productions, and protocols for attendance will continue to be reviewed as further guidance and recommendations are provided by the CDC, Illinois State, and Chicago Departments of Health. For the latest health and safety procedures and guidelines, visit BroadwayInChicago.com/COVID19.

Join the celebration as the curtain rises again and head over to the Broadway In Chicago Box Office to get your tickets for these upcoming shows:

RENT 25th ANNIVERSARY FAREWELL TOUR

October 5 – 10, 2021
CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St. 

For a quarter of a century, RENT has inspired us to choose love over fear and to live without regret. This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon has become more than a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone and a source of joy and strength for millions. RENT’s 25th Anniversary “Farewell Season of Love” is your FINAL CHANCE to experience this celebrated touring production – so don’t miss it!

ALTON BROWN: LIVE! BEYOND THE EATS

October 16, 2021 – Two Performances Only!
CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.
Production Photos available here.
Alton Brown is hitting the road with a new culinary variety show. Audiences can expect more comedy, more music, more highly unusual cooking demos, and more potentially dangerous science stuff. Prepare for an evening unlike any other and if Brown calls for volunteers... think twice.

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

October 26 – November 21, 2021
Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut St.

Playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundary-breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will affect the next generation of Americans. Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and

achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL

November 2 – 7, 2021
CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.

Long before she was Carole King, chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. She fought her way into the record business

as a teenager and, by the time she reached her twenties, had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll. But it wasn’t until her personal life began to crack that she finally managed to find her true voice.BEAUTIFUL tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.

PARADISE SQUARE – Pre-Broadway Premiere!

Nov. 2 – Dec. 5, 2021
James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph)

The creators of such landmark shows as Ragtime, Spring Awakening, The Laramie Project and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical bring PARADISE SQUARE to Chicago for a strictly limited engagement, prior to Broadway. New York City. 1863. The country is divided over immigration, racial tensions, and political ideology. The chaos of the Civil War rages on in the heart of the Five Points slum. But in this neighborhood, something extraordinary is occurring. Free born Blacks and those

who escaped slavery are living, working, and intermarrying with newly arrived Irish immigrants. A new music and dance flourishes. A new culture is created from an accidental society. 2021 Tony Award nominee Joaquina Kalukango (the star of lastyear’s Broadway hit Slave Play) leads the dynamic cast of this timely and compelling new musical.

Disney’s FROZEN
November 19, 2021 – January 22, 2022
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.

From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, FROZEN, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America, and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). FROZEN features the songs you love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded

score with a dozen new numbers. An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, FROZEN is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 21 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago 

EMERALD CITY THEATRE’S CORDUROY AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE THEATRE THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2020

EMERALD CITY THEATRE’S 

CORDUROY 

AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2020

CORDUROY will play Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse Theatre (175 E Chestnut) for a limited engagement from November 9, 2019 to January 5, 2020.

In this sweet adaptation of Don Freeman’s classic book, a small bear’s quest for a missing button leads to the friendship of a lifetime. After the lights are dimmed and the doors locked, the department store comes to life with circus elements and physical comedy. It’s up to Corduroy to outsmart the Night Watchman as he waits for his new pal Lisa to return with her mother. Along with exciting scenes of clowning and mischief, the story teaches the importance of empathy and unconditional love. Tailored for young imaginations, this playful adventure will delight ages three and up!



The play CORDUROY was adapted for the stage by Barry Kornhauser and is based on the Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy books by Don Freeman. Jamal Howard, the Artistic Associate at Emerald City Theatre will direct the production.  CORDUROY is produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences. The show is licensed by CBS Consumer Products.

ABOUT EMERALD CITY THEATRE
Emerald City Theatre (ECT) is Chicago’s largest theater for young audiences, reaching children 0 – 15-years-old through its three pillars of work: artistic, education, and outreach. Serving an average of over 60,000 children and their grown-ups annually, the company has created over 100 productions in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Downtown Chicago.

ECT also builds skills in children through its yearly camps, classes, and residencies – the largest theater arts education program in Chicago, serving over 64,000 students to date and an average of 200 schools annually.

ECT’s signature outreach program, One Fund supports increased literacy among Chicago’s children by providing a free play and free companion book to low-resourced Chicago Public Schools students. In 2018, ECT provided 95,000 free books to CPS students in Kindergarten – 3rd grade as part of a partnership with Mary Pope Osborne, author of the Magic Tree House book series.

ECT's lead supporters include ECT's lead supporters include the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, KPMG, Illinois Arts Council, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

For more information, please visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com. Follow @EmeraldCityThtr on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesdays: December 31 at 10AM 
Wednesdays: November 13 at 10:30AM & November 27 at 10AM
Thursdays: November 14, December 12, 19 at 10:30AM & December 26, January 2 at 10AM
Fridays: November 15, December 13, 20 at 10:30AM & November 29, December 27, January 3 at 10AM
Saturdays at 10AM
Sundays at 10AM
With an additional performance on Monday, December 23 at 10AM.

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for CORDUROY range in price from $17.50 - $25.  Individual tickets will be available by calling the Broadway In Chicago Ticketline at (800) 775-2000 or by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Tickets are available now for groups 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. 

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre. 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago.

Broadway In Chicago proudly celebrates 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre.

$25 DIGITAL LOTTERY AND RUSH TICKET POLICY FOR FOUR CHORDS AND A GUN IN CHICAGO MAY 18-JUNE 2, 2019

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

“Hey Ho Let’s Go!” to a play about the Ramones followed by a concert. Not a f***ing musical.

FOUR CHORDS AND A GUN

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ANNOUNCES

DIGITAL LOTTERY AND RUSH TICKET POLICY FOR

FOUR CHORDS AND A GUN

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S

BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE

BEGINNING ON SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019

I'll be out for opening night, May 19th, reviewing for ChiILMama.com & ChiILLiveShows.com so check back soon for my full review. 

Broadway In Chicago Broadway is delighted to announce there will be a digital lottery and rush tickets for FOUR CHORDS AND A GUN.  This new production will play Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) beginning on Saturday, May 18, 2019.



The digital lottery will begin Friday, May 17 at 9AM, and 26 tickets will be sold for every performance at $25 each. The lottery will happen online only the day before each performance. In addition, a limited number of day-of-show rush tickets will be offered for each performance at $49 each. These will be available at all performances of the run for purchase in-person at the Broadway Playhouse beginning when the box office opens daily. Seat locations vary per performance for the digital lottery and day-of show tickets.



 HOW TO ENTER THE DIGITAL LOTTERY

Follow the link “Click here for details and to enter the lottery”
Click the “Enter Now” button for the performance you want to attend.
Fill out the entry form including the number of tickets you would like (1 or 2). Patrons will receive a confirmation email once they have validated their email (one time only) and successfully entered the lottery.
After the lottery closes, patrons will be notified via email within minutes as to whether they have won or not.
Winners have 60 minutes from the time the lottery closes to pay online with a credit card.

After payment has been received, patrons can pick up tickets at the Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) no sooner than 30 minutes before show time with a valid photo ID.




DIGITAL LOTTERY ADDITIONAL RULES

Limit 1 entry per person, per performance. Multiple entries will not be accepted. Patrons must be 18 years old and have a valid, non-expired photo ID that matches the names used to enter. Tickets are non-transferable. All lottery prices include a $3.50 facility fee. Ticket limits and prices displayed are at the sole discretion of the show and are subject to change without notice. Lottery prices are not valid on prior purchases. Lottery ticket offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. All sales final - no refunds or exchanges.  Lottery may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. No purchase necessary to enter or win.  A purchase will not improve your chances of winning.


ABOUT FOUR CHORDS AND A GUN

FOUR CHORDS AND A GUN written by actor John Ross Bowie (The Big Bang Theory, Speechless) reveals the drama-filled 1979 recording session that led to The Ramones album, End of the Century, produced by Phil Spector.

Based on Bowie’s exhaustive research, the script delves into the personal tensions between the punk band members as well as their often-violent struggles with Spector. It’s a powerful story both funny and touching - which explores the Ramones, Linda Daniele (the woman who loved two of them) and the charismatic, destructive Spector.

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets are currently on sale and range in price from $39.95-$69.95 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.



ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre. Broadway In Chicago proudly celebrates 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

KUDOS TO 2019 BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARD RECIPIENTS

2019 BROADWAY IN CHICAGO 

ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL 

MUSICAL THEATRE AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

BEST ACTOR: JACOB SIMON (DEERFIELD, IL)
BEST ACTRESS: MARGUERITE REED (PALOS PARK, IL)
BEST PRODUCTION AWARD: CARY-GROVE HIGH SCHOOL
BEST DIRECTION AWARD: SUSAN S. GORMAN (DEERFIELD HIGH SCHOOL)
BEST SCENIC DESIGN AWARD: BENET ACADEMY
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD: CARY-GROVE HIGH SCHOOL
BEST ENSEMBLE AWARD: LIBERTYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Best Actor and Actress Award Recipients will Represent Illinois in
“The Jimmy Awards®,” also known as The National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, named after James M. Nederlander



In celebration of outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre performances, Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the award recipients of the Eighth Annual Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA) sponsored by NBC 5: Jacob Simon of Deerfield, IL (Deerfield High School) as BEST ACTOR for his portrayal of “Bobby Child” in CRAZY FOR YOU  and Marguerite Reed of Palos Park, IL (Mother McAuley High School) as BEST ACTRESS for her portrayal of “Betty Haynes” in IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS. Jacob and Marguerite will represent the state of Illinois at The Jimmy Awards® (also known as The National High School Musical Theatre Awards®) in New York on June 24, 2019.

Cary-Grove High School was awarded Best Production presented by Guardian Music Travel for their production of ALL SHOOK UP and Benet Academy was awarded Best Scenic Design presented by SPL, celebrating excellence in scenic design, for their production of PIPPIN (designed by Ramon Marth and Charlie Pipal). Susan S. Gorman was awarded the Best Direction Award for her direction of Deerfield High School’s production of CRAZY FOR YOU. Two new categories were presented this year: Cary-Grove High School was awarded Best Choreography for their production of ALL SHOOK UP (choreographed by Amy Krigas), and Libertyville High School was awarded Best Ensemble for their production of PIPPIN.

On Monday, May 6, Broadway In Chicago crafted a full day of workshops with theatre professionals for twenty-four nominees that culminated in a performance on stage at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. During the day, nominees performed for a panel of casting agents and theater professionals who chose the recipients of performance awards. 

In addition to a workshop led by CHICAGO THE MUSICAL cast member Christophe Caballero (Dance Captain/Swing), whose previous theatrical credits include four Broadway shows including original Tony®-winning companies of La Cage Aux Folles & Jerome Robbins' Broadway (who also performed at the Tony Awards® during each of the last three decades), each nominee received tickets to CHICAGO THE MUSICAL. The musical will play at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph) from May 7-12, 2019.

BEST ACTOR Jacob Simon and BEST ACTRESS Marguerite Reed will be sent to New York City, on an all-expense paid trip, for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase, where they will represent the state of Illinois at The Jimmy Awards® on Broadway, on Monday, June 24, 2019. The Jimmy Awards® are named for legendary Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander. Broadway In Chicago is a Nederlander presentation, and is excited to join the network of theatres across the country participating in The Jimmy Awards®.

The Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards have proven to be a stepping stone for young performers, with several appearing in Broadway productions. Nathan Salstone (2012 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his Broadway debut in HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD, and John Clay III (2013 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his Broadway debut this year in CHOIR BOY. Other Illinois winners have also been successful at The Jimmy Awards®: Jonah Rawitz (2014 IHSMTA Best Actor) was awarded the 2014 Jimmy Award® for Best Performance by an Actor, Cecilia Trippiedi (2016 IHSMTA Best Actress) was awarded the 2016 Jimmy Award® for Best Dancer, and Darian Goulding (2018 IHSMTA Best Actor) was a 2018 Jimmy Award® finalist.

The 72 participating high schools involved in the program are given opportunities to see Broadway In Chicago shows and receive invitations to special events throughout the year. Recently, students performed with the cast of DEAR EVAN HANSEN (including the star of the National Tour Ben Levi Ross) at Broadway In Chicago’s Summer Concert at Millennium Park, in addition to performing with HAMILTON Chicago Company’s Miguel Cervantes (Alexander Hamilton) at the Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party at Navy Pier.

For more information on The Jimmy Awards®, also known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, visit www.jimmyawards.com. For more information on both awards and complete rules and regulations, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com/about/IHSMTA/.



ABOUT THE JIMMY AWARDS®
The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) program impacts more than 100,000 students who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of Touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Presented by the Broadway League Foundation, the program sends a Best Actress and Best Actor winner from each of these competitions to New York for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only talent showcase on Broadway. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $2,000,000 in educational scholarships. The eleventh annual Jimmy Awards® will take place on Monday, June 24, 2019 at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. Coaching and rehearsals for this one-of-a-kind event will be held Monday, June 17, 2019 through Monday, June 24, 2019 in New York City. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

Broadway In Chicago proudly celebrates 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

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Awards Program May 6th at Broadway Playhouse for EIGHTH ANNUAL ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL

ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS

HOSTED BY NBC 5’s LEEANN TROTTER

FEATURING A WORKSHOP BY CAST MEMBER OF 

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL

2018 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards 

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce the twenty-four students nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress, and nominees for Best Production presented by Guardian Music Travel, Best Direction, Best Scenic Design presented by SPL, Best Choreography, and Best Ensemble for the eighth annual Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA). The nominees (12 young actors and 12 young actresses), selected after evaluating 72 productions and over 275 student applicants across the state of Illinois, have been invited to participate in the Awards program, which will be held at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 6:30PM and hosted by NBC 5 entertainment reporter LeeAnn Trotter. Sponsored by NBC 5, the Illinois chapter of The Jimmy Awards® (National High School Musical Theatre Awards) serves as an annual national celebration of outstanding achievement in musical theater performance by high school students.

Broadway In Chicago has crafted a workshop led by CHICAGO THE MUSICAL cast member Christophe Caballero (Dance Captain/Swing), whose previous theatrical credits include four Broadway shows including original Tony®-winning companies of La Cage Aux Folles & Jerome Robbins' Broadway. He performed at the Tony Awards® during each of the last three decades. CHICAGO THE MUSICAL will play at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph) from May 7-12, 2019.

The workshop for these twenty-four nominees will culminate in a performance onstage at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. During the day, nominees will perform for a panel of casting agents and theatre professionals who will choose the recipients of performance awards. A Best Actress and Best Actor winner from Illinois will be sent to New York City, on an all-expense paid trip, for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase, where they will represent the state of Illinois at The Jimmy Awards® on Broadway.

In addition to the workshop, all 24 nominated students in the program will receive tickets to CHICAGO THE MUSICAL.

The Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards have proven to be a stepping stone for young performers, with several appearing in Broadway productions. Nathan Salstone (2012 IHSMTA Best Actor) recently performed in HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD, and John Clay III (2013 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his Broadway debut this year in CHOIR BOY. Other Illinois winners have also been successful at The Jimmy Awards®: Jonah Rawitz (2014 IHSMTA Best Actor) was awarded the 2014 Jimmy Award® for Best Performance by an Actor, Cecilia Trippiedi (2016 IHSMTA Best Actress) was awarded the 2016 Jimmy Award® for Best Dancer, and Darian Goulding (2018 IHSMTA Best Actor) was a 2018 Jimmy Award® finalist.

The 72 participating high schools involved in the program are given opportunities to see Broadway In Chicago shows and receive invitations to special events throughout the year. Recently, students performed with the cast of DEAR EVAN HANSEN (including the star of the National Tour Ben Levi Ross) at Broadway In Chicago’s Summer Concert at Millennium Park, in addition to performing with HAMILTON Chicago Company’s Miguel Cervantes (Alexander Hamilton) at the Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party at Navy Pier.

For more information on both awards and complete rules and regulations, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com/about/IHSMTA/. For more information on National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as The Jimmy Awards®, visit www.jimmyawards.com.

NOMINEES FOR BEST ACTRESS
·         Barrington High School’s Into the Woods as “Bakers Wife”: Margaret Baustert
·         Barrington High School’s Into the Woods as “The Witch”: Sierra Fermin
·         Benet Academy’s Pippin as “Catherine”: Megan Delaney
·         Cary-Grove High School’s All Shook Up as “Sylvia”: Alysha Brezina
·         Grayslake Central High School’s Les Miserables as “Fantine”: Liyana Ishamuddin
·         Harry D. Jacobs High School’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid as “Ariel”:  Sydney Olson
·         Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Chicago as “Velma Kelly”: Jaira Stanley
·         Loyola Academy’s Oliver! as “Nancy” : Emma Samuelson
·         Mother McAuley High School’s Irving Berlin’s White Christmas as “Betty Haynes”: Marguerite Reed
·         Stevenson High School’s Shrek the Musical as “Princess Fiona”: Isabel Koleno
·         York Community High School’s Bright Star as “Margo”: Bridey Costello
·         York Community High School’s Bright Star as “Alice Murphy”: Erin Lee

NOMINEES FOR BEST ACTOR
·         Addison Trail High School’s Newsies as “Jack Kelly”: Connor White
·         Benet Academy’s Pippin as “Pippin”: Patrick Vivoda
·         Bolingbrook High School’s Jekyll & Hyde as “Jekyll/Hyde”: Spencer Avery
·         Cary-Grove High School’s All Shook Up as “Dennis”: Nathan Ancheta
·         Cary-Grove High School’s All Shook Up as “Chad”: Blake Nolan
·         Coal City High School’s Tuck Everlasting as “Jesse Tuck”:Gavyn Williams
·         Deerfield High School’s Crazy For You as “Bobby Child”: Jacob Simon
·         Grayslake Central High School’s Les Miserables as “Jean Valjean”:Sean Lambie
·         Harry D. Jacobs High School’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid as “Prince Eric”: Mitchell Barrett
·         John Hersey High School’s Urinetown as “Bobby Strong”: Jason Schmidt
·         Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Chicago as “Amos Hart”: Declan Collins
·         York Community High School’s Bright Star as “Jimmy Ray Dobbs”:  Michael Bindeman


NOMINEES FOR BEST PRODUCTION presented by Guardian Music Travel
·         Benet Academy’s Pippin
·         Cary-Grove High School’s All Shook Up
·         Coal City High School’s Tuck Everlasting
·         Deerfield High School’s Crazy for You
·         York Community High School’s Bright Star

NOMINEES FOR BEST DIRECTION
·         Brian Wand & Lauren Butera, Benet Academy’s Pippin
·         Jack Micetich, Coal City High School’s Tuck Everlasting
·         Susan Gorman, Deerfield High School’s Crazy For You
·         Jennifer Goss, St. Charles East High School’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
·         Abra Chusid, Stevenson High School’s Shrek the Musical

NOMINEES FOR BEST SCENIC DESIGN presented by SPL
·         Benet Academy’s Pippin
·         Bolingbrook High School’s Jekyll & Hyde
·         Cary-Grove High School’s All Shook Up
·         Coal City High School’s Tuck Everlasting
·         Hinsdale South High School’s Chicago

NOMINEES FOR BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
·         Cary-Grove High School’s All Shook Up
·         Crystal Lake South’s Newsies
·         Deerfield High School’s Crazy for You
·         Libertyville High School’s Pippin
·         The Chicago High School for the Arts’ Bring It On the Musical

NOMINEES FOR BEST ENSEMBLE
Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School’s Les Miserables
Cary-Grove High School’s All Shook Up
Deerfield High School’s Crazy for You
Libertyville High School’s Pippin
Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Chicago

LIST OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Addison Trail High School
Barrington High School
Benet Academy
Bloomington High School
Bolingbrook High School
Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School
Byron High School
Canton High School
Carl Sandburg High School
Cary-Grove High School
Burlington Central High School
Chicago Academy for the Arts
Chicago Christian High School
Coal City High School
Crystal Lake Central High School
Crystal Lake South High School
Deerfield High School
Downers Grove North High School
Dundee Crown High School
Dunlap High School
Evergreen Park High School
Farmington Central High School
Fenwick High School
Frankfort Community High School
Geneva Community High School
Glenbard South High School
Glenbard West High School
Grant Community High School
Grayslake Central High School
Hampshire High School
Harry D. Jacobs High School
Hinsdale South High School
Homewood-Flossmoor High School
John Hersey High School
Kaneland High School
Lane Tech High School
Larkin High School
Leyden High Schools
Libertyville High School
Lincoln-Way East High School
Lincoln-Way West High School
Loyola Academy
Mahomet-Seymour High School
Maine East High School
Maine South High School
Minooka Community High School
Moline High School
Mother McAuley High School
Normal Community High School
Northside College Prep
Oak Park and River Forest High School
Palatine High School
Plainfield East High School
Prairie Ridge High School
Providence Catholic High School
Riverside Brookfield High School
Rosary High School
Saint Ignatius College Prep
South Elgin High School
St. Charles East High School
Sterling High School
Stevenson High School
The Chicago High School for the Arts
Thornton Fractional North High School
Thornton Fractional South High School
Trinity High School
Vernon Hills High School
Wauconda High School
Westminster Christian School
William Fremd High School
William Howard Taft High School
York Community High School


ABOUT THE JIMMY AWARDS®
The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) program impacts more than 100,000 students who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of Touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Presented by the Broadway League Foundation, the program sends a Best Actress and Best Actor winner from each of these competitions to New York for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only talent showcase on Broadway. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $2,000,000 in educational scholarships. The eleventh annual Jimmy Awards® will take place on Monday, June 24, 2019 at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. Coaching and rehearsals for this one-of-a-kind event will be held Monday, June 17, 2019 through Monday, June 24, 2019 in New York City. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
NBC 5 CHICAGO
NBC 5 (WMAQ-TV) is the owned NBC station in Chicago. Originally WNBQ, the station’s current call letters, WMAQ-TV, were established in 1964. During NBC 5 Chicago’s rich history, the station pioneered a number of television “firsts.” On April 15, 1956, NBC 5 became the world’s first all-color TV station. In September of 1986, NBC 5 became the first Chicago commercial station to broadcast in stereo. In 1989, NBC 5 was the first Chicago station to present closed captioning of all local newscasts. Currently, NBC 5 airs over 37 hours of local news per week in HD on its core channel and the latest news, weather and streamed original content on NBCCHICAGO.COM and the NBC Chicago Mobile App.

The host of the eighth annual Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards, LeeAnn Trotter, is NBC 5's entertainment reporter, covering everything from restaurants to celebrities to what's happening around town. She also contributes regular "Making a Difference" segments. This Chicago native joined NBC 5 in December 2005, after working at CLTV for eight years. There, she anchored the weekend news and hosted the award-winning entertainment show, "Metromix: The TV Show," which earned her a local Emmy and several nominations for Best On Camera Performance. Prior to working at CLTV, she was the News and Public Affairs Director at WUSN-FM, where she reported news on the morning show and hosted, "Chicago Up Close," a weekly public affairs show.  She also worked at FOX News, WGN Radio and WBBM Newsradio.

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL is the #1 Longest Running American Musical and the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical Revival, and the Grammy Award® for Best Musical Cast Recording. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO THE MUSICAL is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. CHICAGO THE MUSICAL will play the Cadillac Palace Theatre May 7-12 starring NFL Legend and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George as “Billy Flynn,” following a successful limited engagement in the same role on Broadway in 2016.

GUARDIAN MUSIC TRAVEL          
Guardian Music Travel is a company that specializes in student group travel across the United States and abroad. This educator founded and operated company provides the finest service in the industry at the best price.  The company has thrived using its model of teachers working with the Guardian staff of educators to create custom itineraries and wonderful educational experiences.  Guardian’s theatre groups have loved the New York City packages including Broadway shows and workshops with professional and teachers. For more information, visit www.gmgtravel.com.

SOUND, PRODUCTION & LIGHTING
Sound, Production & Lighting (SPL) is a full-service event production and system installation company.  We provide production services for corporate meetings, galas and fundraising parties, marketing activations, and anything between - we're always up for a challenge. We offer permanent installation services for a variety of venues in fields such as live performance, education, worship, and hospitality. Our goal for any project is to provide an unparalleled experience and service. https://www.splchicago.com/

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

Broadway In Chicago proudly celebrates 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

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