News & Events 2006-2007

Blair Players Win First Freddy Awards!

The Blair Academy Players’ winter musical production of Urinetown garnered eight Freddy Awards nominations – the most ever in this particular competition for Blair – and won in two categories. These honors, presented by The State Theatre in Easton, Pa., recognize high school musical theatre in the Lehigh Valley and Warren County, N.J. This awards program is designed to recognize and reward exceptional accomplishments in the production and performance of musical theatre in local high schools.

Craig Evans, the play’s director, who also chairs Blair’s performing arts department, initially notified cast members of their nominations: “We did it! We received eight nominations, the most ever for us! They are Gabriella Zlocki ’07 (Featured Ensemble Member); Lighting Design; Dylan Evans ’08 (Supporting Actor); Scenic Design; Stage Crew; Tina Tozzi ’08 (Featured Performance by an Actress); Todd Lewis ’08 (Outstanding Performance by an Actor); and Overall Production by a Smaller School.” Todd also performed live in the Freddy Awards’ ceremony.

Upon winning in two categories on May 24, Craig issued this news: “The Blair Academy Players had a great night at the Freddies – we won two awards – our first acting awards ever, one for Outstanding Performance by a Featured Ensemble Member to Gabriella Zlocki for her role as Little Sally, and Overall Production by a Smaller School!! Although we didn’t sweep the eight awards we were up for, we were impressed and humbled by the quality onstage all night, especially by the larger schools whose musical numbers and actors were terrific. Todd Lewis, in his nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, did an outstanding job of singing ‘Run, Freedom, Run.’ He joined Lotte Lijnzaad in the opening number that featured performers from all 26 participating schools. Tina Tozzi, who was up for Outstanding Featured Performance by an Actress, also accepted the award for Gaby who couldn’t be there due to her graduation.”

The Freddy Awards, by the way, are named after the supposed ghost of the State Theatre who is believed to be that of a former employee.

Check out the Express-Times Web site for more great pictures of Urinetown. Go to http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/expresstimes/photos/ and click on Blair Academy.

Updated 5/29/07

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