EF honored for outstanding musical

McKeesport Area and Thomas Jefferson also received awards for their spring shows.

Several high school musical theater performers throughout the Mon Valley were recently honored at the 35th Annual Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater in downtown Pittsburgh.

Established in 1991 and named for legendary performer and Pittsburgh native Gene Kelly, the awards celebrate the extraordinary talent, creativity and collaboration taking place on high school stages throughout Allegheny County each year.

The event featured live performances from eight schools nominated for Outstanding Musical and highlighted 12 student finalists nominated for Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Actress.

“What makes the Gene Kelly Awards so special isn’t just the talent, it’s the teamwork and support these students show for one another,” said Jim Scriven, director of education at Pittsburgh CLO. “Whether they’re on stage, backstage or cheering from the audience, they are building a community rooted in creativity, respect and shared passion.”

The judging panel, composed of performing arts educators, arts administrators, entertainment professionals and performers, spent the past three months attending performances at Mon Valley high schools including Elizabeth Forward, McKeesport Area, Serra Catholic and Thomas Jefferson.

Elizabeth Forward was at budget level III and won outstanding dance ensemble, outstanding vocal ensemble and outstanding musical for its performance of “Prince of Egypt.”

Pittsburgh CLO presented over $70,000 in scholarships. EF’s Oliver Moore, won a four-year, $20,000 scholarship to Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts.

Moore’s mother Kim stated on Facebook that Moore will attend Point Park in the fall with the BFA conservatory program of Theatre Performance and Creative Industries.

“He has worked diligently for the past four years in all of his roles from Phoebus de Martin in Hunchback back in ninth grade to Moses this year,” she said. “It was so gratifying to see him being rewarded for all of his hard work.”

EF Musical Director James Benedek is happy to see their nominees, along with Moore, receiving a scholarship. He added that the students’ performance was nothing short of extraordinary.

“This show was so special to all of us! We just could not be more proud of the students and to see the community support and outpouring of excitement around the success is truly wonderful,” Benedek said. “EF theater is continuing to grow and build momentum towards a bright future full of a rich arts education.”

Benedek added that walking away with the three big awards of vocal ensemble, dance ensemble and outstanding musical was an “amazing success.”

He said the students put their whole soul into this performance, and it is great to see them earn the recognition of the greater Pittsburgh theater community.

McKeesport Area, at budget level II, won outstanding scenic design for “Fiddler on the Roof,” and Thomas Jefferson, at budget level IV, also received outstanding scenic design for “9 to 5.”

Andrew Horvath of Thomas Jefferson won outstanding student artist for being a student sound technician and a lead student carpenter.

Thomas Jefferson’s director Jim Benedek said it was a good way to boost theater in general, and to showcase the gifts of young artists.

“Overall, as always, it’s just a great day to celebrate student artists and the amazing talent across Allegheny County,” Benedek said. “It is a great event to celebrate that. And I think that for my students and myself, it’s become such a community that, win, lose or draw, you’re rooting for the talents of each other, and that’s what makes it special.”