Anderson Theatre’s Fall Musical “Blood Brothers” was the show to beat at this year’s Cappies Gala. The show brought home six of the coveted Cappie awards, including the top prize for Best Musical. Anderson Theatre received more performance and technical awards than any other participating high school.
“I could not be more proud, or more thrilled,” said Chad Weddle, Anderson Theatre’s Director.
Actor Sam Ray, who had just graduated from Anderson High School the morning of the Gala, accepted the Best Musical award on stage surrounded by the majority of the “Blood Brothers” cast and crew. He thanked Mr.
Weddle and all the teachers and parents who have supported the Theatre Department throughout the year.
Daniel Lees, also a graduated senior, received the award for Best Male Actor in a Musical for his role as Mickey Johnstone. He also shared the award for Best Ensemble in a Musical with Jeff Heimbrock, a junior, who played his twin brother. Daniel’s remarks included a thank you to his grandparents, who had flown in from England for the weekend’s events.
Sophomore Cody Foster won Best Featured Actor in a Musical. The Best Lighting award went to senior Sheehan Hannan and his crew: Shelby Banks, Ben McConnell, and Julia Burroughs. Sheehan also thanked his grandmother, whom he said made his success possible. Andy Knolle, a sophomore, received the Best Sound award along with his crew: Tim Ficke, Greg Brinkman, and David Caggiano.
The Cappies Gala took place in Proctor & Gamble Hall at the Aronoff Center for Performing Arts. “Blood Brothers” and the Anderson High School Cappies Critic Team had been nominated for sixteen awards. As part of the Gala, the students performed their nominated song “Tell Me It’s Not True.”
The Cappie Awards were presented by celebrities such as Ed Stern, the Artistic Director of Playhouse in the Park, and D. Lynn Meyers, the Artistic Director of Ensemble Theatre. But the focus of the evening was on the students, and for Anderson Theatre it was a night to remember.
Anderson Theatre Director Chad Weddle poses with the award winning cast and crew after the Gala. He is flanked by seniors Rachel Kuhn, Dominique Schiano, Margie Lund, Sheehan Hannan, Olivia Donnelly, Daniel Lees, Sam Ray, and Lauren Heckman.
The cast of Anderson Theatre’s “Blood Brothers” performs their nominated song “Tell Me It’s Not True” on the Aronoff Stage during the Cappies Awards Gala.