The Newark High School Spring Musical Production of “Once Upon A Mattress” won two awards at the Rochester Broadway Theater League’s Stars of Tomorrow Recognition Ceremony May 5th at the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester. The awards of recognition in Division B schools included: • Outstanding Supporting Actor. The award was given to Joey Malach, an NHS freshman. who played Minstrel in the show. • Outstanding Production Crew The show was directed by Emily Howard. NHS vocal music teacher Jean Bendix was the musical director; NHS instrumental music teacher Dave Schwind was director

of the band; Mary Lou Bonnell was the piano accompanist and Howard also was choreographer of the show. “Congratulations to our Minstrel, Joey Malach, for his recognition as a supporting actor. This was Joey's first high school musical and he handled the challenge with a positive and professional attitude,’’ Howard said. “I am also am very proud of our production and want to especially thank our stage manager, Cheyenne Lane. Cheyenne (an NHS junior) led our production crew

with great leadership and organization. “Congratulations to our entire crew: Adam DeRue, Christian Downey, Cheyenne Lane, Heather LeBerth, Isaiah Logins, Alec Matz, Lauren Santino, and Adriana Wagner.”

“Once Upon A Mattress”Wins Two Stars Of Tomorrow Awards

In photo at left is Joey Malach in a scene from the March production of “Once Upon A Mattress.”

The jewel of the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s education programs, the Stars of Tomorrow program gives recognition to high school musicals and its performing arts students in a nine-county area. Participating schools are divided into four divisions based on population and geographic area, and judges are assigned to specific divisions to score individual schools in these categories: Dance, Acting and Singing Ensemble, Supporting Actor/Actress, Production Crew, Student Orchestra, Musical Production and Leading Actor/Actress. At the annual Stars of Tomorrow Recognition, participating schools have the opportunity to perform a selection from their musical on stage at the Auditorium Theatre.

The event begins with an opening production number featuring a pair of performers from each participating school. Howard said NHS seniors Makalah Crawford, who played Princess Winnifred in “Once Upon A Mattress” and Cash Myers, who played the Jester in the show, represented Newark in that number.

Thanks to Emily Howard for providing photos from the “Stars of Tomorrow” event.