The 2019 Iowa High School Musical Theater Award recipients were announced recently, and the productions in the past year at Perry and Adel-DeSoto-Minburn were recognized for their quality.

The Perry High School drama and music departments joined forces for a production of “Seussical: the Musical” in the spring, while ADM High School performed “The Addams Family” in the fall. Both shows were recognized with Distinguished Scene awards, with “Alone in the Universe” netting the hardware for Perry, and “Two Things” winning for ADM. Perry’s “Seussical” also had several performer awards, starting with sophomore Ainsley Marburger who received Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role for her portrayal of “JoJo the Who.” Co-Director Randy Peterson said the honor is the highest a student actor can receive, and he felt Marburger’s performance was worthy of the praise.

Other Perry students who received individual awards include: seniors Eoin Davis as “Horton the Elephant” and Jayden Whitney as “Mayzie LaBird,” and junior Dannah Karolus as “Gertrude McFuzz” for Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role; and senior Anna Ridnour for Special Recognition for Performance as a Featured Dancer in the song “Solla Sollew.” ADM’s “Addams Family” received a pair of creative awards, including Special Recognition for Student Orchestra, and Special Recognition for a Technical, Creative, or Business Role for the hair and makeup design by sophomore Kimberly Hall.

The honors will be presented at the Awards Showcase at the Des Moines Civic Center on June 3rd at 7 p.m. While no students from either school will perform solos, Marburger, Karolus, and Whitney will join the chorus for the opening medley at the ceremony. Tickets are now on sale, and can be purchased by clicking the link below.

https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/2019-Iowa-High-School-Musical-Theater-Awards/