A Greene County High School Music Department production recently earned several recognitions from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards.
“The Addams Family Musical” saw lots of awards including Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role to Ava Schilling for her portrayal of Morticia Addams and Gavin Vander Linden playing Gomez Addams. Lucy Vander Linden played Fester Addams and earned the Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role, and the main cast received a Distinguished Scene Award for “Full Disclosure Part 1.”
Director David Heupel tells Raccoon Valley Radio he was proud when he learned of the awards, but not shocked, considering he felt he had a real winner on his hands.
“It fit together pretty well. And one of the things I’d said I take a lot of pride in over the years is trying to do the best job I can of taking a look at who we have, what the talents are, and then what musicals fit those specific roles in that show. If the kids can really take over like they did on this show, then you’re really doing well. The first show, I’m backstage and I hear the orchestra kicks in and they start with the duh, duh, duh, duh (to the tune of the Addams Family theme song) and then the whole crowd clapped right back, I could hear them from backstage, and I thought, ‘Oh boy this is going to be a fun show.’”
Additionally, a staff member was also recognized. Activities Secretary Misty Bettey received the Impact Award for going above and beyond to volunteer for the success of a production. Schilling nominated Bettey and Activities Director Dave Wright was excited for her to win this kind of an award.
“She’s a tremendous help and she really loves the kids and the students. I think going above and beyond what is required for her job is a good description. She spent a lot of time with the play helping with building sets, and getting the props, being at practices, and helping out. She’s definitely deserving of being recognized because she’s at everything.”
Other honors included Olivia Hoyt, who played Wednesday Addams, and Lucy Vander Linden will get to participate in a collaborative medley at the end the showcase event on June 1st at the Civic Center in Des Moines. Gavin Vander Linden will get to perform an excerpt from his role in the musical. Finally, Gavin and Schilling were also selected to compete in the Triple Threat program where they will have a chance to audition to attend a theater camp in New York City later this summer.
The IHSMTA Showcase will be June 1st at 7pm. Tickets are $15 per person and you can click the link below to purchase tickets online or by calling the Civic Center at 515-246-2300.
Purchase tickets online: https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/