Theatre West Takes on the Wonder Awards

The Wonder Awards are held at Shea’s Theatre in Downtown Buffalo to celebrate theatre excellence amongst the top highschools in the area. On Saturday May 17th, the ceremony commenced,  giving the opportunity to 20 high schools’ theatre programs, whose performances are adjudicated, to have the opportunity to win individual, group, and tech awards. 

Kenmore West’s Anything Goes cast was selected and began their rehearsal process a couple weeks earlier. Evangelina Greenwood says her favorite part of the rehearsal and performance process was “watching the underclassmen realize their potential and understand how much hard work pays off. I'm very excited for their upcoming years at Theatre West because I know they now have the confidence to do great things.”

The ten schools nominated for Best Theatrical Production performed a five minute medley of songs from their show on the Shea’s Stage. Kenmore West’s cast of Anything Goes had this incredible opportunity, performing songs such as “Blow, Gabriel Blow,” “Friendship,” and ”De-Lovely.”  Students rehearsed for weeks in advance, perfecting the arrangement. They worked with theatre professional Kevin Leary, to learn and perfect new choreography. Students were challenged to perfect difficult choreography with both accuracy and energy. The cast worked incredibly hard to look their best under the bright lights. Their hard work paid off as the show went off without a hitch.

While at Sheas, Kenmore West’s Production team was able to meet the Shea’s production team and get a backstage first hand look at the process. West student Evangelina Greenwood who was nominated for Outstanding Light Design and Execution speaks on the experience.

Saying she was “Very proud of the cast throughout the process, they were very devoted and committed to making it look good, it was very touching to see all my peers on stage give a great performance.” This touching statement highlights the astonishing accomplishments of the opportunity many may not receive. Kenmore Wests Orchestra put on an astounding performance.  They received the Best Student Orchestra Award, with sophomore Quinn Lew receiving it as the orchestra's representative. 

There were many individual awards that were given to recognize that many performers not only take their cast to the next level but also thrive on their own. Senior Milo Dettbarn, a semifinalist for the STAGE program out of 16 candidates, was eligible to move his way up to the Jimmy Awards, going through a week of training prior to the Wonder Awards. While he didn't move up to the Jimmy’s, he said, “It truly sparked a new passion in me for theatre. I was really happy to be performing on a stage in which thousands attend.”  He has grown  as a performer and this opens a door to many future opportunities as he continues his theatrical journey. 

Senior Isabella Teter received the award of all-star cast member, stating that “it was very rewarding to have the opportunity to perform on a stage I had seen shows on my whole life. I was grateful that my hard work was recognized by gaining the award of all-star cast member.”  

Senior Abigail Holmes was a finalist for the STAGE competition! She had the opportunity to perform a solo song on the Shea’s stage. In addition to the week-long workshop she attended, Abby blew the crowd away with her rendition of “Astonishing” from Little Women. Cast members cheered her on from the live stream backstage. Senior Naomi Lawley from Nardin Academy will be attending the Jimmy Awards for her portrayal of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. 

Overall the Wonder Awards was a time for celebration and recognition of theatrical success. For these theatre students, it's not about winning or losing, it's all about the extraordinary process of getting to that point, and sharing memories that will last a lifetime.