Immaculate Graduate Wins Stephen Sondheim Award

DANBURY, CT—Immaculate Class of 2021 graduate Nicole Kolitsas ended her senior year on a high note after taking home the “Best Actress” award at The Stephen Sondheim Awards for the role of “Killer Queen” in the musical “We Will Rock You.” This prestigious title allowed her and fellow classmates to take the stage one final time as IHS graduates singing “Another One Bites the Dust” at the in-person event which was held on Saturday, July 17, 2021.

For her performance, Kolitsas won a one-thousand-dollar scholarship from Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation. Had the Sondheim Awards participated in the National High School Musical Theater Awards this year, Kolitsas would have moved on to compete in the Jimmy Awards which are presented annually to high school students across the United States.

Director Matt Farina said it was a pleasure to work with Nicole for the past four years. “Theater is her passion and she wholly dedicates herself to the production, throwing herself into character development, asking questions, and always ready for a challenge. She works incredibly hard, has fun, and appreciates each moment of the rehearsal process and the camaraderie between the cast members—her peers.”

Mrs. Jennifer Doherty, choral music teacher at IHS said, “Nicole exemplifies the courage and strength she will need to pursue her passion for musical theater. In the two years I have worked with her, she has always demonstrated the highest standard of focus and energy when she is working on stage. She has set a high bar for the students at IHS.”

In addition to Kolitsas being recognized at the awards ceremony, Immaculate students Anna Flaherty, Robert Fontenelli, Vincent Fontenelli, Siobhan Reidy, and Lilly Zuccala who all performed in “We Will Rock You” were also honored. Kolitsas performed "Another One Bites the Dust" as part of a Best Actress medley with her fellow nominees. She also spent a week at Broadway Method Academy's Best Actor/Actress boot camp in being coached by industry professionals.

Kolitsas said of the experience, “Winning the Stephen Sondheim Award for Best Actress has not only been an incredible honor but a testament to the dedication of Immaculate’s Fine Arts faculty and students. This is in large part thanks to Matthew Farina who ensured that Immaculate would not go a year without a musical, despite troubling circumstances. This award means a great deal to me as someone who will be pursuing the performing arts in college and professionally. I am so grateful for this experience and the arts faculty who made it possible.”

Kolitsas will be attending Malloy College with an interest in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts.

About Immaculate High School:
Immaculate High School is a private, non-profit Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York. Founded in 1962, Immaculate High School also allows students to focus on academic excellence, spiritual development, service to others, and personal goals. Located in Danbury, CT, Immaculate High School is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport's school system.