Pomperaug Students Take Home Top Prize in Halo Awards

Pomperaug’s Sarah M. won Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Cinderella in Cinderella and Nina P. won Best Featured Actress for her role as the stepmother in Cinderella.

Modeled on the Broadway Tony Awards, the Halo Awards (now in its 8th year) recognize high school productions in the region. Seven Angel’s artistic/production staff members attend all the high school productions, evaluate the productions and then nominate in twenty-six categories just like the Tonys. The Halo program is the only such program in Connecticut.

“I am very proud of these wonderful students and for their hard work this season,” said PHS Artistic Director, Paul E. Doniger.

The following Pomperaug High School were nominated in the following categories:

1.      Best Classic Musical (Pre-1965): Cinderella

2.      Best Actress in a Musical: Sarah McVerry as Cinderella in Cinderella

3.      Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Colleen Gunning as Fairy Godmother in Cinderella

4.      Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Nina Paganucci as the Stepmother in Cinderella

5.      Best Couple in a Musical: Magghie Warner and Austin Carnes as Queen & King in Cinderella

6.      Best Specialty Ensemble in a Musical: Stepmother & Stepsisters in Cinderella (Nina Paganucci, Tessa Newell & Samantha McCloghry)

7.      Best Dancing: PHS for Cinderella

8.      Best Student Orchestra: PHS for Cinderella

9.      Best Featured Actress in a Play: Angelica Aconfora as Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream

10.  Student Lighting Design/Execution: Mary Doolin for Cinderella

11.  Student Stage Manager: Molly O'Lena for Cinderella

12.  Best Special Effects by a Student: Hair & Make-up Design for Cinderella Brooklyn Cucchiara, Tania Varela, & Annmarie Savarese