York Students Named Finalists In State Theatre Awards

ELMHURST, IL — Three York students are finalists in the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards. According to a release, the Illinois chapter of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards- The Jimmy Awards - serves as an annual national celebration of outstanding achievement in musical theater performance by high school students. The district said IHSMTA categories include Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Overall Production.

From this spring's York High School production of West Side Story, the following students are state finalists:
senior Erik Martenson as Tony, junior Carina Kanzler as Maria and senior Tatum Langley as Anita. Martenson will be attending Ithaca College and Langley will study at Ball State University, both pursuing careers in theatre.

In addition, the district said York's rendition of West Side Story is one of five finalists for IHSMTA Best Overall Production. Performing Arts instructor Rebecca Marianetti served as director.

The Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards selects 24 nominees (12 actors and 12 actresses) to compete for top honors in front of Chicago casting agents and theater professionals. Nominees will perform on stage at the Broadway Playhouse on June 5 and receive tickets to a Broadway In Chicago show.

According to a release, from the 24 nominees, the Best Actor and Best Actress award recipients will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City to participate in a performance enrichment program and represent the State of Illinois at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, on Broadway June 26.

For more information on The Jimmy Awards, visit www.jimmyawards.com.

Photos provided by District 205.