Bridgewater-Raritan High School Musical Earns Paper Mill Rising Star Recognition

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Theatre Arts program picked up recognition from Paper Mill Playhouse for its spring production of Little Shop of Horrors, school officials announced.

The production, performed April 16 to 18 at the high school auditorium, earned a nomination for Best Scenic Design and an Honorable Mention for senior Evan Andrews, who portrayed Seymour Krelborn.

The recognition came through the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards, which spotlight high school musical productions across New Jersey.

According to the Paper Mill Playhouse website, the awards "recognize the artistry, dedication, and collaboration that bring New Jersey’s high school musical productions to life."

Heather Diaforli-Day, director of the Theatre Arts program, attended the awards ceremony on June 9 at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.

She was joined by Art Teacher Sarah Nasson, who served as set designer for the musical, and Dan Schulze, the production’s technical director.

Paper Mill Playhouse reported that 114 New Jersey high schools in 19 counties took part in the full adjudication of productions from February to April 2026.

The organization also reported that more than 100 performances were included this year.

According to Paper Mill Playhouse, those performances were attended by a team of 55 adjudicators with backgrounds in music, design, education and other fields.

The organization said each production receives in-depth feedback and insights intended to support continued growth in theatrical disciplines within a school community.

Paper Mill Playhouse also said participating educators around the state can use that feedback to continue developing professional skills and teaching techniques from year to year.

For Bridgewater-Raritan, the latest recognition adds to a strong year for the high school’s Theatre Arts program.

The school’s production of The Outsiders, staged in December, also earned recognition on the college awards circuit.

That show received five nominations from the Montclair State University Foxy Awards.