Ridgewood High School New Players Sweep Top Honors at Montclair State University's Foxy Awards

RHS New Players brought home four top honors from the Montclair State University Theatre Night Awards, widely known as the "Foxy Awards," in recognition of their Spring 2025 production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. The awards represent some of the most coveted recognition in New Jersey high school theatre, with approximately 160 schools from across the state submitting productions for consideration this season.

The program's haul included the evening's top prize:

• Outstanding Production of a Play — Much Ado About Nothing
• Outstanding Performance by a Leading Actor — Daniel Loughlin as "Benedick"
• Outstanding Performance by a Leading Actor — Fiona Powers as "Beatrice"
• Outstanding Achievement in Direction — Morgan Knight

The sweep of both lead acting awards — as well as the top production prize and directorial honors — is a rare distinction in a field as competitive as the Foxy Awards, which draws participation from schools spanning every corner of New Jersey.

"This recognition belongs to every single student who poured their heart into this production," said director Morgan Knight. "Shakespeare demands so much from young performers, and watching this cast rise to that challenge night after night was extraordinary. We're incredibly proud."

Standout performances came from Daniel Loughlin, whose portrayal of the witty, reluctant romantic Benedick earned him the Outstanding Leading Actor award, and Fiona Powers, who matched him beat-for-beat as the sharp-tongued Beatrice. Their chemistry anchored a production that clearly resonated with the adjudicators.

Much Ado About Nothing was performed in May 2025.

The Montclair State University Theatre Night Awards program is one of the longest-running and most respected scholastic theatre recognition programs in New Jersey, offering professional adjudication and a celebration of excellence in middle school and high school productions statewide.

The Ridgewood High School New Players is an award-winning theatrical organization dedicated to fostering a love for theatre and developing the talents of aspiring young performers and technicians. Through a diverse range of productions, New Players provides students with hands-on experience in all aspects of theatre, from acting and directing to technical design and stage management.