Rye Neck's 'Peter Pan' Earns 6 Nominations at Tri-County Awards

The high school theater communities of Rockland, Westchester and Bergen Counties came together under one roof Monday night for the 2010 Metropolitan Awards, or "Metros"—and Rye Neck and Mamaroneck students were among those who snagged nominations.

A total of 39 schools were represented at the eleventh annual Metros—formerly known as the Helen Hayes High School Theatre Awards—held in Peekskill's Paramount Center for the Arts. 27 awards were given out to celebrate the hard work and talent showcased in each school's musicals.

The students of Rye Neck High School had a particularly successful run. Although they did not win awards, they earned six nominations for their production of "Peter Pan," including Outstanding Chorus, Outstanding Vocal Performance by Midori Takasaki, Outstanding Comic Performance by Frank Pisco, Outstanding Orchestra, Outstanding Graphic Design by Jennifer Dallow and Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role by Zak Eisenberg.

The audience had a chance to see Eisenberg's chops, as each of the eight boys and girls nominated for Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role put on a brief show.

"This was definitely the experience of my life," Eisenberg said. "The entire Rye Neck cast, crew, directors—we're like a family. We're really close. The nomination isn't just for me, it's for all of them."

Mamaroneck High School was also represented at the Metros for its production of "Urinetown"—Mamaroneck's Wednesday Derrico was nominated for Outstanding Vocal Performance for her performances as Penelope Pennywise. 

The award ceremony was hosted by New York actor Michael West, who most recently appeared in "Forbidden Broadway." The night also featured a wide array of theatre-industry presenters, including Broadway actors Ray McLeod and Liz Griffin. But the large number of students on hand were without a doubt the real stars of the show—high schoolers from all different towns cheered, danced and sang from beginning to end.

Danielle Rudess, producer of the 2010 Metros, noted the awards are a highlight for high school arts.

"I'm thrilled that the theater and arts education community gets this kind of buzz," Rudess said. "Especially because in our schools, arts education budgets are being cut. Even before the budgets were cut arts education was fighting to stay alive, so I love to see the energy and the kids celebrating. I hope that the kids who win, and the kids who didn't win, all leave feeling like they're part of a bigger community of people who are talented and support them. That's what this is all about."