Two Ossining Drama Students to Compete for Musical Theater Awards

Two students who had leading roles in Ossining High School’s recent production of “In the Heights” will compete later this month for the Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance.

Miguel Angel Garcia, who played Usnavi in the musical, and Daniela Rodrigues, who was Nina, have been selected to participate in the competition, along with actors from 26 other high schools in New York City, Long Island and Rockland County.

The actors will take part in a daylong musical event in Manhattan May 22 that culminates in an ensemble production and a showcase of students’ solo performances from their respective high school musicals. A panel of experts for the Roger Rees Awards will chose the best actor and best actress of the New York metropolitan area. The winners will represent the region at the 8th annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards June 26.

The Roger Rees Awards celebrate the life and career of the late Roger Rees, who received Olivier and Tony awards for his performance in “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.” The British actor had more than 40 roles as an associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Co. and performed in multiple Broadway productions.

The Roger Rees Awards is presented by the Broadway Education Alliance in association with Camp Broadway, Disney Theatrical Productions and a coalition of Broadway professionals.