PHS "The Wizard of Oz" Production Nominated for 12 High School Theater Awards

's spring musical, The Wizard of Oz, has been nominated for a dozen Metropolitan High School Theater Awards.

"We are very proud of our students, parents and staff!" Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter said in an email. "Congratulations to all—This recognition of excellence is well earned and terrific!"

Fox-Alter applauded all the students, teachers and community members involved in the musical at last night's Board of Education meeting.

Nominations:

• Outstanding Overall Production
• Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role—Kathryn Faughnan for Dorothy
• Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role—Thomas Gilroy for the Scarecrow
• Outstanding Acting Performance—Jessica Gill for the Wicked Witch
• Outstanding Orchestra
• Outstanding Graphic Design—Jacob Nemec
• Outstanding —Debbie Paruolo, Lisa Ultan, Norma DeSousa
• Outstanding Lighting Achievement—Bill Brown and Devon Allen
• Outstanding Musical Direction—Thomas Heintzelman
• Outstanding Choreography—Deborah Toteda
• Outstanding Direction by Teacher—Kathleen Donovan-Warren
• Technical Merit Award (teacher nominated)—Matthew Wolf, production stage manager

This isn't the first year the high school has been recognized for its theater achievements.

In 2010, Debbie Paruolo, Norma DeSousa and Lisa Ultan won the award for Outstanding Costume Achievement for the Once Upon a Mattress production. James Britt was won Outstanding Scenic Achievement and leading actress Kathryn Faughnan is up for the same award she won last year.

Ultan said the high school awards are a nod to Broadway's annual Tony Awards. Nominees in the Outstanding Overall Musical and Best Leading Actress/Actor nominees perform during the awards ceremony..

The 2011 awards ceremony for the Metropolitan High School Theater awards will take place on Monday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Peekskill's . Visit the High School Theater Awards' website for a full list of nominees.