UPDATE: Salina Central Mustangs Theatre brought home the win for Outstanding Overall production and Outstanding Ensemble/Chorus for their production of Newsies! as well as giving a stellar four minute performance at the awards show. Outstanding Overall Production is the highest award given at the Jesters.
ORIGINAL: Salina Central Mustangs Theatre has garnered significant recognition with an impressive 15 Jester Award nominations from the esteemed Music Theatre of Wichita, alongside a total of 20 Regional Honors for their outstanding production of "Newsies"! Helmed by director Barbara Hilt, this production showcased the exceptional talents of its cast and crew.
Leading the ensemble was Grace Corman, who delivered a captivating performance as Katherine, supported by the talents of Wyatt Angell as Davey and Andrew Graber as Racetrack. The entire ensemble, including the supporting cast, was lauded for their remarkable contribution.
Particular highlights of the production, such as the electrifying performance of "King of New York," received special recognition, as did the orchestration under Lindsay Modin and vocal direction by Ryan Holmquist. The meticulous stagecraft, overseen by the dedicated stage crew and designers like Addilyn Jagodzinske for costume design and Bill Weaver for scenic design, further elevated the production.
The Jester Awards serve as a platform to celebrate the burgeoning talent in the realm of musical theatre across Kansas. This year, a panel of 62 trained volunteer judges evaluated a total of 134 performances from 44 productions, involving over 2,700 students and 44 schools statewide. Originating in Wichita, the program has since expanded its reach to encompass cities like Liberal, Hays, Topeka, and Pittsburg, in addition to the greater Wichita area.
Salina Central Mustangs Theatre has earned the honor of being invited to perform a four-minute selection from their acclaimed production during the awards ceremony, slated for Sunday, May 5th. They are among the select Outstanding Production Nominees for this year's event.
The prestigious Jester Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Century II Performing Arts Center's Convention Hall in Wichita, commencing at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024. The ceremony promises to be a celebration of talent, with the announcement of all honorees and captivating performances. Additionally, three deserving students will receive scholarship awards, recognizing excellence in both performance and technical theatre.
Tickets for the ceremony are priced at $15 and are available in advance online or at the door. The Jester Awards are generously sponsored by the Naftzger Fund for the Fine Arts and the Lois K. Walls Jester Fund at MTWichita.
