Photo Flash: Broadway In Chicago Celebrates Winners of 2017 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards

In celebration of outstanding achievement in high school musical theater performances, Broadway In Chicago has announced the award recipients of the Sixth Annual Illinois High School Musical Theater Awards: Justin Smusz of Bolingbrook, IL (Benet Academy) as BEST ACTOR for his portrayal of Chad in ALL SHOOK UP and Carly Meyer of Northbrook, IL (Glenbrook North High School) as BEST ACTRESS for her portrayal of Hodel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Justin and Carly will represent the state of Illinois at The Jimmy Awards in New York on June 26, 2017. Scroll down for photos of the winners!

York Community High School was awarded the Best Production Award for their production of WEST SIDE STORY and Cary-Grove High School was awarded the Grosh Scenic Design Award, celebrating excellence in scenic design, for their production of EVITA. Lauren Condon and Brian Wand were awarded the Best Direction Award for their direction of Benet Academy's production of ALL SHOOK UP.

On Monday, June 5, Broadway In Chicago crafted a full day of workshops with theatre professionals for twenty-four nominees that culminated in a performance on stage at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. During the day, nominees auditioned for a panel of casting agents and theater professionals who chose the recipients of performance awards.

In addition to the day of workshops featuring Chicago actor Jonathan Weir (Jafar) in Disney's Aladdin North American tour and Disney Teaching Artist Kelly Jacobs who previously performed in Chicago in Disney's Mary Poppins North American tour, nominees will receive tickets to Disney's Aladdin in Chicago, currently playing at Broadway In Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre through Sept. 10, 2017.

Justin Smusz and Carly Meyer will be provided with an all-expense paid trip to New York City to participate in a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on Broadway, where a panel of judges crowns the nation's top performers. They will represent the state of Illinois at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, on Broadway, on Monday, June 26, 2017. The National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as The Jimmy Awards, are named for legendary Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander. Broadway In Chicago is a Nederlander presentation, and is excited to join the network of theatres across the country participating in The Jimmys.

The Jimmy Awards/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA) impacts more than 50,000 students who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of Touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. A Best Actress and Best Actor winner from each of these competitions is sent to New York for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on Broadway, where a panel of judges crowns the nation's top performers. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $1,000,000 in educational scholarships.

In 2012, the program inspired preeminent broadcaster WGBH Boston to produce a 3-part documentary series called "Broadway or Bust," which follows students on a journey from their hometown competitions to their debut on Broadway. The series remains popular viewing at www.pbs.org. Presented by The Broadway League Foundation, the ninth annual Jimmy Awards will take place on Monday, June 26, 2017 at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. Coaching and rehearsals for this one-of-a-kind event will be held Monday, June 19, 2017 through Monday, June 26, 2017 in New York City. For more information, visit www.JimmyAwards.com.

Justin Smusz

Carly Meyer
York Community High School, winners for Best Production
Cary Grove High School, winners for Best Scenic Design
Benet Academy, winners for Best Direction