For Immediate Release

Monday, June 20, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Melrose Drama Department Earns Record Number of METG Awards

MELROSE — Superintendent Cyndy Taymore is pleased to announce that Melrose Drama won a record number of awards from the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) last week.

The award ceremony took place on June 13 at the Cutler-Majestic Theatre in Boston. Over 50 students and 20 parents attended.

METG is a nonprofit organization that promotes and strengthens excellence, access and education in the theatrical arts for middle and high school students and teachers. More than 150 schools throughout the Commonwealth are members.

“It’s been a very exciting chapter in Melrose Drama,” said Adam Schuler, Melrose Drama Stage Director. “We’ve dreamed the dream and are so grateful for the support from the Melrose community and are beyond proud of our students who make every one of these accomplishments a source of pride.”

The five awards were given to the Melrose High School’s production of “Les Miserables (School Edition)” and include wins for not only lead and supporting roles, but also the full cast and orchestra members.

• Best Supporting Actor: Jakob Kahler as M.Thenardier
• Best Supporting Actress: Evynand Akombi as Fantine
• Best Leading Actor: Keith Morris as Jean Valjean
• Best Choral Ensemble: Full Cast
• Best Student Orchestra
  Along with the five wins, MHS’ “Les Miserables” was nominated for a whopping 14 awards in total and was the most nominated production of the state:
  • Best Supporting Actress: Alison Butts
  • Best Hair and Makeup Design
  • Best Specialty Ensemble
  • Best Costume Design
  • Best Props and Execution
  • Best Set Design and Execution
  • Best Sound Design
  • Best Acting Ensemble
  • Best Overall Production

Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School’s production of “Elf Jr.” was also nominated for three awards:

• Best Featured Actress: Alyssa Champagne
• Best Stage Management: Samantha Sweet
• Best Dance Ensemble

“We are thrilled with the success of both productions, ‘Elf Jr.’ and ‘Les Miserables,’” Superintendent Taymore said. “This is a record number of awards for us, which is an unprecedented and exciting honor.”

Congratulations to Melrose Drama for its hard work and achievements!

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