By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
Whitewater High School Players’ production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which it staged in November, has been nominated for a combined 18 Jerry Awards in 11 categories.
The musical comedy centers on a spelling bee championship for quirky adolescents.
The awards encourage, recognize and honor excellence in high school musical theater.
Local nominations included Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Orchestra, Outstanding Direction (Jim McCulloch), Outstanding Musical Direction (Liz Elliott), Outstanding Choreography (Lynn Lema), Outstanding Lighting Design (McCulloch), Outstanding Costume Design (Becky Hoesly and Karen McCulloch) and Outstanding Sound Design (Tony Hansen).
Cast members nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance included Henry Bresser in the role of Chip Tolentino, Lauren Harkness (Olive Ostovsky), Weston Lema (Leaf Coneybear), Angie McKelvey (Logainne Schwartz and Grubenierre), Carter Waelchli (William Barfeé) and Ella Willman (Marcy Parks).
Receiving nominations for Outstanding Supporting Performance were Maddie Elworthy in the role of Crystal Chamdra Leer, Audrey Mayer (Sheila LaVage) and Sophie Mayer (Vice Principal Panch).
Read more and see additional photos in the Jan. 17 Whitewater Register.
