NCHS students excel at theater competition

The award-winning New Canaan High School theater program just added more credence to its reputation.

On a five-day trip to the Musical Theatre Competitions of America in Anaheim, Calif., the NCHS group came back with a trunk full of trophies. Alongside students from many states, 39 NCHS students in the drama program participated in a large variety of competitive categories.

New Canaan High School Principal, Bryan Luizzi said, "It is a testament to everyone's hard work and dedication. I continue to be incredibly impressed by our program and everyone in it."

The competition was conducted partly at the facilities of Fullerton College, and workshops and an awards ceremony took place at nearby Disneyland. In an action-packed weekend with a full schedule, the students came home with the following awards:

Musical Revue Category

Second Place for the "George M. Cohan" Revue

Triple Threat Award: Daniel Klingenstein

Outstanding Female Vocalist: Christy Coco

Outstanding Female Dancer: Anna Oxman

High School Advanced Ensemble Category

Second Place for the "Chicago" Revue

Outstanding Female Vocalist: Eliza Ranieri

Outstanding Female Dancer: Sara Gessinger

Vocals Categories

Ninth Grade Division

First Place Soloist: Jen Daly

Second Place Soloist: Peter Thunem

Third Place Duet: Berlin Charles and Jacob Freedgood

10th Grade Division

First Place Soloist: Nancy Leville

First Place Duet: Liz Koennecke and Anna Oxman

11th Grade Division

First Place Soloist: Rachel Guth

Fourth Place Soloist: Daniel Klingenstein

12th Grade Division

Fourth Place Soloist: Cami Allsteadt

Technical Categories

Costume Design

First Place: Delaney Davidson

Set Design

Second Place: Rachael Mathis

The following students were selected from NCHS to participate with students from other schools in a special "Footloose" production number: Rachel Guth, vocal soloist; Berlin Charles; Liz Koennecke; Anna Oxman; and Ryan Prindle.