Mann Hall to hold high school musical awards

The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall with support from Edison College announced the 1st Annual High School Musical Awards will be held at the theater on Monday, May 19 at 7 p.m.

Patterned after the Broadway Tony Awards; Scott Saxon, General Manager, spear-headed the development of this program for the students of Lee County to recognize their outstanding achievements in musical theatre.

"Numerous studies have indicated students involved in the arts achieve higher academic results, both in the classroom and on standardized tests," says Saxon, "This program is dedicated to supporting the true process of growth and learning, encouraging commitment, discipline, teamwork, and recognizing excellence." Edison College has partnered with the Mann Hall and will be providing $10,000 in scholarships.

Four Lee County schools participated

in this inaugural event: Cypress Lake High School with their production of "All Shook Up," Estero High School with their production of "42nd Street," Fort Myers High School with their production of "Pippin" and North Fort Myers High School with their production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Awards in the following categories will be presented: School Spirit, Technical Merit, Orchestra/Music, Ensemble Cast, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Lead Actor, Lead Actress and Overall Production. Tickets to support these schools and this event are only $5 and can be purchased at the Mann Hall box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com

The award judges are: Ms Rose Eady Govan (retired Music Instructor for Lee School District-35 years), Mr. Frank Birely (retired IBM Executive, Music Foundation President and Gulfcoast Symphony Board Member) and Dr. Wendy Chase (Professor of Humanities at Edison College).