Jamestown High School, Randolph Junior-Senior High School and Southwestern High School were announced as nominees for Shea’s high school musical theatre awards program during an event for high school students featuring a choreography workshop and representatives from local theatres and colleges held at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. Winners will be announced at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre on May 17.

“This program is a celebration of all the passion, artistry and teamwork that go into creating a high school musical,” said Victoria Perez-Maggiolo, vice president of arts engagement and education at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. “Musicals build more than performances, they build lasting memories, friendships and skills that will carry you through life.”

Throughout the school year 34 adjudicators attended local high school musicals, providing feedback and scoring each high school production in various categories. Shea’s Wonder Awards are provided in categories related to best performance, vocals, dance, music, lighting, set, costume, hair and makeup, direction, choreography, and more.

In addition, Shea’s announced 16 individual semi-finalists for the “Student Talent And Growth Experience” STAGE Program. The two student winners of Shea’s STAGE program will go on to compete in The Jimmy Awards, the national high school theatre awards program, which will be held in New York City on June 23, 2025.

Wednesday (Stella Smith), Lucas (Nicholas Ashdown) and Mal (Zach Lindquist) watch as Alice (Aubrey Marquez) drinks from the sacred Addams Family chalice. Submitted photo

Jamestown’s production of Les Miserables School Edition is up for Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Collective Vocal Performance, Outstanding Collective Ensemble Performance, Outstanding Scenic Design and Execution, Outstanding Scenic Design and Execution, Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Leading Performances by Hayden Langford as Jean Valjean, Brighton Lumia as Javert, Rya Guiffre as Eponine, Matthew Johnson as Marius and Jolee Schultz as Fantine.

“The kids had a really good time doing this last year – their six minutes on stage at Shea’s was exciting and thrilling,” said Lauren Scharf, JHS musical director, about last year’s trip to Shea’s for the Wonder Awards ceremony. “To watch the kids perform and walk off the stage in that big theater house was really exciting and well worth it.”

Southwestern is up for the Outstanding Student-Led Orchestra award for its performance of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical as well as Outstanding Dance Execution, Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design and Execution, Outstanding Scenic Design and Execution, the Showstopper Award for the performance of “Revolting Children” and Outstanding Choreography.

Randolph’s performance of The Addams Family Musical was nominated for Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design and Execution.

“The feeling that you get when you hear everyone’s singing and you get goosebumps, it just like makes you so happy,” said Stella Smith, the sophomore who plays Wednesday Addams, prior to the musical’s performances in March. “Being in a drama club like this, it takes people from every single friend circle you could think of and makes this like a family, honestly. And I couldn’t ask for a better family for this one.”

Jamestown High School students are pictured rehearsing for their production of “Les Miserables: School Edition.” Submitted photo

Presenting sponsors of Shea’s Wonder Awards program are Rachael Small, Pfalzgraf Beinhaur Grear Harris Schuller LLP, Buffalo Urban League and Erie County.