Windsor High School’s spring production of “Little Shop of Horrors” received two nominations earlier this month for regional high school musical theater awards from the Denver Center of the Performing Arts.
“Little Shop of Horrors” won in two categories for the eighth annual Bobby G Awards held Thursday night at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver.
Tyler Cox, who graduated from Windsor on May 22, was honored with a nomination in the category of Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Seymour Krelborn.
Photos: Windsor High School Class of 2022 graduation at the Budweiser Events Center
Jennifer Grice, Jerrod Griebel and Amy Murphy were nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction. Griebel, an English teacher at Windsor High, was the accompanist for the show. Murphy is the choir director.
“I think for the curriculum, it gives us a huge boost,” said Julie Estrada, who directed “Little Shop” as theater program manager at Windsor High School. “I know where the program started 21 years ago and where we are now. The heart, drive and dedication of students and staff are recognized, and that’s huge.
The Bobby G Awards recognize Colorado students and educators in the areas of performance, design, direction, choreography, music director, orchestration, technical production and excellence in overall production, according to Denver Center for the Performing Arts website.
“The evening is an opportunity for the DCPA to honor Colorado’s musical theater educators and programs and for Colorado students to celebrate and support one another,” according to the DCPA.
Cox, 18, who will attend the University of Kansas to study music education, acting and voice, also starred in the school’s production of “Clue” last fall. He has been involved in theater and the performing arts since he was a boy.
Both of her parents are musicians. Cox’s primary instrument is the trumpet, and he has been selected for an All-State Band, an All-State Jazz Band, and an All-State Orchestra in Windsor.
“It’s definitely something I’ve worked very hard for, and I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, but it’s very surreal to see my name on a list after putting so much work into it,” did he declare.
The winners, announced Thursday evening, were:
- Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical: “Sister Act”. Overland High School.
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: Thomas Beeker, Harold Hill, “The Music Man”, Frederick High School.
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Madison Manning, Deloris Van Cartier, “Sister Act”, Overland High School.
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Tie): Kai Symons, Charlie Davenport, “Annie Get Your Gun”,
- Palisade High School and Christopher Ryan, Josh/Motorwise Guy, “Zombie Prom,” Pueblo County High School.
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Ava Hillbrand, Torrey, “Freaky Friday”, Glenwood Springs High School.
- Outstanding Performance by a Choir: “The Addams Family”, Arvada West High School.
- Rising Star: Addison Cain, Alice Beineke, “The Addams Family”, Central High School (Grand Junction).
- Outstanding Achievement in Choreography: Christy Inama, Georgia Lawrence and Riana McHugh, “Once Upon a Mattress”, Palmer Ridge High School.
- Outstanding Achievement in Directing: Talia Liccardello and Audrey DeMoulin, “Into the Woods”, Littleton High School.
- Outstanding Achievement in Hair and Makeup: Kaylie Bookout, Josie Lessig and Jessica Nelson, “The Little Mermaid”, Faith Christian Academy.
- Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design: Kylie Good and Virgil Lindt, “Zombie Prom”, Pueblo County High School.
- Outstanding Performance by Orchestra: “Zombie Prom”, Pueblo County High School.
- Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction: Erin Pettitt, “A Chorus Line,” Denver School of the Arts.
- Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design: Jennifer Barclay, Jolene Brumm and Taryn Mitchell, “Beauty and the Beast”, Elizabeth High School.
- Outstanding Achievement in Set Design: Ian Bild and Sara Sachs, “Sister Act”, Overland High School.
- Special Achievement in Sound Direction: Kelly Whitehead, “MAMMA MIA!”, Brighton High School.
- Special Achievement in Creating an Inclusive Theater Culture: Jennifer Bryner, “Chicago,” Broomfield High School.
- Special Achievement as Costume Manager: Isabel Anderson, “Annie”, Fort Collins High School
The Bobby G Awards compete in the national high school musical theater awards known as the Jimmy Awards. The Jimmy Awards will be presented next month in New York.
Winners of the Bobby G Awards for Outstanding Actor and Actress qualify for the Jimmy Awards as Colorado’s representative for the national award while participating in a week-long series of workshops with industry professionals. industry and rehearsals in preparation for the Jimmy Awards on June 27 on Broadway.
Cox said he also auditioned last week as part of the judging for the Outstanding Lead Actor nomination. He also performed in a medley number during the Bobby G Awards on Thursday.
Windsor was one of 41 schools in Colorado to be assessed or judged for the Bobby G Awards. More than 3,500 students were judged. Musical productions performed by private and public high schools in Colorado are eligible. More than 500 of these students have participated in workshops organized by DCPA artists. Of the 41 schools that participated, 29 received nominations.
Estrada said it was the first year that Windsor had been judged for the awards. The school’s 2020 production of “Mama Mia” was held on one night, but production was halted by shutdowns at the start of COVID-19.
Estrada said “Little Shop” performed well in its ratings from the judges. Cox received grades of 4 and 5. There were over 50 students involved in the production. Students Hunter Luedtke and Emma Siebert, who voiced the killer plant and one of the main sea urchins respectively, also received 3, 4 and 5 ratings.
“We are very, very lucky to have Ms. Murphy as our vocal director and choir teacher,” Cox said. “She’s an incredibly talented artist. This show (‘Little Shop’) had a lot of tight harmonies and especially the six kids did a lot of work. They were constantly working. I’m glad we got a nod for that. The cast and teachers are amazing.”
