Parkland Brings Home Four Freddy Awards

Parkland High School students brought home four Freddy Awards Thursday night at the State Theatre in Easton for its production of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."

Parkland's honors were highlighted by senior , who took the Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor Freddy for his portrayal of Freddy Benson in the musical production, produced by Frank Anonia.

It was the first Freddy award for the senior, who thanked co-star Josh Rice, who was also nominated in the same category.

"Josh Rice, there was no way I could have done it without him," Mays said during his acceptance speech. "I also want to thank Mr. Anonia, who has changed my life more than anyone else outside my family."

Mays will now perform in New York City next month, as the Freddy Awards is part of the National High School Musical Theater Awards for the second year.

Mays and Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress Freddy winner Sarah Klingel from Pius X High School will join the winners of high school awards programs from across the country to perform and compete at Broadway's Marquis Theatre.

Anonia directed "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," which also won a Freddy for its Outstanding Production Number of "Great Big Stuff," which prominently featured Mays. The number was performed live for the capacity crowd at the State Theatre.

Senior won her second Freddy of her high school theater career when she was bestowed a special award from State Theatre President and CEO Shelley Brown for being an all-around MVP thespian.

Reilly garnered eight Freddy nominations in four years of high school theater, the most in Freddy history. Reilly won a Best Supporting Actress Freddy in 2009 in Parkland's production of "Godspell."

In addition, Parkland’s Nicholas Bonsall was awarded one of two Wilson Technical Scholarships and was bestowed the Student Achievement Freddy Award.

In all, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," was for 15 Freddy awards. Rice and Mays' duel nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in the same musical performance was a first in Freddy history, dating back to 2003.

Here is a complete list of Thursday night's Freddy Award winners.