Herndon High Students Finalists in 'Cappies' Theater Awards

Three Herndon High School students are nominated for "Cappie Awards" for their work in the school's musical theater program this year.

The Cappies, or Critics and Awards Program, recognizes high school theater productions and theater critic writing at schools across the D.C. Metro area. 

From Herndon High, graduating senior Chris Hrozencik is nominated for his work as a critic of theater high school productions.

Two students are nominated for their performances as well - Molly Nuss and Paul Morgan are both nominated for vocalist awards for their roles in this year's musical, Brigadoon, presented this past December.

The winners will be announced at the 14th annual Cappies Gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts this Sunday. 

The Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) includes students from high schools in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. Co-founder and Capitol Steps co-founder, Bill Strauss, used to call them “part Tonys, part Final Four.” 

Casts of nominated shows and the performers of nominated songs will present musical numbers as well as sketches from the nominated plays at the awards show.

Throughout the year, the Cappies program is driven by over 380 area high school theater student critics who attend each others’ shows, write reviews for newspapers and TV, and serve as “Cappies” awards judges. 

To see the entire list of Cappies Awards nominees, click here.

Read a snippet of the review of Brigadoon by Cappies critic and Briar Woods High School student Lauren Schild below. Read the full review on Patch here.

"The vibrant cast drove Herdon High School’s interpretation through their smooth vocals and friendly physicality that made the cast’s characters enjoyable. Lively songs such as “I’ll Go Home With Bonnie Jean” were performed with gusto that helped to breathe fresh air into the performance.

Paul Morgan had a solid stage presence through his evident class and charm. His well-timed reactions were almost always fresh and his rich voice, with just the right amount of that 1940s feel, seemed almost designed for the exquisite score.

Playing the frank yet gentle Fiona MacLaren, Molly Nuss utilized playful character choices visible not only through her actions but in her singing as well. Her voice had a presence of it’s own, through the quality of its tone and a controlled vibrato that seemed to add emotional layers.

Each romantic couple of the show took the demands of their relationship in stride and brought a refreshing focus that helped create levels of chemistry. Megan Overton and Cameron Copeland were especially able to bring a coy and endearing feel to their newlywed bliss.

Read about South Lakes High School's three Cappie nominations for Xanadu here.