CDH Theater Earns Spot in Prestigious Spotlight Showcase
May 22, 2024
CDH Theater has secured a coveted position in the Spotlight Showcase for an outstanding performance in their spring musical, "Matilda." They will perform in the showcase on Tuesday, June 11. The exact time is yet to be determined.
The Spotlight Showcase, presented by PNC, is Minnesota's premier celebration of high school theater. Organized by the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spotlight Education program, the 2024 event will see participation from over 1,600 students from across the state. It will take place at the historic State Theatre, offering a stage for both emerging talent and seasoned theater educators.
CDH Theater Director, Penelope Parsons-Lord, expressed immense pride in her team. "The incredible talent and dedication of our cast and crew is being recognized at a State level.” she said. “They created a fantastic production that blew Spotlight away." Highlighting the personal significance of this achievement, she added, "These are some of the best and bravest kids and are the reason I show up every day."
In addition to her role at CDH, Parsons-Lord will be directing and designing costumes for "A Wrinkle in Time" at Theater in the Round this summer. "It is such an important opportunity and I’m thrilled and excited to be working at Theater in the Round on a story that means so much to so many people," she remarked. This role highlights her diverse skill set and is expected to shine a spotlight on CDH's theater program as well.
Here are the Spotlight awards that the CDH Theater program received this year for Matilda:
Production Honors
Achievement in Musical Theatre: Honorable Mention
Overall Technical Production: Outstanding
Overall Performance: Honorable Mention
Ensemble Performance: Honorable Mention
Ensemble Vocal Performance: Honorable Mention
Ensemble Dance Performance: Honorable Mention
Costume Crew: Honorable Mention
Overall Technical Team: Outstanding
Individual Honors
Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role: Bridget Commers ‘24 as Miss Trunchball and Sara Brost ‘24 as Matilda
Honorable Mention in a Leading Role: Karlie Reynolds ‘24 as Mrs Wormwood and Andrew Ek ‘25 as Mr Wormwood
Honorable Mention in Technical Leadership: Ruby Omann ‘25 as Props Designer and Bryn McSherry ‘26 as Hair/Make-Up
Outstanding in Technical Leadership: Matthias Tokheim ‘24 as Board Operator and Zoe Ewald ‘25 as Assistant/Student Director
Evaluator Shout-Out: Annabel Fulton ‘24, Willa Pyle ‘26, Calla Massari ‘24, Elizabeth Barnett ‘24, Kaylee Perla ‘26, Stella Hrabe ‘25, Ensemble Acting