October 9th, 2024

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE 2022 TOMMY TUNE AWARDS

HOUSTON — The 2022 Tommy Tune Awards from Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) held virtually once again this year, premiered at 7 p.m. tonight on the musical theatre company’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

“We are proud of all that these students have accomplished in this year,” said Laura Peete, TUTS Director of Education. “The greatest things about the Tommy Tune Awards is getting to celebrate their work and artistry, while helping them further their craft.” 

The winners of the 2022 Tommy Tune Awards are:

Outstanding Musical:

Houston Christian High School, Disney’s Newsies

Performance in a Lead Role Winners & 2022 Jimmy Awards® Nominees:

Vanessa Darko, Klein Oak High School, Once Upon A Mattress, Queen Aggravan

Jake Ulanday, Bridgeland High School, Sweeney Todd, School Edition, Anthony Hope

Runners Up for Performance in a Lead Role & 2022 Jimmy Awards® Nominees:

C.J. Friend, Cypress Ranch High School, Pippin, Berthe

Grant Richter, Houston Christian High School, Disney’s Newsies, Jack Kelly

Outstanding Ensemble:

Stratford High School, Legally Blonde

Outstanding Performer in a Featured Role:

Winner #1

Mason Nuno, Houston Christian High School, Newsies, Race

Winner #2

Anna Rigo, Stratford High School, Legally Blonde, Serena 

Outstanding Performer in a Supporting Role:

Winner #1

Jack Prothro, Second Baptist School, Hello, Dolly! Barnaby Tucker

Winner #2

Shannon Hoffman, Kinder HSPVA, Hairspray, Penny 

Outstanding Lighting Design:

Jace Petrovich, Klein Collins High School, Shrek The Musical

Outstanding Scenic Design:

Kelsie Morris, Julie Duke, Caleb Vernheisel, Gannon Lara,

Obra D. Tompkins High School, Seussical

Outstanding Costume Design:

Julia Walker, Emily Camden, Stratford High School, Legally Blonde

Outstanding Technical Execution:

The Kinkaid School, Carrie, The Musical

Outstanding Orchestra:

Obra D. Tompkins High School, Seussical

Outstanding Music Direction:

Ken Sink, Brian Minson, Brian Brown, Houston Christian High School, Disney’s Newsies

Outstanding Choreography:

Winner #1

Melissa Tyler, Anoushka Patel, Renee Anderson, & Bobby Linhart, Houston Christian High School, Disney’s Newsies

Winner #2

Courtney D. Jones, Kinder HSPVA, Hairspray

Outstanding Director:

Bobby Linhart, Houston Christian High School, Disney’s Newsies

The Tommy Tune Awards offers an opportunity for students and educators to share their creative accomplishments while instilling in young people the value of engaging in the performing arts as a lifelong pursuit.

Throughout the 2021-22 school year, the adjudicating mentors evaluated each participating school’s show, focusing on each element of the production. The adjudicating mentors are made up of a group of Houston-based theatre professionals who have backgrounds as performers, designers, directors, choreographers, and musicians; and who have years of experience working in arts education and administration.

The Tommy Tune Awards are named for Broadway legend, Houston native and Lamar High School alumnus Tommy Tune. A performer, director and choreographer with more than 50 years of stage experience, Tune received nine Tony Awards for his work in the following productions: SeesawMy One and OnlyA Day in Hollywood/A Night in the UkraineNineGrand Hotel and The Will Rogers Follies. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2003 by President Bush.

Jimmy Awards

Of the 31 Tommy Tune Award nominees for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role, two were selected via a rigorous audition process adjudicated by a panel of industry professionals ultimately winning an opportunity to represent Houston and TUTS at the Jimmy Awards. The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (the Jimmy Awards®) are a national celebration of outstanding student achievement, recognizing individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performance and elevating the importance of theatre arts education in schools. The Jimmy Awards are presented by The Broadway League Foundation. 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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