Local Spotlight: Avon Lake High Shines with 13 Nominations at Dazzle Awards

Avon Lake High School (ALHS) recently marked a notable achievement in high school musical theater. The school's Drama Club received 13 nominations at the 2024 Dazzle Awards, an event recognizing excellence in musical theater among Northeast Ohio high schools. The ceremony was held at the Dr. Daniel B. Ross Performing Arts Center, attended by students, staff, and supporters.

The Dazzle Awards, sponsored by Pat and John Chapman and part of The Jimmy Awards/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards, emphasize the value of arts education. Schools from several counties including Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit, participate in this program. It offers educational opportunities and celebrates high school musical theater.

This year, ALHS's production of Disney’s 'The Little Mermaid' received 13 nominations, the highest for the school to date. Patricia Frank, the school’s Drama Director and PAC Manager, acknowledged the consistent effort and dedication contributing to this success. She recalled varying levels of success in past years, including a win for Best Costuming in 2022.

The preparation for 'The Little Mermaid' involved weekly dance classes from September, auditions in January, and regular rehearsals. A total of 98 students, including cast members, crew, instrumentalists, and production assistants, were involved. Their hard work was reflected in the quality of the production, which received positive feedback from the audience and faculty.

Joshua Brunger, the ALHS band director, and Emilio Jarufe, the ALHS Chorale Director, praised the students for their significant improvement and dedication. Jarufe, also the music director for the show, highlighted the detailed attention in every aspect of the production. This meticulous approach contributed to a performance that instilled pride and teamwork, as evidenced by the nomination for Best Vocal Ensemble.

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