SpotLight Awards Shine on MSSPA's 'Producers'

won critical acclaim from The SpotLight Musical Theatre Program.

The Producers tells the story of an accountant and producer who try to make a fortune by producing a sure-fire flop. Main Street School of Performing arts students put on the musical Feb. 15 to Feb. 18.

The production received Outstanding Awards in “Overall Performance” and “Overall Production” categories, according to a school news release. It also received the following recognitions:

• “Outstanding Leading Role” to Max Lazerine (as Max Bilalistock) and Emily Lazear (as Ulla)
• “Honorable Mention for Leading Role” to Chelanga Langason (as Leo Bloom),
• “Honorable Mention in Supporting Role” to David Freeman (as Roger DeBris), Peter Clark (as Carmen Gia) and Jacob Blanchtte (as Franz Liebkind).

“Wow! We are delighted!” the news release quoted Robert Thompson—the school’s theater instructor and director. “The show incorporated such an extensive array of our students. Actors, musicians, dancers, technical crew—more than 70 students were involved. It was a big production that showcased incredible student talent, and our teachers’ artistic team. We are so proud of the production. To receive this significant recognition from the SpotLight Awards is the icing on the cake. I’m thrilled for the entire cast, crew and MSSPA ‘family.’”

The SpotLight Awards program is a Hennepin Theatre Trust initiative that recognizes exceptional high school musicals across the state. Evaluators judge SpotLight productions throughout the year. Schools receive awards based on their own performance, not in competition against other schools.

The SpotLight program culminates every year in a SpotLight Showcase that features Minnesota’s best young musical theatre talent. This year’s showcase takes place at 7 p.m. June 11 at the Orpheum Theatre. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

Stay up to date on all your local news. Sign up for the Hopkins Patch newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.