2022 Basie Awards - Presented by Bank of America

AWARDS PRESENTED BY

HONORING EXCELLENCE IN HIGH SCHOOL THEATER

Count Basie Center for the Arts

a not for profit organization

#theBasies22

Photography and video recording are permissible this evening from your seat.

Please, no flash photography. It is dangerous to the performers and distracting to the audience. Please put your cell phone away for the night. If you need to make or receive a call, please go to the lobby.

2022 Basie Awards Participants Christian Brothers Academy, Collier HS, Colts Neck HS, Communications HS, Freehold HS, Freehold Township HS, Henry Hudson HS, High Technology HS, Holmdel HS, Howell HS, Keansburg HS, Manalapan HS, Manasquan HS, Marlboro HS, Matawan HS, Mater Dei Prep, Middletown HS North, Middletown HS South, Monmouth Regional HS, Raritan HS, Red Bank Catholic HS, Red Bank Regional HS, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional HS, St. John Vianney HS, Trinity Hall

- PROGRAM Musical Selection: “Magic to Do” Performed by a cast of performers from many of the participating schools: Evan Callas, Joshua Cruz, Kirsten Dunn, Erin Fitzgerald, Jennie Healy, Lydia Lu, Jade Opuszynski, Henriette Pons, Sophia Ranucci, Alexandra Risi, Alanna Santiago, Taylor Strauss, Chris Stypa, Maya Tejada, RJ Vandenbrouck, Anastasia Vasilenko, Samantha Yannarelli, Jack Youncofski

Opening Salutation Evaluators Special Award Musical Selection: Medley from A Chorus Line Performed by the cast of Middletown High School North’s production of A Chorus Line, featuring Lead Actress Nominee Ava Giglia and Lead Actor Nominee Samuel Cusson

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Esther Fosu – Matawan Regional High School – The Curious Savage Danielle Lirov – Marlboro High School – Decision Height Camille-Sophie Krakowski – Marlboro High School – Decision Height Bridget Johnston – Trinity Hall – Puffs Julie Deltuvia – Middletown High School South – Back Story Jessie Behman – Marlboro High School – Decision Height

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Tyler Izzo – Trinity Hall – Puffs Daniel King – Mater Dei Prep – Puffs Jack Youncofski – Matawan Regional High School – The Curious Savage Stephen Russo – Middletown High School South – Back Story

Outstanding Featured Performers in a Drama Ensemble Group – The Fairies – Middletown High School North – A Midsummer Night’s Dream RJ Vandenbrouck – Mater Dei Prep – Puffs Saverio Renda – Colts Neck High School – Exit The Body Kat Wyrovsky – Marlboro High School – Decision Height Sydney Katz – Marlboro High School – Decision Height Katherine Smith – Mater Dei Prep – Puffs

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Outstanding Featured Female Performer in a Musical Lindsay Waldman – Howell High School – Young Frankenstein Rebecca Roth – Red Bank Regional High School – Godspell Carly Cavanaugh – Colts Neck High School – Bye Bye Birdie Henriette Pons – Matawan Regional High School – A Bronx Tale Sydney Spencer – Red Bank Regional High School – Godspell Jenna Dacquel – Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical

Outstanding Featured Male Performer in a Musical Jack Downey – Raritan High School – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Ruben Velasquez – Matawan Regional High School – A Bronx Tale Phillip Glenn – Freehold Township High School – Curtains Luke Mccann – Middletown High School South – Grease Michael Chen – High Technology High School – The Addams Family Nicholas Lutz – Marlboro High School – Honk!

Musical Selection: Belmont Ave. Performed by the cast Matawan Regional High School’s production of A Bronx Tale, featuring Lead Actor Nominee Jack Youncofski

Carole Malik Award for Outstanding Costume Design in a Drama Marlboro High School – Decision Height – Debbie Bilotta, Kathy Stewart, Anthony Greco Manalapan High School – Clue – Playtime Costumes: Jacquie Revier & Gloria Meiteman Middletown High School South – Back Story – Jacqueline Fischer & Laura Mazza Rumson -Fair Haven Regional High School – The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow – Catherine Cleary Raritan High School – Noises Off – Melanie Taylor

Carole Malik Award for Outstanding Costume Design in a Musical Middletown High School South – Grease – Jacquie Fisher & Laura Mazza Freehold High School – Grease – Catherine Cleary Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical – Sherrie Cole Red Bank Catholic High School – The Little Mermaid – Cheryl Thompson & Kelly Gemellaro Marlboro High School – Honk! – Anthony Greco Holmdel High School – Oklahoma! – Norcostco & James Devivo

Outstanding Set Design in a Drama Matawan Regional High School – The Curious Savage – Michael W. Wells Ii Red Bank Regional High School – A Streetcar Named Desire – Ashley Basile & Carl Grillo Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High – The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow – Matthew Leddin Manalapan High School – Clue – Amanda Colonna & Andrew Ciraulo Raritan High School – Noises Off – Kyle Santopadre Marlboro High School – Decision Height – Ashley R. Cusack

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Outstanding Set Design in a Musical Holmdel High School – Oklahoma! – Amanda Nash & Kyra Campuzano Freehold High School – Grease – Kevin Gunther & Kasiann Sweeney Raritan High School – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Kyle Santopadre Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical – Ken Dwyer & Jim Vail Collier High School – Mamma Mia! – Jackie Jester Marlboro High School – Honk! – Ashley R. Cusack

Outstanding Lighting Design in a Drama Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School – The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow – Matthew Leddin Marlboro High School – Decision Height – Jim Lyle & Anthony Greco Matawan Regional High School – The Curious Savage – Jessica Amorino

Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical Raritan High School – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Kyle Santopadre Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical – Scott Goldstein Marlboro High School – Honk! – Jim Lyle & Anthony Greco Collier High School – Mamma Mia! – Dr. Michael Penna Matawan Regional High School – A Bronx Tale – Jessica Amorino

Dramatic Performance Montage Performed by the casts from nominated Dramatic Productions: Manalapan High School – Clue Raritan High School – Noises Off Marlboro High School – Decision Height Red Bank Regional High School – A Streetcar Named Desire Matawan Regional High School – The Curious Savage

Arts Impact Scholarship Winners Monmouth County Commissioners’ Basie Scholarship for Continuing Education – Olivia Fair Moser Taboada Arts Impact Scholarship – Sophia Haber Brock Bank of America Power of the Arts Award – Kirsten Dunn Amy Giinther Fredericks Music Education Scholarship – Lydia Lu Yvonne Lamb Scudiery Arts Impact Scholarship – Amanda Paige Philipson Count Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship gifted by Michael Parent – Faith Montagnino Count Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship – Eva Belfer

Musical Selection: “We Beseech Thee” Performed by the cast from Red Bank Regional High School’s production of Godspell

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Outstanding Chorus Christian Brothers Academy – 13: The Musical Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical Red Bank Regional High School – Godspell Middletown High School South – Grease Collier High School – Mamma Mia!

Outstanding Choreography Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line – Tara Mahoney Marlboro High School – Honk! – Jessica O’Brien Middletown High School South – Grease – Jacqui Fischer Red Bank Catholic High School – The Little Mermaid – Kelly Gemellaro Christian Brothers Academy – 13: The Musical – Gina Morrello

Musical Selection: Medley Featuring 4 Nominated Lead Actors Joseph Curran, from Matawan Regional High School’s production of A Bronx Tale, Raymond Faiella, from Red Bank Regional High School’s production of Godspell, Jack Schtzenhoffer, from Red Bank Regional High School’s production of Godspell and Charles Patton, from High Technology High School’s production of The Addams Family

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical Bridget Johnston – Trinity Hall – Twelfth Night: The Musical Erin Fitzgerald – Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical Samantha Yannarelli – Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical Jessica Heitmann – Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line Ava Romano – Middletown High School South – Grease Carolyn Hester – Christian Brothers Academy – 13: The Musical

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical Daniel Stefanski – Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line Grant Gutkowski – Collier High School – Mamma Mia! John Paul Shimkus – Christian Brothers Academy – 13: The Musical Sean Busk – Red Bank Regional High School – Godspell Dubem Echezona – Freehold High School – Grease

Amy Giinther Fredericks Award for Outstanding Musical Direction Trinity Hall – Twelfth Night: The Musical – Michael Kabash Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line – Peter Isherwood Christian Brothers Academy – 13: The Musical – Christian Lopez Red Bank Regional High School – Godspell – Erika Hallenbeck Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical – Cindy J. Dwyer Marlboro High School – Honk! – Patrick Dalton

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Musical Selection: “Different – Warts and All” Performed by the cast from Marlboro High School’s production of Honk!, featuring Lead Actress Nominee, Olivia Conti

Outstanding All Student Orchestra Marlboro High School – Honk! – Patrick Dalton Holmdel High School – Oklahoma! – Dr. Christie Riso Freehold Township High School – Curtains – Edward Gattsek

Outstanding Student/Adult Orchestra Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line – David Buckle Jr. Monmouth Regional High School – Little Shop Of Horrors – Chris Sabol Matawan Regional High School – A Bronx Tale – Alan Meeker & Pamela Momyer Red Bank Regional High School – Godspell – Kevin Pryor

Outstanding Small Music Ensemble Middletown High School South – Grease – Mike Raguseo Freehold High School – Grease – Eric Gross Christian Brothers Academy – 13: The Musical – Christian Lopez & Nicolas Arena High Technology High School – The Addams Family – Christopher Chen

Musical Selection: Female Lead Actress Nominees Medley Performed by: Alyssa Kiselev from Marlboro High School’s production of Honk!, Alyssa Jones from St. John Vianney High School’s production of Freaky Friday, Danielle Lirov from Marlboro High School’s production of Honk!, and Amanda Paige Philipson from Trinity Hall’s production of Twelfth Night: The Musical

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Henriette Pons – Matawan Regional High School – The Curious Savage Sofia Ranucci – Trinity Hall – Puffs Stefanie Worton – Monmouth Regional High School – Twelve Angry Jurors Amanda Paige Philipson – Trinity Hall – Puffs Olivia Conti – Marlboro High School – Decision Height Lily Grace Riddle – Mater Dei Prep – Puffs

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama John Brooks – Collier High School – The Importance Of Being Earnest Erich Medrow – Raritan High School – Noises Off Brendan O’Brien – Manalapan High School – Clue Lucas Wilson – Red Bank Regional High School – A Streetcar Named Desire Dylan Pitanza – Red Bank Regional High School – A Streetcar Named Desire Samuel Cusson – Middletown High School North – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical Charles Patton – High Technology High School – The Addams Family Samuel Cusson – Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line Joseph Curran – Matawan Regional High School – A Bronx Tale Jack Youncofski – Matawan Regional High School – A Bronx Tale Raymond Faiella – Red Bank Regional High School – Godspell Jack Schtzenhoffer – Red Bank Regional High School – Godspell

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical Danielle Lirov – Marlboro High School – Honk!

Amanda Paige Philipson – Trinity Hall – Twelfth Night: The Musical Olivia Conti – Marlboro High School – Honk!

Alyssa Jones – St. John Vianney High School – Freaky Friday Alyssa Kiselev – Marlboro High School – Honk!

Ava Giglia – Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line

Musical Selection: “There! Right There!”

Performed by the cast from Mater Dei Prep’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, nominated for Outstanding Musical Production

Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award: Ann Marie Miller Musical Selection: Medley from 13: The Musical Performed by the cast of Christian Brothers Academy’s production of 13: The Musical, nominated for Outstanding Musical Production

Outstanding Direction in a Drama Middletown High School South – Back Story – Alexis Kozak Raritan High School – Noises Off – Melanie Taylor Trinity Hall – Puffs – Ellen Phillips Marlboro High School – Decision Height – Anthony Greco Red Bank Regional High School – A Streetcar Named Desire – Reuben Jackson

Outstanding Direction in a Musical Trinity Hall – Twelfth Night: The Musical – Ellen Phillips Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line – Amanda Faria Freehold High School – Grease – Kasiann Sweeney Marlboro High School – Honk! – Anthony Greco Matawan Regional High School – A Bronx Tale – Linda Walling Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical – Cindy J. Dwyer

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Outstanding Dramatic Production Manalapan High School – Clue Raritan High School – Noises Off Marlboro High School – Decision Height Red Bank Regional – A Streetcar Named Desire Matawan Regional High School – The Curious Savage

Outstanding Musical Production Middletown High School North – A Chorus Line – Amanda Faria Red Bank Regional High School – Godspell – Reuben Jackson Christian Brothers Academy – 13: The Musical – Pegasus Production Company Mater Dei Prep – Legally Blonde: The Musical – Cindy Dwyer Marlboro High School – Honk! – Anthony Greco Matawan Regional High School – A Bronx Tale – Linda Walling

- Award Presenters Michael Ballard – Red Bank Councilman and 2022 Mayoral Candidate Claudia Dulac – Senior Vice President, Head of Diversity & Inclusion for Merrill Lynch Ivy Charmatz – Emmy Award winning Executive Producer of Special Projects, News 12 Samantha Giustiniani – Senior Director of Education Count Basie Center for the Arts Vin Gopal – NJ State Senator James Grausam – Artistic Director, Phoenix Productions Jeremy Grunin – President Grunin Foundation Lysa Israel – Senior Director of Development Count Basie Center & Chairman Basie Board of Trustees Jason Jurgens – Partner Jones Day Law Firm & Member Basie Education Committee Robin Klein – Basie Center Trustee and Executive Committee MaryAnn Larkin – Arts Advocate Ross Licitra – Monmouth County Commissioner & Executive Director of Monmouth County SPCA Jon Leidersdorf – Founder Lakehouse Music Academy Carole Malik – Basie Award winning Costumer Dr. James Marhold – Past Chairman of Phoenix Productions Gwen Moten – Musical Director Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Declan O’Scanlon – NJ State Senator Allison Tratner – Executive Director New Jersey State Council on the Arts Lynne Ward – Basie Center Supporter, Photojournalist Tahesha Way – Secretary of State of New Jersey Ed Zipprich – Red Bank Councilman and member of the Board of Trustees of the Basie Center Adam Philipson – President and CEO Count Basie Center for the Arts Maggie Riker – Count Basie Center Board of Trustees & Vice Chair of Executive Committee Yvonne Scudiery – Former V.P. of Education Count Basie Center, Founder Basie Awards Carol Stillwell – Count Basie Center Board of Trustees Darrell Willis – Artistic Director & Founder Dunbar Repertory, Basie Trustee

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- Production Staff for the Basie Awards Producer ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Yvonne Lamb Scudiery Artistic Director..........................................................................................................................................................James Grausam Hosts.......................................................................................................................................................Natalie Hayes, Jarrod Scott Technical Director ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Michael Jacoby Stage Manager....................................................................................................................................................Jennifer Tardibuono Script Consultant..............................................................................................................................................................Lizzie Finn Lighting Designer......................................................................................................................................................Kyle Santopadre Follow Spot.......................................................................................................................................Daniel Gibson, James Krautheim Video Projection.....................................................................................................................................................Michael Johnstone Video Director.............................................................................................................................................................Chad Anderson Video Technician....................................................................................................................................................Michael Johnstone Deck Crew............................................................................................................................................................Michael Jacoby Jr. Fly Operator.................................................................................................................................................................Greg Wilkens LED Video..........................................................................................................................................................Jay Delp Productions Sound Design....................................................................................................................................... Justin Christopher Odon, ACIR Sound Technicians................................................................................................................James Farkas, Bryce Mattoe, Allen Primrose Sound Designer/Sound Board Operator..............................................................................................................................Justin Odon Scenic Design............................................................................................................................ Kyle Santopadre, Phoenix Productions Award Attendant.......................................................................................................................................................Lauren Ruggiero Musical Director, Conductor, Pianist......................................................................................................................................Jason Neri Perscussion...................................................................................................................................................................James Mack Guitar ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Paul Heaney Bass Guitar.........................................................................................................................................................Andrew Rosiscewski Violin �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Sue Degoey Photography............................................................................................................................................................Amanda Stevens Green Room Coordinator...........................................................................................................Kevin McGee, Rachel Repole, Frank Ruiz Production Assistants.............................................................................................................................................Jennifer Tardibuono Video Producer........................................................................................................................................................Alexandra Morris Voiceover.............................................................................................................................................................. Barbara Farragher Graphics ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������............................Andrew Musser

- Special Thanks -

· We’d like to thank Bank of America for sponsoring tonight’s event. · We would like to thank the Basie Awards evaluators for their time, expertise, and dedication to fostering a love, appreciation and understanding of theatre arts in Monmouth County

· In addition, the Count Basie Center for the Arts thanks the Award Presenters for taking time from their busy schedules to participate in this year’s award presentation. We thank them for their continued support of the arts in Monmouth County.

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