The glamour of the red carpet and the anticipation of the night set in as members of the “Urinetown” cast settled in their seats at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center and awaited the announcement of the 2013 Shuler Hensley Awards for high school musicals.
They didn’t have to wait long.
“When I heard my name called, all I can remember was jumping up and down, and then thinking, ‘Oh God, I’ve got to get up there,” said senior Chase Thomaston of the April 18 event. He and German teacher Antonela Kljajic received the award for Best Choreography.
“I was just trying to think of something to say when I was walking up there, but once I got on stage, it all came naturally,” Kljajic said.
Also winning a Shuler were Brent Bouthiller, Jessica Richey, and Agnes Debee for Lighting Design.
With 14, “Urinetown” set a record for most nominations in Starr’s Mill history. The nominations were for Overall Production, Orchestra, Music Direction, Choreography, Technical Execution, Ensemble, Costume Design, Scenic Design, and Lighting Design.
Also nominated were seniors Ethan Gallagher for Featured Performer, Rebekah Livingston for Supporting Actress, Ryan Bolt for Supporting Actor, and Chase Thomaston for Lead Actor.
Director David Spearman also received a nomination for Best Direction for the second year in a row. He won last year for “Zombie Prom.”
“When I was watching the awards, I couldn’t help but think how much talent there is in Georgia,” Spearman said. “It was really just an honor to be there.”
Toward the end of the night, Thomaston and his fellow Best Supporting Actor nominees performed a medley of show tunes from their schools’ musicals before the award was announced. Thomaston choreographed their’ performance.
“I was just so proud of Chase watching him perform because it was his opportunity to show off to everyone and get the attention he deserved,” Kljajic said.