AYAA Semi Sorta Finale

Hi, everyone!

The Arizona Young Actors' Alliance will be going on hiatus for a while. I have a really intense semester of college coming up, so I want to be able to focus my energy there.

Thank you to everyone who has been apart of AYAA for the past two years. None of this would have been remotely possible without. I'd like to specifically shout out Sarah Davidson for being the like Day One of this website. She's been really supportive it's been wonderful. And there have been a ton of you who have been and just know that I'm so so appreciative of this little online community we have been able to cultivate together.

In the mean time, please keep getting out and auditioning for shows and seeing all the wonderful shows going on in the Valley. I know right now Studio 3 is doing auditions for their production of Side Show, which I've never seen done here. If you're interested, auditions are on August 23rd and more information can be found on the Limelight website. Also, another big congratulation to all the NYA winners and Zoni nominees this year.

So I just wanted to sort of say a temporary goodbye (more of a "see you later") to AYAA by doing one more of the thing that kickstarted the website's success: a dream casting.

I reached out to a bunch of people and asked them to dream cast any show. Anything they wanted. And then I did a bunch that I've been wanting to do! Enjoy and see you in a few months! (Probably. Who knows? Life is weird.)

Ali Giordano
Bring It On
Campbell - Ali Giordano
Danielle - Vaibu Mohan
Bridget - Katherine Baier
Randall - Jake Bonar
Eva - Phoenix Chypert
Skylar - Allison Watson
Kyler - Ashley Rhoads
Nautica - Megan Montoya
LaCieniga - Andrey Lull
Steven - Jaxon Wilcox/Hayden Skaggs
Twig - Jack Yampolsky
Cameron - Style Ranger

Danny Blankemeier
Aladdin
Aladdin - Joey Grado
Genie - Danny Blankemeier (dream role)
Jafar - Noah Delgado
Jasmine - Adyson Nichols
Sultan - Bryce Dilullo
Iago - Adam Miller
Babbak - Rio Chavez
Omar - Kale Burr
Kassim - Liam Thibeault

Emily Woodward-Shaw
Falsettos
Marvin - Kale Burr
Whizzer - Allan DeWitt
Trina - Jessie Jo Pauley
Mendel - Stephen Serna
Jason - Eric Lundgreen
Charlotte - Tiana Marks
Cordelia - Emily Wright

Waitress
Jenna - Jasmine Bassham
Dawn - Emily Woodward-Shaw
Becky - Phoebe Koyabe
Dr. Pomatter - Joey Grado
Joe - Anson Romney
Earl - Michael Schwenke

Hailey Forbis
The Little Mermaid 
Director: Ric Alpers
Musical director: Mark Forman
Choreographer: Lynzee Forman

Ariel - Hailey Forbis
Prince Eric - Noah Consalvo
King Triton - Sam Primack
Mersisters - Amaya Burkhart, Jackie Haughn, Addison Bowman, Allison Watson
Ursula - Sara Pansing
Flounder - Amy Fishencord
Sebastian - Josh Pike
Scuttle the Seagull - Faith Brown
Flotsam and Jetsam - Zoe Waller and Phoenix Sifer

Jessie Jo Pauley
Seussical
Cat - Kale Burr
Horton - Steven Enriquez
Gertrude - Lily Castle
Mayzie - Vaibu Mohan
Sour Kangaroo - Sarah Pansing
General - Noah Delgado
Jojo - Owen Aspinall
Mr. Mayor - Bryce Dilullo
Mrs. Mayor - India Rose Chudnow
Bird Girls - Jasmine Bassham, Kayla Dobbs, Tiana Marks
Wickersham Brothers - Joey J Grado, Anson Romney, Vincent Pugliese

Noah Delgado
Arcadia
Thomasina Coverly - Kristiana Corona
Septimus Hodge - Noah Delgado
Jellaby - Ben Thornbug
Ezra Chater - Bryce Dilullo
Richard Noakes - Sam Cottle
Lady Croom - Lilla Brandt
Captain Brice - Carter Palumbo
Hannah Jarvis - Sydni Curtis
Chloe Coverly - Alexis Winn
Bernard Nightingale - Liam Thibeault
Valentine Coverly - Danny Blankemeier
Augustus/Gus Coverly - Cody Johnston

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Dr. Frank N. Furter - Noah Delgado
Magenta - Bailey Madsen
Usherette - Jessie Jo Pauley
Columbia - Layla Fahrbach
Janet Weiss - Mackenna Goodrich
The Criminologist - Bryce Dilullo
Eddie - Devon Policci
Dr. Everett V. Scott - Dustin Noga
Rocky Horror - Chase Zeiner
Brad Majors - Grey Smith
Riff Raff - Carter Palumbo

Death Note
Light Yagami/L*: Liam Thibeault
L/Light Yagami*: Noah Delgado
Ryuk: Carter Palumbo
Rem: Jessica Sinodis
Misa Amane: Jessie Jo Pauley
Soichiro Yagami: Danny Blankemeier
*Note: I chose to double-cast the roles of Light and L

Sweeney Todd
Sweeney Todd - Noah Delgado (dream role)
Ms. Lovett - Kayleah Wilson
Anthony Hope - Davon Christensen
Johanna Barker - Sydni Curtis
Judge Turpin - Danny Blankemeier
Tobias Ragg - Preston Kersting
Beadle Bamford - Devon Policci
Beggar Woman - Jessica Sinodis
Adolfo Pirelli - Anson Romney

The Addams Family
Gomez Addams - Noah Delgado (dream role)
Morticia Addams - Cherish Christensen
Uncle Fester - Grey Smith
Wednesday Addams - Alexis Winn
Lucas Beineke - Nick Williams
Grandma Addams - India Chudnow
Pugsley Addams - Tyler Bersano
Lurch - Jake Kudlinski
Mal Beineke - Bryce Dilullo
Alice Beineke - Hayley Boblett

Sarah Davidson
The Little Mermaid
Ariel: Jessie Jo Pauley
Eric: Mason Reeves
Sebastian: Julian Mendoza
Ursala: Sarah Davidson (what can you do)
Scuttle: Kale Burr
Flounder: Adam Miller
Flotsam: Anson Romney
Jetsam: Adam Lundgreen
Grimsby: Dale Mortensen
King Triton: Mark Munoz
Chef Louis: Bryce Dillulo
Adella: Emily Woodward-Shaw
Aquata: Emily Wright
Arista: Sarah Pansing
Andrina: Mackenna Goodrich
Alana: Jessica Sinodis
Attina: India Chudnow

Terese Sanchez
The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom: Skyler Washburn
Christine: Terese Sanchez
Raoul: Asher Sheppard
Carlotta: Katie Rodin
Piangi: Steven Enriquez
Firmin: Jared Barbee
Andre: Denim Glasheen
Madame Giry: Ali Giordano
Meg Giry: Camden Wawro


And then a few from me!!
Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (rip)
Natasha - Jessie Jo Pauley
Pierre - Grey Smith or Julian Mendoza
Sonya - Addison Bowman
Mary - Katie Rodin
Andrey/Bolkonsky - Sam Primack
Dolokhov - Devon Policci
Hélène - Haylee Klein
Marya D - Mackenna Goodrich or Quincy Janisse
Balaga - Liam Thibeault
Anatole - Vincent Pugliese

Fun Home
Bruce - Grey Smith
Helen - Sophia Donnell
Small Alison - Taylor Peel
Alison - Mackenna Goodrich
Medium Alison - Sarah Pansing
Joan - Kristiana Corona
John - Adam Miller
Roy/Mark/Pete/Bobby/Jeremy - Ethan Shanker
Christian - Declan Skaggs

Guys and Dolls
Sky Masterson - Kale Burr
Miss Adelaide - Mackenna Goodrich or Ali Giordano
Sarah Brown - Jessie Jo Pauley
Nathan Detroit - Nicholas Hambruch
Nicely-Nicely Johnson - Mason Reeves
Big Jule - Shawn Wong
Lt. Brannigan - Steven Enriquez
Arvide Abernathy - Aaron J. Brown
Benny Southstreet - Connor Brigola
General Matilda B. Cartwright - Jessica Sinodis

Chicago
Roxie Hart - Jessie Jo Pauley
Velma Kelly - Jackie Brecker
Billy Flynn - Nicholas Hambruch
Mary Sunshine - Spencer Claus
Mama Morton - Jessica Sinodis
Amos Hart - Sam Primack
Fred Casely - Connor Brigola
Mona - Mackenna Goodrich
Annie - Anissa Griego
Liz - Jasmine Bassham
June - Phoebe Koyabe
Hunyak - Thea Eigo
Go-To-Hell-Kitty - Falin Ossipinsky

Mamma Mia!
Donna Sheridan - Jessica Sinodis
Rosie - Jessie Jo Pauley
Sam Carmichael - Kale Burr
Sky - Nick Williams
Sophie Sheridan - Sarah Pansing
Bill Austin - Grey Smith
Tanya - Mackenna Goodrich
Harry Bright - Jeremy Bassham
Ali - Emily Woodward-Shaw
Lisa - Sarah Davidson
Pepper - Devon Policci

Sister Act
Mother Superior - Becca Galcik
Deloris Van Cartier - Phoebe Koyabe
Monsignor O' Hara - Bryce Dilullo
Mary Patrick - Jessica Sinodis
Joey - Julian Mendoza
TJ - Ethan Shanker
Eddie Souther - Mason Reeves
Curtis Jackson - Anson Romney
Mary Robert - Jessie Jo Pauley
Mary Lazarus - India Rose Chudnow
Pablo - Noah Delgado
Michelle - Avery Strachan
Tina - Jayda Mendiola

Tarzan
Tarzan - Kale Burr
Kala - Avery Strachan
Jane Porter - Jackie Brecker
Terk - Mason Reeves
Kerchak - Nicholas Hambruch
Professor Porter - Ethan Shanker
Mr. Clayton - Grey Smith


Thanks again to everyone who has supported AYAA over these past couple years! I hope you have an awesome theatre filled time during this break and I'll hopefully be talking to you all very soon!

AYAA Award Winners!

Today, I am proud to present the winners of the 2017 AYAA Awards. We received over 800 unique ballots that led to these results. I have listed the winner and runner up for the individual awards, the winner for the silly superlatives and for the overall production awards, I ranked all the productions that received at least 50 votes.

Leading Actress in a Musical
Jayda Mendiola as Wendla in Arizona School for the Arts' Spring Awakening
(Runner up: Emma Suttell as Jovie in Musical Theatre of Anthem's Elf Jr.)

Leading Actress in a Play
Thea Eigo as CB's Sister in Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc.'s Dog Sees God
(Runner up: Emma Wang as Jessie in Hamilton High School's The Hamlet Thrill-ma-geddeon)

Leading Actor in a Musical
Ethan Shanker as Moritz in Arizona School for the Arts' Spring Awakening
(Runner up: Grey Smith as Dewey Finn in Actor's Youth Theatre's School of Rock)

Leading Actor in a Play
Kale Burr as Vlad Dracula in Actor's Youth Theatre's Dracula
(Runner up: Noah Delgado as Count Dracula in Actor's Youth Theatre's Dracula)

Supporting Actress in a Musical
Lily Castle as Paulette in Spotlight Youth Theatre's Legally Blonde
(Runner up: Gretchen Carpenter as Timon in Christian Youth Theater's The Lion King Jr.)

Supporting Actress in a Play
Riley Van Cleve as Tricia in Youth Theatre Ensemble Inc.'s Dog Sees God
(Runner up: AJ Marshall as Lucy in Actor's Youth Theatre's Dracula)

Supporting Actor in a Musical
Jacob Currie as Banzai in Christian Youth Theater's The Lion King Jr.
(Runner up: Steven Enriquez as The Cowardly Lion in Valley Youth Theatre's Wizard of Oz)

Supporting Actor in a Play
Alex Tuchi as Smee in Arizona School for the Arts' Peter and the Starcatcher
(Runner up: Chance Stokes as Van in Youth Theatre Ensemble Inc.'s Dog Sees God)

Best Vocalist
Jayda Mendiola as Wendla in Arizona School for the Arts' Spring Awakening
(Runner up: Sarah Pansing as Whatsername in Spotlight Youth Theater's American Idiot)

Best Dancer
Thea Eigo as Featured Dancer in Desert Foothills Theater's All Shook Up
(Runner up: Jasmine Bassham as Brooke in Spotlight Youth Theater's Legally Blonde)

Best Direction of a Musical
Rusty Ferracane for Arizona School for the Arts' Spring Awakening 
(Runner up: Chris Dane Burk for Actor's Youth Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors)

Best Direction of a Play
Laura O'Meara for Musical Theatre of Anthem's To Kill a Mockingbird
(Runner up: Zack Diepstraten for Actor's Youth Theatre's Dracula)

Best Music Direction
Mark 4man for Spotlight Youth Theatre's American Idiot
(Runner up: Sara McDermott for Christian Youth Theater's The Lion King Jr.)

Best Choreography
Lynzee 4man for Spotlight Youth Theatre's American Idiot
(Runner up: Kristin Malarkey for Actor's Youth Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors)

Best Set Design
Chris Dane Burk for Actor's Youth Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors)
(Runner up: Tori Swedler for Christian Youth Theater's The Lion King Jr.)

Best Lighting Design
Erica Baratz for Arizona School for the Arts' Spring Awakening
(Runner up: Brian Sosnowski for Musical Theatre of Anthem's Willy Wonka Jr.)

Best Sound Design
Josh Lindblom for Actor's Youth Theatre's School of Rock
(Runner up: Josh Hontz for Spotlight Youth Theatre's American Idiot)

Best Costume Design
Karin Ikeaski for Musical Theatre of Anthem's Seussical Jr.
(Runner up: Karol Cooper for Valley Youth Theatre's The Secret Garden)

Best Hair and Make Up Design
Jessy Kishbaugh and Sarah Brayer for Musical Theatre of Anthem's Seussical Jr.
(Runner up: Trey DeGroodt for Spotlight Youth Theatre's American Idiot)

Best Stage Management
Kara Jenkins and Jordan Osness for Hamilton High School's Shrek
(Runner up: Dexter Tuten for Christian Youth Theater's The Lion King Jr.)

The School of Rock Award: Most Likely to Win Battle of the Bands
Grey Smith

The Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Award: Most Fabulous
Spencer Claus

The Catch Me If You Can Award: Most Likely to Carry Out a Great Con
Joey J Grado

The Shrek Award: Most Likely to Marry a Beautiful Prince
Addison Bowman

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: Most Likely to Win a Spelling Bee
Thea Eigo

The Gypsy Award: Most Likely to Become a Stage Parent
Bailey Gorman

The American Idiot Award: Most Teen Angst
Ethan Shanker

The War Paint Award: Most Likely to be the Next Patti LuPone
Sarah Pansing

BEST PLAY - HIGH SCHOOL
WINNER: Hamilton High School's The Hamlet Thrill-ma-geddeon
2nd: Arizona School for the Arts' Peter and the Starcatcher
3rd: Chapparal High School's The Outsiders

BEST PLAY - COMMUNITY
WINNER: Youth Theatre Ensemble, Inc.'s Dog Sees God
2nd: Musical Theatre of Anthem's To Kill a Mockingbird
3rd: Actor's Youth Theatre's Dracula
4th: Starlight Community Theater's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

BEST MUSICAL - HIGH SCHOOL
WINNER: Arizona School for the Arts' Spring Awakening
2nd: Agua Fria High School's Footloose
3rd: Hamilton High School's Shrek the Musical
4th: Chapparal High School's Catch Me If You Can
5th: Perry High School's Mary Poppins

BEST MUSICAL - COMMUNITY
WINNER: Spotlight Youth Theatre's American Idiot
2nd: Christian Youth Theater's The Lion King Jr.
3rd: Musical Theatre of Anthem's Willy Wonka Jr.
4th: Actor's Youth Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors
5th: Starlight Community Theater's Into the Woods
6th: Actor's Youth Theatre's School of Rock

Thank you to everyone who voted and congrats to all the winners!!

She Kills Monsters Cast Bios

Aubrey Hoffer (Agnes Evans) is an incoming senior at Arizona State University, studying Political Science and Family and Human Development. She has been heavily involved in theatre since her childhood, having held key roles in Hamilton High School’s 2014 productions of The Odd Couple and The Yellow Boat. When she isn't crying over her impending graduation, she can be found doing stand-up comedy throughout the valley or wandering around aimlessly while she looks for her props. This is her first and likely last show with a youth theatre since she has the reached the ripe old age of twenty-one, but anticipates a jump into grown up theatre very soon. She encourages you to laugh at her jokes (really, she needs this) and support your local LGBTQ+ youth. 













Emma Wang (Tilly Evans) is absolutely thrilled to be a part of her first AYAA production especially as Tilly Evans, a dream role of hers. She has loved acting her entire life and can't wait to pursue it further at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Emma couldn't have asked for a better cast, crew, or production to send her off and is so endlessly grateful to all of her family and friends who have made being a part of this show so incredible. 
















Bryce Dilullo (Chuck Biggs) is an 18 year old doing his best. He has been involved in community theater for the past three years, and it has easily been the most influential part of his life. Some of his favorite roles have included Potiphar in Joseph and Mushnik in Little Shop Of Horrors, both shows being with Actors Youth Theater. She kills monsters was a hootenanny and a half to perform, and an incredible amount of fun to produce, and a giant thank you to Mackenna, Grey, and all of AYAA for their passion and dedication to theater. 






Paige Gagliardi (Lilith) is 17 years old and attends Hamilton High. She has been dancing since she was 9 years old and joined theatre a year ago. She has previously been in Addams Family as Ensemble, Hairspray as Ensemble, Hamlet Thrill-ma-geddon as Queen Gertrude, Shrek as Ensemble, and the Drowsy Chaperone as Janet Van de Graff. Paige is so honored to be apart of SKM and would like to thank Mackenna Goodrich and Grey Smith for giving her this opportunity.








Aaron J. Brown (Orcus) is a National Honors Thespian, and has been acting since the 7th grade. He's like, mad stoked about She Kills Monsters. 





















Autumn Neil (Kaliope) has done theatre since first grade. She's deeply involved in theatre at Hamilton High School, and she's excited for her first show with AYAA!

Edward "Eddie" Ernest Valencia Junior (Miles) Age: 20 Description: at 5'6.5" and 155 pounds, this little ball of energy is relatively new to the Theatre scene, but don't hold that against him. An Alumni of International Thespian Society Troupe 6030 in Chandler, Arizona, he enjoys to perform various types of theatre, particularly Improv and Pantomime, something he and Aaron J. Brown were praised for at the 2015 Arizona Thespian Festival, being the #1 pantomime duo in the state.















India Rose Chudnow (Vera) is one silly silly gal! She was last seen as Dolly in Hello Dolly at Mozeart Theater. Her favorite roles include Gym Teacher (Hairspray), Josephine (Big Fish), Marilla (Anne of Green Gables), and Grandma (Addams Family). India enjoys reading, indie pop rock, space, and memes. Much love to all of India's family and friends for all of their support in all of her endeavors and big big jazz hands for how awesome Mackenna is. (like/rt if you agree) For more fun follow India on Instagram: @india.rose















Dustin Noga (Steve) has been doing theatre for over three years now and has loved every single second of it. Whether it's playing a mysteriously attractive Interpol agent in Merry Murders at Montmarie or a Scottish Prince in Shakespeare's Macbeth, Dustin's passion for theatre has lead him here to play The Great Mage Steve in AYAA's production of She Kills Monsters!


















From the young age of three, Nicole Boucher (Evil Gabbi) began her performing career as a ballet dancer. While she continued ballet throughout high school, she first dabbled in theatre through Childsplay workshops and play writing. Then, she officially entered the theatre world through Hamilton High School’s theatre program sophomore year. Performing in The Addams Family, Shrek: The Musical, and starring as Ophelia in The Hamlet Thrill-Ma-Geddon, she hopes to continue her participation in theatre throughout college. She thanks her parents, Mackenna Goodrich and Grey Smith for directing the show, and all who supported the making of the production. 














She Kills Monsters is Jazmyne Plantillas's (Evil Tina) first community theatre show, though she has been seen before in The Hamlet Thrill Ma Geddon and Shrek the Musical. Jazmyne is thrilled to be a part of such a unique production. 



















Mariah Gessele (Farrah) enjoys acting as well as working behind the scenes. She is passionate about makeup and costumes. This is Mariah's first performance with AYAA!




















Jae Luna (Narrator) is 15 years old, currently going to Chandler High School as a sophomore! I've been playing softball since I was 8, and am still somehow kicking as a pitcher and third baseman. I haven't been doing theatre for a long time, but have grown to love it and am extremely grateful for being in this show.



















Noah Delgado (Student) is incredibly excited to be making his debut on the Fountain Hills Theater stage. Noah is a student journalist and has written for as well as hosted the food webseries, “Served.” As an actor, some of his credits include Amos Calloway in the Arizona premiere of Big Fish; for which he earned an NYA Award nomination; Guthry Brentwood in The Haunted, Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and Count Dracula in Dracula. He also appeared in Tuscany Theatre Company's production of Arcadia as Augustus/Gus Coverly. He would like to thank Mackenna, Grey and the entire cast and crew for making this such a fun experience, as well as his family for their never ending love and support!

IT'S TIME TO VOTE!

Hello, everyone! IT IS NOW TIME TO VOTE FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL AYAA AWARDS!

We had almost 225 nomination forms turned in for these awards, up from around 50 last year. We had 550 people vote last year, so let's see how we do this time around!

A complete list of nominees can be found below. :)

Here is the link to vote!

And the nominees are...

Best Leading Actress in a Musical 
Cheyenne Smith - Audrey - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Quinlyn Ashlock - Baker's Wife - Into the Woods - Starlight Community Theater
Emma Suttell - Jovie - Elf Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem
Jayda Mendiola - Wendla - Spring Awakening - Arizona School for the Arts
Makenzie Couch - Rafiki - Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theater Phoenix

Best Leading Actress in a Play
Sarah Scroggins - Mina - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre
Emma Wang - Jesse - The Hamlet Thrill-Ma-geddon - Hamilton High School
Harleigh Iziarry - White Witch - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - Starlight Community Theater
Thea Eigo - CB's Sister - Dog Sees God - Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc.
Gabby Terrell - Abby - Arsenic and Old Lace - Chandler High School

Best Leading Actor in a Musical
Grey Smith - Dewey Finn - School of Rock - Actor's Youth Theatre
Anson Romney - Seymour - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Connor Brigola - Rum Tum Tugger - Cats - Limelight
Ethan Shanker - Moritz - Spring Awakening - Arizona School for the Arts
Noah Sucato - Simba - Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

Best Leading Actor in a Play
Kale Burr - Vlad Dracula - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre
Aaron Brown - Hamlet - The Hamlet Thrill-Ma-geddeon - Hamilton High School
Dustin Noga - Claudius - The Hamlet Thrill-Ma-geddeon - Hamilton High School
Payten McLeod - CB - Dog Sees God - Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc.
Noah Delgado - Count Dracula - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
Thea Eigo - Ilse - Spring Awakening - Arizona School for the Arts
Sophie Vaughan - Martha - Spring Awakening - Arizona School for the Arts
Lily Castle - Paulette - Legally Blonde - Spotlight Youth Theatre
Sarah Pansing - Martha - The Secret Garden - Valley Youth Theatre
Gretchen Carpenter - Timon - Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

Best Supporting Actress in a Play
AJ Marshall - Lucy - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre
Nicole Boucher - Ophelia - The Hamlet Thrill-Ma-Geddeon - Hamilton High School
Sarah Edmunds - Mrs. Westenra - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre
Riley Van Cleve - Tricia - Dog Sees God - Youth Ensemble Inc.
Hanna Soto-Shea - Elaine - Arsenic and Old Lace - Chandler High School

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
Bryce Dilullo - Mushnik - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Caleb Ormond - Cinderella's Prince - Into the Woods - Starlight Community Theater
Nick Williams - Orin Scrivello, DDS - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Steven Enriquez - The Cowardly Lion - Wizard of Oz - Valley Youth Theatre
Jacob Currie - Banzai - The Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

Best Supporting Actor in a Play
Chance Stokes - Van - Dog Sees God - Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc.
Sawyer Bland - Defendants and others - The Laramie Project - Greasepaint
Liam Thibeault - Dr. Einstein - Arsenic and Old Lace - Chandler High School
Alex Tuchi - Smee - Peter and the Starcatcher - Arizona School for the Arts
Ben Wright - Abraham Van Helsing - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre

Best Vocalist
Maddy Rathbun - Ronette - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Jayda Mendiola - Wendla - Spring Awakening - Arizona School for the Arts
Sarah Pansing - Whatsername - American Idiot - Spotlight Youth Theatre
Cheyenne Smith - Audrey - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Makenzie Couch - Rafiki - Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

Best Dancer
Paige Gagliardi - Janet van de Graaf - The Drowsy Chaperone - Limelight
Thea Eigo - Ensemble/Featured Dancer - All Shook Up - Desert Foothills Theater
Jasmine Bassham - Brooke Wyndham - Legally Blonde - Spotlight Youth Theatre
Emily Wright - Cheryl Ann/Ensemble - Catch Me If You Can - Actor's Youth Theatre
Hallie Reggio - Cha Cha DeGregorio - Grease - Greasepaint

Best Direction of a Musical
Chris Dane Burk - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Emma England - CATS - Limelight
Rusty Ferracane - Spring Awakening - Arizona School for the Arts
Stephanie Likes - Into the Woods - Chandler High School
Tambra Lamb - Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

Best Direction of a Play
Christina Vail - The Hamlet Thrill-Ma-Geddeon - Hamilton High School
Jodie Weiss - Dog Sees God - Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc.
Stephanie Likes - Arsenic and Old Lace - Chandler High School
Zack Diepstraten - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre
Laura O'Meara - To Kill a Mockingbird - Musical Theatre of Anthem

Best Musical Direction
Tristan Peterson - The Secret Garden - Valley Youth Theatre
Mark 4man - American Idiot - Spotlight Youth Theatre
Thomas Graca - Into the Woods - Starlight Community Theater
Curtis Moeller - Pippin - Greasepaint
Sarah McDermott - Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

Best Choreography
Corrinne Mann, Kristen Malarkey, and Marcus Ellsworth - Catch Me If You Can - Actor's Youth Theatre
Emma England - CATS - Limelight
Kristin Malarkey - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Paul Pederson - All Shook Up - Desert Foothills Theater
Lynzee 4man - American Idiot - Spotlight Youth Theatre

Best Set Design
Emma England - CATS - Limelight
Don Crosby - The Drowsy Chaperone - Limelight
Chris Dane Burk - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Chris Dane Burk - Catch Me If You Can - Actor's Youth Theatre
Tori Swedler - Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

Best Lighting Design
Brian Sosnowski - Willy Wonka Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem
Erica Baratz - Spring Awakening - Arizona School for the Arts
Josh Lindblom - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre
Emma England - CATS - Limelight
Tom Holmberg - Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

Best Sound Design
Brian Sosnowski - Willy Wonka Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem
Emma England - CATS - Limelight
Josh Lindblom - School of Rock - Actor's Youth Theatre
Josh Hontz - American Idiot - Spotlight Youth Theatre

Best Costume Design
Emma England - CATS - Limelight
Karol Cooper - The Secret Garden - Valley Youth Theatre
Julie Clement - Catch Me If You Can - Actor's Youth Theatre
Nicole Miller - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Karin Ikeaski - Seussical Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem

Best Hair and Makeup Design
Mariah Gessele - Shrek - Hamilton High School
Juliana Jackson - CATS - Limelight
Cheri Lundgreen - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre
Jessy Kishbaugh - Seussical Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem
Trey DeGroodt - American Idiot - Spotlight Youth Theatre

Best Stage Management
Kara Jenkins and Jordan Osness - Shrek - Hamilton High School
Darryl Cotecson - Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Kristin Bowler - Catch Me If You Can - Actor's Youth Theatre
Kristin Bowler - Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre
Dexter Tuten - Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

School of Rock Award: Most Likely to Win Battle of the Bands
Devon Policci
Vincent Pugliese
Grey Smith

The Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Award: Most Fabulous
Spencer Claus
Carter Palumbo
Emma Sucato

The Catch Me If You Can Award: Most Likely to Carry Out a Great Con
Joey Grado
Jake Bonar
Devon Policci

Shrek Award: Most Likely to Marry a Beautiful Prince/Princess
Grey Smith
Addison Bowman
Jacob Currie

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Award: Most Likely to Win a Spelling Bee
Noah Delgado
Abigail Caplan
Thea Eigo

The Gypsy Award: Most Likely to Become a Stage Parent
Jessica Sinodis
Bailey Gorman
Audrey Coleman

The American Idiot Award: Most "Teen Angst"
Joey J Grado
Vincent Pugliese
Ethan Shanker

The War Paint Award: Most Likely to Be the Next Patti LuPone
Sarah Pansing
Jessica Sinodis
Sophie Vaughan

Best Play - High School
The Hamlet Thrill-Ma-Geddeon - Hamilton High School
The Children's Hour - Chapparal High School
The Outsiders - Chapparal High School
Peter and the Starcatcher - Arizona School for the Arts
Arsenic and Old Lace - Chandler High School
Twelfth Night - Perry High School
One Man, Two Guvnors - Dobson High School

Best Musical - High School
Shrek - Hamilton High School
Catch Me If You Can - Chapparal High School
Mary Poppins - Perry High School
Spring Awakening - Arizona School for the Arts
Footloose - Agua Fria High School
Into the Woods - Chandler High School
Legally Blonde - Desert Mountain High School
How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying - Brophy
In the Heights - Xavier
The Wedding Singer - ACAA

Best Play - Community
Dracula - Actor's Youth Theatre
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - Starlight Community Theater
Dog Sees God - Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc.
Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! - Fountain Hills Youth Theater
I and You - Tuscany Theatre Company
Peter and the Starcatcher - Greasepaint
The Laramie Project - Greasepaint
The Love and the Hate - Starlight Community Theatre
To Kill a Mockingbird - Musical Theatre of Anthem
Radium Girls - Limelight

Best Musical - Community
Little Shop of Horrors - Actor's Youth Theatre
Into the Woods - Starlight Community Theatre
American Idiot - Spotlight Youth Theatre
Catch Me If You Can - Actor's Youth Theatre
School of Rock - Actor's Youth Theatre
The Secret Garden - Valley Youth Theatre
Les Miserables - Theater Works
Willy Wonka Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem
The Drowsy Chaperone - Limelight
Lion King Jr. - Christian Youth Theatre Phoenix

AYAA AWARDS 2017!!!!

It's that time of year again!!!

The Arizona Young Actors' Alliance is proud to once again present the AYAA Awards. Last year was a smashing success, with over 500 people voting on the final awards. There are a lot of great awards programs in our area, but I wanted to create an awards program where the people nominate and select winners just for young actors -- not necessarily just youth theatre. Youth rewarding youth. 

So this awards program will have some classic awards, but it will also feature some more silly awards -- things you might use as high school superlatives. I have made superlatives for my high school theatre class for the past three years, so I picked a few of my favorites to include in this. 

Nominations for the 2017 Awards open today and run through July 20th at noon! So get your nominations in ASAP. 

https://goo.gl/forms/fBnP2VfMFbCTZ1lU2

All youth productions and youth actors are eligible. Adults working on youth shows in a direction or design category are also eligible.

ALSO PLEASE BUY TICKETS TO SHE KILLS MONSTERS!

AYAA Talback: Dancing Through Life

Hey, everyone! Today, as a sort of Part 2 to our Talback series out using BroadwayBox videos as inspiration, we did a riff on the Dancing Through My Resume videos. I asked a bunch of dancers to talk about which shows they would love to DANCE.

BUT BEFORE WE GET TO THAT:

#1. PLEASE consider coming to see AYAA's first full-length production at the end of this month. A ton of us have been working on a production of She Kills Monsters. Fountain Hills Theater is being kind enough to let us use their space and their box office for this performance. If you're interested in checking out the show, tickets are available here as of today. Tickets are $15 for all three performances: July 28th at 7, July 29th at 7 and July 30th at 3.

#2. Just like last year, we will be doing The AYAA Awards. Nominations will open tomorrow sometime around noon! Please nominate your favorite actors and actresses :)

And now onto the dance!!

Audrey Coleman: "Cats, A Chorus Line, Bring It On!"

Caroline Jackson: "Well I've already been in Joseph, but that was an amazing show to be ensemble in. Wicked definitely. Oklahoma."

Calvin Witmer Jr.: "Bring It On: the Musical because of the crazy dance/cheer routines. I know it's cliche, but I've always wanted to be in Footloose. Also, A Chorus Line was one of my dream dance shows, so thankfully, I got to be in it once, but I would 100% do that show again. Also Newsies cuz I'm ASMing it right now and the dancing we have in our show is INSANE it's amazing."

Emily Woodward-Shaw: "Something Rotten, Big Fish, Matilda, Joseph!"

Emma England: "NEWSIES would be the ultimate show I would want to dance in. And Cats. I actually really like dancing Joseph because of all the different types of songs throughout. I would also love to be a part of Movin' Out."

Falin Ossipinsky: "A Chorus Line and Newsies if I were a guy hah!"

Gracie Gentile: "Millie (again!!), Hairspray, Footloose, Newsies, Cats, Anything Goes, Catch Me If You Can, Mary Poppins, Music Man"

Haylee Klein: "Hamilton, Chicago (I am right now at FHT!! One of my dream shows), Cabaret, Xanadu, Thoroughly Modern Millie."

Isabella Harvey: "Addams Family, Bandstand, Anastasia, A Chorus Line"

Jessica Sinodis: "CATS. Playing Grizabella was a dream, but seeing my cast mates perform those numbers was breathtaking. I would love one day to be a part of the Jellicle ball. OK AND CHICAGO. The dancing in that show ugh it's so jazzy and technical but also so stylized I love it! One day I hope to be able to perform in that show!"

Kaleigh Feuerstein: "Cats- Obviously this show is known for being one to dance in and I love the flexibility and high energy required to pull it off.
A Chorus Line- I love big showy pieces that envelope the concept of musicals and I think that this show really encompasses it.
42nd Street- the only show I know that is so focused heavily on tap which is my favorite style of dance"

Kate Nienstedt: "CHORUS LINE, Wicked, Legally Blonde, Pippin, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cats, and Newsies"

Mackenna Goodrich: "To start with a real weird one: Contact. Movin' Out. Pippin. Spring Awakening. Finding Neverland. Hamilton. 

And I've said it before and I'll say it again: I want to be the first female Rum Tum Tugger in Cats." 

Miranda Smith: "Hairspray, Grease, Newsies, Footloose, Catch Me if You Can, Anything Goes, Joseph, Bandstand, Thoroughly Modern Mille, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Mamma Mia. OH AND CATS"

Olivia Nienstedt: "A Chorus Line, Cats, West Side Story"

Paige Gagliardi: "CABARET!!!! Hamilton, Thoroughly Modern Millie, CHICAGO, 42nd Street, BRING IT ON, American Idiot, West Side Story, CATS!!!! Sweet Charity, Great Comet. Bandstand seems like a lot of fun! Oh, if i had the talent, An American in Paris."

Rebecca Simantov (a friend from Kenyon): "Well, I just saw Great Comet and I would LOVE to dance that. Also Anything Goes. Also Chicago. Also Fiddler (I already know all those dances). Cabaret. Anything with burlesque or swing."

Sarah Davidson: "I would love to dance in 42nd Street or Anything Goes because I LIVE for tap and it's my favorite style of dance. I also would love to be in the ensemble of Big Fish because the ensemble is on and dancing in just about every number.

Also, Cats."

Sarah Pansing: "I would love to be in Hairspray, West Side Story, or Chorus Line!"

Thea Eigo: "Catch Me if You Can, The Producers, Great Comet, Bandstand, and A Chorus Line"

Tiana Marks: "I would love to dance in Rent, 42nd Street, Joseph (even though I have before), ooh and Cats."

AYAA Talkback: Broadway Bucket List

Hey all!

It is time for another AYAA Talkback, where I ask a question to the community pertaining to theatre. Recently, I've been watching BroadwayBox.com's series called Broadway Bucket List, where Broadway singers perform selections of songs sung by three roles on their "Broadway bucket list" aka three roles they need to play on Broadway. 

I extended this question on my Facebook page to find out what three roles are on everyone's Broadway bucket lists!

*a friend from Kenyon, the college I go to.

Alli Beard*: Veronica from Heathers, Natasha from The Great Comet and the Leading Player from Pippin

Audrey Coleman: Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes), Veronica Sawyer (Heathers), Cassie (A Chorus Line)

Avery Strachan: Ilse from Spring Awakening, Kristie from A Chorus Line, Heather Chandler from Heathers

Bailey Gorman: Evan Hansen from Dear Evan Hansen, Seymour Krelbourne from Little Shop of Horrors, Quasimodo from Hunchback of Notre Dame

Bryce Dilullo: Dewey Finn from School of Rock, Nostradamus from Something Rotten, and Aaron from First Date

Calvin Witmer Jr.: Christopher from Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Peter from Bare: A Pop Opera, CB in Dog Sees God

Danny Blankemeier: Genie from Aladdin, Javert from Les Miserables, Frollo from Hunchback of Notre Dame

Devon Policci: Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, Quasimodo in Hunchback of Notre Dame,
Moritz in Spring Awakening

Emily Woodward-Shaw: Millie - Thoroughly Modern Millie, Zoe Murphy - Dear Evan Hansen, Cathy - The Last Five Years

Faith Sterling: Catherine in Pippin, Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher, Abigail in Crucible

Hailey Forbis: Winnie in Tuck Everlasting! Glinda in Wicked! Ariel in The Little Mermaid!

Hannah Isaac:  Fantine in Les Miserables, Elphaba or Nessa in Wicked!

Isabella Harvey: Anya in Anastasia, Ivy in Bare, Jenna in Waitress

Jacob Peterson: Ursula - Little Mermaid, Lefou - Beauty and the Beast, Emcee - Cabaret

Jenny Nagel: Natalie from next to normal, Samantha from Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown, Shelly from Batboy

Kaleigh Feuerstein: Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Dorothy in Wizard of Oz, and Tracy in Hairspray

Kylee Toon Chounaird: Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Dawn in Waitress, Cathy Hyatt in The Last Five Years

Nicholas Hambruch: Edward Bloom - Big Fish, Robert - Company, Sweeney - Sweeney Todd

Sarah Davidson: Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress, Sandra Bloom (when I'm older)/Jenny Hill (now) in Big Fish, Belle in Beauty and the Beast

Spencer Claus: Leading Player (Pippin), Emcee (Cabaret), Edgar (Bat-Boy)

Summer Beckman: Christine in Phantom of the Opera, Elle in Legally Blonde, Johanna in Sweeney Todd

AYAA Dream Season Project: 2017 Version

Hey everyone!!

WE HAVE HIT 100,000 PAGE VIEWS ON AYAA!! How exciting! I've been working on this website for a little under two years and this is a great milestone to hit. As I need to sort of move on into adulthood starting in the next school year, AYAA will be put on semi-permanent hiatus while I am at school, so I am really glad to have hit this milestone before than.

We have a lot of fun stuff planned for the rest of the summer and I am really excited to get to work on it.

For today, to celebrate, I wanted to bring back the Dream Season project we did last year where I had people create mock seasons.

Thank you to Avery, Bailey, Danny, Emily, Miranda and Noah for creating seasons for me this time around!!

Avery Strachan:

Stage Door Theater Company
"The season of angst and death"

Carrie: The Musical
August 12-28th
Starring: Andrey Lull as Billy Nolan, Kristi Rice as Margaret White, Avery Strachan as Chris Hargensen and Lydia McCloskey as Sue Snell


Heathers
October 7-23rd
Starring: Tatumn Zale as Heather McNamara, Thea Eigo as Heather Duke, and Avery Strachan as Heather Chandler and Rachel Berry as Veronica Sawyer

Bare: A Rock Opera
December 2-23rd
Directed by: Damon Dearing
Starring: Adam Bei as Peter and Tatumn Zale as Ivy

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
February 10-26th
Directed by: Avery Strachan
Starring: Adam Bei as Andrew Jackson and Maddy Rathbun as Rachel

Spring Awakening
April 7-23rd
Directed by: Avery Strachan
Starring: Maddy Rathbun as Ilse and Ethan Shanker as Moritz

Next To Normal
June 9-25th
Starring:Kristi Rice as Diana Goodman

Bailey Gorman

Theatre Factory Productions

July 1-17 - Parade (I would love to direct it or be Leo)

August 5-25 - Mamma Mia!

October 10-31 - Little Shop of Horrors (I would love to be Seymour)

December 10-17 - Holiday Inn 

February 1-14 - Once

March 25-30 (Limited Run) - If/Then

May 4-20 - Dogfight

June 19- July 31 - Miss Saigon

Danny Blankemeier

Lost Dutchman Theatre Company

Frankenstein

Director-Zack Diepstraten 

Oct 20-27

Elf the Musical

Director-Marcus Ellsworth

Music Director-Karli Giles

Dec 7-16

Once on this Island

Director-Myself

Music Director-Cathy Hughes

Mar 29-Apr 7

Big Fish

Director-Marcus Ellsworth and Julie Clement

Music Director-Joesph Johnson

June 20-July 14

Emily Woodward-Shaw

The Theatre Playce

1. Spring Awakening (August 10 - August 19) - I would love to be able to direct this show to be able to incorporate some American Sign Language just like the Deaf West production. It adds another layer to the show which I feel is important.

2. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Nov 2 - Nov 11)- I did this show back in Fall of 2015 and I would love to play Logainne again. I also thing Brandon Hayes is the perfect Chip and I would love to see Summer Farnsworth be Olive, Kale Burr as Barfée and Mackenna Goodrich as Rona. (A/N: Mackenna would love to see Mackenna as Rona as well.)

3. Zombie Prom (Jan 4 - Jan 13) - It's not exactly an amazing show storyline-wise, BUT the costumes and set design for this show is crazy amazing. This show would have to be performed in a large space with a high budget (which of course is impossible) but it's still a dream, huh?

4. Big Fish (March 15 - March 24)- This is one of the most beautiful shows I have watched/been a part of. I would love to be a part of the ensemble again because it's a very involved show. Not JUST because of the red hair, but I'd love to see Sarah Davidson as Sandra and Nick Williams as Will Bloom to name a few.

5. Be More Chill (May 10 - May 19) - Yes, rights aren't available yet, but in a perfect world, they would be. This is a pretty new show with music by Joe Iconis that starred Will Connolly and George Salazar in the New Jersey show. It's basically about a boy who is struggling to fit in, and ends up taking a weird Japanese kind of drug that's inputs a "computer" in his brain (yes, it's kind of confusing). But I'd like to see Joey Grado as Jeremy, Anson Romney as Michael, Emily Wright as Christine, Allan DeWitt as The Squip, and Lina Cappalleno as Chloe. Anyone who hasn't listened to this show recording should!

Mackenna Goodrich

Chandler Boulevard Theatre Company

Measure for Measure

August 25 - October 1

Kickin' it off with some Shakespeare, mate! (I've been watching a lot of British television today.) I'd enjoy directing it. As for some casting business, I'd love to see Jackie Brecker as Isabella, Bryce Dilullo as The Duke, Grey Smith as Claudio and Mark Munoz as Lord Angelo. 

Evita

October 5 - November 16

So for all the musicals, I really want to choreograph all of them, but I'd also like to direct this one. It's the only Weber musical I actually really like. (Sorry, Sarah.) For casting, I'd want to see Grey Smith as Peron, Brandon Reyes as Che, Jessie Jo Pauley as Evita, Brittney Peters as the Mistress, and Kale Burr as Magaldi. 

Oliver!

November 30 - December 23

Sarah Pansing as Nancy and Nick Williams as Fagin

Anything Goes

January 11 - February 11

I'd like to co-direct and choreograph with my good friend, Sarah Davidson. I'd love to see Jackie Brecker as Reno and Grey Smith as Moonface.

Company

February 15 - March 11

I love this show and along with choreographing it, I'd love to play Amy. (Patter songs are my everything.) Nicholas Hambruch would be a great Robert. 

Master Class

March 15 - April 1

This play is gorgeous and I'd love to direct it. Jessica Sinodis would be a great Maria Callas. 

Noises Off

April 5 - May 6

Got to get some more comedy in this season! Would love to direct this madcap nonsense. I would love to see India Chudnow as Dotty and Kale Burr or Liam Thibeault as Lloyd.

Sweeney Todd

May 10 - June 10

I need to see Grey Smith play Sweeney Todd and I'd love to see Jessica Sinodis as Mrs. Lovett.

Gypsy

June 14 - July 8

Jessie Jo Pauley needs to be Louise in this. And I feel like I keep using Jessica, but she's just such a good grand dame and would be a great Rose.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

July 12 - August 19

I'm obsessed with this show and would love to be Candela. Grace Napoletano would be a great Pepa. I would love to see Lily Castle as Lucia and Mason Reeves or Anson Romney as Ivan. 

Miranda Smith

Live Out Loud Theatre 

School of Rock

August 4-12

Choreograph

Guys and Dolls

September 15-23

I would love to be Adelaide

Little Shop of Horrors

October 27- Nov 4

Direct

Big Fish

Dec 15-23

Choreograph 

Mary Poppins

February 23 - March 3

I would love to be Mary OR choreograph 

Bonnie and Clyde 

April 13-21

Direct

Catch Me If You Can

May 25- June 2

Choreograph

Noah Delgado

Random Box Theatre Company

Zombie Prom

Director - Russell Seaton

Music Director - Karli Giles

Choreographer: Zib Jacobs

*I would love to play either Eddie or Jonny in this 

Aug. 24th - Sept. 9th

Frankenstein (Nick Dear version)

Director - Zack Diepstraten

*I would adore playing Victor/The Creature

Oct. 19th - Nov. 4th

Elf the Musical

Director - Tracie Jones

Choreographer: Corrine Mann

*I would like to see Danny Blankemeier as Buddy. I would totally play Walter Hobbs, again

Dec. 8th - 23rd

Jekyll & Hyde

Director - Russell Seaton

Music Director: Karli Giles

Choreographer: Zib Jacobs

*I would absolutely love to play Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde

Mar. 29th - Apr. 14th

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

Director - Russell Seaton

Music Director - Tracie Jones

Choreographer - Zib Jacobs

*I would play Pierre in a heartbeat. 

Jun. 7th - 23rd

AYAA Tony Predictions!!

Hey there, everyone! Happy Tony Sunday!

Following tradition, I asked some young adults in the Valley who they thought WILL win the Tony Awards tonight. Although there are 24 categories, I kept it to the six big musical categories: Best Musical, Best Revival of a Musical, Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Featured Actor and Best Featured Actress.

Here is what we think!

Best Musical:
Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812: 27.1%
Dear Evan Hansen: 57.7%
Groundhog Day: 7.6%
Come From Away: 7.6%

Best Revival of a Musical:
Miss Saigon: 16.7%
Hello Dolly: 58.3%
Falsettos: 25%

Best Lead Actor in a Musical:
Andy Karl for Groundhog Day: 0% (which is funny because according to a lot of expert opinions, he's the 2nd most likely to win)
Ben Platt for Dear Evan Hansen: 84.6%
Josh Groban for The Great Comet: 11.5%
Christian Borle for Falsettos: 3.9%
David Hyde Pierce for Hello Dolly!: 0%

Best Lead Actress in a Musical:
Bette Midler for Hello, Dolly!: 46.1%
Patti LuPone for War Paint: 15.4%
Christine Ebersole for War Paint: 0%
Eva Noblezada for Miss Saigon: 15.4%
Denee Benton for Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812: 23.1%

Best Featured Actor in a Musical:
Andrew Rannells in Falsettos: 31%
Brandon Uranowitz in Falsettos: 6.9%
Lucas Steele in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812: 13.8%
Mike Faist in Dear Evan Hansen: 20.7%
Gavin Creel in Hello Dolly!: 27.6%

Best Featured Actress in a Musical:
Kate Baldwin for Hello, Dolly: 14.3%
Stephanie J. Block for Falsettos: 10.7%
Rachel Bay Jones for Dear Evan Hansen: 35.7%
Mary Beth Peil for Anastasia: 25%
Jenn Colella for Come From Away: 14.3%


And a couple people had some additional thoughts they wanted to share!


Mark Munoz - I think Falsettos should win, but I feel like they will get robbed. I feel David Hyde Pierce should win, but he won't.

Asher Sheppard - Ben Platt for Lead Actor, though I would be happy with Josh Groban, cause I love him!

India Chudnow - No matter what happens, Come From Away should win best musical!

Autumn Neil - I'm afraid Dear Evan Hansen will sweep or get the Best Musical, but I think Best Musical should be Natasha, Pierre, and asbsbkjsnsd.


MAKE SURE TO WATCH THE TONYS TONIGHT ON CBS!!!!!

And the winner of AYAA Musical Madness is....

HEATHERS!!!

Thank you to everyone has voted. After a month of competition, Heathers reigns supreme over the other female led musicals!

Also, since I have you, we all hope to see you at the AYAA Cabaret on Saturday at 7:30pm. Although it won't feature songs from Heathers, it will feature hits from shows 25 years or older, including selections from She Loves Me, Carrie, Chicago and other smash hits from the days of the past! It is at AYT and tickets can be purchased online or at the door! Hope to see you there!