The Westfield High School theater production of Dreamgirls just earned six Tommy Tune Nominations. Pictured are cast members Brittney Reddix (from left), Aaliyah Solomon and Mariah Campbell who play Dreamgirls’ Deena Jones, Effie Melody White, and Lorrell Robinson.
HOUSTON – April 7, 2016 – Westfield High School’s Theater Department just earned six Tommy Tune nominations for their production of the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls.” The category nominations include Best Supporting Actor – Tierre “TJ” Robinson for the role Jimmy Early, Best Choreography, Best Direction, Best Ensemble and Chorus, Best Stage Crew and Technical Execution, and Best Lighting Design.
The Tommy Tune nominations were officially announced March 26 on Eyewitness News ABC 13 – Houston, and the “Tony-style” Tommy Tune Awards Show will be April 19 at the Houston Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
“I was both very nervous and excited the morning of the announcement,” said Monet Salone, Westfield High School theater director. “The announcement was made in the early hours of the ABC 13 news show as I was driving to the campus. Once I arrived, I told my students and they all responded with such mixed emotions of laughter, tears and disbelief. It was simply amazing!”
This is Westfield’s second year being nominated for the Tommy Tune Awards; last year they received nods in two categories: Best Choreography and Best Stage Crew and Technical Execution.
“This year the nominations more than doubled and we are completely honored and humbled for that,” said Salone. “All our cast, crew and assistants are a big part of us getting this far. Our parents, teachers, administrators and board have also been great supporters of our on stage production.”
Salone’s team includes more than 80 Westfield High School theater students; Bryant Bowie, assistant director and choreographer; Alfredo Morales, technical assistant; and the special assistance of Daryle Freeman, vocal director from Davis High School.
The production of “Dreamgirls” was presented in October and November of 2015 at the Phillip K. Geiger Performing Arts Center of Westfield High School.
“Dreamgirls” is a Broadway musical, with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and a book by Tom Eyen. Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago.
For more information and tickets to the 14th Annual Tommy Tune Awards call 713-558-8887 or visit www.tuts.com/about/tommy-tune-awards
Since its inception in 2002 the Tommy Tune Awards has grown to be the largest celebration of High School Musical Theatre in Houston. The annual awards ceremony sponsored by Theatre Under the Stars recognizes excellence of high school students and teachers throughout the Houston metropolitan area. After evaluating the 45 participating Houston-area high school productions, a team of Houston based theater professionals nominated 165+ participants in 15 award categories.