HHS Captures 10 Hunting-Tony Award Nominations

The sets are down, the costumes packed away, but the smiles still linger. The Huntington High School drama club and its actors garnered a spectacular 10 Hunting-Tony Award nominations for its fall and spring stage productions of “Almost, Maine” and “Seussical.”

Hunting-Tony Awards judges were in attendance at every high school drama club production in the town over the past year, forming the basis for the nominations and the ultimate honors in each category.

This year’s award recipients will be announced during a ceremony in the Huntington High School auditorium on Monday, June 5. The nominees will walk the red carpet outside the building at 6 p.m. The ceremony kicks off at 7 p.m.

Huntington High School actors have fared well in previous years. Drama club faculty advisor Michael Schwendemann is excited to attend the ceremony with both casts.

Drama club members can’t wait for the big night. “I love the Hunting-Tonys,” sophomore Sofia Rodriguez said. “I think it’s a wonderful way to celebrate theatre, and the arts in general, by young people in our area. I am ecstatic to be nominated. Being recognized for a performance that I was so proud of, in a show I had so much fun being a part of, is a really wonderful feeling. I’m so grateful to be involved in any way possible.”

Ms. Rodriguez isn’t alone. “I am really excited to see how the Hunting-Tony’s play out this year, both shows did such a great job and got several nominations,” junior Landry Flynn said. “I am also beyond grateful to have received a nomination myself for best supporting actress in a play. Last year was really fun and I can’t wait for this year.”

Huntington’s nominees in the drama category include:
• Best Play: Huntington High School: “Almost, Maine”
• Best Ensemble in a Play: Huntington High School: “Almost, Maine”
• Best Lead Actress in a Play: Sofia Rodriguez
• Best Lead Actor in a Play: Dylan Brinn
• Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Landry Flynn
• Best Stage Crew for a Play: Huntington High School: “Almost, Maine”
• Best Technical Production for a Play: Huntington High School: “Almost, Maine”

Huntington’s nominees in the musical category include:
• Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Josie Sullivan
• Best Costumes for a Musical: Huntington High School: “Seussical”
• Best Set Design for a Musical: Huntington High School: “Seussical”

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been nominated for a Huntingtony! Personally, I feel that in this year’s play, ‘Almost, Maine,’” senior Dylan Brinn said. “I have delivered one of, if not the best, performances of my high school acting career and am extremely proud of myself and my peers who have also been nominated!”

Huntington High School actors have fared well in previous years. “I think that the Hunting-Tonys went great this year,” sophomore Josie Sullivan said. Everyone worked so hard to get these well-deserved nominations and I’m so excited to see what the ceremony holds. Congratulations to everyone!”

The nominees are expected to come decked out in their best. “This is their night to shine,” Mr. Schwendemann said.