As the play season begins to wind down I just wanted to say what a great year! I saw the Mercy-Xavier production of "South Pacific." Amazing job Mercy and Xavier! The Middletown High School production of "Grease" was spectacular... and did I mention Michael Cho who plays Kenickie drives a real car on stage, not once, not twice, but three times!. I photographed Portland High School's Annie Get Your Gun during their dress rehearsal, they had a few kinks to work out and a state basketball championship to win but I am pretty convinced the Highlanders pulled off two wins that weekend!

But today, I was in for a special treat. Cromwell Middle School Drama Club's production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was fantastic! They had it all, a very clever and colorful set, sound affects, a bed for the grandparents that doubled as the Bucket Shack.

And the The Middletown Press Stage Presence Award nominees are...drum roll please.

Mercy senior Andrea Claudio as Bloody Mary.

Middletown High's Kevin Hilversum as Danny Zuko, second from left, leader of the Burger Palace Boys.

Cromwell Middle School 8th grader Jared Darius as Willy Wonka.

Say goodnight Gracie...

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