The cast and crew of “The Sound of Music.”
Emmarae Ellis played Maria.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Those who attended the recent performances of the ACGC High School musical “The Sound of Music” know the cast and crew did an outstanding job, and that was confirmed in the announcement of the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards.
ACGC’s production received five awards. Emmarae Ellis (as Maria) and Ava Campbell (as Liesl) earned Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role. Rohnin Grasty (as Captain Von Trapp) earned Special Recognition in a Principal Role. The production was one of only 15 statewide to earn the Outstanding Overall Production Award. The production also was one of only 24 statewide to earn the Outstanding Ensemble Award. The director of the musical was Kelsey Dinkla, ACGC’s vocal director for grades 7-12.
Dinkla pointed out that ACGC is the smallest school to earn the Outstanding Overall Production Award, as well as the Outstanding Ensemble Award.
Ave Campbell played Liesl.
“I love that all cast, crew and pit members were recognized and celebrated for the work they did,” Dinkla said. “This show truly was a massive undertaking, and it took all of us working together to do it and do it well.”
Dinkla commented on the diverse crew that brought the production to life.
“There is something very special about knowing that we had kids as young as 10 and adults as old as, well, those who qualify for the senior discount, all working together to tell this beautiful story,” Dinkla said. “It shows that we have created such a beautiful sense of community and belonging when it comes to ACGC Theater.”
Those wishing for another taste of the production’s quality can experience it again on May 29 during the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase at the Des Moines Civic Center. Tickets are currently on sale, and the event will also be live-streamed that evening at 7 p.m. at IowaPBS.org.
Rohnin Grasty played Captain Von Trapp.
Dinkla summarized her pride in the production and the honors earned.
“I am blown away that a school our size can pull off such successful shows every spring. To earn statewide recognition is just incredible and is a true testament to our students’ talent and dedication,” Dinkla said. “Our students do everything and excel across so many different disciplines and activities and are better people because of it. The small-school experience is alive and well at ACGC.”