SHS Drama Club Earns Five Dazzle Awards Nominations

The Solon High School Drama Club has received five Dazzle Awards nominations for its spring production of Something Rotten!, including Best Musical (Tier 2) and Best Actor. Presented by Playhouse Square, the Dazzle Awards honor excellence in high school musical theater and highlight the importance of arts education across Northeast Ohio.

The Solon production also earned nominations for Best Ensemble/Chorus, Best Choreography Execution, and Best Student Orchestra. Sophomores Tre Mallia and Lia Solarte were named musical apprentices for trumpet and violin, respectively. They will perform alongside professional musicians in the pit orchestra during the ceremony.

Senior Isaac Lewis, who played Nick Bottom, was nominated for Best Actor. If selected, he will represent Northeast Ohio at the Jimmy Awards this June at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City. A theater student since fifth grade, Isaac said he’s grateful for the opportunities the stage has provided him.

“Theater builds confidence and develops your connections with other people,” Isaac said. “It allows you to explore the thought process and emotions of other people through your characters, which makes you a lot more empathetic.”

This year’s nominations were announced live on FOX 8. Students celebrated the news with cheers and hugs as they gathered for a watch party with Drama Club advisors Kristina and Joe Ferencie, who are siblings and both Solon High School graduates.

“It’s always refreshing to see the arts recognized,” said Ms. Ferencie. “We’re proud to be part of the Dazzle Awards and to celebrate the passion and talent of high school musical theater students.”

Tackling Something Rotten! was no small feat. The production featured tap routines, complex musical arrangements, and a large ensemble cast.

“What makes this even more gratifying,” said Mr. Ferencie, “is seeing the students recognized for raising the bar. We are excited, elated, and proud of all the hard work that’s gone into this show.”

Cast members will perform a number from the production during the Dazzle Awards Ceremony, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 17, at Playhouse Square. Modeled after the Tony Awards, the ceremony brings together top high school theater programs from across the region for an evening of celebration and performance. Learn more.