By Peter Sclafani, Staff Writer
Hillsborough High School’s theater program brought home two Rising Star Awards and received another nomination for the performance of “Titanic: The Musical” on June 5.
The Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards for excellence in high school musical theatre have been awarded since 1996.
Aditi Kumar, a junior, won a student achievement award as assistant director for “Titanic.” She joined the ranks of past winners, which include Academy Award nominee Anne Hathaway and Tony Award winner Nikki M. James.
Hillsborough parents Agnes Irrizarry and Carol Kravette, co-chairs of the lobby committee, won an award for outstanding achievement in lobby display. The lobby committee, which is comprised of both students and parents, has won this award for two consecutive years.
The lobby committee, comprised of 20 students and parents, started work in December to recreate the entrance to the Titanic, as well as first-, second- and third-class cabins.
”We are fortunate to have a creative and hard-working team,” Ms. Kravette said. “A lot of work went into it, but we did it. It is good to be recognized at the state level.”
Actor Scott Cesta, a senior, was nominated for his performance as Frederick Barrett, a boiler room worker on the ship. On June 5 Scott performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse alongside the other nominees for best leading actor.
Last year Hillsborough was in the top seven schools nominated for the most awards.
”A lot of people told us how phenomenal our show was,” he said. “I wouldn’t do anything differently.”
Ninety schools throughout New Jersey entered 100 different productions for consideration in the awards.
Mr. Solomon said it is always great to see the students recognized for their hard work.
The students “walked away with a memory they’ll hold for a lifetime,” Mr. Solomon said. “Whether we were in the top seven or not, I think it was successful.”
