Representatives of the Marlboro High School Theater Department won nine awards at the 2022 Basie Awards, which were presented in Red Bank on May 25.
“After two years of improvising and working around the (coronavirus) pandemic, we were relieved when we realized this year’s ceremony could be live and that these schools, and these students, would have the opportunity to stage their productions in front of live audiences,” said Samantha Giustiniani, senior director, education, Count Basie Center for the Arts.
“From the energy in the room tonight and the caliber of excellence we saw in this year’s productions, it is obvious that everyone was bursting to get back out and express themselves on stage,” Giustiniani said.
“After two years away, it was a thrill to feel the energy, excitement and achievement buzzing during this year’s Basie Awards,” said Jeremy Grunin, chairman, Count Basie Center for the Arts.
“It was especially poignant knowing our Lifetime Achievement recipient, Ann Marie Miller, was there to experience it with us, knowing how hard she and ArtPride worked to ensure that the arts and organizations such as our own could continue to serve in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s Basie Awards were truly a showcase of excellence and perseverance,” Grunin said.
Marlboro High School won in the following categories:
• Carole Malik Award Outstanding Costume Design in a Drama: “Decision Height” – Debbie Bilotta, Kathy Stewart, Anthony Greco;
• Outstanding Lighting Design in a Drama (tie with Matawan Regional High School): Marlboro High School — “Decision Height” – Jim Lyle and Anthony Greco;
• Outstanding Direction in a Drama: “Decision Height” – Anthony Greco;
• Outstanding Dramatic Production: “Decision Height”;
• Carole Malik Award Outstanding Costume Design in a Musical: “Honk!” – Anthony Greco;
• Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical (tie with Matawan Regional High School): Marlboro High School — “Honk!” – Jim Lyle and Anthony Greco;
• Outstanding All Student Orchestra: “Honk!” – Patrick Dalton;
• Outstanding Featured Male Performer in a Musical: Nicholas Lutz — “Honk!”‘
• Outstanding Musical Production: “Honk!”
The Basie Awards began in 2005 as a way to honor and recognize high school-level actors, actresses and productions in the Monmouth County area, according to a press release.
This year, 16 dramas and 23 musical performances entered themselves for evaluation by the Basie Awards nomination committee, which produced nominations for students, productions and schools in various acting and production categories, according to the press release.