Estancia proves theatrical mettle

Danette Goulet

WESTSIDE -- And the MACY goes to . . . Estancia.

And the MACY goes to . . . Estancia.

And the MACY goes to . . . Estancia.

It was the mantra of the evening at the 31st annual Music and Art

Commendation for Youth awards last week.

Staying true to their reputation for an award-winning drama

department, Estancia High School took home 17 MACY awards -- including

the Masterpiece award -- for their performance of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

“We got this Masterpiece award, so it felt to me like we were getting

one of their highest commendations,” said Pauline Maranian, director of

the play. “They called our show a masterpiece, which in the theatrical

world is something.”

Presented by Lee and John Childress of Laguna Beach, the MACY awards

began in 1971 in Los Angeles to recognize the hard work and talent of

high school performers.

When the Childresses moved to Laguna Beach, they recognized the talent

that lay in their new backyard.

Held the same night as the Tony Awards, the MACYs follow much the same

format, with more than 20 snippet performances punctuated by awards,

leading up to the biggies.

Estancia began its sweep with the first award for Bright Spot,

performers who bring something special to a minor role. It went to Wendy

Laurie as Tente and Aaron Van Geem as Fiddler, Mendel.

The cast and crew then proceeded to hit most of the highlights.

Estancia took awards in the following categories: special recognition for

performers or ensembles whose contributions enhance a show, achievement

for performers who show distinction in a challenging role, and

outstanding achievement for performers who show exceptional merit in a

challenging role.

In the category of highest achievement awards, the cast won as a

group, and two -- Liz Gutman as Golde and Steve Russo as Tevye -- won the

award for their individual performances.

“It was unreal,” Gutman said of the cast’s record number of trophies.

“It was the most we’ve ever won since I’ve been here.”

Although Maranian puts on several performances a year, this one was

special, she said.

“I really feel like this show was just so touched,” she said. “It had

a heartbeat and a life of its own. I knew it would be good because I had

great leads and people who were excited, but I had no idea the heights

they’d soar to. People just walked out speechless.”

“Fiddler on the Roof” was the ninth play Gutman and Russo had

performed in with Estancia, and both said it was a perfect note to leave

on.

“It was great to go out with a bang,” the two said in unison.