‘Evita’ well orchestrated at MACYs

TOM TITUS

When Tim Nelson exited the stage of Fullerton’s Plummer Auditorium on

Sunday afternoon, he had his hands full -- literally.

Nelson, director and musical director of the Academy for the

Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School, accepted one of

three orchestra of the year trophies at the 35th annual Music and

Arts Commendations for Youth awards for his production of “Evita.” He

also picked up a “showstopper” trophy for the same production.

Nelson, who also directed the Orange County High School of the

Arts production of “Cabaret,” beamed as that show received the Teatro

dell’ Arte award for its impact on the audience. Erik Altemus, who

played the master of ceremonies in “Cabaret,” was named best actor of

the year for his performance.

“Evita” also produced highest achievement awards for twins Alex

and Matthew Bartosch -- who shared the role of Che in a unique

casting turn -- and A.J. Gutierrez, who played the role of Juan

Peron. Evita herself, Nicole Gerardi, earned outstanding achievement

honors for the show, as did Courtney Davis and Josh Allton. Special

recognition was given to Lana Brewster and Evan Strand, while Erin

Bull and Gretchen Dawson won “bright spot” cameo awards.

The academy’s other musical of last season, “42nd Street,” also

came in for its share of honors Sunday, with both the ensemble and

the orchestra sharing “highest achievement” honors with Matt

Bartosch. Outstanding achievement awards went to Alex Bartosch,

Gretchen Dawson, Elaine Hayhurst and Katie Ulrich. Josh Allton won an

achievement laurel, while special recognition went to Nicole Gerardi

and bright spot honors to Lana Brewster, Trevor Gardner and Cassandra

Wallace.

The top prize of the afternoon, dubbed “the MACY,” was awarded to

Lutheran High School of Orange County for its production of “The

Secret Garden.” The show was one of 16 from which excerpts were

performed Sunday.

The awards were created in 1971 by Lee and John Childress as a

method of recognizing musical talent in Orange County high schools.

John Childress died a week before last year’s ceremony, but his

widow has carried on with the tradition and was given two standing

ovations at Sunday’s ceremonies.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.