APA Earns MACY Awards for ‘Phantom,’ ‘Company’

Two musicals presented during the 2005-06 season by the Academy for the Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School collected 20 trophies between them at the annual MACY (Music and Arts Commendations for Youth) awards.

A dozen of the awards went to the APA’s fall production of Arthur Kopit’s “Phantom,” a variation of the classic “Phantom of the Opera” tale, somewhat different than the one popularized by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The rest were claimed by “Company,” Stephen Sondheim’s lyrical comedy about relationships.

Both productions were directed by Tim Nelson and choreographed by Diane Makas-Weber. The musical director for both shows was Gregg Gilboe.

“Highest achievement” awards for “Phantom” were given to Katie Dixon, named vocalist of the year; and Jared Swartz, named best supporting actor; as well as to the entire “Phantom” ensemble. Alex Syiek also claimed a “highest achievement” honor for “Company.”

Three “Phantom” cast members collected “outstanding achievement” trophies: Josh Allton, Adam Mantell and Katie Ulrich, who also earned special recognition for her performance in “Company.” Special recognition honors also went to Tim Garcia for “Phantom.”

Five members of the “Company” cast were presented with “achievement” awards: Josh Allton, Sally Blotzer, Skye Bronfenbrenner, Adam Mantell and Erin Bull, who also earned a similar award for “Phantom.”

In the “Bright Spot” category, honoring notable cameo performances, Aaron Edminston, Neil Starkenberg, Brian Wessels and Sean Zita all were honored for “Phantom.”

The MACY awards for Orange County musical productions on the high school level were established in 1971, and the recent ceremony, held at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, was the 36th.

The awards were created by Lee Childress and her husband, the late John Childress.

“They now have an orchestra and are reformatting the show a little every year,” noted Michele Leighton, a MACY board member. “This year, they presented nine scholarships and about 415 awards.”

Twenty-eight schools participated in the MACY ceremonies, and judges viewed some 33 productions during the season.