Story by Bill, Becky Ottinger
Marcos de Niza High School has
been recognized by the National
Youth Arts Awards for its
production of the classic musical, 42nd
Street.
The school collected one winner and
six nominations, making it the only
Tempe high school to be honored.
The trophies were handed out during
an awards presentation in July.
“This is an exciting honor for
Marcos de Niza, and I couldn’t be more
excited for our students,” said Patrick
McChesney, director of the MdN Theatre
Program and the production.
“I want to thank the NYA for
recognizing the hard work of our
students, their parents, the designers and all of
the volunteers who give so much to make our
productions the highest quality possible.”
Partnering with McChesney is Darin Shryock,
the school’s director of choirs, who oversaw the
performances.
This is the first NYA award for Marcos. The cast
members and directors didn’t realize an NYA critic
had seen a performance and were taken by surprise
at the nominations and subsequent award.
Although the school is not a member of NYA, the
organization’s executive director, Rob Hopper, was in
the audience.
“I just saw the show with a friend who is friends
with one of the moms,” said Hopper. “We’re allowed
to nominate youth shows that aren’t members (of
NYA) for one year if they’ve never been part of it
before, and I had a great time at the show.”
The National Youth Arts Awards began in San
Diego in 2000. Now, members of the group review
performances of high schools and youth theaters
around the country.
Marcos award nominees, all from their 42nd
Street participation, include:
• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical:
Madison Ottinger as Peggy Sawyer;
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical:
Luke Powell as Billy Lawlor;
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical:
Chandler Corley-Essex as Maggie Jones;
• Nominee Outstanding Featured Actor
in a Musical: Zack Meyers as Abner Dillon;
• Nominee Outstanding Ensemble: 42nd
Street
• Outstanding Set Design: Jeff Dobbs;
• Outstanding Choreography: Amanda
Paige.
Marcos is preparing to kick off its new
season Thursday, Oct. 3, with its annual
Broadway Show, A Night on the Town,
featuring songs from hit musicals in a multifaceted
performance filled with music, dance
and lights.
The evening also includes the biggest
fundraiser of the year by the Performing
Arts Booster Club, Marcos de Niza Choir and
Drama Parents.
Prior to the show will be a silent auction, which
in past years has included such items as a guitar
autographed by Maroon 5, golf outings, aesthetics
packages and unique artwork.
The fall play, Almost Maine, will be presented
Nov. 16-18 and 21-23. In the spring, the stage hit
(and popular movie), Little Shop of Horrors, is due
to hit the stage in the Marcos auditorium March 5-8.
Performances are open to the public and tickets
are never more than $10 with discounts for students
(with ID) and seniors.
