Each year the Freddy Awards nominations are  almost as exciting as the awards themselves and this year’s nominations boded well for Warren Hills, with five nominations announced via live television in mid-May.

Performing Arts students  gathered in the auditorium to watch the announcements aired live  on WFMZ Channel 69 News and erupted in applause as nominations were announced for their spring performance of Anastasia. 

Nominations included Outstanding Performance by an Orchestra, Outstanding Small Ensemble Performance (Abigail Lamour and Ian Higgins – “In a Crowd of Thousands”), Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Lindsay Simonsen as the Dowager Empress), Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Tyrik Iman-Washington as Gleb) and Outstanding Performance by a Featured Dancer (Abigail Cagnassola as Odette the Swan Princess).

The Freddy Awards have been happening since 2003, highlighting performing arts programs in schools from Warren County, NJ and Lehigh and Northampton Counties, PA. According to their website, the Freddy’s are this area’s personal TONY awards.

The awards ceremony this year takes place on May 25 at State Theatre for the Arts in Easton, PA and will be broadcast on WFMZ Channel 69.

Last year, Warren Hills’ production of Mamma Mia resulted in one nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Featured Dancer for current senior Kayla Beam. This year, that same nomination went to freshman  Abigail Cagnassola.

“When my name was called, it was overwhelming in a good way,” said Cagnassola. “I haven’t ever experienced that feeling of success. This helped me realize that hard work really does pay off. It’s not something I ever expected as a freshman, but I’m so happy I get to experience this.”

This year’s performances of Anastasia took place in late March. The Drama Club and  members of the cast, crew and pit band were complimented for their amazing performances – ones that were highly deserving of their nominations.

In the weeks leading up to the Freddy’s, the entire Drama Club was eager and excited, with  many members of the Anastasia cast, along with representatives from pit band and stage crew, intending to attend the awards in person.

Despite the stakes of receiving an award, the cast isn’t just in it for the accolades; they love performing in the shows just for the fun of it all. 

“The Freddy’s allow our ability to be recognized professionally for the hard work everyone involved put into the show,” said Drama Club President Connor Farrington, who played the role of Vlad in Anastasia. “While receiving a Freddy would be a dream come true, we have come so far as a cast and we did so amazing for our shows. Even if we don’t win an award, we should be  proud of ourselves and I will be forever thankful for each of my fellow cast members and everything they did to make Anastasia the best it could be.”