Katy ISD Students Win Seven Tommy Tune Awards

Bob Bryant, executive director of fine arts, describes the Tommy Tune Awards as the high school version of the Tony’s for Broadway musicals.  

“Just receiving a nomination is a huge honor,” said Bryant.

Three Katy ISD high schools received Tommy Tune nominations in various categories for their musical productions this year.  The nominees include: Katy High School received five nominations for The Sound of Music, Morton Ranch High School received nine nominations for Damn Yankees and Cinco Ranch High School received 14 nominations for Jekyll and Hyde.

A team of 31 Houston-based theatre professionals made nominations in 15 categories after reviewing and evaluating 41 participating Houston-area high school productions during the 2007-08 school year. The winners were announced at the awards show on April 22 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, with Katy ISD schools bringing home seven big awards.

Cinco Ranch High School received a grand total of six Tommy Tune’s including the best feature performer, junior Leighton Schlanger for his role as Spider in Jekyll and Hyde.  Cinco Ranch’s rendition of Jekyll and Hyde was also selected for best set design, which was done by senior Alex McGowen, best lighting design by senior Gustavo Valdes, best costume design by senior Jordan Martin, sophomore Anna Blaha and freshman Kalie Brumbaugh.  Under the guidance of Kathy Gallas-Beyer, Cinco Ranch theatre director and Steve Brown, assistant director, the overall musical production won the Tommy Tune for best musical direction and best technical execution.

In addition, Katy High School senior Grace Glass won the best supporting actress Tommy Tune Award for her role as Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music.

The awards are named in honor of Tommy Tune, a graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, who is a nine-time winner of the Tony Award, Broadway's highest honor for outstanding work.