New Jersey Lt. Governor Tahesha Way receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship Award Winners Also Recognized In Sold-Out, Three-Hour Celebration

(RED BANK | MAY 22, 2024) Winners were announced this evening at the 19th annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring excellence and achievement in Monmouth County high school theatre. This year’s ceremony took place live at the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts, attracting a capacity crowd for what has become the biggest night of the year for area high school thespians.

“Once again, our historic theater was filled to capacity in celebration of the talent and dedication of our area’s high school theatre programs,” said Samantha Giustiniani, Vice President, Education and Outreach, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Every year, we continue to be amazed at the brilliant and diverse programs and their work both on stages and behind the scenes. Watching schools, students, teachers and administrators cheer for each other embodies the unifying power of theater.”

In addition to celebrating local talent, the ‘Basies’ presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to New Jersey Lt. Governor Tahesha Way. Citing her oversight of the state government offices supporting New Jersey’s vibrant arts, culture, history, and business communities, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Executive Director Allison Tratner introduced Way as “a trailblazer, an advocate, a leader, and a partner in so many ways.”

“I am honored to receive the Basie Center Lifetime Achievement Award, joining the ranks of many talented New Jerseyans who have come before me,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “In my role as Secretary of State, I have worked closely with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, not only supporting vital community anchors like the Count Basie Center, but also in the crucial work to ensure every student in New Jersey has access to a comprehensive education that includes the arts. It has been a pleasure to uplift the role of the arts in our everyday lives, highlighting the amazing, quality arts experiences that can be found throughout our state, including here in Monmouth County. I congratulate the students being honored alongside me this evening and look forward to your contributions as artists and leaders in New Jersey.”

“Lt. Governor Way’s hard work for the state of New Jersey, and specifically her oversight of the New Jersey Council on the Arts, is one of the reasons nights like this are possible,” said Adam Philipson, President, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Her leadership and the hard work of the Council allows the arts to flourish across the Garden State, and we were honored for the opportunity to celebrate her lifetime of service.”

Also celebrated were 2024’s recipients of the Basie Center’s Arts Impact college scholarships, presented to recipients by Monmouth County native Catherine Ashmore Bradley, known for her portrayal of Lily Potter Jr. in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway and as Luan Loud on Nickelodeon’s The Very Loud House. A full list of this year’s Arts Impact scholars is below.

2024 BASIE AWARDS – WINNERS

DRAMAS & COMEDIES

EVALUATORS SPECIAL AWARD: “DYING TO DINE AND ENTERTAIN!”: MANASQUAN HIGH SCHOOL, DEATH BY DESSERT

EVALUATORS SPECIAL AWARD: “PUTTING IT TOGETHER”: RED BANK REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

CAROLE MALIK AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY: CATHERINE CLEARY (RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, THE SOMEWHAT TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD)

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN OF A PLAY: ASHLEY BASILE (RED BANK REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW)

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY: ANTHONY ABBOUD (RANNEY SCHOOL, SHE KILLS MONSTERS)

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A FEMALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – COMEDY: FRANCESCA RANUCCI (RED BANK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM)

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – COMEDY: PEYTON KANASKA (MATAWAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, PUFFS)

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A FEMALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – DRAMA (TIE): ELEANOR DOWNEY (RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL, DRACULA), MORDEKAI FELICIANO (RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL, DRACULA), EMILY TURNER (RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL, DRACULA)

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – DRAMA: SEAN BUSK (RED BANK REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A FEMALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – COMEDY: ALEXANDRA RISI (COLTS NECK HIGH SCHOOL, LEND ME A TENOR)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A MALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – COMEDY (TIE): FRANKIE DIGE (COLTS NECK HIGH SCHOOL, LEND ME A TENOR), LUCAS WILSON (TRINITY HALL, THE LEARNED LADIES)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A FEMALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – DRAMA: ANNIKA RAJ (HOLMDEL HIGH SCHOOL, THE LION, THE WITCH, & THE WARDROBE)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A MALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – DRAMA: LIAM SMITH (RED BANK REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW)

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A FEMALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – COMEDY: JOY OGUNSAKIN (TRINITY HALL, THE LEARNED LADIES)

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – COMEDY: JUSTIN ATNES (RANNEY SCHOOL, SHE KILLS MONSTERS)

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A FEMALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – DRAMA: GEORGIA ATTARDI (CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE)

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – DRAMA: EMMETT SMITHOUSER (ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL, 12 ANGRY JURORS)

OUTSTANDING COMPANY IN A COMEDY: RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, THE SOMEWHAT TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD                                     

OUTSTANDING COMPANY IN A DRAMA: MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL NORTH, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

OUTSTANDING STAGE + TECH CREW OF A PLAY (TIE): COMMUNICATIONS HIGH SCHOOL, CLUE, FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL, ALMOST, MAINE

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A PLAY, KATHRYN MASLAK (RANNEY SCHOOL, SHE KILLS MONSTERS)

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A PLAY: RANNEY SCHOOL, SHE KILLS MONSTERS

MUSICALS

THE YVONNE LAMB SCUDIERY INNOVATION AWARD – Honoring educators and school programs who understand the importance ACCESS to the arts has, how vital INCLUSION within it is, and the incredible power of OUTREACH to build community beyond the walls of our theatres and schools: CHRIS COWEN (KEYPORT HIGH SCHOOL)

CAROLE MALIK AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: KELLY GEMELLARO (RED BANK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, THE ADDAMS FAMILY)

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: KERRY MCBRIDE + ADAM PETRIELLA (MANASQUAN HIGH SCHOOL, INTO THE WOODS)

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: JUSTIN CHRISTOPHER ODON (NEPTUNE HIGH SCHOOL, LES MISÉRABLES)

OUTSTANDING SMALL MUSIC ENSEMBLE (TIE): FREEHOLD HIGH SCHOOL, LITTLE WOMEN, TRINITY HALL, FIREBRINGER              

OUTSTANDING MIXED STUDENT + ADULT ORCHESTRA: MANALAPAN HIGH SCHOOL, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

OUTSTANDING ALL STUDENT ORCHESTRA (TIE): MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH, THE WEDDING SINGER, NEPTUNE HIGH SCHOOL, LES MISÉRABLES               

AMY GIINTHER FREDERICKS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTION, ERIC GROSS (FREEHOLD HIGH SCHOOL, LITTLE WOMEN)

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ENSEMBLE GROUP, THE PLASTICS (RANNEY SCHOOL, MEAN GIRLS)

OUTSTANDING CHORUS IN A MUSICAL, MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH, THE WEDDING SINGER

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY, DONNA BATTAGLIA (RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, ANYTHING GOES)

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A FEMALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – MUSICAL, ESTHER FOSU (MATAWAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, BETWEEN THE LINES)

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – MUSICAL, CAMERON LIEB (MANASQUAN HIGH SCHOOL, INTO THE WOODS)             

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A FEMALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – MUSICAL, ELLE BRANDT (RANNEY SCHOOL, MEAN GIRLS)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A MALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – MUSICAL, JOSEPH SCIORTINO (RANNEY SCHOOL, MEAN GIRLS)

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A FEMALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – MUSICAL, RIYA PAWAR (MANALAPAN HIGH SCHOOL, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST)        

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MALE IDENTIFIED ROLE – MUSICAL (TIE): LUCAS RIZZUTO CANERO (MATAWAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, BETWEEN THE LINES), RJ VANDENBROUCK (RED BANK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, THE ADDAMS FAMILY)

OUTSTANDING STAGE + TECH CREW OF A MUSICAL: MANALAPAN HIGH SCHOOL, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL: KASIANN SWEENEY (RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, ANYTHING GOES)

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL: RED BANK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, THE ADDAMS FAMILY

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

This year the Basie Awards shines a light on all that happens backstage and behind the scenes, much of which is led by the students themselves. In our continued efforts to celebrate, educate and uplift our participating schools, we recognize there are student contributions that do not fit neatly into “eligible nominated categories.” We are excited to share the following new recognitions …

OUTSTANDING STUDENT-LED PRODUCTION: CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

OUTSTANDING STUDENT LEADERSHIP

The below student leaders were nominated by their teachers as having gone above and beyond to lead by example and pave the way for incredible contributions to their productions.

Abiageal McBee | Stage Manager, Props Master, etc. Middletown High School North
Angelina Feuer | Graphic Design, Trinity Hall
Breanna Anglum | Student Director, Red Bank Catholic High School
Caroline Frick | Graphic Design, Christian Brothers Academy
Chloe Benson | Choreographer, St. Rose High School
Elizabeth Chiles | Graphic Design, Trinity Hall
Emmanual Jean-Pierre | Stage Manager, Neptune High School
Gabriella Truett | Fight Captain, Holmdel High School
Giana Razzoli | Stage Manager, Red Bank Catholic High School
Grace Sullivan | Puppet Design, Trinity Hall
Isabella Garrison | Graphic Design, Trinity Hall
Katherine Calamusa | Puppet Design, Trinity Hall
Lauren Hanus | Graphic Design, Trinity Hall
Isabella Territo | Drama Club President, Neptune High School
Isabelle Awkunfor | Dance Captain, Red Bank Catholic High School
Jessica Slovak | Student Choreographer, Manasquan High School
Kaitlyn Corpuz | Sound Board Operator, Neptune High School
Kane Chapman | Stage Manager, Manasquan High School
Ryan Gloster | Student Music Director, Christian Brothers Academy
Ryder Solomon | Student Music Director, Christian Brothers Academy
Sofia Cammarano | Student Choreographer, St. John Vianney High School
Spencer Finkler | Light + Sound Design, Manalapan High School

Count Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship Winners:

Amy Giinther Fredericks Arts Impact Scholarship – Faith Carhuff (Aberdeen)
Count Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship – Gifted by the 2022 Basie Golf Outing – Samantha Salerno (Holmdel)
Count Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship – Gifted by the 2023 Basie Golf Outing – Niome Morales (Manalapan)
Count Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship – Gifted by Robin & John Klein – Richard Vandenbrouck (West Long Branch)
Count Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship – Gifted by Michael Parent – Stephen Hanhan (Holmdel)
Count Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship – Gifted by Joe & Nicole Wajda – Esther Fosu (Matawan)
Monmouth County Commissioners Basie Scholarship for Continuing Education – Bernard Liang (Morganville)
Moser Taboada Arts Impact Scholarship – Hanyi Deng (Morganville)
Robert C. Garrett Hackensack Meridian Health Arts Impact Scholarship – Aiden Napoleon (Englewood)
Turner Arts Impact Scholarship – Olivia Maes (Manasquan)
Yvonne Lamb Scudiery Arts Impact Scholarship – Sofia Cammarano (Matawan)
Yvonne Lamb Scudiery Arts Impact Scholarship – Nicole DiBlasi (Holmdel)