The Transylvania Mania reached the Benedum Center stage on Saturday, May 23, as the cast of "Young Frankenstein" performed at the 35th annual Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater.
Two members of the cast can now call themselves Gene Kelly Award winners. Senior Sonny Davis, who played the animated and energetic Igor, won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Senior Livia Rocco, who played Elizabeth Benning, the posh fiancee of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
Each gave a heartfelt acceptance speech in which they thanked their families, cast-mates, supporters, personal coaches and teachers, and the staff of the Woodland Hills Performing Arts Department. They were also not the only members of the cast in their award categories. Senior Adam Steiner, who played The Monster, was an Outstanding Supporting Actor nominee alongside Davis, while junior Olivia Safran, who played the mysterious Frau Blucher, was nominated as Outstanding Supporting Actress alongside Rocco.
Coincidentally, both awards came right before the full cast of "Young Frankenstein" performed "Transylvania Mania" to close out Act 1 of the awards show. The high-energy number thrilled the packed Benedum Center, especially after The Monster carried off one of the villagers.
"Young Frankenstein" received nine nominations at this year's Kelly Awards, including Outstanding Musical in Budget Level IV. Pine-Richland's production of "Chicago: Teen Edition" took home the award.
"Young Frankenstein" was also nominated for Outstanding Scenic Design, Outstanding Lighting Design, and Outstanding Dance Ensemble. Senior Leo Alfieri was nominated for Outstanding Actor for his portrayal of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. Alfieri joined the five other Outstanding Actor nominees for a medley of songs from their respective shows. Alfieri performed "The Brain" before being joined by his fellow actors for "Together Again" to close the performance.
Alfieri, Davis, Rocco, Safran, and Steiner were joined by Summer Curtright, who played Inga and who was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Actress category, as participants in the opening number for the awards show. The annual feature includes all of the semifinalists and finalists in the acting categories performing together. In addition, ensemble members Alexia Abernathy and Caitlin Burke performed in the finale alongside representatives from every other school that was part of the Kelly Awards this year.
Congratulations to Sonny Davis, Livia Rocco, and the entire cast and crew of "Young Frankenstein" for once again representing Woodland Hills with pride!