OLD SAYBROOK, CT — Old Saybrook High School is proud to celebrate an extraordinary year for its drama program, as OSHS received an unprecedented 14 nominations from the Halo Awards, presented by Seven Angels Theatre, including nominations for Best Contemporary Play for Little Women and Best Classical Musical for Chicago.
The Halo Awards recognize outstanding achievement in high school theater across the region, honoring student performers, crews, directors, and production teams for excellence on stage and behind the scenes. This year’s nominations represent one of the strongest showings in OSHS drama program history and reflect the talent, commitment, and collaborative spirit of the students and staff involved.
OSHS was also proud to celebrate a major individual achievement, as Tess Santarsiero won Best Performance in a Leading Female Role in a Classical Musical for her performance as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
“This recognition is a powerful reflection of the dedication, courage, and creativity of our students,” said Superintendent Chris Drezek. “Theater requires students to trust one another, take risks, and bring stories to life with discipline and heart. We are incredibly proud of every student who contributed to these productions, whether they were performing on stage, supporting backstage, or helping bring the full vision of each show to life.”
Old Saybrook High School’s 14 Halo Award nominations included:
Best Performance in a Featured Female Role in a Play: Maggie Stanley as Beth March in Little Women
Best Performance in a Comic Female Role in a Play: Whitney Bird as Aunt March in Little Women
Best Hair and/or Makeup Design and/or Execution: Alessandra LeGeyt and Mia Brady for Chicago
Best Running Crew: Little Women
Best Dancing: Chicago
Best Performance in a Supporting Male Role in a Play: Tommy Pisani as Prof. Bhaer in Little Women
Best Performance in a Supporting Female Role in a Play: Tess Santarsiero as Amy March in Little Women
Best Performance in a Supporting Female Role in a Musical: Shelby Pauloski as Velma Kelly in Chicago
Best Performance in a Leading Male Role in a Contemporary Play: Beni Misenti as Laurie in Little Women
Best Performance in a Leading Female Role in a Contemporary Play: Samantha Walsh as Jo March in Little Women
Best Performance in a Leading Male Role in a Classical Musical: Beni Misenti as Billy Flynn in Chicago
Best Performance in a Leading Female Role in a Classical Musical: Tess Santarsiero as Roxie Hart in Chicago — Winner
Best Contemporary Play: Little Women
Best Classical Musical: Chicago
The recognition follows a year of impressive achievement for the OSHS drama program, which has continued to earn attention from regional theater organizations for the quality of its productions and student performances. Earlier this year, OSHS students and staff also received recognition connected to Chicago through the Stephen Sondheim Awards, one of the region’s highly competitive high school theater award programs.
“This year will be difficult to top, but that is exactly the kind of challenge our students continue to embrace,” said Principal Joseph Anastasio. “We are grateful to our drama department staff, families, and community supporters for helping create an environment where students can grow as artists, performers, technicians, and leaders.”
Old Saybrook Public Schools congratulates every student, staff member, crew member, and family who helped make this year’s productions of Little Women and Chicago such a success.
