Placer High School’s 2011 production of Into the Woods has been nominated for a total of 14 Elly Awards. The musical was recognized for excellence in categories including light design, musical direction, and overall stunning performances.
The Elly Awards honor the outstanding achievements of community theaters and artists in the Sacramento area; the award was established in memory of Eleanor McClatchy, a devoted supporter of local arts. Placer’s Into the Woods was nominated along with the productions of local high schools Bear River, Woodcreek, Ponderosa, El Dorado, and St. Mary’s, although none of them have received as many nominations as Placer did.
“I feel like I did something great,” stated junior Chaileen Smith. Smith was nominated for Best Leading Actress for her role as Cinderella in the production. “We worked so hard on getting the show as good as we could get it and it was worth it. I have never been nominated before and I feel like I really accomplished something; I realized what I was truly capable of.”
Placer High School has never been nominated for so many Ellys than the 14 Into the Woods snatched up. Those nominated are honored to not only be recognized but also to have been a part of a spectacular performance.
“The whole experience was amazing. The cast was like family and I learned to put my trust in other people,” expressed sophomore Becca Rowland. “We worked together really well and put everything we had into that show. The show appeals to all ages and matures the fairy tales everyone grows up with and the music was amazing.
Many of the nominees have never received such recognition before. Sophomore Mason Taylor was nominated for Best Supporting Actor and has only performed in 2 previous musicals. “It is an honor to be noticed this early in my career,” added Taylor. “I think Into the Woods is a special show and being a part of that was an honor. When you really love a show, people can see how much you care.”
Although the musical was nominated for 14 Ellys, the cast was not solely focused on winning awards. The sense of family and friendship that accompanies the preparation and production of any theatrical performance take center stage in the memories of the cast and crew of Into the Woods.
“I love performing at Placer because I get to be on stage with my friends and it’s always exciting,” said senior Emily Browning. “My favorite parts of the show were the cast and friends, and I will definitely audition for next year’s musical if we do one.”
For Smith, the “family” feeling was expected. “I got to be in the show with my sister” [who was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress] and the cast was wonderful,” explained Smith. “The cast complimented the music beautifully and even though the music was complicated and I struggled with it, when I got it, it was magical.”
Junior Hannah Kile was nominated for Best Leading Actress. Kile, who has been performing since the age of seven, has been surrounded by music and instruments her whole life. “My favorite part of the show was when the lights came up. It was our chance to show the audience what we could do,” stated Kile, “We had an unforgettable performance and the audience could see that from the stage.”
Being nominated for so many Ellys is indeed a special honor and a chance for the special memory to linger in the minds of the performers, but for many of the performers the nominations were just the icing on the cake. The honor of taking bows with the cast of Into the Woods and performing and perfecting such a demanding show was the true highlight of the year.
Kile’s perception of the show reflects the sentiment of he entire cast, “We had such a strong bond with each other, and we were all pushed to exceed far beyond what was expected, and we did.”