3 school musicals lead CLO nominations

Productions of "Beauty and the Beast" at Central Catholic High School and Woodland Hills High School, as well as Pine-Richland High School's production of "Seussical," received a variety of nominations that include Best Musical.

"I'm so happy we got nominated, We were so excited," said Michael Campayno, of Forest Hills, a senior at Central Catholic High School nominated for best supporting actor. The school received 11 nominations. "We were thinking maybe three or four."

In all, 22 of the 28 productions at participating schools received one or more nominations at a ceremony presented Wednesday by Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and the University of Pittsburgh at Benedum Center, Downtown.

"We do this to keep musical theater alive," said Keisha Lalama-White, director of the awards show and education director for the Civic Light Opera. "Look at the energy in this room and in these kids."

Each year, 25 judges -- arts administrators, entertainment professionals and performers -- attend performances and then meet to discuss the shows and score them. Awards for best musical are presented in three budget categories. The other categories are judged and awarded without regard to budget.

The awards are not the only point, said Lalama-White. "For me it's seeing these kids perform on that stage and the electricity of the response of the audience. That's the reward."

For the students, there is more at stake. Three scholarships totaling $11,500 will go to high school seniors accepted to a school for the performing or technical arts.

In addition, the CLO Ambassadors will provide its first scholarship to a college-bound student pursuing a major outside of the arts.

Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. May 24 Gene Kelly Awards Show at the Benedum are available from participating high schools. A limited number of tickets will go on sale on Monday for $20 and $15 for students. Details: 412-456-6666.

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