FREDDY AWARDS PREVIEW
Once again, after a two-year COVID-induced intermission, the stage is set to recognize the very best in Lehigh Valley high school musical theater.
The 20th annual Freddy Awards will return live and in-person 7 p.m. Thursday to Easton’s State. Students from about 30 schools will be rewarded for months of hard work and faithful performances in this unique Tony Awards-style ceremony, which will be broadcast on WFMZ Channel 69.
This year, Emmaus leads the way with 15 nominations for “The Addams Family: School Edition.”
Coming in second with 14 nominations is Bangor with “Les Miserables: School Edition.” In third place with 11 nominations is Parkland’s “Mamma Mia!” Fourth place goes to Southern Lehigh with 10 nominations for “Bye Bye Birdie.”
You can see who wins for everything from best musical to best chorus and enjoy colorful performances during the three-hour show.
Here are five 5 things to watch for 1. The massive opening number
Maybe you’ve witnessed this before. If not, envision a theatre packed with excitable, singing, dancing and parading students on stage together showcasing a spectrum of colorful costumes. Each talented young performer will be beaming with animated energy and showing their stuff in the spotlight. These entertainers will look to shine, while staying within the program. Incredibly, they will nail their marks, cues, steps, and song lyrics. Somehow, the group manages to pull this off every year. The opening number is typically the highlight of the evening.
2 . Nominated musicals performances
If you missed a few shows and want to see why they are nominated, Thursday night’s program will feature each award-nominated song — giving viewers a chance to watch and listen to the top musical numbers that got them to this stage. Keep your eyes and ears open. A star or many more will likely rise.
3 . The thunderous crowd
For these talented and gifted young people, this is their final “playoff game.” It’s their division, league and district championship all rolled into one. If you’ve seen the Freddys on TV or in person, you know what we mean. It’s loud. Like, blow the roof
off loud. The cheers and screams of hysteria are nearly deafening ... in a good way. We can hardly wait to hear and feel the energy in the theater.
4 . The heartfelt acceptance speeches
Each year’s Freddy Award acceptance speeches deliver warm, emotional, and inspiring words of wisdom and appreciation. These young people have dedicated themselves completely, have sacrificed much and are backed by the loyal support of their schools, classmates, teachers and parents. Hearing the stories behind what it took to get them to the stage makes this compelling program worth watching. Keep your tissue box handy.
5 . The incredible costume combos
Close your eyes for a moment and conjure the craziest costume combos possible on stage (and in the crowd) on the night of the show. From creepy and kooky Adam’s Family members to the colorful disciples of “Godspell,” there will be a spectacular mix of unlikely characters, uncommon dance partners, and unexpectedly hilarious hugs and high-fives at this year’s mashed-up assembly.
Can’t get to Thursday night’s show?
The public can get a sneak peek of the 2022 Freddy Awards TV production in action on Dress Rehearsal Night.
Dress rehearsal: Tickets are $25 adults/$10 students and include the opening and closing numbers, lead actor and actress medleys, and overall musical nominees rehearsals. 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Preview party: Buffet provided by 3rd & Ferry Fish Market, complimentary beverages, open
seating on Mezzanine level to watch dress rehearsal, great silent auction and raffle items, parting gift and more.
Cost is $95 per person. A six-pack of tickets is available for $510. Special Freddy Alumni price is
$50.
Contact Jillian Rossi at jrossi@statetheatre.org or 610-258-7766 ext. 237 for “6 Pack” of Tickets.
Details at freddyawards. org
Morning Call Arts & Entertainment Editor and Beer Writer Craig Larimer can be reached at 610-778-7993 or at clarimer@mcall.com