MUSIC OF THE PEOPLE

Oneida High honored for award-winning ‘Les Miserables’

ONEIDA, N.Y. » A standing ovation echoed throughout the Council Chambers at City Hall Tuesday night at the City of Oneida Common Council meeting.

The applause was not in response to a piece legislation, but rather the local tal- ent assembled.

The cast, crew, production team, and director of the Oneida High School musical Les Miserables stole the show yet again Tuesday night as they were honored by the city for the all the trophy hardware the OHS drama team brought home from the Syracuse High School Theater award ceremony.

“I’ve been to a lot of school plays and this year for some reason, it was completely astonishing. I felt like I was looking at a Broadway play. You were unbelievable. It is my pleasure and honor to provide this commitment to excellence award. You really were outstanding, and Brett, thank you, you were wonderful,” said Ward 4 Councilor Helen Acker.

In early June, Oneida High School beat out 25 other schools to take home the top honors of Most Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical in the third annual

awards ceremony honoring Central New York theater students.

“I think it’s amazing that we have people in this community this caliber,” said Acting Mayor Jim Chamberlain.

Addit ional ly, OHS raked in three more awards:

• Outstanding director - Brett Bogardus

• Outstanding actor in a lead role - Kevin Spooner

• Outstanding produc- tion number - “One More Day”

After receiving recognition from the city, the OHS students gathered under the direction of Brett Bogardus to join in one final performance for this year’s talent, serenading the members of the public, councilors, supervisors, and city officials present with the epilogue of Les Miserables as part of a ceremony honoring the cast, crew, and production team as a tribute to their “dedication, determination, enthusiasm, and phenomenal performance.”

JOHN BREWER - THE ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH The cast of Oneida High School’s production of “Les Miserables” performs Tuesday for the Oneida Common Council.

JOHN BREWER — THE ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH The cast and crew of Oneida High School’s production of “Les Miserables” were honored for their performances Tuesday by the Oneida Common Council.