15 rounds of Applause for Douglas Anderson’s “Chicago”

Posted on June 2, 2023 By Editor Junior Residents

A performance by the cast of Douglas Anderson’s “Chicago.”

Douglas Anderson School of the Art’s (DA) recent production of the musical “Chicago” took home 15 of its 21 regional Applause Award nominations for the 2022-2023 school year, including Best Musical. The students will perform a selection from the show at the awards ceremony on June 3 at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando for a chance to advance to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, known as The Jimmy Awards®, and compete among the next generation of Broadway stars in New York City. A panel of 12 statewide casting agents have selected nearly 300 students from 33 high schools and seven counties to vie for the honor.

DA’s Applause Awards wins for “Chicago” include: Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Orchestra – Directed by Don Zentz, Outstanding Director – Bradley Akers, Outstanding Choreographer – Ellie Potts Barrett, Outstanding Lead Performer – DJ DeJesus as Billy Flynn, Outstanding Lead Performer – Christina Dyches as Velma Kelly, Outstanding Lead Performer – Brennan Mitchell as Amos Hart, Outstanding Lead Performer – Samantha Nelson as Velma Kelly, Honorable Mention for Outstanding Lead Performer – Samia Dumesle as Matron “Mama” Morton, Outstanding Supporting Performer – Jace Felix as Emcee, Outstanding Sound Design – Rick Painter and Alanna Cooper, Outstanding Dancer – Alex Agaliotis, Outstanding Dancer – Chris Agaliotis, Outstanding Stage Manager – Charlee Lawrence.