Mingus Union High School’s A Troupe of Ridiculous Thespians’ spring musical “Mamma Mia!” has been nominated for 12 Arizona State University Gammage Awards and currently has nine semi-finalists in the state competition, including for recognition as Best Female Lead, Best Vocalist and the ASU Gammage Leadership Awards.
“We are so proud of our students; they truly knocked it out of the park,” ATORT director James Ball said. “I am beyond thrilled that ‘Mamma Mia!’ received finalists in nine of the 13 categories. Out of the top 25 schools selected across the state, we are in the top four to 10 schools of each category.
“One thing to keep in mind that makes this even more incredible is that there are no school divisions based on size or location. From 1A and 5A, Blue Ridge to Scottsdale, every school is competing on the same level.”
The finalists include:
Top 4 Finalist: ASU Gammage Leadership Award: Mekenzie Combs
Top 7 Finalist: MUHS Hair and Makeup Crew led by Melaine Rodriguez
Top 8 Finalist: MUHS Costume Crew led by Addi Hughes and designer Beth Bates
Top 8 Finalist: MUHS Set and Props Crew led by Ava Fransk and Jack Murphee
Top 8 Finalist: MUHS Lighting Team led by Henry Crawford, Ian Laas and Sofia Arvayo
Top 9 Finalist: Best Dance Ensemble: Voulez-Vous, choreographed by Carla and Stephen Renard
Top 8 Finalist: Best Supporting Actor: Caleb Thompson
Top 10 Finalist: Best Lead Female: Mekenzie Combs
Top 10 Finalist: Best Vocalist: Mekenzie Combs
The winners in each category will be announced during the awards show at ASU Gammage on Saturday, May 24.
