Groton High School ‘Seussical’ cast members garner Repertory Theatre awards

The winners for the 20th annual Cortland Repertory Theatre (CRT) Pavilion Awards were announced on Wednesday, May 14 at CRT Downtown in the city of Cortland. These awards, sponsored in part by a Central New York Community Foundation “Bright Ideas” grant, recognize outstanding achievement in local high school theater during the 2024-25 school year.

At the ceremony, CRT’s Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson served as host, with CRT Youth Board President Drew Thomas from McGraw and Levi Niggli from Homer acting as masters of ceremony and announcing the recipients of the Shining Star and Audience Choice awards. The directors of each production presented the Directors Champion awards. Winners received medallions sponsored and created by Bernard’s Custom Engraving. 

The Groton Jr./Sr. High School (GHS) Drama Club has participated in the Pavilion Awards, garnering many, since its director, Annette Twitchell, began directing GHS musicals in 2006.

And the nominees are…

Nominated from GHS’s spring production of  “Seussical the Musical” were James Bogart, Jenice Bogart, Leah Bogart, Lena Brehm, Corinne Dwyer, Trey Dwyer, Tristan McCracken, Willow Orr, Josie Ross, Noble Snyder, Silas St. Clair and Brooklan Strange.

During the ceremony, cast members performed musical numbers and scenes from their respective shows. “Seussical” cast members Brehm, Orr, Ross and Strange represented Groton well in their performance.

Each production garnered two Shining Star Awards, chosen by the students involved in the production, who cast ballots for individuals who proved to be enthusiastic, supportive, humble and caring company members throughout the rehearsal and performance process. Brehm and Snyder received those awards for Groton. 

Audience members at each school were given the opportunity to vote for their two favorite students from each production, who then received the Audience Choice Award at CRT. Trey Dwyer and Snyder were Groton’s recipients.

Comments from the cast…

“Being a part of this musical is one of the best feelings,” Snyder said. “Seeing the product of our work is amazing, and I hope everyone loved it.”

The final award for individuals was the Directors Champion Award. The directing team of each production chose up to two students who demonstrated exemplary leadership, compassion, maturity and an overall positive influence on the rehearsal and performance process. Twitchell said she selected Brehm and McCracken for those awards because “they were great role models for the rest of the cast and were always ready to help me in whatever ways I needed them to.”

“Theater has always had a special place in my heart,” Brehm said. “From watching the television movies of the 1982 version of ‘Annie’ to watching Julie Andrews perform in both ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Sound of Music,’ I have always felt a special connection to musicals. When I walked into Cortland Repertory Theatre, I was oblivious to the idea that I would be receiving not only one award, but two. From being inspired by my uncle, Robert Brehm, who was part of the musicals for years, to those I was able to work with in my experience in theater, I am proud to be able to receive these awards, knowing every cast member from my past shows has helped support me and push me to the person I am today.” 

“It’s an honor to win the Director’s Choice Award,” McCracken said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of our director, Mrs. Twitchell, and the assistance I received from the entire cast and crew. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone again in the next play!”

It was a lovely evening that gave some “Seussical” cast members another opportunity to get together and celebrate their amazing production.  

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas toeditorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607- 227-4922. 

In brief:

A message from Groton Community Cupboard

Groton Community Cupboard (GCC) would like to welcome community members to check out the food pantry. GCC is available for anyone who has a need, regardless of finances, race, sexuality, marital status, employment, location, etc. Its name is meant to reflect what it is all about — a community gathering place for those needing food.

Located at 122 Spring St., the GCC is a not-for-profit organization working for local rural communities. It is run completely by volunteers, who dedicate their time each week stocking the pantry and helping those consumers who come in. The facility is a one-level building with handicapped accessibility (no stairs), and on busy days parking is assisted by one of its volunteers.

Currently, GCC is open Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Mondays from noon to 3 p.m., and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m., serving Groton and rural communities that are contiguous to the township of Groton.

Coordinator Jean Wannall would like the community to know that GCC will consider extending hours or days available should the need arise. It will also consider opening up the geographical area it serves. Please call or message Wannall if you have specific questions at 607-382-4581. Check out the GCC Facebook page or community chat.

Got stuffies?

The Stuffy Wellness Center Project collects previously loved plush toys and rehabilitates them. Toys receive a thorough deep cleaning, then children and youth work together to create new identities for each plush toy — either in its original state or transformed into new items such as puppets, pocket hugs, headbands, etc. The toys are then ready for adoption by people of any age. A tentative adoption event will be at Groton Olde Home Days in August.

The Stuffy Wellness Program is headed up by the First Congregational Church in Ithaca. Local sponsors are Groton Jr./Sr. High School Interact Club, Groton Community Church and Brittany Station in Groton. Donated stuffies may be dropped off at Brittany Station, 152 Main St.

McLean Cemetery news

The McLean Cemetery Association thanks all who came to help with National Clean-Up Day April 26. Engraved brick pavers for the new pad area are still available for purchase. Contact mcleancemetery200@gmail.com to order.