Kennedy Theatre receives Spotlight honors for production of ‘Newsies’

Kennedy Theatre Company’s fall production of “Newsies” received 20 honors from Spotlight Education, a program of the Hennepin Theatre Trust, including an honorable mention in the highest honors category of achievement in musical theatre.

The production received outstanding recognition in overall performance, overall ensemble, ensemble acting, ensemble dance, and ensemble vocal performances. Honorable mentions were awarded for overall technical production, overall technical team, student orchestra and run crew.

Outstanding performance honors went to Jade Russell in a leading role as Katherine, Hans Sonnenberg in a supporting role as Crutchie, and Simon Katan and Bryce Bannister in featured roles as Spot Conlon and Race, respectively. Honorable mentions in leading roles were awarded to Saturn Jordan as Jack Kelly and Samson Keefe as Davey. Abi Klevean-Schmitz received an honorable mention in technical leadership as a props designer. Logan Williams, Jolsaac Ericson and Zion Turner received evaluator shout-outs.

Spotlight Education is active in more than 100 high schools throughout Minnesota and works to enhance arts curricula through production assessments, workshops and access to quality theater education.