University Liggett School students nominated for Sutton Foster Awards

Two University Liggett School seniors have been nominated to compete in the upcoming Sutton Foster Awards for the title of Best Leading Actor in Michigan.

Senior Olivia Johnson and Giovanni Thams were nominated for roles as they played in University Liggett School’s March production of Big Fish, directed by Dr. Phillip W. Moss. Johnson performed in seven ULS productions, including Aida, A Piece of My Heart, Radium Girls. Thams performed in five ULS productions, including Newsies, and Aida. This is Johnson’s and Thams’s second nomination for the Sutton Foster Awards — both participated in 2023 for their roles in Aida. 

The 12th annual Sutton Foster Awards is a state-wide educational initiative celebrating Michigan high school musical theater. Tickets for the Sutton Foster Awards Showcase are on sale now through the official Wharton Center Ticket Office, online at whartoncenter.com, or by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON. 

The Sutton Foster Awards program features 130 high school students performing selections from their school musicals and a variety of Broadway medleys. More than 60 schools are participating in this year’s program, which was open to all Michigan high schools regardless of location, school size, or musical budget. Leading up to the showcase, three adjudicators comprised of theater professionals attended each school’s full musical production. They provided feedback directly to the schools and nominated students intended to promote program and performer growth.  

This year’s Sutton Foster Awards also included multiple year-long learning opportunities. Participants worked directly with touring Broadway professionals in musical theater performance master classes and technical and creative workshops. From shows like Hairspray to Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Michigan students were able to work with some of the best in the business.   

The entire year-long program culminates in the Awards Showcase. The high school thespians participating will work with Broadway musical directors and choreographers to rehearse and stage the show. In June, two performers will be selected to represent Michigan at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (Jimmy Awards) in New York City. Cash scholarships and tuition to Wharton Center’s summer Broadway experience, Take It From The Top, will also be awarded.