Ray of Light Awards shines spotlight on Valley theater programs for dedication

Anna Wiest, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·3 min read

May 21—Valley theater programs were recognized for their stellar performances at the Community Theatre League's Ray of Light Awards on Saturday in Williamsport.

Shikellamy, Danville and Milton programs returned home with more than one award recognizing individual performances as well as productions as a whole.

Shikellamy was awarded the Ray Phillips Memorial trophy for Best Drama Program following their year of performances which included a fall play, "That's the Spirit" and spring musical "Seussical: The Musical."

Shikellamy theater Director Ellen Boyer said the program was honored to receive the prestigious Ray Phillips Memorial Award for the eighth time.

Boyer received the first Russ Wynn Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the Community Theatre League in honor of Russ Wynn Jr., who graduated from Shikellamy High School and went on to direct Milton's theater program for many years.

Boyer said she was "blessed beyond words" to receive the award in memory of her student, colleague and friend.

"Russ spent his illustrious musical career at Milton High School, but his influence and light is felt throughout our Central PA theater community," Boyer said.

Shikellamy's production of "Seussical: The Musical" was named Outstanding Musical — Central Region and received awards for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography as well as Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design.

"I am so incredibly proud of this achievement and especially the awards won by the cast, crew, and staff of Seussical," Boyer said. "Over half of the cast and crew of Seussical were involved in their very first Shikellamy show."

Milton Area High School was also recognized for Outstanding Achievement In Lighting and Sound for their production of "White Christmas."

Danville Area High School's production of "Anastasia: The Musical" was recognized for both Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design and Outstanding Achievement in Backstage Crew.

Shikellamy High School junior Cynette Winston was awarded Outstanding Musical Performance in a Supporting Female Role for her performance as Mayzie La Bird in "Seussical: The Musical."

Milton Area High School sophomore Delaney Bottorf received the Outstanding Dramatic Performance in a Supporting Female Role award for her performance as Libby in "Makin' It."

Danville Area High School senior Owen Crane was awarded Outstanding Musical Performance in a Supporting Male Role for his performance as Vlad in "Anastasia: The Musical."

Seth Sponhouse, executive artistic director of the Community Theatre League, said he and his colleagues look forward to hosting the Ray of Light Awards every year.

"We are thrilled to continue honoring the music, drama and theater programs through the Ray of Light Awards. The dedication of students, teachers, and volunteers truly makes these productions possible," Sponhouse said. "This year's event has been a testament to their hard work and creativity, showcasing the immense impact and value of arts education in our community"

Milton Director Steve Aquirre said the Ray of Light ceremony showcases the hard work and talents of local theater programs.

"It's always so wonderful to see every group cheer for each other and lift each other up," Aquirre said. "Although art is subjective and competition is not necessarily natural to the process, the ceremony can evoke a strengthening wave of excellence among the hundreds of students who simply want to be at their best."