Quaker Valley Musical 'Anything Goes' Receives Eight Gene Kelly Award Nominations

Quaker Valley High School's Anything Goes is nominated for eight Gene Kelly Awards.

Senior Rachael Houser is nominated for the role of Reno Sweeney. Rachael was also nominated for Best Actress last year for her role of Sarah in “Guys and Dolls.” 

Also nominated is Peter Heres, sophomore, as Best Supporting Actor for his role of Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Katie Manuel, junior, is nominated as Best Supporting Actress for the role of Erma.

The Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater recognizes and encourages musical theater and arts education, according to the CLO website.

The organization gives out the annual awards in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh.

Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards and held at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh, the award ceremony features live performances from the best actor and best actress nominees, as well as those up for best musical.

About 30 schools—including Quaker Valley—participate and nominees are from schools in Allegheny County.

Quaker Valley High School is nominated in the following categories:

• Best Actress: Rachael Houser, senior; for the role of Reno Sweeney

• Best Supporting Actor: Peter Heres, sophomore; for the role of Lord Evelyn Oakleigh

• Best Supporting Actress: Katie Manuel, junior; for the role of Erma

• Best Musical

• Best Scenic Design

• Best Crew/Technical Execution

• Best Choreography

• Best Direction

The 23rd annual Gene Kelly Awards are Saturday, May 25 at the Benedum.  Best Actor and Best Actress nominees, including Rachael Houser, will perform during the awards show. 

Winners this year of the Best Actor and Best Actress Awards will travel to New York City on July 1 for the National High School Musical Theater Awards.