Bridgeland High School senior Jackson Nichols, right, and Bridgeland High School junior Lindsey Walding, left, were both nominated for 2023 Tommy Tune Awards for Outstanding Lead and Outstanding Dancer, respectively. The Tommy Tune Awards, which recognize and celebrate high school musical theatre around the greater Houston area, are set for 7 p.m. on May 4 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

May 3, 2023—Students and teachers from the Bridgeland, Cypress Ranch and Cypress Woods high school theatre departments were nominated in 13 categories in the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) 2023 Tommy Tune Awards, to be held at 7 p.m. on May 4 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The awards are Houston’s high school version of the Tony Awards, which recognize and celebrate musical theatre.

Bridgeland earned the following nominations for the production Damn Yankees:

• Jackson Nichols for Outstanding Lead;
• Rodrigo Gutierrez for Outstanding Supporting Lead;
• Jake Ulanday for Outstanding Singer;
• Faith Jackson for Outstanding Actor;
• Lindsey Walding for Outstanding Dancer; and
• Outstanding Ensemble.

Cypress Ranch High School seniors, from left, CJ Friend, Madalina Velasquez and Makenzie Woolridge, were all nominated for 2023 Tommy Tune Awards for Outstanding Lead. Cypress Ranch leads CFISD with 12 nominations.

Cypress Ranch earned the following nominations for the production Into the Woods:

• Tracey McGarity for Outstanding Director;
• Adam Bishea, Cynthia Douglas and Stefanie Stephens for Outstanding Music Director;
• Julie Megason and Dave Clark for Outstanding Scenic Design;
• Tracy McGarity, Breanna Bush, Parker Edwards, Tallulah Maloy, Sehr Armani Pandit and Aditi Sudharsen for Outstanding Costume Design;
• Lexie Carty for Outstanding Sound Design;
• CJ Friend for Outstanding Lead;
• Madalina Velasquez for Outstanding Lead;
• Mackenzie Woolridge for Outstanding Lead;
• Landon Rouse for Outstanding Supporting Lead;
• Kendall Gillpatrick for Outstanding Singer;
• Camila Horberg-Perez for Outstanding Honorable Mention; and
• Outstanding Orchestra.

Cypress Woods High School sophomore Kendale Walker was nominated for a 2023 Tommy Tune Award for Outstanding Singer.

Cypress Woods High School sophomore Kendale Walker earned a Tommy Tune nomination for Outstanding Singer in the production Mary Poppins.

The Tommy Tune Awards are named for Houston native and Lamar High School alumnus Tommy Tune. A performer, director and choreographer with more than 50 years of stage experience, Tune received nine Tony Awards for his work in productions including: Seesaw, Nine, Grand Hotel and The Will Rogers Follies. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2003 by President George W. Bush.

The Tommy Tune Awards ceremony is open to the public and tickets are available for purchase. Visit the TUTS website for tickets and more information.