On May 15, the Metropolitan High School Theater Awards returned after a three year hiatus to judge 56 North Jersey high school musical productions in Westchester, Bergen, Rockland and Putnam counties. NVOT’s spring performance of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels received six nominations this year. 

The entire company received two nominations: Outstanding Performance by a Chorus and Outstanding Performance of a Production Number for “The More We Dance.”  The musical’s primary choreographer, Caitlin Ort, received a nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography. Junior Roman Gatti received a nomination for Outstanding Performance in a Male-Identifying Role and senior Kyra Baily for Outstanding Dance Performance by a Female-Identifying Performer. Junior Sophia Ashbahian and senior Ella Perez were nominated for Outstanding Student Technical Achievement. 

Kyra Baily, one of six nominees in her category, said, “It’s really hard to wrap my head around that statistic, but it feels so rewarding after such a long season.” 

The show was produced by theater teacher Susan Van Buskirk. “This year, they really came together and pulled off a very difficult show,” she said, “They created an experience that audiences clearly loved and enjoyed.” 

The winners will be announced on June 12 at Tarrytown Music Hall.