Cast of SKIT's 42nd Street, May 2024. Photo by Dave Dabour

(HIGH BRIDGE, NJ) -- ShowKids Invitational Theatre is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Perry Award for Outstanding Choreography for its production of 42nd Street. The award, presented by the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters (NJACT), celebrates excellence in community theatre across the state.

The award is shared by the exceptional team of Maria Mantak, Heather Fleischman, Krisy Nasto and Emma Nasto, whose innovative and energetic choreography brought the classic tap-dancing extravaganza of 42nd Street to life on stage. Audiences were captivated by the high-energy dance numbers, intricate formations, and precision that embodied the spirit of Broadway.

“We could have never pulled it off without the hard work and devotion from every single one of the kids who executed the choreography so beautifully,” said Co-Director Krisy Nasto. “The finished project only looks so good due to the incredible effort of so many people.”

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Daughter and Mother, Emma and Krisy Nasto celebrate at the Perry Awards on Sunday, September 22, 2024

“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Co-Director and Producer Carolyn Newman. “Everyone worked tirelessly to create a vibrant and unforgettable experience for our audiences. This recognition is a testament to the choreography team’s talent and dedication.”

42nd Street was performed at Voorhees High School in May of 2024, with a cast of 28 talented young actors and actresses. The show tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a small-town girl who rises to stardom amidst the glitz and glamour of Broadway during the Great Depression. The dazzling choreography, iconic tap numbers, and memorable songs like "We're in the Money" and "Lullaby of Broadway" made the production a standout in this year’s theatrical season.

42nd Street was made possible by funds provided by the Hunterdon County Cultural and Heritage Commission, a New Jersey State Council of the Arts partner, and by the support of dedicated audiences who come out to support local arts.

The Perry Awards are presented annually by NJACT, recognizing outstanding achievements in acting, directing, design, and production in community theatre throughout New Jersey. This year’s awards ceremony was held at the Strand Center for the Arts in Lakewood, NJ on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

As ShowKids Invitational Theatre celebrates this exciting achievement, audiences can look forward to the upcoming 2024-2025 season, featuring Legally Blonde in January and Mary Poppins in May. Both shows promise unforgettable performances, spectacular choreography, and family-friendly entertainment.

ShowKids Invitational Theatre (SKIT) is a non-profit repertory community theater group. Its objective in both show selection as well as casting is to provide productions featuring its young performers in the principal roles, surrounded by an experienced artistic and technical team to produce some of the best theater possible. Founded in 1986 to offer the children of Hunterdon County and its surrounding area an opportunity to experience the joys of theater and give the community professional quality theater productions, it has since blossomed into an organization that also provides families the opportunity to share quality time while providing an unending amount of wonderful memories. SKIT's young performers, ranging in age from 5 to 18, join SKIT based on a desire to perform in the theater and a  willingness to give the dedication and self-discipline it requires.