Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 05/21/2025
(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center hosted the 3rd Annual Central Jersey Marquee Awards on Monday, May 19, 2025, honoring outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre across Middlesex, Somerset, and Mercer Counties.
This year’s program recognized the work of 27 participating schools, spotlighting excellence in performance, direction, design, and technical achievement. The evening included student performances, guest presenters from Broadway and television, and the presentation of awards across 20 categories.
Best Overall Production: The Pingry School – PIPPIN
Best Lead Actor: Rian Sanders as “Chad” – Manville High School, ALL SHOOK UP
Best Lead Actress: Susie Polito as “Girl” – Immaculata High School, ONCE
Additional Award Recipients:
Best Supporting Actor: Konrad Hedges as “Ned Ryerson” – Princeton High School, GROUNDHOG DAY
Best Supporting Actress: Marisa Santiago as “Mother Superior” – Woodbridge High School, SISTER ACT
Best Ensemble Member: Kaley Welsh as “Margot” – Bernards High School, LEGALLY BLONDE
Best Production Number: “Magic To Do” – The Pingry School, PIPPIN
Best Lead Actor: Rian Sanders as “Chad” – Manville High School, ALL SHOOK UP
Best Chorus: The Pingry School – PIPPIN
Best Music Direction: Jeffrey Pando – Watchung Hills Regional High School, THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Best Student Orchestra: Aldo A. Aranzulla – South Brunswick High School, MEAN GIRLS
Best Lighting Design: Megan Thompson – Hightstown High School, CHICAGO
Best Scenery: Princeton High School – GROUNDHOG DAY
Best Costumes: Bonnie Grube – Ridge High School, CINDERELLA
Best Hair and Makeup: Juanita Hemingway – Carteret High School, THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Best Choreography: Melissa Calicchio – Colonia High School, FOOTLOOSE
Best Direction: Julianna Krawiecki – Princeton High School, GROUNDHOG DAY
Best Lead Actress: Susie Polito as “Girl” – Immaculata High School, ONCE
Student Dedication and Excellence Awards:
Set Designer and Crew Leader: Rhyan Greene – Hightstown High School, CHICAGO
Designer and Crew Leader: Colin Lansky – Princeton High School, GROUNDHOG DAY
Props Manager: Robin Watchel – Princeton High School, GROUNDHOG DAY
Graphic Design: Katie Reagen – Robbinsville High School, THE WEDDING SINGER
Host Justin Matthew Sargent
The Central Jersey Marquee Awards continues to grow as a signature program recognizing the next generation of theatre artists, while working to build a cohesive community of theatre students and educators throughout the region.
The 2026 Central Jersey Marquee Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center. Registration for the 2025–2026 season will open in November.
To support the program’s continued growth, the Marquee Awards is actively seeking sponsors for the upcoming season. Interested individuals or organizations should contact Program Coordinator James Mosser at [email protected] for more information.
The Central Jersey Marquee Awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre by providing professional adjudication, recognition, and performance opportunities. The program brings together students, educators, families, and industry professionals for a night of celebration and inspiration.
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