Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/03/2026
Constantine Maroulis hosted the event, photo by Susan Cook Photography
(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center hosted the 4th Annual Central Jersey Marquee Awards on Monday, May 18, 2026, 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.
The ceremony was hosted by Constantine Maroulis, the Tony Award–nominated star of Rock of Ages, who first rose to national prominence as a finalist on American Idol. Maroulis has also appeared on Broadway in The Wedding Singer and Jekyll & Hyde, in addition to numerous national tours, television appearances, and recording projects.
The Central Jersey Marquee Awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre by providing professional adjudication, recognition, and performance opportunities, bringing together students, educators, families, and industry professionals for a night of celebration and inspiration.
The 2027 Central Jersey Marquee Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, May 17, 2027, at the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center. Registration for the 2026–2027 season will open in November of 2026.
Top Honors:
* Best Overall Production: Franklin High School – IN THE HEIGHTS
* Best Lead Actor: Roman Engel as “Prince Eric” – Steinert High School, DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
* Best Lead Actress: Sofia Monfredo as “Leading Player” – Woodbridge High School, PIPPIN
Additional Award Recipients:
* Best Supporting Actor: Nathaniel DeNicola as “Scarecrow” – Bernards High School, THE WIZARD OF OZ
* Best Supporting Actress: Liliana Fay as “Penelope Pennywise” – Piscataway High School, URINETOWN
* Best Ensemble Member: Alexis Brown as “Nautica” – Hightstown High School, BRING IT ON
* Best Production Number: “96,000” – Franklin High School, IN THE HEIGHTS
* Best Chorus: Ewing High School – IN THE HEIGHTS
* Best Music Direction: Grace Gardner – Carteret High School, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
* Best Student Orchestra: Arlene Garcia – Carteret High School, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
* Best Lighting Design: Alan Van Antwerp – The Pingry School, CABARET
* Best Scenery: Jeffrey Van Velsor – Princeton High School – LEGALLY BLONDE
* Best Costumes: Elana Kircher – Spotswood High School, FROZEN
* Best Hair and Makeup: Carolyn Anzuini Seidel – Steinert High School, DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
* Best Choreography: Jessica Tosonotti – Old Bridge High School, ME & MY GIRL
* Best Direction: Kiera Radvanski Hurley – Franklin High School, IN THE HEIGHTS
Student Dedication and Excellence Awards:
* Student Projection Designer: Abigail Merry – Hillsborough High School, SEUSSICAL
* Student Electrics Team: Students Electrics Team – Princeton High School, LEGALLY BLONDE
* Student Costume Designer: Jace Brown – Manville High School, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
* Designer/Puppeteer: Leah Harrell – Spotswood High School, FROZEN
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.
Hosted at the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, the program reflects the Borough of Carteret’s ongoing commitment to investing in the arts and creating meaningful opportunities for young performers. Under the leadership of Daniel J. Reiman, the borough has embraced cultural development as a key part of its continued growth and revitalization, supporting initiatives that celebrate arts education, recognize student achievement, and provide aspiring performers with the opportunity to perform on a professional stage.
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.
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