Two Tyrone ‘Greasers’ were nominated for the 2024 Isaac Awards for their exceptional performances in the Tyrone High School Drama Club’s spring musical.
Senior John Isenberg and sophomore Braylinne Shaw were nominated for ‘Best Featured Actor’ and ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Female Role.’
The 19th annual awards show for high school musicals will be held on May 25 at Altoona’s historic Mishler Theatre. It will include nominees from 20 schools in 6 counties.
In addition to the two individual nominations, the entire cast of Tyrone’s production of Grease will be there to perform on the night of the awards.
Grease is one of my favorite musicals and I love the movie. Being able to play my favorite character my senior year was awesome and felt great
— Jay Isenberg
Isenberg played the role of Kenickie in Grease. He has been involved in theater since his eighth-grade year.
His previous roles include a Scab in Newsies in 8th grade, Snoopy in Charlie Brown in 10th grade, and Elvis, Clyde, and Jack Kelly in the 11th grade musical medley performance.
Isenberg said he thoroughly enjoyed his role in Grease and was honored to play Kenickie.
“Grease is one of my favorite musicals and I love the movie. Being able to play my favorite character my senior year was awesome and felt great,” Isenberg said.
Isenberg also said he was honored to be nominated for an award.
“It feels really good to finally be recognized. I put a lot of work into bringing Kenickie to the stage and I feel great knowing my work is paying off,” Isenberg said.
Shaw played the role of Betty Rizzo in Grease.
This was Shaw’s first full show, but she performed in “Broadway in Song” last year.
She has always been fond of theater and getting to play a larger role this year has increased her love even more.
“My role as Rizzo for this year’s musical has truly impacted my perspective on everything theatre-wise from endless hours of rehearsal up until the opening night I had the time of my life it was truly an amazing experience,” Shaw said.
High School music teacher Laura Harris said she is excited about the nominations and how deserving they are.
“Braylinne and Jay did a great job getting into character and bringing those characters to life on stage. I’m thrilled for them,” Harris said.
Isenberg and Shaw will not be alone at the award ceremony on May 25th. They will have a lot of support because the cast of Grease has also been invited to perform the song “You’re The One That I Want” at the award show.
My role as Rizzo for this year’s musical has truly impacted my perspective on everything theatre-wise from endless hours of rehearsal up until the opening night I had the time of my life it was truly an amazing experience
— Braylinne Shaw
