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Todd Cammarata

Junior Brent McNeel and the cast performing "Brotherhood of Man"

The Tyrone Drama Club’s production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” received four Isaac Award nominations this year. The Isaac Awards are presented annually by Reliance Bank and Altoona Community Theatre.

According to their website, the mission of the Isaac Awards is to “encourage and support excellence in high school musical theatre in our region through an annual awards event that recognizes student achievement.”

The awards show will take place on May 25th and 26th at 7:30 p.m. at Altoona’s Mishler Theatre. TAHS Drama Club will be attending and performing on Sunday, May 25th. Tickets are $18 and go on sale to the public on Monday May 20th.

Tyrone’s nominations are for Best Stage Crew, Best Featured Dance for “Brotherhood of Man”, Best Musical Number- for “Grand Old Ivy.”

Junior Brent McNeel also received a nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

The TAHS Drama Club has participated in the Isaacs for 15 years now and over the years they have received many nominations and quite a few awards over the years.

This is Brent McNeel’s third nomination. McNeel got a nomination his freshman year and received an award. He also got another nomination for last years show.

“I was so honored and happy. The Isaac’s is such a great night and to be recognized is truly amazing,” said McNeel.

The Tyrone Drama Club will perform their big number “Brotherhood of Man” on stage at the Isaac’s.

Shows from 19 schools were nominated and separated into two performance nights, Saturday and Sunday.

To be nominated for these awards the judging committee sends at least two judges at every high school performance in the region.

Awards are giving in the following categories: Best Stage Crew, Achievement in Design, Achievement in Choreography, Actress in a Leading Role, Actor in a Leading Role, Actress in a Supporting Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Actress or Actor in a Featured Role, Best Ensemble, Best Featured Dance or Dancer, Best Musical Number, and Best Overall Production.

Click on the link here to see all of the nominations for both Saturday and Sunday night award ceremony.

On top of performing “Brotherhood of Man” at the Isaac’s, the TAHS Drama Club members Alexis Umholtz and Nicholas DelBaggio will also perform in the show’s opening number along with representatives of the other 18 drama clubs represented. The group is singing a three Broadway song medley with choreography.

“I’m no expert, but I believe that it’s a combination of clear-cut, crisp, and adventurous choreography, and a determined and excited group of cast members who are having the time of there lives,” said senior Brandon Escala.

Senior Ethan White will receive a certificate for being the MVP of TAHS’ 2019 production “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

“It is bittersweet, I really had a good time in my last four years in Tyrone’s Music program, and though I’m sad to go, there’s good things ahead,” said White.

The Isaac Awards are more than just trophies. Last year local high school students received more than $50,000 in college scholarships through the Isaac Awards.  In addition, all twenty participating schools received a $500 check from Benzel’s for their musical budget for next year.

“I think that it will be an enjoyable evening for everyone where we will get to perform and to see performances that other high schools did.  We’ll also have a chance to celebrate each other accomplishments,” said Tyrone Music Director Laura Harris.