The Troy Theatre Ensemble was recognized for its creativity and talent showcased in the spring musical, “Mamma Mia!”. Each year, the Sutton Foster Awards honor the most talented theatre ensembles across the state of Michigan. Named after Tony Award-winning stage actress Sutton Foster, who once was a Troy Colt herself, the Sutton Foster Awards recognize the dedication and capability of young musical theatre talent on and off stage. Awards received by the Troy Theatre Ensemble included: Best Director for Marc Vickers, Best Feature Dancer for Senior Anissa Faison and Best Hair & Makeup Design for Junior Olivia Essebaggers. Alexis Gearty, Troy High alumna, was the runner-up for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Finally, senior Anurag Komaragri was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role. “Mamma Mia!” was Komaragi’s first Troy Theatre Ensemble Production, which was a major success for him. Both Gearty and Komaragri went to Lansing, Michigan and performed at the award ceremonies. “Mamma Mia!” was a huge sucess when The Troy Theatre Ensemble sold out their last three shows.

Marc Vickers, the Troy Theatre Ensemble Director, echoed this praise for his cast and crew: “[Mamma Mia!] was the one I had the most fun with and was the most proud of. It was very exciting for me,” he said. Vickers expressed deep admiration for the hard work the ensemble invested in the show. 

Essebaggers said, “I just won the award and we were all shocked,’’ when she received news of the decision. Makeup design is used to highlight different parts of the character’s personality.  Essebaggers used her talent with makeup to bring an added dimension to the rich characters of “Mamma Mia!”.  She expressed gratitude to her fellow cast members on and off stage. She was thankful for everyone’s support and enthusiasm.  

Senior Anissa Faison, recognized for her dancing, was very touched that she won. She shared that she “put a lot of work into [Mamma Mia!] every single day.” She added, “I was surprised and excited and still shocked to this day.” Faison noted that it’s especially great to be recognized for dance, which is something she is extremely passionate about.

This fall, the Troy Theatre Ensemble is rehearsing for the play “Radium Girls,” which will hit the stage Nov. 18 to Nov. 20. The musical comedy “Curtains” is scheduled for the spring. Many students are awaiting the next performance and are anticipating them to be big and bold, just like “Mamma Mia!”