The production earned the program’s gold-level award, which included a $5,000 grant for the Jamestown High School musical theater program. The show also received “Outstanding Achievement in Costumes,” earning an additional $500 grant, while musical director Lauren Scharf was recognized with the “Outstanding Direction” award for the second consecutive year.

“The Pirates of Penzance” marked Scharf’s 10th production as the musical theater program’s director and 12th since joining Jamestown Public Schools in 2014. The director of choral activities at Jamestown High School, Scharf holds a Master’s Degree in Theatre Directing from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois, a Master’s Degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.

“We are so honored and excited to receive this recognition,” said Scharf. “This production was truly a team effort. This was a challenging show, but our students rose to the occasion and their hard work paid off. I’m so proud of the energy, commitment, and joy they brought to this show.”

The Pirates of Penzance. received nine total nominations at the Shea’s Wonder Awards, including Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Collective Ensemble Performance, Outstanding Collective Vocal Performance, Outstanding Costume Design & Execution, Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design & Execution, Outstanding Student-Led Orchestra, Outstanding Music Direction, and Outstanding Direction. Students Hayden Langford as “The Pirate King,” Samuel Mathis as “Major General Stanley,” Matthew Johnson as “Frederic,” Amaya Thompson as “Mabel,” and Rya Giuffre as “Ruth” were also nominated for Outstanding Leading Performances. Senior Brady Classon was named the All-Star Cast member for his dedication and performance in the musical.

JHS musical director Lauren Scharf, center, was awarded "Most Outstanding Direction" at the Shea's Wonder Awards Saturday night for the second straight year. She is pictured with music director Melissa Beichner, left, and pit orchestra director Meghan Murray.

Contributing to the production’s award-winning costumes were lead costume designer Jan Braeger; head costume assistant Cathy Miller; and costume assistants Sandy Barker, Jackie Benson, Aracelli DiNapoli, Lisa Greeley, Theresa Meger, and Karan Murray.

The award-winning production also showcased the talents of dozens of Jamestown High School student performers and musicians. Principal cast members included Hayden Langford, Matthew Johnson, Amaya Thompson, Samuel Mathis, Rya Giuffre, Ryleigh Johnston, Lillian Stormont, Brady Classon, and Dante West. Colton Miller served as an understudy for the production.

Additional student performers included Charlotte Baehr, Macy Bailey, Nora Bailey, Jamie Beaver, Issabelle Becker, Alexandria Braymiller, Angel Brunacini, Briar Cercone, Camille Czerniak, Ava Dale, Aracelli DiNapoli, Hayden Fuller, Caleb Guzman Morales, Amanda Guzman, London Hamilton, Victoria Higbee, Ryleigh Johnston, Taylnn Kendall, Oliver Lambe, Maria Lechuga Rosario, Siena Loomis, Samara Martin, Isabella Melendez, Elyas Pokoj, Gwenevere Pokoj, Jade Romero, Olivia Sandberg, Zoey Shimmel, Madeline Sipior, Lily Speadling, Camryn Storms, Koi Takacs, Vittoria Tehan, Catori Trace, Charlee VanGuilder, Yamired Vega Medina, and Nic Velazquez.

The production’s pit orchestra included students Alana Santiago, Alyvia Remington, Gina Delgado, Issac Margarito, Gabby Seekins, Sydney Conti, Alexis Holland, Drake Hall, Jason Leenders, Julia Stormont, Mariah Lorenc, Fallon Dean, Olivia Anderson, and Ethan Scott, alongside hired musicians Brandon Caruso, Jennie Caruso, Mitchel Schnaufer, Drew Suter, and Marissa Kasper.

“This recognition speaks to the incredible dedication, creativity, and collaboration of our students, staff, families, and volunteers,” said Allyson Smith, principal of Jamestown High School. “To be recognized as the top high school musical theater production in Western New York is an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of the passion our students bring to the arts every single day. Congratulations to Lauren Scharf and the entire cast, crew, orchestra, and production team for this remarkable achievement. We are so proud of everyone who helped bring this production to life.”

In addition to Scharf, the production team included vocal director Melissa Beichner, orchestra director Meghan Murray, scenic designer Marygrace Anderson, lighting designer Austin Lindell, sound engineer Zachary Stahlsmith, projection designer Brandon Caruso, and choreographer Jennie Caruso. The student crew was led by Co-Stage Managers Jaylynn Carlson and John Johnston.

Additional volunteers who helped bring the production to life contributed countless hours to set construction and painting. Those assisting with set construction and painting included Desiree Batchelor, John Beach, Paula Beach, Leslie Calimeri, Jaylynn Carlson, Jerry Costantini, Frank Galeazzo, Spencer Hofgren, Dalana Jackson, Dakota Jones, John Johnston, Logan Johnston, Ava Lanphere, Olivia Little, Eric Livengood, Val Lutgen, Wyatt Malloy, Ethan Meekins, Rob Meger, Owen Propheter, Zachary Pickett, Kianna Sanders, Ethan Scott, Colleen Shellhouse, Cathy Sinatra, Joe Sinatra, Steve Sipior, Piper Slagel, Gracia Slagle, Madelyn Wilkins, and Mr. Tehan’s Drama classes.

“This recognition is an honor, and a reflection of the tremendous talent, dedication, and passion of our students and staff,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools. “From the performers on stage to the countless students and adults working behind the scenes, this production represented the very best of Jamestown High School and the arts in our district. We are incredibly proud of everyone involved.”

This year 1,629 students from 25 schools participated in Shea’s Wonder Awards, representing 6 Western New York counties – Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming. Participating schools include: Alden High School, Bishop Timon St. Jude High School / Mount Mercy Academy, Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, Canisius High School, Cheektowaga Central High School, Cleveland Hill High School, Fillmore Central High School, Gowanda High School, Jamestown High School, Letchworth Central High School, Lockport High School, Maple Grove High School, Mount St. Mary Academy, Nardin Academy, North Collins Jr./Sr. High School, North Tonawanda High School, Pioneer High School, Randolph Jr./Sr. High School, Southwestern Central High School, St. Francis High School, St. Joseph’s Collegiate, St. Mary’s High School, Starpoint High School, West Seneca West High School, and Williamsville East High School.