MADISON — Overture Center for the Arts announced today that cast members from Monroe High School’s production of “The Little Mermaid” have been recognized with awards through its Jerry Awards program. Jack Bochar received Outstanding Supporting Performer for his role as “Chef Louis” and Zander Slack received the Spirit Award. Both students will be performing in the Jerry Awards show on Sunday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Overture Center. MHS Junior Lilly Cherney will also be featured in the program as a member of the Jerry Ensemble. The event will be livestreamed on the Overture Center’s Facebook page. 

The program, named after Madison-area philanthropist and arts supporter W. Jerome Frautschi, encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in musical theater. Ninety-seven high schools and community theaters from 28 Wisconsin counties participated in this year’s Jerry Awards. 

This year, the program has 500-plus award recipients from 105 productions in 97 communities across the state. These productions were at schools of varying sizes with varying budgets.

“I continue to be impressed at the high quality of high school musical theater programs across our state,” said Tim Sauers, chief artistic experiences officer. “I applaud them all for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that students have access and the opportunity to excel.” 

The Jerry Awards is a high school musical awards program that encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. The program began in the 2009/10 school year with 23 productions within 45 miles of Madison and has since expanded across the state through partnerships with Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and The Grand Theater. Educators and industry professionals review productions at Wisconsin high schools and/or community theater organizations and provide valuable feedback to students. In its first decade, the Jerry Awards engaged more than 700,000 students, teachers, theater professionals and community members.

Participation statistics for the 2022-23 season:

● 105 productions

● 97 schools/community theater organizations

● 43 schools are represented in the 56 Outstanding Lead Performance Award recipients

● 28 counties 

● 50 reviewers (three reviewers attended each production)

● 450+ students performing in annual awards shows in Overture Hall

● 105,000 people involved in the Jerry Awards through engagement with their local high school musical 

The program elevates the importance of musical theater within high schools. Students at participating high schools can also participate in The Jerry Ensemble, become student social influencers and receive special ticket deals to performances at Overture Center, The Marcus Performing Arts Center and The Grand Theater. 

The 2022/23 Jerry Awards program will culminate in a show honoring student and school achievements, including performances by the Outstanding Award recipients, in Overture Hall on Sunday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. Two outstanding lead performers will be selected to represent the program at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (Jimmy Awards) competition in New York City.

Overture’s Jerry Awards are sponsored by American Girl’s Fund for Children, Katie Dowling-Marcus and Ben Marcus and contributions to Overture Center.

NEW GLARUS — The Jerry Awards, one of Wisconsin’s High School Musical Awards Programs, encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. The Jerry Awards were named after philanthropist and arts supporter W. Jerome Frautschi. Educators and industry professionals review productions at more than 85 high schools in 30 counties around the state providing valuable feedback, and recognition for outstanding performances. 

New Glarus High School recently received word that several New Glarus High School students will be receiving Jerry Awards for their musical performances in the “ Little Shop of Horrors” musical. 

Students will receive their awards and have a chance to perform at the Overture Center on June 11. Tickets go on sale to the public on May 26. 

● Outstanding Pit Orchestra: Amelia Geib, Adi Bhattcharya, Delaney Hoeper, Trenton Hendrickson, Ella Skidmore, Elena Marunde, Maggie Piper, Alex Ruschman, Reese Maclean, Nolan Belknap, Alaina Smith, Sawyer O’Flanagan, Roman Kendrick, and Kelly Garrow. 

● Outstanding Supporting Performance: Dylan Fritz (Mr. Mushnik) 

● Outstanding Supporting Performance: Jackson Umhoefer (Audrey II, the voice of the plant) 

● Spirit Award: Keaton Zimmerman (Audrey)