Playhouse Square’s annual Dazzle Awards presented by Pat and John Chapman gave more than 200 students from 44 Northeast Ohio high schools the chance to shine on the KeyBank State stage on Saturday, May 16. The regional program offers arts education opportunities throughout the school year and is affiliated with The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® presented by The Broadway League Foundation.
The evening began with energy as students walked the “PNC Red Carpet,” and the excitement did not end there. The opening number, directed by Broadway Director/Choreographer Connor Gallagher, dazzled the crowd. Additional performances were given by the six schools nominated for Best Musical as well as medleys from the Best Actor and Actress nominees.
Students who worked behind-the-scenes helped to ensure the evening was a success. The excitement was captured by the Dazzle Awards Student Reporters who worked the “PNC Red Carpet” before the show, as well as backstage at the Dazzle Awards social station. Technical Apprentices worked backstage with the production team to create a smooth show, while Musical Apprentices performed alongside professional musicians during the ceremony.
The evening culminated with the announcement of the coveted Dazzle Awards winners. Top honors were presented to outstanding musical theater productions and students in 15 categories. The 2026 Dazzle Awards recipients are:
Best Student Scenic Design (Tier I)
Willoughby South High School, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Best Student Scenic Design (Tier II)
Lutheran West, Hadestown: Teen Edition
Best Choreography Execution
Magnificat High School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Best Student Orchestra
Rocky River High School, Cinderella (Enchanted Edition)
Best Ensemble/Chorus
Lutheran West, Hadestown: Teen Edition
Best Student Technical Execution
Lutheran West, Hadestown: Teen Edition
Best Student Costume Design (Tier I)
Beaumont School, SIX: Teen Edition
Best Student Costume Design (Tier II)
Lutheran West, Hadestown: Teen Edition
Best Supporting Actor
Axel Scott, Lakewood High School
Best Supporting Actress
Mira Cahalane, Hudson High School
The Spirit of the Dazzle Awards
This award goes to the student who most embodies camaraderie, passion and an infectiously positive attitude throughout rehearsal week as identified by the Dazzle Awards creative team.
Carmen Chen, Independence High School
Best Actor
Tony Fritzgerald III, Saint Ignatius High School
Best Actress
Legend Young, Willoughby South High School
Best Musical (Tier I)
West Geauga High School, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)
Best Musical (Tier II)
Lutheran West, Hadestown: Teen Edition
The winners of the Best Musical categories, West Geauga High School and Lutheran West, each received a $1000 award for use toward their next high school musical productions.
As recipients of the Best Actor and Actress Awards, Tony Fritzgerald III (Senior) and Legend Young (Senior) will represent Northeast Ohio at The Jimmy Awards on June 22. Playhouse Square presented Tony and Legend each with checks for $5000.
Public and private high schools located in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit Counties were invited to apply for participation in the Dazzle Awards. Information and applications for the 2027 Dazzle Awards will be available online at playhousesquare.org/dazzleawards in August.