Published June 08. 2023 10:18AM
by ed courrier Special to The Press
Student thespians from 29 area high schools gathered under the State Theatre spotlights for the 2023 Freddy Awards.
Cast and crew from Emmaus High School’s “Fiddler on the Roof” brought home seven Freddy Awards out of 15 nominations. They scored the most awards that evening, including the top Freddy Award for Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical.
Lead actor Jacob Klinedinst and Stage and Production Manager Maeve Yanes graciously accepted the award on behalf of the EHS production. Both are graduating seniors.
Klinedinst returned to the podium a second time to accept the Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Freddy Award for his part as Tevye from Emmaus’ “Fiddler on the Roof.” Having won this honor, Klinedinst became one of two recipients of the $500 Mowad Turf Specialists, LLC Cash Award.
EHS senior Emily Novak tied with Kaylee Babiak from Hackettstown for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. Novak was honored for her portrayal of Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Babiak played Catherine in her school’s production of “Pippin.”
“Fiddler” also garnered Freddys for Outstanding Performance by an Orchestra, Outstanding Use of Lighting and Outstanding Ensemble.
Stage Manager and Volunteer Coordinator Maeve Yanes was honored with the lehighvalleylive.com and The Express-Times Student Achievement Award for her “Fiddler on the Roof” management.
EHS was also one of two recipients of the R. Richard Knauss Foundation Cash Award. The other went to Hackettstown.
Before winning top honors, the talented cast from EHS entertained the packed State Theatre with a performance of “Tradition” from their spring musical.
Select members from the EHS cast, along with fellow actors from other participating schools sang and danced across the stage for the opening and closing numbers.
PRESS PHOTO BY ED COURRIER Emmaus High School's talented cast rehearses “Tradition” from their production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at the May 24 Preview Night. Story and additional photos appear on Page A5.
Select cast members from the East Penn area, along with fellow actors from other participating schools rehearse the 2023 Freddy Awards opening number during the May 24 Preview Night.
At left, actor Jacob Klinedinst and Stage and Production Manager Maeve Yanes give a shout out to fellow cast and crew as they accept the Freddy for Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical for Emmaus High School's “Fiddler on the Roof.” Behind them are presenters Frank Anonia and Kori Lotito.
Jacob Klinedinst thanks those who helped him along his journey as he is honored with Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Freddy for his portrayal of Tevye in the EHS production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Behind him are presenters Melanie Falcon and Jim Vaughn from 69 WFMZ-TV.
Emmaus High School senior Emily Novak is thrilled to receive the Freddy Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. Novak was honored for her portrayal of Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
PRESS PHOTOS BY ED COURRIER On behalf of the “Fiddler on the Roof” pit musicians, the Outstanding Performance by an Orchestra Freddy is accepted by Sophie Isom and Alex Briglia.
From left, Ethan Berger and Brett Heier are awarded the Freddy for Outstanding Use of Lighting for “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Jacob Klinedinst, in character as Tevye from Emmaus High School's “Fiddler on the Roof,” solos with “If I Were a Rich Man” during a medley of songs sung by nominees for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.
Celebrating Emmaus High School's Freddy wins are, in front, from left, Diane DiDona, Jerri L. Brown, Director Jill Kuebler, Rabbi Rebecca Einstein Schorr and Julia Wallace. In back is Chris Kollar.
Accepting the Freddy Award for Outstanding Ensemble on behalf of Emmaus High School for “Fiddler on the Roof” are from left, Rose Alsleben and Dominic Zientara. Alsleben played Mordcha, the innkeeper and Zientara played Fyedka, a Russian soldier. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STATE THEATRE/&Copy; 2023 DABOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
