Gretna High’s “The Addams Family” was selected as an Outstanding Musical Theater Production by the Nebraska Theater Academy on May 8. This was just after the cast performed four shows for the community May 1 through 4. Additionally, seniors Clayton Angland as Gomez and Josiah Hydeen as Lurch won Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role and Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role, respectively. The cast was also awarded Outstanding Ensemble Performance.

“One of the things that I push with my students and with my cast is the importance of ensemble, and that it’s not one person that makes a show great, it’s everything,” Caitie Hays said. Hays directed the production. “To be one of the groups that won not only Outstanding Musical but Outstanding Ensemble as well means the world to me.”

Out of the ten schools in those four categories, both Gretna and Gretna East were named, sweeping in every performative category. Gretna East was directed by soon-to-be retired Pat Ribar.

“It’s my first year, so I think it sets a precedent for what our expectations are going forward for what we want for our musical program,” Hays said. “I really love to know that something that I dreamed about and put a lot of my own heart and soul into, and so did so many of the other assistant directors, to see your hard work pay off like that is really cool.”

Both high schools were invited to perform one number of their productions on the Orpheum Stage on May 31 as part of the NTA showcase. Hays will accept the ensemble awards on behalf of the cast, along with both Angland and Hydeen. However, GHS will opt out of the performance as there weren’t enough cast member available or willing to perform “One Normal Night”.

“I worked really hard on the musical,” Angland said. “It’s kind of a dream to get that kind of personal recognition. And to be one of like ten male leads across the state is kind of crazy.”