Cappies awards held in Upper Darby

As Germantown Academy junior William Bellamy took the stage with a few fellow cast members of the school's production of

Thoroughly Modern Millie

last night, he gushed:

"You guys are the most fierce cast I've ever worked with."

It was an enthusiastic end to a high-spirited night of awards at the 2009 Greater Philadelphia Cappies Gala.

The awards recognize high school theater productions. Bellamy's group picked up honors in the musical category.

The evening began with an elaborate song-and-dance routine. Dozens of students from high schools throughout the region streamed across the stage singing, "Let's Go to the Cappies." The energy kept ramping up for the rest of the evening.

The Cappies is a nationwide program in which students review plays and musicals put on by other high schools. At the end of the school year, they vote for their favorites.

Last night's event, held at the Upper Darby Center for the Performing Arts, had all the staples of a glitzy awards ceremony, including the red carpet, the elegant dresses, and the dignified tuxedos. There were even squeals of excitement from the audience before and after nominees' names were called.

But there was no confusing it with the Academy or Tony Awards. For one, there were no limousines. After most performances, the actors themselves struck the scenery.

In addition, the acceptance speeches were brief. Sterling Spencer, who won the male-vocalist Cappie for his role in Guys and Dolls with the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, was one of many winners who simply said, "Thank you," before hustling back to a seat.

Marissa Gibson, who won as lead actress in a play in Springfield (Delco) High School's The Dining Room, dedicated her award to her brother. So did Val Broussard, who won as featured actress in a play for her work in the same production, which won the overall play award.

The most raucous ovation was in recognition of Cappies program director Harry Dietzler's work the last four years. He will hand over the reins next season to Matthew Cloran, director of theater at the Haverford School, who choreographed last night's event.

Cappies Winners

Senior female critic: Julie Zauzmer, Upper Dublin High School.

Senior male critic: Donald Hunt, Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts.

Underclass female critic: Gigi Watson, Upper Merion High School.

Underclass male critic: Elliah Heifetz, Upper Dublin High School.

Critic team: Upper Dublin High School (Elliah Heifetz, Ryan Merlini, Rebecca Roth, Carly Siegler, Heather Spangenberg, Emily Winters, Julie Zauzmer, Zach Zimmerman).

Sound: Timothy Milborne, Emma Boettcher, Conestoga High School, Our Town.

Lighting: Eli Cassel, C.J. Lanutti, Jared Patton, Cheltenham High School, Sweeney Todd.

Sets: Student Stage Craft Class, Theatre Club, Academy of the New Church, Bye Bye Birdie.

Costumes: Shelby Green, Hilary McDonnell, Chestnut Hill Academy, The Sound of Music.

Makeup: Jinging Ao, Liz Biron, Sarah Van Bemmel, Hannah Broser, Conestoga High School, Our Town.

Props and effects: Jess Heeber, Rachel Mount, Ian Rose, Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, Little Shop of Horrors.

Stage crew: Alex Priore, Katie Burkhart, Germantown Academy, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Orchestra: Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts Orchestra, Guys and Dolls.

Choreography: Julie Baratta, Heather Wise, Delaware County Christian School, Annie.

Creativity: Mary Reilly (directing), Springfield (Delco) High School, The Dining Room.

Ensemble in a play: Ghost Ensemble, Conestoga High School, Our Town.

Ensemble in a musical: Crapshooters, Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, Guys and Dolls.

Cameo actress: Katy Kanas, Souderton Area High School, Footloose.

Cameo actor: Matt Wolff, Upper Dublin High School, The Wedding Singer.

Female dancer: Erica Cothran, Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, Guys and Dolls.

Male dancer: Scott Stampone, Germantown Academy, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Female vocalist: Lea Tsoubanos, Germantown Academy, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Male vocalist: Sterling Spencer, Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, Guys and Dolls.

Comic actress in a play: Julia Romano, Friends' Central School, The Madwoman of Chaillot.

Comic actor in a play: James Cella, Springfield (Delco) High School, The Dining Room.

Comic actress in a musical: Anna Flynn-Meketon, Germantown Academy, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Comic actor in a musical: Jack Hollingsworth, Upper Dublin High School, The Wedding Singer.

Featured actress in a play: Val Broussard, Springfield (Delco) High School, The Dining Room.

Featured actor in a play: Owen Howson, Phoenixville Area High School, Twelfth Night.

Featured actress in a musical: Adrienne Visnic, Germantown Academy, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Featured actor in a musical: Chris Monaco, Merion Mercy Academy, Crazy for You.

Lead actress in a play: Marissa Gibson, Springfield (Delco) High School, The Dining Room.

Lead actor in a play: Tyler Garamella, Lindenwold High School, Dracula.

Lead actress in a musical: Ally Doman, Germantown Academy, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Lead actor in a musical: Jim Hogan, Merion Mercy Academy, Crazy for You.

Song: "I Got Rhythm," Merion Mercy Academy, Crazy for You.

Play: The Dining Room, Springfield (Delco) High School.

Musical: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Germantown Academy.