Three CATs for We Will Rock You!

Not even COVID19 could dampen the spirits of those who participated in the video production of the 2020 CAT Awards Gala held on Saturday 18 April. With theatres and venues closed Australia-wide during this time, the Llewellyn Hall event had to be cancelled, but that didn’t stop dozens of performers and production personnel being recognised for their efforts in 2019.

Albeit on-line, the 26th Annual Canberra Area Theatre Awards celebrated the best of community theatre in Canberra and southern New South Wales, acknowledging the enormous contribution made by non-professional theatre, dance and musical groups and individuals to the artistic life of Australia, in particular in Canberra and the region.

With nine nominations for the 2019 Chevalier College production of ‘We Will Rock You’, we were thrilled to come away with three CATs and congratulate the following recipients:

Best youth actor in a featured role in a musical
Luke McClay – As Brit

Best youth actress in a featured role in a musical
Annie Turner – As Scaramouche

Best musical direction for a school or youth production
Barbara Griffin

“Several of the cast and production team got together for a Zoom gathering whilst the awards were being announced” said Director Kate Price, “not quite the same as going to the awards night but fun all the same. We were all excited to win three awards and share in the excitement online.”

“How wonderful that the absolute joy and professionalism Barbara brought to the show was rewarded with a Best Musical Director award.”
“Special mention to Barbara Griffin who came in and took over when Cameron Zingel left to take up a teaching position in Europe. How wonderful that the absolute joy and professionalism Barbara brought to the show was rewarded with a Best Musical Director award.”

Read more on this story in the Southern Highland News, 18/4/20