Sandy Jolles — Senior Staff Writer
Lights, Cappies, action! For the first time in Langley History, a Langley musical production has received 15 nominations at the annual Cappies, or “Critics and Award Programs,” for the production “Times Square 2090” last fall. This is the most nominations that any DC Metropolitan area school has received in the history of the Cappies.
“When we saw the list, the reaction was pure elation. From before first period through Saxon time, they were rushing in, screaming, and hugging each other. Fortunately I had a video camera handy,” said theatre director Ms. Jaffe.
“The cast is enjoying and basking in the moment. It’s a huge honor and incredibly exciting to receive so many Cappie nominations,” said freshman Victoria Tovig, who received the nomination for Best Featured A ctress.
The Cappie program gives high school theatre and journalism students the opportunity to attend shows at other schools and write reviews, some of which are published in newspapers like The Washington Post.
At the Cappies this year, “Times Square 2090” was nominated in several categories, the highlights included Best Actor, Paul Goldberg, Best Actress, Chelsea Raitor, and Best Choreography, for Nicole Kang and Liza Mayman. Senior Wes Brandt, the director, writer, and musical coordinator, was also nominated for Most Creative.
“I am very proud of Wes and the work of the students. This is what education is all about. It is about opening up worlds and opportunities to the students. It is empowering them to take on challenges, to discover talent and abilities within themselves that they may never have known they were capable of,” said Jaffe.
Not only were these the most nominations for any Langley musical, but also for all Cappies’ musicals. In addition to the choreography and acting being recognized, songs were also nominated, most notably “Stand Up.” This song was not only nominated for best overall song but also for Best Ensemble in Music.
On June 13, the actors will be able to showcase this musical to more than just Langley’s student body. The full cast will perform “Stand Up” at the Kennedy Center.
“We are all incredibly excited and nervous for the performance. Wes, our student director and the writer as well as lyricist of Times’ Square 2090, wrote an unforgettable musical. We couldn’t have done it without him,” said Tovig.