Two local high schools brought home hardware from the 5th Avenue Theatre High School Musical Theater Awards presented this week.

Ken Riggs, music director at Tahoma High, won for Outstanding Music Direction of the school’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Kentwood High students won for Outstanding Performance by a Chorus for their production of “Li’l Abner.”

In addition, Tahoma, Kentwood and Kentlake had numerous nominations in a variety of categories as well as honorable mention recognition.

Riggs said he “was very surprised” to win.

“I had not even been nominated in the past, and to win the first time was amazing,” Riggs said in an e-mail interview. “At the same time, I knew we had a great show this year. It was by far the best one we had ever done, so I guess I knew in the back of my mind that it was a possibility.”

He gave credit to Tahoma’s new director, Melissa Corby, who “really helped put the structure in place that made this award possible.”

Corby received an honorable mention in the Outstanding Direction category.

“This is just validation that what we are doing here at Tahoma High School is indeed among the best around,” Riggs said. “I’ve had the privilege of being part of a very strong vocal music program here at THS, and that carried over well into our musical theater production this year.”

According to the 5th Avenue Theatre’s Web site, during the past school year, a team of theater professionals were sent out to evaluate each school’s production. Nominations were made in 21 categories, from overall musical production to lobby display.

Riggs said during the awards ceremony on Monday 5th Avenue Theatre representatives “reviewed shows from nearly 100 high schools in the state which involved around 8,000 students.”

Reach Kris Hill at khill@maplevalleyreporter.com or (425)432-1209 ext. 5054.

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