Two Walled Lake Northern students nominated for prestigious Sutton Foster Awards

Walled Lake Northern’s Emily Arabo and Truman Columbus have been nominated for the 2024 Sutton Foster Awards for their performance s in the Knights’ rendition of “Nice Work If You Can Get It”.

Arabo, who played Billie Bendix, and Columbus, who played Jimmy Winter, were both recognized for Outstanding Performer in a Leading Role.

“Emily and Truman being nominated is a tremendous testament to their talent and hard work,” said Northern vocal director Ashley Ward. “It is a reflection of months of preparation, voice lessons, and dedication.”

Arabo and Columbus will join Michigan’s other nominees for two weekends at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing, where they will continue to develop their theatre skills in workshops led by industry professionals. At the conclusion of the workshops in May, they will take part in the Sutton Foster Awards Showcase at the Wharton Center on June 1 at 6:30 p.m. During that performance, judges will select Michigan’s two Outstanding Performer in a Leading Role winners. Those two winners will earn a $1,000 cash prize and fly to New York City to compete for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards on June 24 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre.