And the winner is……Hoboken High School for The Odyssey! On Friday January 9, 2009, 20 Hoboken High School Theatre students attended Montclair State University’s first annual Theatre Nights Award. In attendance were over 25 nominated high schools from throughout the state. The HHS cast of The Odyssey sat among the 500 attendees, waiting in nervous anticipation as the results were read. They had received nine nominations: Joe Mc Court for Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role; Diandra Soto for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role; Paula Ohaus for Outstanding Direction of a Play; Paula Ohaus and Chris Rumery for Best Costume Design; Kristyn Smith for Achievement in Sound; Matt Fick for Achievement in Lighting and Scenic Design; Best Classical Production and Best Overall Production. Cast members were elated when Hoboken High School won in the following categories: Best Director Paula Ohaus, Best Overall Production of a Classical Work, Best Overall Production and Best Sound Design Kristyn Smith. “It was a rewarding collaborative effort,” Mrs. Ohaus said, acknowledging the work of musical director Meg Zervoulis and choreographer Jared Ramos and the talented ensemble. The awards event attracted schools from throughout the state and was held at the MSU campus at Memorial Auditorium. Susan Kerner and Colleen Finnegan produced the event. Distinguished Visiting Professor Neil Baldwin served as the emcee. Other major awards of the evening were given to Summit High School, Bergen County Academy, Cranford High School, Mahwah High School and Northern Valley Regional.