🎭✨ We are thrilled to celebrate an outstanding evening for Garnet Valley Performing Arts at the 2026 Greater Philadelphia Cappies Gala!
The Cappies, or Critics and Awards Program, recognizes excellence in student theater while also giving students the opportunity to grow as thoughtful theater critics. This year, Garnet Valley’s student critic team included Cole Miller, Lauren Cusick, Emma Moran, Lexi Weaver, Aidan Simpkiss, and Addi Cooper. Each student attended six productions and submitted reviews throughout the season.
Garnet Valley’s production of Footloose earned incredible recognition, including:
🏆 Best Musical
🏆 Best Dance Ensemble
🏆 Cole Miller – Best Leading Actor in a Musical
🏆 Cole Miller – Casey Feldman Memorial Scholarship
🏆 Lauren Cusick – Best Featured Actress
🏆 Devan Truax – Best Supporting Actor
🏆 Michael Stuardi – Spirit Award
We are also proud to recognize our additional nominees: Sebastian Nguyen, Michael Stuardi, Layla McCloskey, Lauren Cusick, Stage Management, Stage Crew, Sets, Sound, and Lighting. Thank you to Avery Wesoloski, Ella Saunders, and Jack Johnston for representing our crew at the gala.
A special congratulations also goes to Quinn Olinger and Ethan Spector for participating in the opening number, and to the thirty members of the Footloose company who performed during the Best Musical and Best Song number at the gala.
These accomplishments reflect the extraordinary talent, dedication, and hard work of our students, staff, families, volunteers, and the entire Garnet Valley community. We are especially grateful for the leadership and support of our GVHS staff and administrators, maintenance staff led by Bob Sanderson, parent volunteers, the music department, music director Krista Thomas, pit orchestra, choreographer Pat Murray, GVPAA production staff, and Cappies mentors Mr. Moran and Ms. Meghan Arters.
We are also grateful to Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Miller for helping Garnet Valley host visiting critics during our production of Footloose. Their organization and support helped create a welcoming and productive experience for students across the region.
After a season marked by tremendous effort, resilience, and community support, including the challenges caused by our devastating flood, this recognition is especially meaningful.
Congratulations to everyone involved in Footloose and the 2026 Cappies season. GV is so proud! 🎉