The Transylvania Mania is headed to the Benedum! The Woodland Hills Performing Arts Department's production of "Young Frankenstein" has earned nine Gene Kelly Award nominations, including one for Outstanding Musical.
The 35th annual Gene Kelly Awards, which recognize excellence in local high school musical theater, will take place at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh on Saturday, May 23. Thanks to its nomination for Outstanding Musical, the entire cast of "Young Frankenstein" will have an opportunity to perform a number from the show on stage at the Benedum.
Woodland Hills earned the nomination for Outstanding Musical in Budget Level IV, where it also earned nominations for Outstanding Dance Ensemble, Outstanding Lighting Design, and Outstanding Scenic Design.
Five students have also been nominated for individual acting awards for their performances in "Young Frankenstein." The acting nominations cover all budget levels and feature six nominees in each category. Leo Alfieri has been nominated for Outstanding Actor for his portrayal of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. Livia Rocco and Olivia Safran have been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress - Rocco for her portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein's fiancee Elizabeth Benning, and Safran for her depiction of the mysterious Frau Blucher.
Sonny Davis and Adam Steiner earned nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor - Davis for his performance as the hunchbacked servant Igor and Steiner for his portrayal of The Monster.
The Woodland Hills Performing Arts Department has a proud history of recognition from the Gene Kelly Awards, with over 270 total nominations since the awards were founded in 1991. It received eight nominations for "Hairspray" in 2025, winning for Outstanding Costume Design. Woodland Hills last won an Outstanding Musical award in 2022 for its production of "Shrek."
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for the nominations!