Talon Theatre Earns Huge Honors at 2026 Spirit of the MACY Awards

Talon Theatre secured impressive accolades at this year’s Spirit of the MACY Awards. Founded in 1969, The Spirit of the MACY Awards is dedicated to encouraging, recognizing and rewarding excellence in high school musical theatre. The annual MACY Awards show is a celebration of the talent and dedication of everyone who has participated in musical theatre productions across Orange County. 

Led by Artistic Director Kennedy Kemmerer ’19, the program earned the highest honor of the day: The MACY Award. This recognizes the best musical from dozens of shows across Orange County. In athletic terms, this award would be equivalent to winning a CIF title, given the level of excellence it demands. 

We are so proud of our Talon Theatre students and can’t wait to see all that lies ahead for them!

Congratulations to the following students:

Bright Spot

Given to performers in a non-lead or supporting role who create an impression with judges by standing out in excellence.

• Jarlath Curran ‘28, Count Ipolitov/Ensemble, Anastasia
• Lily Gallegos ‘29, Ensemble/Tatiana Romanov, Anastasia
• Jack Kelly ‘26, Count Leopold/Ensemble, Anastasia
• Levi Anderson ‘28, Worker, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Elizabeth Boyer ‘26, Worker, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Olivia Curran ‘28, Worker, Hadestown: Teen Edition

Special Recognition

Typically given to those who bring a specialty to a production.

Music Box Dancers, Anastasia

• Leksi Akerlind ‘27
• Emma Chi-Sing ‘29
• Jasmine Ortiz ‘26
• Helena Reginato ‘26
• Jacquelyn Wingate ‘26
• Julia Wood ‘27

 

Outstanding Achievement

Given to performers in lead and supporting roles who demonstrate outstanding vocal, dancing, and acting ability.

• Olivia Curran ‘28, Dowager Empress, Anastasia

 

Highest Achievement

The top 10% of performers receive this prestigious award for demonstrating the highest level of professionalism. Often a "Triple Threat," these students perform well above the norm for high school theatre.

• Levi Anderson ‘28, Dmitry, Anastasia
• Joseph Calvo ‘28, Gleb, Anastasia
• Ryan Nouri ‘26, Vlad, Anastasia
• Lilia Palda ‘27, Anya, Anastasia
• Emory Ratzlaff ‘27, Countess Lily, Anastasia
• Leksi Akerlind ‘27, Fate 3, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Joseph Calvo ‘28, Orpheus, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Jillian Mooney ‘26, Fate 2, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Ryan Nouri ‘26, Hades, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Madeleine Orozco ‘26, Fate 1, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Jasmine Ortiz ‘26, Eurydice, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Lilia Palda ‘27, Hermes, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Emory Ratzlaff ‘27, Persephone, Hadestown: Teen Edition

Individual Highest Achievement Nominees

Best Cameo – Male

• Jarlath Curran ’28 – Count Ipolitov, Anastasia

Best Vocalist – Male

• Joseph Calvo ’28 – Orpheus, Hadestown: Teen Edition

Best Vocalist – Female

• Emory Ratzlaff ’27 – Countess Lily, Anastasia
• Jasmine Ortiz ’26 – Eurydice, Hadestown: Teen Edition

Best Comedic – Male

• Ryan Nouri ’26 – Vlad Popov, Anastasia

Best Comedic – Female 

               Emory Ratzlaff ’27 – Countess Lily, Anastasia

Best Supporting Actor

• Ryan Nouri ’26 – Vlad Popov, Anastasia

Best Actor in a Dramatic Role

• Ryan Nouri ’26 – Hades, Hadestown: Teen Edition

Best Actress in a Dramatic Role

• Jasmine Ortiz ’26 – Eurydice,  Hadestown: Teen Edition

Best Actor

• Ryan Nouri ’26 – Vlad, Anastasia
• Joseph Calvo ’28 – Orpheus,  Hadestown: Teen Edition

Best Actress

• Jasmine Ortiz ’26  – Eurydice,  Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Emory Ratzlaff ’27  – Countess Lily, Anastasia

 

Individual Highest Achievement Wins

Best Vocalist – Male

• Joseph Calvo ’28  – Orpheus,  Hadestown: Teen Edition

Best Vocalist – Female

• Emory Ratzlaff ’27 – Countess Lily, Anastasia

 

Top 10 Musicals in Orange County

• Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Anastasia

 

Best Musical - The MACY

• Hadestown: Teen Edition