Sequim High School student Andrew King will contend for "Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role" category for his part as the Beast of "Beauty and the Beast" in Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre's annual High School Musical Theatre Awards.

Isaac Boekelheide, a senior at Sequim High School, is up for honorable mention in the "Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role" category for his performance as Lumiere in "Beauty and the Beast."

Diagnosed with a tumor, Boekelheide underwent brain surgery a matter of days before the production.

A high school version of the Tony Awards, the program allows drama students from across Washington to meet, celebrate and honor the musical theater productions presented during the 2008-2009 school year.

The awards are designed to spotlight high school musicals and offer drama students the same recognition that accomplished high school athletes have received for decades.

Since its inception, the program has grown from 31

productions and 3,100 students in 2003 to 82 productions and 8,200 students participating this year - when 159 nominations have been given to 54 schools.

Eighty-seven students will receive honorable mentions.

Twenty-one categories range from overall musical production to lobby display.

The awards will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 8, at the theater in Seattle. Nominees will perform numbers from their shows and get a taste of performing for a packed house.

An estimated 2,200 high school students are expected to attend the awards ceremony with their families and friends.

Tickets are available by contacting the

Sequim High School drama department.

A full list of nominees is available online at www.5thavenue.org/education/highschool awards-2009.aspx.



Ashley Miller can be reached at

ashleyo@sequimgazette.com.