After her amazing performance as the understudy to the lead in this year’s spring musical, All Shook Up, freshman, Anna Juliano has been nominated for a Basie Award.

For those who do not know what the Basies are awards given out to outstanding high school actors, actresses, plays, sets, etc. by the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. This is the 10^th year this award show has taken place. A nomination is coveted by all the drama programs in Monmouth County, being that these awards are the high school equivalent to a Tony.

Juliano’s nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical is creating quite a stir in Township’s drama program. Any type of recognition by the Basies means a lot to all the students who participated in the musical.

Former Baise nominee, sophomore Brooke Salamone, said “I’m very happy for her and that’s a great accomplishment to achieve.”

Anna expressed her excitement saying, “As you can imagine, as a freshman, I am very honored to be nominated for a Basie award and I view this as a great opportunity.” She then added, “I can’t wait to be apart [sic] of the award show and be among such fine talent.”

Mr. Giblin, the drama director, was very positive about Anna’s performance.  “I’ve never seen such growth in such a short time in someone so young. She really came out of her shell in this part.”

The award show will be taking place on May 20^th, and Anna will be preforming alongside fellow Patriot Player Matt Gouin (senior) and many other high school actors and actresses.

To check out some of Anna’s performances in the musical visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE5ZDKbkAhPtGMRVS43pqdg/videos

To learn more about the Basie awards visit: http://www.countbasietheatre.org/basieawards.asp