TINTON FALLS, NJ (Jan. 16, 2009) – The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank recently honored Ranney School’s Fine and Performing Arts Department with four nominations for this year’s Count Basie Theatre Awards. Three Ranney students and one faculty member were nominated in the “Dramatic Productions”
The annual Awards, popularly known as "The Basies," recognize excellence in secondary school theatre in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. This year, two students, Senior Greg Florek (Colts Neck) and eighth grader Ben Puvalowski (Matawan) received nominations for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama.” Nominated for his role as Grandpa Martin Vanderhof, Greg’s calm focus on nostalgia made Grandpa a very believable character, according to Ranney Drama Director Mr. John Doyle. Similarly, Mr. Doyle says Ben’s portrayal of Boris Kolenov required him to develop a strong Russian accent, helping his character to become “larger than life.” Junior Kara Santora (Tinton Falls) was nominated for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama” for her role as Mariam Kirby. Mr. Doyle says Kara’s “excellent facial expressions, high energy, good diction and comic timing” contributed to this outstanding performance.
For the first time, Ranney music teacher Kevin Cottor was nominated for “Outstanding Lighting Design in a Drama.” Mr. Cottor credits Panther Hall’s high-tech lighting system for making his nomination possible. “The capabilities of the new RSPA Panther Hall are boundless, giving the lighting designer full command to design for, and enhance any function held inside our new theater,” Mr. Cotter said, adding that he plans to mentor interested Ranney students so they can learn to design and operate cue sheets for future productions.
The Count Basie Awards presentation will be held this spring at the theatre in Red Bank.
Founded in 1960, the Ranney School is an independent, college preparatory day school located in historic Tinton Falls, New Jersey, serving more than 800 boys and girls from three-year-old Beginners through the 12th grade. Under its motto “knowledge, vision, honor,” Ranney School strives to provide an exceptional academic experience in a caring environment, emphasizing modern methods of instruction, small class size and traditional educational values.
