Two Portland High School Theatre Students Advance to Prestigious Sutton Foster Awards

Portland High School is proud to announce that two of its talented theatre students, junior Madalyn Day and freshman Liam Beckett , have been selected to advance to the Sutton Foster Awards, Michigan's premier high school musical theatre competition.

Presented by Wharton Center for Performing Arts, the Sutton Foster Awards recognize excellence in high school musical theatre across the state. Each year, participating schools submit their musical productions for adjudication by a panel of theatre professionals. Based on performance, vocal skill, stage presence, and character interpretation, standout students are nominated to attend the Sutton Foster Awards Showcase.

Madalyn and Liam earned this honor for their outstanding performances in Portland High School's recent musical production of Anastasia. Their selection places them among the top high school musical theatre performers in Michigan.

As finalists, they will perform at the Sutton Foster Awards Showcase on Saturday, May 18, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall. The event will feature nominated students from across the state performing solos and group numbers in a professionally staged and choreographed revue. Two top performers will be selected to represent Michigan at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards) in New York City.

“We are incredibly proud of Madalyn and Liam for their dedication and artistry- they have incredible talent and are a joy to coach” said PHS Director Chandra Polasek. “Being selected for the Sutton Foster Awards is an honor in itself, and we’re excited to see them shine on the Wharton Center stage.”

Tickets to the Sutton Foster Awards Showcase are available through the Wharton Center Box Office and at whartoncenter.com.

Pictured: Left Liam Becket as Dmitry, right Madalyn Day as Countess Lily