Suburban teens represent Illinois in National High School Musical Theatre Awards competition

Two teenage actors from the suburbs will vie for a chance to perform in a Broadway showcase next month as Illinois’ representatives in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards competition.

Maine South High School student George Spiegel, of Park Ridge, and Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Jazmin Rhodes, of Flossmoor, were recognized this week during Broadway In Chicago’s 13th Annual Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards honoring high school theater artists.

The Jimmys, as the awards are known, were named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander.

Spiegel was honored in the best actor category for playing Pippin in “Pippin” and Rhodes was named best actress for her performance as Hope Cladwell in “Urinetown.”

They will receive an all-expense-paid trip to New York City, where they’ll participate in a 10-day workshop in preparation for a June 24 Broadway showcase.

Runners up include Ethan Wankel from Bartlett High School and Mary Kate Schoessling from St. Charles High School. If Spiegel or Rhodes are unable to perform, the runners-up will participate in their place.