Oct. 8, 2013

For More Information:

David Glisczinski, WPT publicist, 608-262-5258,

Shannon Lobdell, WPT project manager, 608-263-1332,

Image included: Caption: Verona Area High School student Joel Roberts and Pius XI High School student Emilie Thomas perform at the 2013 Tommy Awards.

The State’s High School Musical Stars Shine on Wisconsin Public Television

Wisconsin’s best and brightest in high school musical theater take to the stage in Wisconsin Public Television’s (WPT) broadcast of the 2013 Tommy Awards.

The one-hour program, featuring highlights from the annual awards show, airs 8 p.m. Monday Oct. 21 on WPT and on Milwaukee Public Television at 9 the same night.

The 2013 Tommy Awards celebrates excellence in musical theater and features performances and production numbers from award-winning high school musical casts, leads and supporting performers. The annual event was held at Madison’s Overture Center in June.

“The 2013 Tommy Awards features stellar performances by hundreds of young performers on one of the state’s most prestigious stages,” said WPT producer Steve Doebel. “WPT is thrilled to share the talent of Wisconsin’s young performers with a statewide audience.”

The 2013 Tommy Awards is part of WPT’s multiyear Young Performers Initiative, which celebrates Wisconsin’s young artists and those who inspire them.

Overture Center’s Tommy Awards program is an education initiative that recognizes, honors and encourages excellence in musical theater production among area high school students. Tommy Awards are named in honor of local musical theater hero Tom Wopat, a critically acclaimed and Tony Award-nominated singer and actor from Lodi.

Funding for the 2013 Tommy Awards is provided in part by Mildred and Marv Conney, Julie and Larry Midtbo, Sally & Tom Basting Family Fund and Friends of Wisconsin Public Television.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA-TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire.

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