Center Stage: Angel Actresses Nominated for 2025 Metro Awards

Holy Angels proudly celebrates the incredible achievements of our students and faculty at the 2025 Metropolitan High School Theater Awards, which honor excellence in high school musical theater across Bergen, Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties. With 71 schools evaluated, the Metro Awards, often called the “Tonys of high school theater”, recognize top talent in acting, production, technical design, and more. 

This year, Cinderella: Broadway Edition, produced by Holy Angels, received multiple nominations, showcasing the extraordinary talents of our cast, crew, and creative team. AHA students also received recognition for their performances in collaborative productions with Bergen Catholic and Saint Joseph Regional High School.

AHA or AHA Affiliated Nominations:

Outstanding Performance in a Leading Male-Identified Role
Derek Bedell – Topher, Cinderella, Academy of the Holy Angels

Outstanding Performance of a Duet
Eva Zazzali ’25 and Derek Bedell – “Ten Minutes Ago,” Cinderella, Academy of the Holy Angels

Outstanding Performance in a Cameo Female-Identified Role
Eva Zazzali ’25 – Wendy Jo, Footloose, Saint Joseph Regional High School

Outstanding Performance of a Small Group Number

“Stepsister’s Lament” – Cinderella, Academy of the Holy Angels

Featuring Valentina Gonzalez ’25, Liliana Garber ’25, Mia Cubillas ’26, Gabrielle Fontana ’25, Caroline Ko ’25, Chloe Kwon ’25, Alessandra Lara ’27, Caitlin Liau ’26, Grace Ariyan ’27, Annabel Barra ’27, Charlie Bisig ’26, Crystal Buelvas ’26, Mia Diaz ’25, Alexandra Fontana ’25, and Gloria Jung ’28

“Freddy, My Love” – Grease, Bergen Catholic High School

Featuring Angels Charlie Bisig ’26, Crystal Buelvas ’26, Mia Cubillas ’26, and Sparrow Smith ’28

Outstanding Dance Performance by a Female-Identifying Performer
Caitlin Liau – Ensemble, Cinderella, Academy of the Holy Angels

Outstanding Achievement by a Student Stage Manager

Catherine Raimondi – Cinderella, Academy of the Holy Angels

Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design
Frank Borrelli – Cinderella, Academy of the Holy Angels

Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction
Michael Wada – Cinderella, Academy of the Holy Angels

Overall Production of a Musical

Footloose – Saint Joseph Regional High School

Featuring Angels Eva Zazzali ’25, Annabel Bara ’27, Mia Diaz ’25, Mary Laux ’28, Lilianna Garber ’25, Briget O’Sullivan ’27, Alyssa Finch ’26, and Valentina Gonzalez ’25

These nominations highlight the breadth of talent and the strong creativity of our cast and crews. Whether performing on our own stage, our brother schools, or with community groups, our Angels continue to shine with artistry and grace. We congratulate all nominees and thank our faculty, families, and partner schools for supporting the performing arts. Bravo!

Click here for a list of Metro Awards earned by AHA productions in recent years. 

Founded in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is a private, all-girls Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Located in Demarest, New Jersey,

AHA is committed to academic excellence, leadership, service, and the empowerment of young women.

Looking to see more Angels on stage? Don’t miss our first-ever Middle School Musical, Mary Poppins Jr., this weekend, Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17. Click here to purchase your tickets now!