With all the work that goes into producing a production and then the performances, all the talent is showcased.

For the 99th annual musical, FDSH performed the “Addams Family.”

“The cast for The Addams Family was a perfect blend,” said director Lindey Krug. “They worked so well together.

“It probably didn’t hurt that many of them have been friends since elementary school, so those relationships laid the foundation.”

-Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla
Owen Hamlow, of Fort Dodge, left, and Manuela Rodriguez, of Fort Dodge, perform as Gomez Addams and Morticia Addams during the Fort Dodge Senior High musical “The Addams Family” in April.

The talent that was abundant on stage resonated with judges as the Dodgers received Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards for their production.

“Mr. (Matt) Drees (musical director) and I strive to put the best possible production on stage every year,” Krug said. “We are proud to carry on a tradition that started 99 years ago and have a responsibility to our community, the alumni, and our school.

“However, the most important reason we do what we do is our students. We want to provide the most amazing experience for them, something they can look back on with fondness. When we receive accolades for that work, it’s simply icing on the already yummy cake.”

The students will participate in the IHSMTA Showcase sponsored by EMC Insurance Companies.

Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a year-long education initiative, the showcase will be held at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, recognizing a total of 110 productions across the state.

-Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla
Greyson Chance, of Fort Dodge, left, and Mina DeJong, of Fort Dodge, perform as Pugsley Addams and Wednesday Addams during the Fort Dodge Senior High musical “The Addams Family” in April.

Senior Manuela Rodriguez and junior Amelia Stephan earned Triple Threat honors. They will perform during the Awards Showcase.

“Achieving Triple Threat means a lot to me in particular because it feels like a redemption of sorts,” Rodriguez said. “My sophomore year I tried out and was the only person who tried out who didn’t make it. Looking back, I don’t think I was ready, but it still lit a fire under me.

“Seeing how much I have grown since then and especially while doing ‘Addams Family,’ I am just happy to be a part of a program where I can learn and grow even more and work alongside such extraordinary performers. I was also completely thrilled with the awards we got as a cast. We all worked so hard to put that show together and it’s always nice to get recognition and I can’t wait to perform with this amazing cast one last time.”

As a group “Addams Family” earned Outstanding Musical Production, Outstanding Achievement for Ensemble and special recognition for student orchestra.

“I’m really proud of all of the achievements both our production and actors earned,” DeJong said. “We all put a lot of time and effort into our performance and knowing that we had none of the top high school productions in Iowa is such a surreal feeling.

“Performing to a large, sold out audience at the Civic Center in Des Moines is such an incredible experience, and I am really excited to go back after not getting to go as a full cast in recent years. This is a huge achievement for everyone involved and I can’t wait to see many other talented performers across the state.”

Four students earned Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role. Seniors Owen Hamlow (Gomez Addams), Rodriguez (Morticia Addams) and Mina DeJong (Wednesday Addams) as well as Stephan (Alice Beineke) earned those honors.

Senior Leif Hamilton (Uncle Fester) earned special recognition in a principal role.

“Working on the ‘Addams Family’ was so fun and I’m very proud of everyone who worked hard to get these awards,” Stephan said. “I’ve loved having the opportunity to go to the Triple Threat program with Manu, and I’m very excited for everyone to perform in the ensemble medley.

“Getting these awards this year gives me hope and excitement for my senior year.”