A nearly sold-out Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton held Northeast Wisconsin’s most talented high school performers for the 2023 Center Stage Award Showcase Saturday night. 

Performers and students ranging from Weyauwega-Fremont to Southern Door and 29 other schools showcased their talents throughout the night. The event began with a red carpet procession, where students were able to wear prom-like outfits and walk the red carpet into the PAC. The Showcase featured live performances, recognition of outstanding achievements and a celebration of all of the schools that completed their musicals this school year. 

Southern Door’s Hunter Malvitz and Luxemburg-Casco’s Joseph Thuecks were nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role awards at this year’s event. Malvitz was Gomez Addams in Southern Door’s production of The Addams Family, and Thuecks was Harry in Luxemburg-Casco’s Mamma Mia! 

Southern Door and Luxemburg-Casco were the only local schools represented at the showcase, with both schools having two performers in the closing number, as they capped off the night with “We’re All in This Together” from High School Musical.