Kearney High’s 'Seussical' wins top honors in state showcase

KEARNEY, Neb. - A school in Central Nebraska is taking home the state's top theater honor for its recent musical performance. 

Kearney High School's production of "Seussical" has been awarded Outstanding Musical Theater Production at the 2025 Nebraska Theater Academy Showcase.

In addition to this top honor, Kearney High also received the Outstanding Ensemble award, recognizing the exceptional energy, synchronicity, and collaborative talent of the entire cast.

Two students received individual accolades for their leading roles: Zane Holoubeck, for his performance as The Cat in the Hat Ava Gensler, for her portrayal of Mayzie LaBird Both were named recipients of the Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role award.

“This is a huge honor for our students and our program,” said Vicky DeWald and Clayton Moyer, directors of the production. “The cast and crew committed themselves fully to this show, and we’re so proud of their creativity, dedication, and teamwork.”

The Nebraska Theater Academy Showcase celebrates the best in high school musical theater across the state, and will hold a special event on Saturday, May 31 at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha where Kearney High’s cast will perform a selection from "Seussical" live onstage.