Mira Costa 'the Top' at John Raitt Awards

Editor's Note: Hermosa Beach residents have the option of attending Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach or Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach.

Fresh from two closing day performances of "Anything Goes," students in the Mira Costa Drama Department won five awards at the John Raitt Awards for Youth 5th annual awards show, presented by the Fullerton Civic Light Opera at the Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton on April 28.

Thirteen Southern California high schools competed in JRAY, many of them the top performing-arts schools in the area. The MCHS Drama Department received 19 nominations out of 25 categories from a panel of professional judges who adjudicated Mira Costa’s fall and spring musicals, respectively, "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" and "Anything Goes."

Top honors went to Buster Baer for Comedian of the Year as Moonface Martin in "Anything Goes"; Danielle Kay as Bonnie in "Anything Goes" for Comedienne of the Year, and Cameron Boyer as Billy Crocker in "Anything Goes" for Male Soloist of the Year. 

Members of "Anything Goes" also received awards for Ensemble of the Year and Best Show of the Day for a 5-minute montage performed at the awards show.

In addition, Rachel Azafrani received a $1,000 scholarship from Fullerton Civic Light Opera. 

Other nominees included Matt Sena, Julia McDermott, Ron Yadin, Elissa Wells, Ryan Fiene, Andrew Aronesty for Stage Manager of the Year, Crew/Technical Execution, Sound Audio, Lighting, Student Orchestra of the Year, Carol J. Mathews for Director of the Year, Director of the Year, Costumes and Musical of the Year, which as for "Anything Goes."