Enloe's 'Sweeney' takes top honor

'Sweeney Todd" may be the advanced placement calculus of musicals, but Enloe High School rose to Stephen Sondheim's challenge. Enloe's production won top honors in the inaugural Capital Awards competition for Wake County high school musicals.

Brian Fisher was honored as outstanding leading actor in the ghoulish tale of a murderous barber and his pie-making accomplice. The musical is known for its operatic structure and Sondheim's complex score, which the Enloe High School Orchestra tackled to winning effect. The show also won for musical direction.

Green Hope High School produced a multiple winner with Frank Loesser's "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." The show won honors for supporting actor Josh Decker, featured performer Kelsey Myers, supporting actress Emily Kester (in a tie vote) and choreography.

The Capital Awards, produced by N.C. Theatre, were presented Monday at Memorial Auditorium by company alumni Terrence Mann, Sharon Lawrence and Lauren Kennedy, among others. Here's the list of winners:

* Enloe, "Sweeney Todd": musical, leading actor (Brian Fisher), musical direction, orchestra.

* Green Hope, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying": Supporting actor (Josh Decker), supporting actress (Emily Kester, tie), featured performer (Kelsey Myers), choreography.

* Apex, "Oklahoma!": Leading actress (Katie Nashland), ensemble, direction.

* Wakefield, "The Wizard of Oz": Costume design, stage crew and technical execution.

* Leesville Road, "Thoroughly Modern Millie": Supporting actress (Sasha Boggs, tie).

* Middle Creek, "Guys & Dolls": Scenic design.

* North Raleigh Christian Academy, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Lighting design.

* Garner Magnet, "The Wizard of Oz": Sound.