Nordonia High School Sets New Record with Eight Nominations for Spring Production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

MACEDONIA, Ohio – The 2026 Dazzle Awards represent the pinnacle of high school musical theater achievement in Northeast Ohio, recognizing outstanding talent from 44 participating schools across seven counties. Nordonia High School has achieved a historic milestone this year, earning eight nominations for its spring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang . This marks the highest number of nominations the school has ever received for a single production, with the program being recognized in every eligible category, including the prestigious Best Musical. How the 2026 Dazzle Awards Celebrate Local Talent The Dazzle Awards program, affiliated with The Jimmy Awards® (The National High School Musical Theatre Awards®), provides year-round educational opportunities for students, including masterclasses and professional workshops. This year’s ceremony, hosted by Fox 8’s Natalie Herbick and directed by Broadway’s Connor Gallagher, culminates on May 16 at the KeyBank State Theatre. As a Best Musical nominee, the Nordonia cast will take the stage to perform a featured number from their show, showcasing their hard work on one of the region’s most famous stages. Nordonia High School Earns Historic Nominations for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The 2026 Dazzle Awards nominations highlight the comprehensive talent within the Nordonia Hills community. By being nominated in every eligible category, the production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has solidified its place in school history. The specific nominations for Nordonia include: Best Musical (Tier II) Best Student Orchestra Best Student Technical Execution Best Choreography Execution Best Ensemble/Chorus Best Actor: Ezekiel Rayle (who will perform a solo during the ceremony) Best Supporting Actor: Ryan Arieta Best Supporting Actress: Katie Hersh Regional Participation and the Path to New York City The 2026 Dazzle Awards draw participants from Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit Counties. The stakes are high for individual performers; the winners of the Best Actor and Best Actress categories will travel to New York City in June to represent Northeast Ohio at The Jimmy Awards held at the Minskoff Theatre. Ezekiel Rayle’s nomination for Best Actor puts him in the running for this national recognition, adding further excitement to the upcoming May ceremony. Tickets and Event Information Fans and families can support Nordonia and witness their live performance at the KeyBank State Theatre on Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are currently available through playhousesquare.org/dazzleaward or by calling 216-241-6000. For those looking ahead to future theater seasons, applications for the 2027 Dazzle Awards cycle will open in August.