Notre Dame’s Anastasia recognised by Georgy Awards

By Djembe Archibald

Dec 14, 2023

On cloud nine: The Notre Dame cast of *Anastasia* after receiving their Georgy Awards.

Every year, thespians from across the region make their way to the Georgy Awards night with high hopes.

This year however had added significance. It was the 50th anniversary.

And it was a memorable one for the cast of Notre Dame College’s 2023 musical production, Anastasia.

They left the event with seven awards in seven different categories, and they couldn’t have been more thrilled.

Klara Fennell was the leading lady of the show, starring as Anya; she received the Best Lead in a Junior Performance award.

“I was very surprised honestly, I didn’t know what to expect,” she said.

“There are so many people you don’t know, and a lot of the people that you’re up against, and although you may know a few there’s a bunch of different places across the region that get nominated, so you just don’t know what to expect.”

Lights, camera, action: The Anastasia cast performing earlier this year.

Director Casey Fogarty said the awards were the perfect end to their 2023 performance season.

“It’s everyone’s award and it recognises the whole team and we’re very much about that with our productions obviously,” she said.

“It’s about the performances but more than that, it’s about the community and it’s the collaboration and the teamwork, and that’s equally important to us.”

Ms Fogarty also reflected on the cast and crew’s achievements and the pride they felt as a group.

“We certainly don’t do it for the awards, we do it because we love the performing arts and we do it because we love to have our family and friends see our hard work and talent, but when we are recognised, especially being in regional Victoria, it is a pretty proud and incredible moment,” she said.

This year’s Georgy Awards also marked the beginning of a new award: Best Junior Production.

Recognised: Taylah Jenkins took home three awards this year.

Notre Dame College was the first school to be awarded in the new category, and it’s a moment they will hold in their hearts, Ms Fogarty said.

“This is the first year that the Georgys have presented the Best Junior Production and it’s a real honour to be the first school to receive that and an acknowledgement of the work that’s been happening,” she said.

Also in 2023, Notre Dame College students Klara Fennell and Emma Pummeroy received awards for their performances in a senior school play, Picnic at Hanging Rock.