Is it any wonder that such an outstanding musical theatrical talent as Bucks County’s Cameron Krauss would stand out in a crowd?
And what a crowd: Langhorne’s Krauss, 18, was one of 102 stars competing in this past Monday’s Jimmys, the National High School Music Theater Awards, held at Broadway’s Minskoff Theater in New York.
The recent Neshaminy High School graduate danced away with an Ensemble Award, one of a handful of honors accorded that night, for his strong work in a week of performances and rehearsals leading up to Monday’s musical marathon.
The star of Neshaminy’s Spring production of “Spamalot” is getting a lot of real-deal congratulatory email since with fans and family singing his praises.
The winners of the best actor/actress Jimmys, named after late theater mogul Jimmy Nederlander, were Damson Chola Jr. and Gretchen Shope, representing Dallas, Tex., and East Lansing, Mich., respectively.
From a chorus line of kids on stage to a chorus of huzzahs returning home after the event, he appraises the competition with the reprise of “winner” ringing in his ears.
“It was one singular sensation,” says Krauss. “A good life experience.”
And maybe a life-changing one. Many Jimmy participants have gone on to Broadway fame. For now, Krauss, toting his $2,500 scholarship prize, is on his way to Rider University, a Broadway veteran about to enter his freshman year.
“It was great to be recognized at the Jimmys, but,” he notes humbly, “I didn’t think anyone would know who I was.”
They do now. And he has a better sense of self as well. “I am right where I want to be.”
Anyone ask for an autograph yet? He laughs. “No,” which is a good thing: “My signature is awful.”
Indeed, his family has immediate plans for the landscape of his life.
“My parents love me, are proud of me, but just reminded me...I have to mow the lawn tomorrow,” he said.
Michael Elkin is a playwright, theater critic and novelist who lives in Abington. He writes columns about theater and the arts.
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