March 13, 2026
New Westminster Secondary’s “Mamma Mia!” Rakes in Awards
The Musical Theatre Program at New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) has always delighted audiences with professional productions headlined by talented student casts. That passionate commitment to bringing a piece of Broadway to the local community was recognized on March 10 by the Canada Young Theatre Awards when NWSS’s most recent production, “Mamma Mia!” walked away with seven prizes.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to share what [we] do and to celebrate youth involved in the performing arts,” said Frances Monteleone, one of the NWSS teachers who has been part of the staff group involved in producing musicals at the school since 2008. “There were cheers and laughter and high-fives, and a lot of love shared. Everybody is so incredibly supportive of each other.”
Monteleone works alongside other seasoned staff production veterans at the school that include teachers Traci Cave, Lindsay Waldner, Luke McAndless-Davis, and Steve Clements.
“I’m so proud of our students’ achievements,” said Mark Davidson, New Westminster Schools’ superintendent. “It’s amazing what they have accomplished through talent, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence.”
The team’s work on “Mamma Mia!” received accolades in the following categories:
- Outstanding Lead Performance – Rebecca Vander Zalm
- Outstanding Musical Theatre Solo Vocal Performance – Rebecca Vander Zalm (2nd Place)
- Outstanding Supporting Performance – Olivia Muir
- Outstanding School Production – 2nd Place
- Outstanding Creative Team in a School/Program Production – 1st Place
- Outstanding Musical Theatre Large Group Dance Performance – “Lay All Your Love on Me”
- Outstanding Musical Theatre Dance Ensemble Overall Excellence – “Lay All Your Love on Me”
Nominations were submitted by community members, parents, and program teachers to the Canada Young Theatre Awards, where entries were judged by local theatre professionals.
The Canada Young Theatre Awards celebrates talented young performers and recognizes outstanding achievements in several areas reminiscent of larger ceremonies like the Academy and Tony Awards. This year’s nominees attended a three-hour formal gala at the BMO Theatre Centre where the prizes were awarded. Attendees were by invitation only.
The NWSS Musical Theatre Program is no stranger to praise for the work its staff and students put into their shows. The program was similarly honoured in 2024 when the Canada Young Theatre Awards selected “Shrek: The Musical” as that year’s winner for “Outstanding School Production”.
“Mamma Mia!” was a return to form. Like all of the program’s main-stage productions, work began the previous school year when the staff production team auditioned students and selected 50 performers for the as-yet undetermined musical. Interviews were, likewise, held for technical and backstage crews and musicians were recruited for the pit band. Together with student hair and makeup artists, “Mamma Mia!” was the cumulative work of more than 100 NWSS students.
After being accepted into the Musical Theatre Program in spring, students began the process of auditioning for actual roles in September in what would become an intensive, but ultimately rewarding, experience for many not accustomed to the rigours of putting on a professional quality show.
“[Students] run a daily class on timetable in the first semester and then a block that meets after school,” Monteleone explained. “We have a strong group dynamic. We’re all invested and passionate and we work hard to create a strong community.”
During technical and show weeks, staff and students dedicated 80 hours of work outside of school hours. These efforts were supported by staff like department head Jeff Meville, who provided photography and design along with video with assistance from Brent Foster, and Scott Hodson and Chelsie Goodchild, who assisted with the lobby displays. NWSS alumnus Alden Sudjatmiko also contributed by editing the video performances, helping the entire team cross the finish line.
“They spend around five months putting the show together with additional rehearsals on weekends and lunch hours,” said Monteleone. “Students and teachers alike experience high stress, but the learning is incredible and worth the pressure.”
“Their creativity and work ethic are truly outstanding,” said Susana Quan, New Westminster Secondary School’s principal. “The program’s impact reaches far beyond the theatre. It’s developing future leaders, collaborators, and compassionate thinkers.”
Not content with resting on its laurels, the NWSS Musical Theatre Program already has its sights set on the next slate of junior musical productions. Coming in June are “Between the Lines JR” and “Emma! A Pop Musical”.
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