O’side thespian wins Roger Rees Award

It wasn’t a Tony or a Grammy, (yet) but for Thespian Troop No. 132 Vice President Dean Klebonas it was almost as good, because on May 20 at the Pearl Studios in Manhattan, the OHS senior was named “Best Leading Actor in a Musical” at the prestigious Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance.

Formerly known as the Gerswhin Awards, Roger Rees recipients are selected from local high schools in the New York City, Westchester and Long Island areas, and recognize excellence in high school stage play performances. Chosen for the honor by a panel of industry professionals, Klebonas will now represent the entire New York metro area at the National High School Theater Awards on June 26 at the Minskoff Theatre in Manhattan.

“He’s awesome, everything about him is just awesome,” Sarah Romanelli, Troupe No. 132 president said of her longtime friend and colleague. “He’s a good person, he’s a good performer and a great friend.”