Cy-Fair ISD Theatre Students Shine at 2025 Tommy Tune Awards
The curtain rose on more than just talent at this year’s Tommy Tune Awards—it lifted a spotlight on the heart, passion, and creativity of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD theatre students who took center stage at Houston’s premier high school musical theatre celebration.
Students from Bridgeland, Cypress Ranch, and Cypress Woods high schools were nominated across 11 categories at the 21st Annual Tommy Tune Awards, hosted June 6 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Often referred to as Houston’s “Tony Awards” for high schoolers, the event is a dazzling showcase of student performers, designers, and directors from across the Greater Houston area.
The 2025 awards marked standout moments for CFISD, with Cypress Ranch junior Ethan Rodriguez Torres receiving Outstanding Honorable Mention for his gripping portrayal of Pirelli in Sweeney Todd. Bridgeland senior Zeina Montifar was named the Jimmy Awards Nominee runner-up, a recognition that places her among the region’s most promising young musical theatre artists.
Cypress Ranch’s cast of Sweeney Todd was invited to perform “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” during the awards ceremony—an honor reserved for the most outstanding high school productions in Houston. The night also featured CFISD students in a collaborative musical number, including:
- Griffin Bale (Bridgeland, junior)
- Lili Cates (Bridgeland, junior)
- Madelynn Hunt (Bridgeland, junior)
- Zeina Montifar (Bridgeland, senior)
- Vanessa Salas (Bridgeland, senior)
- Haley Griffin (Cypress Ranch, junior)
- Jonathan Edwards (Cypress Woods, sophomore)
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Recognizing Excellence On and Off the Stage
The Tommy Tune Awards honor every aspect of musical theatre production—from acting and singing to technical artistry. CFISD students earned nominations for Outstanding Lead, Scenic Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, and more.
Bridgeland High School was celebrated for its productions of Anastasia and Evita, earning multiple acting nominations:
- Griffin Bale, Outstanding Lead
- Lili Cates, Outstanding Lead
- Madelynn Hunt, Outstanding Lead
- Zeina Montifar, Outstanding Lead
- Vanessa Salas, Outstanding Supporting Lead
Cypress Ranch’s Sweeney Todd secured nominations in several major categories:
- Lauren Taylor and Joanna Box – Outstanding Scenic Design
- Garrett Vinas and Maxwell Sullivan – Outstanding Sound Design
- Haley Griffin – Outstanding Lead
- Allison Sievers – Outstanding Singer
- Ethan Rodriguez Torres – Outstanding Honorable Mention
- Tracey McGarity, Seth Bales, and Cheryl Bradford – Outstanding Director
- Outstanding Musical
- Outstanding Orchestra
- Outstanding Costume Design
- Outstanding Ensemble
Cypress Woods sophomore Jonathan Edwards was nominated for Outstanding Lead for his role as Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde: The Musical.
Additionally, Cypress Park High School was recognized with an Outstanding Orchestra nomination for its production of Little Shop of Horrors, showcasing the district’s broad strength in both performance and technical achievement.
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A Legacy of Artistry and Community
Created by Theatre Under the Stars, the Tommy Tune Awards celebrate educational value, artistic excellence, and the vibrant community that forms around high school theatre. Named for Broadway legend and Houston native Tommy Tune, the awards highlight the transformative impact of musical theatre education on young performers.
Each year, more than 50 Houston-area high schools mount full-length musicals to be reviewed by a panel of professional adjudicators. Finalists are announced in March, and selected students rehearse and perform in a Broadway-style awards ceremony that mirrors the grandeur and rigor of professional theatre.
Tommy Tune, the 10-time Tony Award winner for productions like Grand Hotel and The Will Rogers Follies, left an indelible mark on American theatre. His legacy lives on through the awards program that bears his name, inspiring a new generation of creative talent—including those in the CFISD family.
As summer sets in, these young performers return home with more than trophies—they bring stories, memories, and the inspiration to keep telling them.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more updates on local student achievements, community events, and performing arts in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.