2nd Annual Palms Awards
Texas Border Business
Two summers ago, Michael Alebis, a retired theatre-arts teacher, envisioned a high-school awards show that mirrors the Tony’s in New York City. In other areas of the country, such shows are common. He contacted high-school theatre teachers to see if they would participate. Before he knew it, Alebis and acclaimed retired theatre-arts teacher Gilberto Zepeda were at the McAllen Performing Arts Center (MPAC) making arrangements for the 1stAnnual Palms Awards, which were held in 2018.
In its first year, one set of judges watched 14 nominated musicals and another set watched seven nominated plays to select the best of the best. This year, judges watched 21 musicals and 14 plays. At this year’s event, 13 Palms for musicals and 12 for plays will be awarded, much like the Tony’s.
The 2ndAnnual Palms Awards will be held at the MPAC Sunday, April 7. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Theatre students from across the Rio Grande Valley will be honored for their theatrical work both onstage and backstage. A red carpet will be rolled out for our talented actors and production crew, and the paparazzi will be on hand, once again.
This year, the board of directors for the Palms hopes to award a college scholarship to all Palms winners at their respective school’s Scholarship Awards Ceremony in May. The board is gathering donations from generous individuals and businesses in the RGV to make these scholarships possible.
To purchase tickets for the 2ndAnnual Palms Awards, call the MPAC Box Office at 956.681.3800 or visithttps://ticketmaster.com/mcallen-performing-arts-center-tickets-mcallen/venue/476148.
To view a video with highlights from last year’s Palms Awards Show, click here.
For more information on the event, as well as donations and scholarships, visit rgvtheatricalspotlight.com.
For further information about the Palms and about RGV Theatrical Spotlight, which is a 501(c)(3) organization, contact Michael Alebis at 956.212.5856.
