From left, Brinn Schneider (Tinman), Corbin Hutchison (Cowardly Lion), Jayla Hemann (Dorothy Gale), and Hudson Clark (Scarecrow) perform Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, on stage at the Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School auditorium during final dress rehearsal of the musical “The Wizard of Oz.” PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

REINBECK – The Gladbrook-Reinbeck high school theater department is wrapping up its year-long participation in the esteemed Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA) program by participating in the 2026 IHSMTA Showcase set for Thursday, May 28, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Des Moines Civic Center.

G-R is one of 110 adjudicated schools from across Iowa that participated in the 2025-26 educational initiative. This past November, G-R staged a stellar production of the musical “The Wizard of Oz” starring Jayla Hemann in the lead role of Dorothy Gale.

Per G-R Schools, select students from the fall production will be representing the district during the May 28 IHSMTA Showcase by performing a collaborative Opening medley led by a guest Broadway music director and choreographer.

The production will also be recognized with two awards, including a Distinguished Scene award for “The Jitterbug” choreographed by Avery Boyer. The Jitterbugs were played by students Dally Nicholas, Amya Blohm, Lauren Allen, Ryanne White, Avery Boyer, and Mai Knaack.

G-R senior Mailea McLean will also receive a student award – Special Recognition in a Behind-the-Scenes Role – for her work as the fall production’s stage manager.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck senior Mailea McLean, right, pictured last fall in the run-up to the high school theater department’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” McLean has earned a 2026 student award from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards program for her work as the production’s stage manager. Also pictured, G-R elementary student Aubrey Wedmore. PHOTO COURTESY G-R SCHOOLS

Public on-sale for the 2026 IHSMTA Showcase begins today, Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m. via the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office. Tickets may be purchased online (https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2025-26/iowa-high-school-musical-theater-awards-showcase-2026) or by phone (515-246-2300).

The 2026 IHSMTA Showcase will be livestreamed at IowaPBS.org. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special later this summer (dates to be announced).