NRHS MASQUERS cast and crew members of “Beautiful Burnout” won the preliminary round at the METG Festival. They also won seven acting awards, best design, best costumes and best lighting. Another public performance will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center along with Wakefield High’s production of “Lost Girl.” (Courtesy Photo)

NORTH READING — North Reading High School Masquers is excited to announce their winter production “Beautiful Burnout” has won the preliminary round of the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild’s Dramafest and is moving onto the semifinal round in Weymouth, Saturday, March 18.

In preparation for the next round, Masquers will be performing “Beautiful Burnout” tonight — Thursday, March 16 — at the North Reading Performing Arts Center along with “Lost Girl,” produced by their good friends from Wakefield High School.

“Lost Girl” will open the set at 7 p.m. followed by “Beautiful Burnout” at 8 p.m. Each show runs approximately 40 minutes. Tickets are general admission and can be purchased at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for students (with valid student ID).

Handicapped-accessible seating is available both up front and in the rear of the theater.

If you have questions or need assistance ordering handi-accessible seats you can call the box office at 978-526- 5430 or email nrperformingarts@gmail.com. To purchase online visit: masquers.weebly.com/beautiful-burnout.html

“North Reading and Wakefield have a wonderful relationship,” said director, Allison Kane. “Together, the Performing Arts Departments of both schools try to give their students opportunities to come together and support one another time and time again. We have gone to see shows together, performed plays and a cappella performances together and are traveling to Orlando together in a few weeks for the National A Cappella Convention. This is just another wonderful way to highlight two strong programs. I love our relationship and I love our students’ growth under the tutelage of multiple directors and points of view.”

Win multiple awards

In the preliminary round 90 schools competed at various venues across the state. In the cohort in which the Masquers competed, seven members won acting awards: Mason Murray, Allie Duff, James Dillon, Brian Conlon, Marshall Murray, Dylan Mills and Molly Giunta. Additionally, three crews also won awards for Best lighting: Daniela Voisinet; Best costumes: Brynn Flaherty; and Best Set Design: Mason Murray, Allie Duff, James Dillon, Lucy Wagner, Sofia Naulivou, Piper Kirwin, Daniela Voisinet and Danika Reid.

This Saturday’s semifinals will feature 44 schools competing at seven sites. Fourteen schools will then be chosen to compete in the state finals in Boston during the last week of March.

Beautiful Burnout

“Beautiful Burnout” showcases the joyously kinetic training and fight sequences that pay loving tribute to the sport of boxing, while also reminding audiences of the risks that come with it. This touching story follows ordinary, modern-day Glaswegian teens who strive to fulfill big dreams.

The cast of “Beautiful Burnout” includes seniors Mason Murray as Cameron Burns, Colin Chin as Bobby Burgess, Lucy Wagner as Carlotta Burns, Allie Duff as Dina Massie, and Molly Giunta as Steve George; juniors James Dillon as Neil Neill, Brian Conlon as Ainsley Binney, and Dylan Mills as Ajay Chopra; and sophomore Marshall Murray as boxer.

The creative team, under the direction of Allison Kane, includes assistant director (and Masquers alumna) Neva Ventullo, and technical directors Peter Kane and David Barber. Student leadership includes stage manager Piper Kirwin, lighting designer Daniela Voisinet, sound designer Sofia Naulivou, costume designer Brynn Flaherty, properties Adriana Gonzales and technical crew seniors Dee Grew, Anabelle Mahoney, Jake Garniss; junior Danika Reid; sophomores Alivia Rowe, Cybele Miller, Emily Burton, Eulalia Agganis, Vinny Costantino; freshmen Matt Capalbo, Stevie Schomp, Nolan Barrette, Grace Coleman, Anthony Spina, Matt Mulcahy, Mikayla Hurley and Mikey Manupelli.

(Note: There is some strong language in this performance and parents of younger children should be aware of the content.)

Lost Girl

“Lost Girl” takes place long after Wendy Darling returns from Neverland. Wendy decides that she must find Peter in order to reclaim her kiss and move on with her life. Along the way, she meets other girls who went to Neverland and learns she is not alone. A coming-of-age exploration of first love and lasting loss, “Lost Girl” continues the story of J.M. Barrie’s beloved character – the girl who had to grow up.

Wakefield’s “Lost Girl” is written by Kimberly Belflower and stars Paige MacGibbon as Wendy and Mario Longo as Peter. The ensemble includes Hailey Allocco, Eleanor Butler, Blai Earley, Maggie Fournier, Charlotte Hill, Elizabeth Police, Sabrina Rogers, Dante Russo, and Ian Wieneke.

“Lost Girl” is directed by Will Karvouniaris and Becky Jo Roland. Additional creative team members include Cameron McEachern (Set Design), Matthew Williams (Technical Direction), and Vincent Laino (Lighting and Sound Design). Student management includes Bridget Breda, Audrey Dick, Ava Gagnon, Siobhan Lombardi, Jhalak Patel, and Addison Ursitti.

Student costumers are coordinated by Brendan Leane, Ellie Leon, and Abby Stratton. Props are managed by students Alex Morton; sound is managed by Samantha Brudnick and Kevin Lewis; lighting is managed by Erin Caldo and Sam McGhee. Additional technical crew members include Jen Borges, Giavanna Gervasi, Madison Harlan, Ariel Shaw, Amber Smith, Isla Yarosh, and Yongyi Zhao.