Brian d’Arcy James, a twice Tony®-nominated Broadway actor currently starring in a television show about Broadway will serve as the celebrity awards presenter at Starlight’s 10th annual Blue Star Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 24. James just finished production on the first season of NBC’s Smash and plays “Frank Houston”, husband of Debra Messing’s character.

Starlight’s Blue Star Awards, modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, recognize achievement and excellence in Kansas City area high school musical theatre. This year, 46 area high schools producing 48 musicals participated. The Starlight staff hand-delivered 120 nominations to high schools across the Metro on May 3. At the May 24th ceremony, James will present awards for lead actor and actress and outstanding overall production.  

A highly-acclaimed Broadway veteran, James most recently starred in the Broadway play Time Stands Still with Laura Linney and Christina Ricci. James received a Tony nomination in 2002 for his star turn as “Sydney Falco” in Sweet Smell of Success and a second Tony nomination in 2009 for his performance as “Shrek” in Shrek the Musical.

In addition to his role on Smash, other television work includes a recurring role on Showtime’s The Big C, and appearances in the J.J. Abrams-produced Person of Interest on CBS, Cashmere Mafia on ABC, and Rescue Me on FX. James’ work on the big screen includes roles in the new upcoming Ed Burns film The Fitzgerald’s Family Christmas, Friends with Kids (written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt starring Jon Hamm, Kristin Wiig, and Megan Fox), and Ghost Town with Ricky Gervais.

Some of the most well-known and respected names in Kansas City’s arts community will present Blue Star Awards along with James. They include:

• Jane Chu, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts President and CEO
• Michael Stern, Kansas City Symphony Conductor and Musical Director
• Jeff Bentley, Kansas City Ballet Executive Director
• Kyle Hatley, Kansas City Repertory Theatre Associate Artistic Director
• Ward Holmquist, Lyric Opera Artistic Director
• Angie Fiedler Sutton, KC Stage Magazine Associate Editor

 
The Blue Star Award presenters will share Starlight Theatre’s Cohen Community Stage with dozens of talented local high school students. Performances will include a number from each of the schools and musicals nominated for Outstanding Overall Production, as well as musical medleys performed by the nominees for Outstanding Actor and Actress in a Lead Role. This year’s 10th anniversary awards ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 24. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Parking is $5 per vehicle.