Amadeus won “Best Play” at the 2010 Cappies Gala at John F. Kennedy Center. Senior Emma Rackstraw won “Female Vocalist” and senior Sammy Zeisel won “Supporting Actor in a Play.”

During the gala, seniors Noah Gavil and Sammy Zeisel performed a scene from Amadeus. Gavil was also nominated for “Lead Actor.”

Whitman is the first Maryland school to win “Best Play” in 10 years and is the first school in Maryland to win “Best Musical” for its production of Aida in 2008. Whitman is also the only school in the Cappies program to win both “Best Play” and “Best Musical.”

“These achievements clearly demonstrate the depth of talent, commitment to excellence and outstanding teamwork the students of Walt Whitman have to offer,” Amadeus director Christopher Gerken wrote in an email to Whitnet. “Supported by a dedicated staff of mentors and teachers Whitman Drama students continue to represent the truly exceptional environment of our school and community.”

Next year, the drama club will decide whether to make the fall musical, Side Show, or the spring play, The Crucible, eligible for Cappies nominations.