Mars Area High School senior Mia Manuppelli was named Best Actress at the 25th annual 2019 Henry Mancini Musical Theatre Awards, held May 19 at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center (Midland, Pa.).

Manuppelli received the honor for her portrayal of Belle in Mars Area High School’s spring production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. She will receive the inaugural $1,000 Phil Inman Best Actress Award Scholarship and will advance to the National High School Musical Theatre (Jimmy) Awards, to be held June 24 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theater.

The high school’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast garnered a 2019 Mancini Award for Best Lighting Design (Budget Level 2). The musical was also nominated for Best Musical (Budget Level 2), Best Crew/Technical Execution, Best Costume Design (Budget Level 2), Best Scenic Design (Budget Level 2), and Best Execution of Direction.

The annual Henry Mancini Musical Theatre Awards recognize achievement in high school musical theater in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ManciniAward.