Ballston Spa's Roman Mangino, HS Musical Top Performer Award winner

Ballston Spa rising senior Roman Mangino hit new heights during the spring musical season, performing as Frank Abagnale, Jr. in “Catch Me If You Can.” 

His stage presence, voice, and dashing choreography drew all eyes to him amidst the ensemble members throughout the performance.

Last month, he was named a finalist in the Overall Lead Performer category, along with castmate and friend Peter Hinckley, who portrayed FBI agent Carl Hanratty. In one of the final award presentations, Mangino was announced as one of this year’s Outstanding Lead Performers.

Amsterdam senior Lanelys Oviedo Roman joins Mangino, this year’s other Outstanding Lead Performer, as they finish a 10-day stay at The Juilliard School in New York City. The pair, along with 54 other sets of winners nationwide, are being mentored, trained, and compete before Monday night’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards, known as ‘The Jimmies’.

The Daily Gazette caught up with Mengino and drama club director Matthew Lopez on the stage at Ballston Spa High School to talk about his young career and what is next for him.