The call came at the worst possible moment — and the best one. Her mom, Gabby, rang two or three times during theater practice, just as Fisher was about to step onstage. The teenager carved out a single minute to answer, and in that sliver of time learned she’d been nominated for Outstanding Leading Actress for the 18th Annual Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards.

It’s her second Apollo nomination — a milestone she still hasn’t fully wrapped her head around.

“I was very surprised, very happy both times,” Fisher said. “Going up against all these great actors and actresses… are you serious? It boosted my confidence a lot.”

This year’s Outstanding Leading Actress nominees include Fisher as Lucy in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe;” Brinley Harrison, of Susquenita High School, as Dolly Levi in “The Matchmaker;” Faith Littlefield, of Mount Calvary Christian School, as Juror No. 4 in “12 Angry Jurors;” Ava Pohlkotte, of Cedar Crest High School, as Jo March in “Little Women;” and Susannah Schelling, of Ephrata High School, as Elizabeth in “Pride & Prejudice.”

Submitted photo
East Juniata High School actress Adelie Fisher looks in the wardrobe closet during ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.’

Honorable mentions went to Izzy Lamb, of Encore Home School Productions, as Jennife Milam in “Deadline;” and Kathryn Smith, of McCaskey High School, as Lucy Westfeldt in “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.”

Winners will be announced Sunday, May 17, at the Hershey Theatre.

A role that asked everything of her Lucy Pevensie is a character audiences love for her innocence, courage, and unwavering belief in goodness — qualities Fisher embraced wholeheartedly.

“I really loved playing Lucy,” she said. “She goes through so many different emotions. I usually love comedic relief characters, the overdramatic, animated ones. More monotone characters are harder for me. But Lucy… when Aslan dies and she has to watch him be killed, that was a strong emotional moment.”

Her connection to Lucy deepened through her own family life. “I have one sister and two brothers, so the sibling dynamic felt really natural,” she said. “Lucy’s caring nature reminded me a lot of how I am with them.”

Submitted photo
Adelie Fisher, front center, played Lucy in the East Juniata High School Theatre program’s production of ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.’ Also pictured are students, from left: Jonah Hess as Peter; Sam Noel as Edmund; and Jordana Steffen as Susan.

A director’s perspective

East Juniata Theatre Director Jacqueline Molecu has watched Fisher grow from a shy middle schooler into a confident, dynamic performer.

“I met Adelie Fisher when she was an eighth-grader in the role of Lurch for the EJHS production of ‘The Addams Family.’ Since then, I have cast her in roles for plays and musicals and she has met every single opportunity with tenacity and heart — determined to show up and entertain with her vivacious spirit.”

Molecu said Fisher’s lively performance as Sid Prince in “Sherlock Holmes” earned her a 2024 Apollo nomination for Featured Performer in a Play, but her growth extends far beyond accolades.

“My director’s heart is so proud of the work she puts into connecting with her audience, but what fills me with absolute joy is seeing the fruit of her labor to become the person she truly wants to be.”

Submitted photo
East Juniata High School actress Adelie Fisher performs in ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.’

For Molecu, theatre is more than performance — it’s a classroom for life.

“Theatre teaches us about life and relationships, usually when we aren’t even thinking about it,” she said. “As actors and directors, Adelie and I have learned many things together… dream big, trust the process, show grace, be kind, show up even when it’s uncomfortable, get a little better every day, laugh a lot, remain grateful, spread joy, show love.”

Molecu said East Juniata participates in the Apollo Awards because the program models professionalism, respect, and support — values she wants her students to experience.

“As members of a rural community, it is an honor to be included alongside schools with robust theatre departments and give our students access to a stage that has long been held in high regard. Adelie deserves this nomination for so many reasons, but at the end of the day I hope she knows, in my book… she’s already won.”

A theater journey built on resilience

Submitted photo
Adelie Fisher (Lucy) runs into Mr. Tumnus (Josh Swartz) during ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.’

Fisher’s path to the stage wasn’t straightforward. She tore her ACL twice — once as a freshman playing soccer, and again her sophomore year at church camp when another student pushed her.

“I told them I had to quit the musical because I couldn’t walk,” she recalled. Her doctor said the only way she could take the stage was in a wheelchair. So she did.

“It was ‘Wonka,’ and they told me, ‘We can figure something out.’ They gave me a character — a disabled candy kid — and put me in a wheelchair.”

The injury forced her to step away from sports, but it also opened a door she didn’t expect. “I’m not glad I tore my ACL,” she said, “but it was a blessing in disguise. I wouldn’t be as committed to theatre if I hadn’t gotten injured.”

A résumé that keeps growing

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” marked Fisher’s eighth show with East Juniata Theatre. Her credits include “The Addams Family,” “The Plot Like Gravy Thickens,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “Wonka,” “Little Women of Orchard House,” “Disney’s Frozen Jr.,” “The Cat Screamed Murder,” and this year’s musical, “The Hello Girls,” in which she plays Grace Banker.

Looking ahead After graduation, Fisher plans to major in nursing, with theatre as a minor or extracurricular activity. She’s even considered auditioning for Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster.

For now, she’s savoring the moment — a role she loves, a nomination she never expected, and a reminder of how far she’s come since those days in a wheelchair on the “Wonka” set.

“It’s all really exciting,” Fisher said. “I’m just grateful for the chance to do what I love.”

For a list of all the nominees, find the Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards on Facebook.