Superintendent's Report
Thumbs up for Troup's one-act play performances
Marvin Beaty

For years I was always puzzled at how I could see a movie and come away having enjoyed it immensely only to hear the critics on television explain how it was sub-par in the grand scheme of theatrics. Well, I'm here to say that I saw a play last week that no one could knock.

I challenge anyone to watch the Troup High School One Act Play, "The Diviners" and not be overwhelmed at the theatrical talent encapsulated at Troup High School. These were not high-maintenance prima donna stars I'm speaking of.

These are kids that in many cases were performing for the first time. These are kids that also run track, cheerlead, play football, volleyball, basketball and represent the school in other academic competitions. These are kids that put their heart and spirit into putting on a spectacle for the enjoyment of others. These are kids that had the courage to stand in front of others and risk falling flat on their faces but they didn't.

If you could have only seen the swagger of Josh Tollett as Basil or Kayla Bright as Luella you would have believed they were not acting but living the roles. B.J. Rambo played a very believable mechanic in his role as Ferris. But I have to mention my favorite.

Cast and crew of The Diviners, Troup High School UIL one act play Zone winners, are: (front) Melissa Freeman (director); Brent Stenberg (Stage Manager/Lights); Shelby Frost (Crew); Megan Dowdy (Crew); Jared Ayres (Sound); (second row) Hayley McPherson (Buddy Layman); John Ross (C.C. Showers); Sarah Mendolia (Jennie Mae Layman); Kayla Bright (Luella Bennett); Cidni Stewart (Norma Henshaw); (third row) Raymond Wavrusa (Dewey Maples); Haleigh Roach (Goldie Short); Ashton Howard (Darlene Henshaw); Joshua Warusa (Melvin Wilder); B.J. Rambo (Ferris Layman); Josh Tollett (Basil Bennett); (fourth row) Charlie Ralph (Alternate); Mason Ballard (Alternate). Not pictured is J.D. Weems (Alternate).

I know, I'm not supposed to have favorites but I harbor new admiration for the job Hayley McPherson did playing the mystical little boy, Buddy. First, as you can tell by her name Hayley is a girl, and second, she is playing the role of a boy. No one in the audience could tell. The makeup and costumes were flawless. Her constant reference to herself in the third-person was one that took constant concentration and flawless execution. As film critic Roger Ebert would say, "This play is a must see."

Winners of outstanding individual performances at UIL One Act Play Zone Contest in Arp on Wednesday, March 21, were: All-Star cast (front) Hayley McPherson (Buddy Layman); John Ross (C.C. Showers); Jared Ayres (Outstanding Crew); Sarah Mendolia (Jennie Mae Layman); Kayla Bright (Luella Bennett); Honorable Mention All-Star cast (back) Raymond Wavrusa (Dewey Maples); Haleigh Roach (Goldie Short); Cidni Stewart (Norma Henshaw); B.J. Rambo (Ferris Layman).

For her effor ts, Hayley was named to the All-Star cast along with Sarah Mendolia, Kayla Bright and John Ross. However, there were many others that were honored that day. Haleigh Roach, B.J. Rambo, Raymond Wavrusa and Cidni Stewart received Honorable Mention All-Star cast awards while Jared Ayres was named as an outstanding crew member.

Let's not forget about the director's efforts. Melissa Freeman has done an admirable job of putting this play together. She has had to work her rehearsals around track, baseball, softball and other activities. Yet she has never let it get her damper down.

I want to offer genuine kudos to all of the individuals that made this play possible and kudos to Principal Derek Driver for having the foresight to offer leadership to this Troup troop.

Break a leg at district!