Bob Jones Patriot Players take ‘Eurydice’ to state drama festival
MADISON – After winning kudos at district level, Bob Jones Patriot Players are taking their one-act play, “Eurydice,” to the state-level Walter Trumbauer High School Theatre Festival at Troy University on Dec. 3-4.
Along with advancing to state competition, Bob Jones earned important awards, including “Best in Show,” “Best Technical Production,” “Best Ensemble Performance” and Morgan Butler as “Best Actress.” State-level winners will represent Alabama at Southeastern Theatre Conference in 2022.
Cast and crew encourage residents to attend the benefit show of “Eurydice” on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in Bob Jones’ Zompa Auditorium. “We really want people to come to our benefit show on the 30th,” Director Mary Davis said. “The show will help to offset the cost of the state trip.”
The audience can buy tickets at the door. The ticket table will open at 6 p.m., and the house will open at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 30. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students.
A one-act version of the full-length play, “Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl is a contemporary interpretation of the Greek myth of Eurydice and Orpheus. The classical play inspired Broadway’s Tony winner, “Hadestown.”
To satisfy Trumbauer rules, students must load all sets and props on stage, perform and ‘break down’ in 45 minutes. “If we go over 45 minutes, we’re disqualified,” Davis said.
Drama teacher Jesse Tilton, Technical Director who’s formerly of Mountain Brook, selected “Eurydice” to challenge student technicians with the most demanding production technically in the last 10 years. “The set is truly an artistic masterpiece. What Mr. Tilton has taught students is just incredible. We’re blessed to have him as our newest Patriot Player Director,” Davis said.
“I agreed with Mr. Tilton’s play suggestion because the show depends largely on great ensemble work – the acting style that I’ve always loved directing,” Davis said.
Set in the 1940s, the story focuses on Eurydice’s choice to either return to earth with Orpheus or to stay in the underworld with her father. This show calls for four leading actors: Morgan Butler (Eurydice), Ryland Segerson (Father), Nate Bryan (Interesting Man) and Steven Rogers (Orpheus).
Davis fashioned characters to include all students:
* Ensemble or “Greek Chorus” – Four each for Little Stones, Big Stones and Loud Stones.
* “Machine” – Six actors decked out in steampunk garb that deliver Eurydice’s letters to Orpheus.
* “Forget Me Notes” — Five-piece band that underscores dialogue.
Costume designer Shari Kingsford and student costumers dressed 12 stones, six steampunk machines, five-member 1940s nightclub band and lead actors.
The crew includes Student Director Samantha Bignault and Student Tech Directors Anjalee Crawford and Mitchell Czarnota. Musicians on strings/rhythm are Rett Krome, Sabrina Glover, Noah Neveu, Jenna Velez and Peyton Worden.
For more information, email mdavis@madisoncity.k12.al.us.
