MDI One Act Play Advances to States

Congratulations to the cast and crew of MDI High School's One Act Play of "Jack, or The Submission" by Eugene Ionesco who are the the Eastern Maine Class A Regional Champion, earning a score of 287 out of a possible 300 points. They will compete in Windham for the State Championship the weekend of March 23-24.

Hermon came in 2nd place in Class A.

Only MDI had more than 3 All Festival Cast Member. They include

• Ethan Leonard - Father Robert
• Desmond Reifsnyder - Jack
• Rawl Blackett - Mother Jack
• Rosie Avila - Roberta I and II
• Dezi Zaman - Jacqueline.

Receiving Special Commendations were

• Rosie Avila - Excellence in Dance and Choreography
• Piper Charron and Ensemble - Excellence in Mask Design and Construction
• Piper Charron - Excellence in Video Design.

Judges’ Comments  include  “What [an] excellent risk . . . kudos.” “I want to see it again.” “Interpretation - you really owned it! Go big or go to the hardware store . . . ” “[Presentation was] extremely unified and bewildering at the same time.” “Brilliant choreography [by Rosie Avila].” “A 1950s Peewee’s Playhouse in a . . . red-fearing fallout shelter . . . I dig that.” “Masks were amazing and extremely effective. Forced some wild gesticulation and physical expression of bizarre poetry.”  Liz Rollins.

Judge Ann Ross commented “Body/gesture . . . absolutely brilliant.” “Voices . . . extremely clear, especially with odd pronunciations and accents.” Individual performances “added an insight into [the] world of each character.” “Tech director’s vision clear with location and time.” “The masks are the winner of the costuming.” “Excellent emoting through the masks.” “Beautiful dancing -- establishing relationships and the glee and zealousness of the situation.” “I want to see this again!!”

Judge Rob Kimball said  “Excellent work by the whole company.” “[Voice] superbly done!” “Jack (Desmond Reifsnyder) and Roberta II (Rosie Avila) were superb. Every character is perfect.” “The whole company worked as a unit and also kept their characters clear and unique.” “Masks were wonderful.” “Loved the [interpretation] -- really well done.” “Theatre of the Absurd is not easy, but you did it. Great concept -- true to the playwright’s message. You found the humor, the pathos and the absurdity of the modern condition. Loved it!”

Thanks to Casey Rush for the information