The Mount Pleasant Junior High Theatre department competed in the District 15-5A UIL One Act play competition on Saturday, December 15 at the Hallsville High School Performance Center. The cast and crew placed 3rd with three members receiving individual accolades.

Eighth grader, Calvin Lee, received an All-Star Cast award for his performance as The Giver (Old Man). Seventh grader Spencer Anderson received an Honorable Mention All-Star Cast award for his performance as Jonas. And seventh grader Allison Urista received an All-Star Tech award for her work on Lighting.

MPJH Theatre competed with their production of The Giver by by Eric Coble based off the book by Lois Lowry. In the play, Jonas’ world is perfect. Everything is under control and safe. There is no war or fear or pain. There are also no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. But when Jonas turns 12, he is chosen for special training from The Giver—to receive and keep the memories of the community. The Giver is the only person who holds the memories of real pain and real joy. Now Jonas will learn the truth about life—and the hypocrisy of his utopian world.

The cast featured Gavin Hays as Father, Brenna Farley as Mother, Nyasia Jenkins as Lily, Spencer Anderson as Jonas, Wyatt Adkins as Asher, Ella Rosewell as Fiona, Yoseline Nava as The Chief Elder, Calvin Lee as The Giver (Old Man), Taylor Griffin as Rosemary, and Aubriella Knieriem as various voices. The Crew included Allison Urista and Alexandra Santos on lights, Baylee Bean on sound, and Stage Manager Aubriella Knieriem.

The MPJH One Act play was directed by Crystalla Anderson and Crystal Francis with assistance from Eva Hernandez.

Photo:

Members of the Mount Pleasant Junior High School cast and crew of The Giver