'Seussification' Friday at MCHS

Snow in October! Who would think that a freak October snow would prove problematic to a district theatre festival? It did.

The Bull Run District Theatre Festival was slated for Oct. 29, which is usually well before any episodes of winter weather would postpone it, but due to a freak snow storm that affected the valley schools more than in Madison’s region, the district theatre festival was postponed to Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Greene County’s William Monroe High School.

The eight Bull Run District schools gathered early on Tuesday morning to begin performance shortly after 10 a.m. and ending around 4 p.m. The genres and talent ranged from the classical first act of Shakespeare's classic, "Romeo and Juliet," to Madison County's parody of the same show, "The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet." There were ensemble shows like Manassas Park's "Fighting Demon's" and Rappahannock County's "Variations on a Theme."

Four judges determined the fate of two shows that would move on to the Region B Theatre Festival on Nov. 12. When all was said and done, Madison County and Manassas Park's shows were tied in ranks, both receiving two first place votes from the judges and a second each. Being tied, the total points awarded each show would become the tie breaker with Madison edging out Manassas Park by 3 points.

Madison's "Seussification of Romeo and Juliet" was named the Bull Run District Champion with Manassas Park's "Fighting Demon's" coming in a close second. Most importantly, both shows move on to compete for regional honors on Nov. 12 at Amelia High School.

In addition to district honors for the production, judges named three Madison actors to the District All Star Acting List. Receiving acting awards were Owen Hartwig for his role as Benvolio, Tristen James for his role as Romeo and Josh Honaker for his role as Lord Capitulate. Donald Hitt, the director, was named Bull Run District Director of the Year.

If you haven't seen the "Seussification of Romeo and Juliet," you will have another chance on Friday, Nov. 11. The MCHS Drama Troupe will perform its district award-winning show for all who wish to attend, Friday evening, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the MCHS auditorium. Admission is Free! Come, enjoy the show, and wish them well as they leave the next morning for regional competition.