The Richland Springs High School UIL play for 2022 is Maddalena by Don Nigro. Nigro went back to his hometown in Ohio to research a story from the First World War era where he found bits and pieces of the truth. Jason Cornish had returned from the war with a beautiful Italian wife, Maddalena, who was alleged to have been a witch. After a series of deaths, the sheriff, John Bellezzi (Nigro's biological uncle), attempts to sort out the truth. He finds himself confronted by a powerful, brilliant, and passionate woman, Maddalena, who holds many secrets.
Maddalena is portrayed by senior, Lanie Norris, and Maddalena's husband Jason, is portrayed by senior, Nick Nilson. The sheriff, Uncle John, is played by senior, Jeremiah Usery, while the parts of Darah and a witch are played by senior, Nancy Valdez. Tyler Grant plays Cyril Pelly, the father of May and Violet. Kelsey Stewart plays the daughter, May, and Madison Bailey plays Violet. Madison also plays the part of Glynis Quiller. The roles of Con Quiller and a Haunt are played by Keston Lusty while his cousin, Raegan Wright plays Ariella Cornish, daughter of Maddalena and Jason. Hudson Tharp and Jaspur Farris take turns playing the son, Andrew Cornish. Cohen Tharp plays an additional Haunt.
The show contains many technical elements, including a fire, various lighting techniques, and the sound. The crew who makes everything come together includes Hannah Miller, Joshua Usery, Lane Garcia, Connor Womack, Jim Eckermann, and Savannah Garcia. The play is directed by Sarah Locker. Assistant Directors are Marta Martin and Pam Starr.
On March 7th, in Lometa, Maddalena advanced from District with Lanie Norris receiving “Best Performer,” Nick Nilson and Tyler Grant named to All Star Cast, Jeremiah Usery winning Honorable Mention All Star Cast, and Joshua Usery earning the Technician Award.
On March 22nd, in Hamilton, the RSHS play advanced from Bi-District with three first places awarded by the three judges. Kelsey Stewart received Honorable Mention All Star Cast, Tyler Grant and Jeremiah Usery received All Star Cast awards, and Lanie Norris was named Best Performer of the Bi-District contest.
On April 2, the RSHS play performed in Stephenville at the Area Contest where they once again received three first place votes and advanced to Regional competition. Individual awards went to Hannah Miller for the Technician award, Madison Bailey and Nancy Valdez were named to the Honorable Mention All Star Cast while Tyler Grant and Nick Nilson were named the All Star Cast. For the third time, Lanie Norris received the coveted award of Best Performer of the Area.
Come watch this talented group of Richland Springs High School students perform at the Regional Contest in Waxahachie, on Friday, April 22, with plays beginning at 10:00 a.m.