All three Knox one act plays advance
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Sheri Baty/The Knox County News-Courier
Cast and crew of Knox City High’s “The Oz” play
Suitcase”play

Courtesy of Mandi Perry
Cast and crew of Munday High’s “The Red Suitcase”play
From The News-Courier staff
SEYMOUR—Knox County scored a trifecta at the District 16-1A One-Act Play contest here last Thursday as all three schools advanced to bi-district.
However, that contest has been cancelled after the UIL suspended all activities until March 29. The deadline for rescheduling bi-district will be April 7 while deadline to have areas will be April 14, according to the UIL website.
Munday High school, directed by Karen Longan, garnered top honors with its performance of “The Red Suitcase.”
The two Best Performer awards went to Justin Tidwell in the role of Pogue and Cameron Thornton in the role of Bud. In addition, Munday placed three students on the honorable mention all-star cast: Allie Willison as Sparky, Jacob Alvarado as Martin and Charlie and Kameron Redder as Sam.
The overall top crew award also went to Munday. In addition, Saylor Drury was named top sound technician and Isabella Nunez named top lighting technician while Monse Cedillo, the Munday stage manager, earned the Top Tech award.
The Red Suitcase, written by Jiggs Burgess, is making its stage debut in this year’s OAP competitions. The play is about a young boy named Pogue, raised in a small town on the banks of the Brazos River, who is different. Neither his father, brothers, classmates or teacher can accept him for who he is. His only refuge is his grandmother, played by Evan Hunter.
In an effort to “toughen him up”, Pogue’s father Bud relies on whippings and shamings to keep him from becoming a “sissy.” In the end, it is Pogue who is man enough to sit at Bud’s bedside during his last few weeks fighting cancer. Bud realizes he was wrong and asks for forgiveness, which Pogue freely gives. The play is about love, forgiveness and redemption.
“We hope to be able to perform the play again,” said Longan. “One judge told the cast that she was so moved that she “will come see the play again” and will bring her teenage daughter with her. The powerful message of the play is important for everyone to share.”
Knox City High, directed by Terra Martinez, presented “The Oz.”
Eylen Barnum was named to the all-star cast while Corban Cox earned honorable mention.
Dylan Kuehne was selected on all-star tech crew while Reylee Ledesma earned honorable mention.
Benjamin High, directed by Cody Propps, presented “Rabbit Hole.”
Braleigh Blanchette and Braden Garza were named to the all-star cast while Savannah Hawkins was recognized as the outstanding stage manager and Dal Everson got honorable mention for work on the crew.