Medina’s play wins district

Medina High School’s One Act Play group won First Place at the District Competition in Uvalde last Wednesday, March 1.

The competition was the premiere of this year’s production, “A Monster Calls,” based on the best-selling novel by Patrick Ness and adapted into a blockbuster film in 2016.

The show tells the story of Conor, a 13-year-old boy dealing with his mother’s worsening illness.

One night, a monster appears at Connor’s bedroom window. Ancient, wild, and relentless, the monster guides Conor on a journey of courage, faith and truth that fuses imagination and reality.

Medina’s production of “A Monster Calls” stars Oz Zirkle, who was awarded Best Performer at the district meet by judges for his “truly great and honest” performance as Connor.

Brent Miller’s “incredible” performance as the Monster earned him an All-Star Cast award, and Rachel Devora’s “great” performance as <om led to her being named to the Honorable Mention All-Star Cast.

The entire Medina ensemble, who bring the monster’s stories to life in fashion inspired by Japanese Kabuki theatre, were also named to the Honorable Mention All-Star Cast in an unconventional adjustment to the award.

The ensemble includes Yadira Aguilar, Bailey Beason, Sienna Carter, Ella Castillo, Amelia Flores, Andy Gardner, Aamya Goodrich, Sophia Harms, Kailey McCabe, Lauren Reeves, Lizzy Roman, and Kaydence Tilghman.

Lily Voight was also awarded All-Star Tech for her work backstage as a Stage Manager.

Hattie Barton, Alyssa DeLeon, Kyra DeLeon, and Trey Lichtenberg round out the cast and crew of 20 who brought the champion show to life.

“It’s a beautiful and emotionally honest show that is technically and dramatically very challenging,” said Director David McGuff, who is joined by his wife Chelsea McGuff as Assistant Director in realizing the show. “It’s a testament to the talent, passion, and dedication of this group of students that they were able to put on such an incredible performance. I couldn’t be prouder and I’m beyond excited we get a chance to continue working on this show together. It’s grown into something special.”

Medina’s One-Act Play will next be competing in Uvalde at Bi-District on Tuesday, March 21st.