BRHS Drama, once again, has been awarded in Class B (schools with fewer than 450 students) competition at the Maine Drama Festival. Earlier this month, they took gold, winning the regional tournament and advancing to the state-level contest which was held Saturday, March 22 at Stearns High School in Millinocket. Their production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (adapted by Henry Thomas, provided by Concord Theatrics) took second place silver, beating four other schools before falling to Corinth’s Central High School’s (CHS) “Flora & Ulysses” (adapted by John Glore from a Kate DiCamillo novel, arranged by Plays for New Audiences). As first place winners, CHS will have the option to advance to the New England Theater Festival May 1-3, this year in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, where the best performances from six states will compete. BRHS’s runner up status permits it to attend the competition if CHS is unable to.

Three students won Festival All Cast Acting Awards: Eleanor Marshall (Hermia), Natalie Flagg (Puck) and Sophia Mansfield (Bottom). Moriah Smith’s talents in lighting design were on full display; directing audience attention, setting the ethereal mood and reinforcing the story’s action. Her elevated attention to use of shadows and color, creating on stage environments for the plot’s multiple threads, earned her a Special Commendation for Lighting Design. Marshall, Mansfield and Sarah Harris also received Special Commendation for Hair & Makeup Design. Fairy makeup was whimsical and playful, bolstering the mischievous nature of their antics and hair design was all about the braids, nodding to both ancient Greek fashion and the natural world of woodland fairies.

Flagg and Marshall received acting awards at both regional and state competitions. “This is really my first time on stage,” said Marshall. "I prepare myself for each performance through these amazing friends, the cast, who help each other, build each other up and inspire each other.”  When asked if more nervous or more practiced, Mansfield replied, “I don’t get nervous for this stuff. The stakes are higher –  it’s state obviously, but I am excited by, fueled by engaging the audience.”

Solid performances were delivered by Matthew Little (Theseus), Hannah Hills (Hippolyta), Spencer Pottle (Egeus), Titan Lewis (Demetrius), Elijah Smith (Lysander), Harris (Helena), and Zuri Smith, Olivia Carlson and Annie Whitney (Fairies). Jayden Coulombe (Oberon) engaged deviousness, setting the story’s action into play by ordering Flagg’s (Puck) pranks and spells while his wife, Ivory Cody (Titania), slept. Of course, the entire comedy unfolds because Flagg (Puck) enjoys creating layers of misalignments, adding her own devilish incantations. Cody is a compelling Titania, strong-willed, independent, protective, Queen of the Fairies. A senior, Cody reflects on her time with One Acts competitions, “I’ve enjoyed them. Ms. Miller does a great job and makes everyone feel included.”

Miller, unable to attend, was piped in like an omniscient voice of God over Assistant Director Susie Taylor’s cell phone. Miller delivered an encouraging pep talk, provided useful reminders to individual cast members and was liberal with sharing her pride and support for the team. In her absence, Taylor slid into the directorship seamlessly, keeping time and tasks on track for the production. Additional production: Set Design, Miller; Set Construction, Caitlin Cronk, Coulombe, and Cast; Costumes, Miller and Taylor; Stage Manager, Hills.

Judges were Kim Fletcher, David Greenham and Mike Perlman. Festival Staff: MPA Representative, Ray Mayfield; MPA Executive Director, Holly Blair; MDC Representative, Rich Kimball; Host Director, Danielle Waite; Festival Technical Director, Matt Waite; and Judge Liaison, Susan Morrison.

BRHS Drama will perform its award-winning rendition of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in the BRHS auditorium Wednesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. This production took home gold in regional One Acts competition and silver in state competition.  The performance is free to the public, donations appreciated.