For the 20th time under the direction of Suzanne Allmon, Oak Grove High School’s drama troupe will be competing at the state level.
“I have been here 23 years and this is our 16th time in a row to take part,” Allmon said.
The troupe advanced after competition “The Axeman’s Requiem” at the South Mississippi Drama Fest held Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the University of Southern Mississippi.
State competition is set for Jan. 17 -20 at the Riley Center in Meridian.
During the local competition, Oak Grove’s Nahla Trotter received Best Supporting Actress for her role as Marie Laveau and Oak Grove received two All Star Casts - Emmie Perkins for her role as Elise and Chase Rainey for his role as Baron Samedi.
“We were chosen as one of the four top schools in south Mississippi, which gives us the honor of performing at State competition,” Allmon said. “There will be nine schools competing there for the top two slots that will then go on to represent Mississippi at the SouthEastern Theatre Conference.”
The other schools advancing to MTA are Ocean Springs High School, led by former Oak Grove High School graduate, Chris Permenter, Hancock County High School and Pearl River Central High School.
The troupe will give an encore performance of their show, which will be held in conjunction with a silent auction on Jan. 15 in the Oak Grove High School Performing Arts Center. The lobby and silent auction will open at 6:15 p.m. and show will begin at 7 p.m.
"I am super proud of this cast and crew of 44 students,” Allmon said. “They work really hard to make this story come to life. We have a unique opportunity at state to also be performing for the playwright, so the kids and I are excited!”
"The Axeman's Requiem" is set in New Orleans in 1920 in the swing of Mardi Gras and Jazz. Thomas, played by Andrew O'Quinn, searches for fame as a musician and a life with his beautiful girlfriend, Elise, played by Perkins. As they both struggle with jobs, relationships and the voodoo powers of New Orleans, they both have to make a choice.
This drama is about the sacrifices people make for love and a dark magic bargain that unleashes a familiar evil on the city of New Orleans.
Join this cast and crew of 44 students as they take you on a journey filled with love, jazz, Mardi Gras, and voodoo. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Also during competition at USM, Trinity Lowe of Purvis High School received an acting award, Dana Jones of Purvis High was recognized for Outstanding Direction and PHS won for Overall Theatrical Experience.
Congratulations to everyone who participated in South Dramafest today! A special congratulations to Ocean Springs High School, Hancock County High School, Oak Grove High School, and Pearl River Central High School for advancing to MTA!
The Axeman’s Requiem is a story about love, sacrifice, community, and of course, voodoo.
Set in 1920’s New Orleans, The Axeman’s Requiem centers around Thomas, a jazz musician, and his love for a nanny, Elise.
With its presentation of “The Axeman’s Requiem,” the Warriors also brought home several other awards.
