OSMOND — The Osmond High School one-act cast and crew presented their play, “Fertile Ground” in front of a packed house for the community performance on Monday, Nov. 24.
The play was extra special this year as it was written by Osmond Community School employee Bill Ryan, who is also the writer for the Osmond Republican column, “Inside Billy’s Brain.”
Before the plan began, one-act play coach Robin Wagner thanked those who helped with making the production happen, especially Mr. Ryan, who was presented a poster for the play, signed by members of the cast.
In the play, Mendenhall Manor, a psychiatric hospital for young girls, is home to Dr. Joseph Mendenhall, played by Jack Berg; his wife, Madeline Mendenhall, played by Meagan Wagner; and his daughter, Susanne, played by Erin Aschoff. Mendenhall Manor seems to be quiet and peaceful until someone goes missing.
Dr. Mendenhall is determined to maintain his reputation and financial stability after his patient, a troubled young woman named Irene, played by Piper Hoffman, goes missing. Unbeknownst to the sheriff, Kaleb Gardner and his deputies, Easton Steinkraus and Drake Kingham, the story of the missing patient twists into a narrative that positions the doctor to claim a large insurance policy.
The cast and crew received a big round of applause at the conclusion of the performance, and the audience was invited to share a dessert of apple crisp — which brought a laugh as this dark tale of Mendenhall Manor took place in an apple orchard.
The OHS cast secured second place at the Lewis and Clark Conference Play Production on Tuesday, Nov.
18, with Wausa taking first place.
Other towns participating and their placements included Creighton, third; Wynot, fourth; Homer, fifth, and Al len, sixth.
Receiving Outstanding Actor/Actress Awards were Jack Berg, Meagan Wagner, Kaleigh Miller, Donovan Heiman, Riley Williams, Nevaeh Newton, Piper Hoffman, Korrine Moes, Addison von Rentzell, Sunny Geneski, Evynn Kumm and Clara Steinkraus.
Donovan Heiman and Kaleigh Miller both received Outstanding Performance Awards.
“Bringing home second place at the Lewis and Clark Conference is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent that the play production cast and crew put into each performance,” said one-act coach Robin Wagner.
