Lillian Guth '05

Although New England weather is getting chilly, the fall theater production will surely warm your heart.

Eleven talented actors have been rehearsing The Diviners in the Black Box. Director of theater John Reese chose the award-winning play, written by Jim Leonard Jr., to premiere in late October.

Aside from a dynamic, thought-provoking plot, the piece also challenges the thespians to "create multifaceted characters out of a simple folk tale ," according to Mr. Reese.

The story takes place in the fictitious, rural town of Zion, Indiana, during the Great Depression. Struggling with a sagging economy and drought, the residents (especially the farmers) find themselves far from a utopia. As they wait and yearn for change, a boy named Buddy Layman comes to possess a magical knowledge of where water sources are. He obtains this power after an accident in which his mom is drowning, and his Buddy tries to save her; consequently Buddy almost drowns. Unfortunately, Buddy's price to pay for his new ability is mental illness. Seeing Buddy as a blessing and anomaly to the community, one cannot help but sympathize with him.

His ultimate savior comes as a disenchanted preacher, who befriends him and attempts to make the community appreciate him not only as a diviner, but also as a human being.

"Hopefully, the audience will fall in love with Buddy," said Eric Devan '05, who plays the preacher, C.C. Showers. When asked about his own role, he said, "[C.C. Showers] reveals that his own insecurities about life occupy the majority of his thoughts, contrary to the indication of his charismatic façade. I truly hope that I am able to portray his complexity on the stage."

This year, the audience will be seeing some new faces in the theater production. Along side Bentley Rubinstein '05, who plays Buddy, is freshmen actor Joe Zych. A native of Sandwich, Massachusetts, Zych has performed in over 20 productions since the age of six. Although he is still trying to sculpt his role as a pretty young and innocent" farmer, Zych added, "Mr. Reese is a great director and he's really helping me discover the character."

The other new student, Jennie Natenshon '08. is the assistant director of The Diviners. Having worked with her in the past, Mr. Reese raves that she is "quite young and an accomplished actress." She is also able to assist the five new actors in the play who, according to actor Sarah Butler '05, mesh well with the old thespians.

The show promises to be a lighthearted, but mature piece that will speak to both faculty and students. "The play deals with friendship and we can all relate to that with relative ease." Mr. Reese said. The students' molding and burnishing of the characters will illuminate the play.

The Diviners will be performed nightly October 26th through October 30th. Tickets are free.