Teenage themes weave through play's storyline

Fitting in, finding acceptance and making critical choices - as told by a group of misfits struggling with the consequences of bullying - is the message of Summerland's 2022 play production, "Freak."

Monique, played by senior Brynna Umphress, describes a scene she faces each day at 10:43 in "the scariest place on earth," the school hallway. The constant torment wears on her psyche.

The character says, "I know I should just suck it up and ignore it. Just pretend ... What did I do? What makes me the freak?"

Monique feels like a sideshow Freak and disappears until she finds herself in an "unusual, disturbing and fantabulastic sideshow. Here, she meets a group of human sideshow attractions - the snake lady, a demon, the fat lady, the tattooed lady, conjoined twins, cat lady, fortuneteller and the former bearded lady - and learns about insecurities each has faced.

While the play touches on dark themes, the ultimate decision focuses on hope for the future.

The team competed in districts, Monday, in Tilden and finished third. Stanton won the title and Creighton finished second.

The three-judge panel ranked Summerland second, third and fourth and rating points totaled 170.

Students recognized for outstanding performance included Faith King, Lenora Kester, Emma Petersson, Julie Olivan, Amor Zermeno, Emma King, Carlee Livingston, Alanna Doll, Umphress, Olga Mendoza, Irelyn Bearinger, Talya Nilson, Yazlin Zermeno, Jadyn Hobbs, Sydni McConnell, Ashley Melcher and Adrienne Parker.

In the technical theater category, Summerland received second place.

View photos of the Summerland Dramacats at https://summerlandadvocatemessenger.zenfolio.com/p299753476