MHS 1-Act Play is first at State Drama

by Sally Jack
Contributing writer
Under the direction of Paige Freestone and assistant Cheryl Wheeler, Monticello High School drama took a number of top honors at the 2024 State 1-A Drama Meet on March 29 and 30 in Kanab, Utah.
Nine schools competed in One-Act plays at the State competition, but Monticello High School walked away with the first place prize for their winning rendition of the One-Act play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde, adapted by Gary Peterson.
Additionally, Aaron Petersen, who delighted audiences in his role as Algeronon Moncrieff in “The Importance of Being Earnest,” received the high honor of being awarded ‘Best Actor’ at State.
Monticello High School students in the award winning play included: Aaron Petersen (Algernon Moncrieff), Ryan Lewis (Jack Worthing), Laili Dilts (Cecily Cardew), Coral Delorenzis (Gwendolen Fairfax), Alexis Bailey (Lady Augusta Bracknell), Tyson Wheeler (Merriman/Lane), Emma Wheeler (Miss Prism), and Carter Francom (Reverend Chasuble).
Crew members were McKay Nielson (lighting) and Maron Freestone (sound).
The Monticello High School team placed Third Overall at the State meet, coming in a heartbreaking one point behind Second Place, and a mere two points behind First Place.
Monticello High School also placed First in four Individual Events at State.
Aaron Petersen and Emma Wheeler took First Place for their pantomime “Rapunzel in Reality,” and Dani Black and McKay Nielson placed Third with their pantomime “Showoffs”
In Classical Scenes, First Place went to Laili Dilts and Marah Long for their scene, “Alice and Mosby.”
Contemporary Scenes saw Coral Delorenzis and Ryan Lewis taking First Place for their rendition of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Tyson Wheeler placed First in Humorous Monologues with “Audition Faux Pas.” Maron Freestone placed Fourth in Humorous Monologues with ‘Olaf Presents the Little Mermaid.”
Musical Theater was the most competitive Individual Event with 28 entries. Three of the entries from Monticello High School made it to the medal rounds: Maron Freestone placed Fourth with “Heart of Stone,” Marah Long took 7th place with “Burn,” and Laili Dilts came in 8th place singing “Pretty Funny.”
Also performing at State but not placing in the medal rounds were: Dani Black and Carter Francom with a Contemporary Scene, “Finding Nemo,” Alexis Bailey with a Dramatic Monoogue, “Mr. Darcy,” and Coral Delorenzis in Music Theater with “How Lovely to be a Woman.”
Director Paige Freestone comments, “It was a very successful year for drama, and we had so much fun.”
Mark your calendars for May 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. when Monticello High School Drama will host a Spring Musical Showcase featuring all of the soloists who performed in Musical Theater at Region and/or State.
The evening will showcase a few of the Individual Events performed at State, and there will also be some large-group musical numbers.
A selection of students from Monticello Elementary School will join the high school students in the opening number, the finale, and a special number of their own.