April 20, 2024

The Cappies is a writing and awards program that trains high school theatre and journalism students to be expert writers, critical thinkers, and leaders. Student critics vie to be published in local media outlets by attending productions at other schools and writing critical reviews.

By Anna Burnett of Lee’s Summit High School

Zion Is The Place To Be

A boy, standing on a dock, peering into the river, terrified of his reflection and what lurks below. Next to him is a preacher who won’t preach, telling him everything will be alright. These are the last things Buddy sees before tragedy strikes. It’s a heart-wrenching moment for the performers and audience alike, but only the beginning of Rayton High School’s fantastic production of “The Diviners.”

The 1980 play written by Jim Leonard Jr. begins as it ends, with a rainstorm and the death of a boy. Set in the fictitious town of Zion, Indiana, the story follows a mentally disabled 15-year-old boy named Buddy. Suffering from a crippling fear of water, he works as the town’s diviner, finding water for his town. Eventually, an ex-preacher by the name of C.C. Showers shows up on his doorstep. Though born in the Bible belt to a long line of preachers, C.C. has fallen out of love with the profession and has come to Indiana for honest work. Throughout the summer, Buddy and C.C. forge an unlikely friendship, tragically ending with Buddy’s death.

Jeremiah Washington rivetingly stars as Buddy. Characters in this show can easily lapse into stereotypes, and Washington avoids this by a mile. By playing an honest and innocent Buddy, audiences are quick to fall in love with this character. In addition to this, Buddy has many intense physical moments on stage, fighting against both his father and C.C. in their attempts to get him to bathe. Washington produces raw reactions during these scenes, adding tension and sudden emotional shifts when necessary. He expertly plays such a complex character and gives arguably one of the best performances in the Kansas City area.

C.C. (Lucas McCarroll) is Buddy’s counterpart. McCarroll performs with wit and maturity, all while keeping a tenderness with Buddy and Jennie Mae (Madisyn Muir). Muir is equally impressive in her role as Buddy’s older sister. Acting as Buddy’s mother figure, Muir nails the demeanor of the older sister who grew up to care for her family. She relates to the older audience members with her loving and maternal energy but keeps her innocence throughout the play and never lets them forget that she is still a child.

Though the play is inarguably a drama, there are a handful of comedic characters. Ferris Layman (Antonio Taylor) is a great example. Taylor performs his role as Buddy’s swear-word-slinging, dependable mechanic father with ease. He nails every comedic beat he has while still keeping a fatherly love for his children.

The tech deserves a round of applause as well. The lighting (designed by Lucas McCarroll) is stunning and filled with color. It uses innovative movement and flashing to create the feel of a thunderstorm. The set is equally gorgeous, adorned with period-appropriate props and a real pool of water underneath the dock.

Though detail was a priority for Raytown High School, the occasional facial piercing could be seen on stage. However, that can be chalked up to the creative thrust staging and audience proximity to the stage.

“The Diviners” is a beast of a show, and Raytown High School does a skilled job. Every performer is energized, and the chemistry is evident. Their intricate and harrowing production recognizes immense student talent and immerses audiences in the little town of Zion, Indiana.