Celebrating their well-deserved first place finish at the One Act Play subsection competition for their compelling adaptation of The Lottery are (L-R, front) Hayden Goettl, Ashley Berglund, Twyla Pedersen, Aliya Marxen, Ashley Ross, Elizabeth Morrison, Sarah Warren, Katrina Axtell, Zack Twiest, Jesse Johnson. (L-R, back) Michael McHugh, Rachel Todd, Sophie Holz, Sarah Larsen, Will Brandenburg, Sebastian Schnobrich, Reid Shepard, Jordyn Kirk, Mara MacDonell.
The Lottery is a riveting story, whether it is being read for the first—or fourth time. Seeing it acted out is even more disturbing, especially as performed by the Cook County High School One-Act Play participants.
Director Michael McHugh acknowledged that The Lottery is a “dark” play—and one that has been done by many schools. However, McHugh said since the Minnesota High School League allows up to 20 actors in the One Act competition, he tries to find plays with large casts. Eighteen students are involved with production of The Lottery. He said this is the most challenging production that his students have performed.
McHugh and his students put a decidedly different twist on the play based on a 1948 New Yorker story written by Shirley Jackson. They have added dramatic contemporary background music by Nine Inch Nails and a slideshow component that makes the story even more compelling.
Townspeople tensely await the outcome of the “lottery” held each June 27 in their village. Joe Summers (Jesse Johnson), center with clipboard, oversees the drawing. Bill Hutchinson ( Will Brandenberg) holds the ticket that determines the fate of his wife, Tessie (Sarah Larsen), who clutches their baby, Davey.
It is little wonder that the Cook County entry in the Section 7A subsection One Act Play earned first place. Esko took second place and both schools will now compete in section competition on Saturday, February 5. The school that wins will go on to the State competition. CCHS has an excellent chance at advancing.
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