Greenwood-Loyal 1-act drama advances to state

The Greenwood-Loyal one-act play “The Last Illusion” has advances to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) state theater competition being held at UW-Milwaukee Nov 21-23.

“Having successfully competed at the district and sectional level, [and] being awarded enough points to advance and participate in the state level of competition is truly an accomplishment and honor,” wrote director Jo Elmer in a press release.

The students have performed for the communities of Greenwood and Loyal, with an audience of around 125 at each performance.

“The Last Illusion” by B. Dwayne Craft is a touching portrait of perhaps the most well-known illusionist, Harry Houdini. The facts of Houdini’s life are told through the memories and voices of those who knew him best.

“Researching the Roaring Twenties and trying to stay true to the era, finding costumes and props, was a challenge this year. Not to mention the actual magic performed during the show,” wrote Elmer.

“This show wouldn’t have been possible without support from both the communities, especially Katelyn, who helped our show girls with movement. Mrs. Schwartz came out of retirement to give a ‘Drama 101’ course. Ralph Krultz fabricated the set to make the magic come alive. That’s not to mention school administration, office staff and custodians who met our endless requests,” Elmer added.

Students will perform one more time at the UW-Milwaukee campus and have a chance to win awards for their interpretation of “The Last Illusion.”

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