Logan’s “Diviners” Challenges Student Actors, Impresses Crowd

Farmers, small communities, humidity and the hope for rain come alive on stage in James Logan High School’s version of Jim Leonard Jr.’s Depression-era tale “The Diviners.” The show opened Wednesday and continues through Saturday night.  

Laughs, gasps, and dramatic silence wooed the audience throughout the opening night performance. Despite a minimal set, the performance left viewers captivated and entertained.

Held in Logan’s Center for Performing Arts, “The Diviners” is the first play of the year under the direction of the new head of Logan’s drama department, Bill Hairston. Hairston and his students have put together quite an impressive show as a warm welcoming to our community.

Compared to this play shows a total opposite side and concept of life that the actors have gladly taken on. "The Diviners" not only escapes the classic Shakespearean tongue, but also steps aside from the world of comedy with messages to be learned and remembered forever.  

When asked why Hairston, who came to Logan from a school in southern California, chose “The Diviners” to be his first show, he said, “I like to try new things and I’m a man of challenge. I wanted the actors to give a shot at playing a totally different character while feeling and portraying intense emotions at the same time.”

Hairston’s goal this year is to expand Logan’s theater so that new ideas are brought forth with new obstacles and opportunities for students.

In the play, preacher C.C. Showers relocates to the tiny fictional and drought-ridden Indiana town of Zion, where he meets Buddy Layman, a young boy with an unusual fear of water. However, Layman’s been blessed with a gift — he can locate underground layers of water known as aquifers, which he later approaches throughout the production.

The lead roles of Buddy Layman and C.C. Showers are played by junior Skyler Lee and senior Marcos Enriquez respectively. Both young actors display power, posture and emotion throughout their outstanding performances. Contributing to the believable relationship is senior Alexandra Ortiz, who plays the role of Jennie Mae Layman, the younger sister of Buddy, who shows passion for the role and even has a moment or two with Mr. Showers.  

The production is overall fantastic, from the crisp performances by the well put together ensemble, who intensify the play at its highest points, to the lights and sounds of the production, which captivate the audience. The play will leave people questioning if this was really done by a team of high school students.

“The Diviners” is a heart felt production with lessons to be learned, and thanks to such a thorough production, you can say you’ve witnessed some quality theatre.   

Logan’s version of “The Diviners” continues Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 with an ASB sticker.