The Diviners

This play has many pros and cons to it that could make or break it in UIL OAP. One thing is Buddy's mentality. If he is played up to be a silly mental person, just like in The Boys Next Door, it won't prove to be as affective. The playwright make it clear in the back of the script that Buddy doesn't have a certain physical or mental disability, just more of a communication and mental frustration. There is also a moment in the beginning where they are digging the well and Buddy finds water. Of course, the actual digging would have to be pantomimed but the bending of the stick would have to be figured out. Whether the actor tilts it a certain way or he acts like the stick is almost violently leads him to the water or something...even if someone is creative enough to come up with a contraption to make the stick bend that way. However it HAS to happen for the story to make sense. I don't think it would be wise to change the setting as it contributes so much to the story. The costumes must be old and worn with Buddy's COVERED in dirt.
Cutting of this script should be rather easy, some parts in the beginning and middle of the play aren't needed to tell the story and some characters as well. I definitely think that the end mustn't experience too much cutting as there is so much going on in those scenes. I definitely think that with the right cast, this show can be pulled off quite effectively and possibly win.