  The cast, crew and staff of MDI Drama's The Insanity of Mary Girard, the 2017 Maine Class B Drama Festival State Champions at the "Big Friendly Indian" in Freeport, Maine. (Photo by Chris Dougherty) State Champion - 2017 Maine Drama Festival
 Special Commendations:
_______________ Eastern Regional Champion - Maine Drama Festival
 Special Accommodations:
All Festival Cast Members:
Individual regional judge’s scores and comments: Tom Misner, former CEO of the Waterville Opera House (99/100): “Diction was perfect - fast - crazy - maniacal.” “Outstanding interpretation!” “Your portrayal of insane people was perfect.”“Wow! Got my first ‘wow’ of the night.” “Lighting was excellent.” “Mary's (Mary Paola) anger/acceptance was perfect . . . her interaction with Stephen (Emerson Jeffrey) was excellent.” Dawn McAndrews, Producing Artistic Director, Theater at Monmouth (100/100): “I was overwhelmed by the polish and professionalism of the designs and acting company.” “I really cannot believe that this was a student playing the role of Mary.” “The entire company used their bodies fully and expressively throughout.” “The transition from Fury to memory characters was beautifully handled.” “The commitment of all actors was stunning. The cast worked beautifully and subtly together” “All design elements and production choices thoughtfully and gorgeously supported the style, and needs of the play. The play was presented both simply and deftly creating a compelling mood and concept.” “The blocking (actor movement) felt both natural and extremely organic.” “A really interesting set design allowed the Furies to be present and intrusive, malevolent and unreal.” “The musical score was outstanding and helped maintain tension.” Amy Roeder, Director of Education, Penobscot Theater (100/100): “The Furies were a group, but the individual differences from Fury to Fury were so gorgeous. Little moments made a huge impact.” “So many lovely choices on the micro and macro level.” “There was beautiful vocal clarity, variety and emotion expressed throughout.” “Characterization was so very well done.” “Perfect pacing. A beautiful understanding of the script.” “All tech elements were ingenious and lovely. Visual storytelling was on point.” “The set evoked an asylum without resorting to cliche.” “I wish I could give you more than a 5 (out of 5) on sound design.” Cast
Production Staff and Crew
The Tranquilizing Chair, invented by Dr. Benjamin Rush, is "a device used for 'excitable patients' who were insane or believed to be . . . with leather straps to bind the arms and legs of the person sitting in it" and
". . . a square wooden box that fits over the head." -- Lanie Robertson
"Mary's Theme" is based on Frederic Chopin's Mazurka in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 63, No. 3. This work is in the public domain.
Synopsis: "In 1790, Mary Girard is committed to an asylum. After Mary became pregnant by another man, her husband had her declared legally insane. Now, Mary sits in a chair as the "furies" dance around and impersonate people from her past. By the end of this haunting and highly theatrical piece, she has grown rather convincingly into her diagnosis." The Insanity of Mary Girard was first produced at The Painted Bride Art Center by Theatre Center Philadelphia on July 4, 1976.
The Insanity of Mary Girard contains mature subject matter.
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Insanity of Mary Girard - Rehearsal and Performance Schedule
for Production Weeks
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Casey Rush, Director
Mount Desert Island High School
1081 Eagle Lake Rd.Mount Desert, ME 04660
207.288.5011 x 3110   Higgins-Demas Theater Links
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