St. Philip cast claims title, advances to state level
Catholic students to give performance of award-winning play
For the third year in a row, the St. Philip One Act Play will advance to the State PSIA meet. The community is invited to a public performance on Friday, April 11 at the El Campo High School Auditorium.

Contributed Photo Entertaining The Grandparents The junior high cast of the St. Philip One Act Play will be advancing to state competition after claiming first in area contest. In this scene of Over The River And Through The Woods, Nick (Eli Kresta) tries to play Trivial Pursuit with his grandmothers Emma (Kathryn Hancock) and Aida (Amber Kresta) and his grandfathers. Nick has spent every Sunday lunch with his grandparents, but has the opportunity to move away and take a job promotion. Of course, this news does not sit well with his Italian grandparents who try to keep him at home. You will have an opportunity to see St. Philip's award-winning performance of Over The River And Through The Woods Friday, April 11 at the ECHS Auditorium.

With some sentimentality, a lot of humor and a dash of nostalgia, Over The River And Through The Woods is a sweet, charming play that makes us feel good about being alive and gets us to appreciate our family.

Nick, a 29 year old marketing executive who has spent every Sunday lunch of his life with his grandparents receives a promotion, but it requires him to move across the country.

The play explores family connections, the eternal question of what do we owe those who care for us and the difficulty of letting go.

"Everyone who sees this play will come away with their own personal tie to the characters," she said.

The cast of junior high students won first at the Area Six PSIA One Act Play contest on March 28. Four members who won individual awards are: Best Actor - Eli Kresta; All-Star Cast - Amber Kresta and Kathryn Hancock; and Honorable Mention All-Star Cast - Matthew Graff.

"I can only say that they did it again!" said Keri Graff, codirector. "These students continually amaze me with their commitment level, their enthusiasm and their talent. They truly understand the concept of teamwork. It has been such a pleasure to work with them. I am so proud of them and for them."

"The involvement of our students in one act play shows a true commitment towards the school and the program. We are blessed to have two individuals within our school family who are dedicated to this program and the students. The cast worked hard for the win and I congratulate them all for their efforts," said Gwen Edwards, principal of St. Philip Catholic School.

The state meet will be held on May 10 in San Antonio.

"We look forward to competing against the best private school plays in the state," said Molly Kresta, co-director. "Our cast loves the play and we appreciate their parents for getting them to and from rehearsals and competitions since October. Their level of commitment is amazing."

A minimum donation of $5 is requested at the door, and pizza and soft drinks will be sold before the performance. Serving will begin at 6 p.m. and the performance will begin at 7 p.m. T-shirts and DVDs are also available. This performance is the only fundraiser for the St. Philip One Act Play program.