‘The Diviners’ exceeds expectations with a fascinating plot

By Grace Dietz

Staff Writer

The Mira Costa Drama and Tech Department brought audience members to tears with their latest production, “The Diviners,” while gracefully reminding viewers about the true meaning of friendship.

“The Diviners” awed spectators with a captivating plot and extraordinary performances from the cast. The pristine set designs and stage lights illuminated the facial expressions of the performers and showed the ingenuity of Costa’s Tech Department. The impressive costumes and actors’ accents helped bring the production to life.

Set in the fictional town of Zion, Indiana during the Great Depression, “The Diviners” tells the story of Buddy Layman, who is afraid of water due to a traumatizing childhood experience. Former preacher C.C. Showers enters Layman’s life and attempts to cure his irrational fear of water. Leads in the play included senior Noah Geller as Showers and sophomore Tucker St. Ivany as Layman.

Created by playwright Jim Leonard Jr., “The Diviners” premiered at the Hanover College Theatre in 1980. Cary Jordahl directed and Debbie Busby produced the Mira Costa production of “The Diviners,” which featured five shows in the small theater from Nov. 3 to Nov. 11.

The simple costume designs made the actors seem as if they were in Indiana. The women wore undecorated dresses and the men wore dusty overalls and dirty suits, contributing to the rural setting of the play. The cast’s makeup was extremely detailed, as the viewers were able to see the dirt on the actors’ faces.

“The Diviners” featured remarkable cast members who knew their lines and perfectly executed their parts. St. Ivany did particularly well in enacting his role as Layman. The quality of the actors’ performances showed their enthusiasm and preparation for the production and their individual roles.

The production kept viewers entertained with its riveting plot. The play incorporated subtle comedy, which helped lighten the mood between dreadfully sorrow scenes. The storyline brilliantly showed the power of friendship and the effect that it had on both Layman and Showers.

Made by the Tech Department and the drama construction crew, the set designs and stage were exceptionally well built. The background details beautifully expressed the imagination and creativity of the Drama Department and added a sense of originality to the play.

The decision to host the production in the small theater allowed audience members to see the flawless details of the costumes and the actor’s facial expressions, which added to the overall enjoyability and realistics of the production. The close proximity of the stage also allowed for the cast to make deeper connections with the audience, adding an intimate feel to the performances.

‘The Diviners” was an inspiring and delightful play that demonstrated the talents of the Mira Costa Drama and Tech Departments. The remarkable acting, authentic costumes, innovative set designs and engaging plot astonished viewers and highlighted the breathtaking talent within the production.

For more information on the Drama Department’s upcoming productions, visit miracostadramaboosters.org.