9-Year-Old Maddison Dewitt Stars as Ruby Bridges in Augusta Junior Players' Powerful Production

January 23, 2025
9-Year-Old Maddison Dewitt Stars as Ruby Bridges in Augusta Junior Players' Powerful Production
  • Tiffany Priteo, although experienced as a singer, is new to acting and relies on Maddison for assistance with her lines.

  • Betty Walpert, a retired drama teacher, is playing Ruby's teacher and is enjoying her time working with the young actors after retiring in spring 2024.

  • The play will feature multimedia elements, including footage from the 1970 Augusta riots, to enhance the storytelling experience.

  • Performances of 'Ruby: The Ruby Bridges Story' are scheduled for the evening of February 7 and two shows on February 8 at the Kroc Center.

  • Additionally, a special event titled 'Walk With Ruby' will take place on January 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, starting at the Lucy Craft Laney High School stadium parking lot.

  • Maddison Dewitt, a 9-year-old student from C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School, is set to star as Ruby Bridges in the Augusta Junior Players' upcoming production of 'Ruby: The Ruby Bridges Story.'

  • Joining her on stage is Maddison's mother, Tiffany Priteo, who is making her theatrical debut as Lucille, Ruby's mother, and finds it meaningful to share this experience with her daughter.

  • The production is directed by Roy Lewis, a retired educator known for his visionary approach to storytelling.

  • Lewis emphasizes the themes of innocence and faith in Ruby's story, highlighting her ability to pray for those who threatened her during her historic school attendance.

  • Maddison drew inspiration from Ruby Bridges, the first Black girl to attend an all-White school, after learning about her in class.

  • To prepare for her role, Maddison watched the 1998 film 'Ruby Bridges' on Disney Plus, which helped her gain insight into Ruby's personality.

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