9-Year-Old Maddison Dewitt Stars as Ruby Bridges in Augusta Junior Players' Powerful Production
January 23, 2025Tiffany 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.
Summary based on 1 source
Get a daily email with more Theatre stories
Source
Augusta Good News • Jan 23, 2025
Augusta Junior Players to bring Ruby Bridges' story to stage - Augusta Good News