Theatre AUG is bringing the beloved story Wishtree by Katherine Applegate to life. This adaptation centers around a kind oak tree named Red, who serves as a source of hope and friendship in a tight-knit community.
Directed by Melanie Kitchens O’Meara, PhD, from Augusta University, the play captures the heart of community spirit. In the story, neighbors tie their wishes to Red’s branches with cloth, making her the neighborhood’s “wishtree.”
Wishtree will be performed at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre on the Summerville Campus from March 13 to March 16. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. from March 13-15, and 3 p.m. on March 16. Students, faculty, and staff from Augusta University and East Georgia State College can attend for free. Tickets for the public are $10, with discounts available for seniors and military members.
The play provides a unique twist by having five performers embody different parts of Red. This includes actors representing the roots, trunk, limb, and leaf—a creative solution to give life to a tree that narrates its own story. O’Meara shared her excitement about the challenge of creating a narrator without overwhelming a single performer.
Following Hurricane Helene’s devastation, presenting Wishtree felt particularly relevant. O’Meara aimed to bring joy and encourage community healing through this uplifting tale. The idea of a wishing tree on campus pushed the project further, inviting the community to hang their own wishes on a tree adorned with lights.
Antonio Fernandez, a second-year student and actor playing Red’s trunk, shared how the play resonates deeply with those who experienced the hurricane’s aftermath. “We thought this would bring joy and peace to the community,” he said. The cast also includes students from Episcopal Day School, enriching the performance with youthful perspectives and their heartfelt wishes.
Mia Dickens, who portrays a limb of Red, remarked on the importance of community in the wake of destruction. “The kids from EDS are sweet and excited about the play,” she noted. “The concept of a wishing tree really brings everyone together.”
Others in the cast, like Amber Pucci and Farah Hassan, also expressed their enthusiasm for the project. Pucci, playing one of Red’s roots, believes a permanent wishing tree on campus would be a great addition, and Hassan, portraying Bongo the crow, loves the message of kindness and respect woven throughout the play.
The play promises to not only entertain but to remind us all of the power of community and the importance of hope in difficult times. Wishtree is a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the simple act of wishing for a brighter tomorrow.
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