By MARY TURNER
This week, I wanted to give a personal shout out to two outstanding Knights Ferry thespians: Rita Taylor and Savanna McCarthy.
I had the pleasure of seeing them perform in Oakdale High School’s presentation of Into the Woods. The production opened on April 23 and concluded with its final show on May 3, when I was finally able to attend.
What a joy it was to watch these talented teenagers command the stage in OHS’s quaint theater. The cast actually switched roles each night, allowing the actors to take on multiple parts. Rita and Savanna alternated roles, each playing both an “ugly stepsister,” as well as the witch’s minions and Cinderella’s birds (you had to be there!).
I’m not exaggerating when I say I laughed, I cried, and I was on the edge of my seat. The talent of these high schoolers truly blew me away. I wasn’t expecting the caliber of acting, singing, and comedic timing they delivered. This is the kind of performance you’d expect at the Gallo Center or beyond. Seeing it on a small stage in Oakdale was truly delightful and made me so proud of these girls, their castmates, and the entire drama department.
Because I attended the final performance, the evening carried an extra layer of emotion. With many seniors in the cast, it wasn’t just their last show of the year, but the final performance of their high school careers. During the closing number, with the entire cast on stage, their tears began to flow. At first, I thought it was part of the production, but it quickly became clear these were real, heartfelt emotions.
These students worked incredibly hard for months, and it showed in every moment on stage. Afterward, as the audience greeted the cast, presented flowers, and took photos, I overheard one actress say through tears as she hugged a loved one, “I don’t want to grow up anymore!”
It was truly a blessing to witness this performance on such a meaningful night, as these young performers prepare to step into adulthood.
Congratulations again to Rita and Savanna, along with the entire cast and crew of Into the Woods. It was a wonderful performance—and a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life.
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Here is some exciting news to share from the Knights Ferry History & Museum Associates: “With a grant sponsored by Stanislaus County and many donations from community members and friends of Knights Ferry Museum, a contract has been signed to fix the Miller’s Hall elevator/lift. This lift project will take about six weeks. Our museum occupies the second floor of Miller’s Hall, where visitors come to enjoy exhibits and stories celebrating the history of Knights Ferry and Stanislaus County--often after an ice cream treat downstairs. During the Civil War era, Knights Ferry was the county seat for ten years.
Because the lift has been out of service, we’ve been unable to welcome senior groups and others with mobility challenges. Restoring accessibility will allow everyone to once again experience the museum and its connection to our town’s rich history. The board of Knights Ferry History & Museum Associates is grateful for all the help in bringing this project to completion.”
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Ongoing Events:
Odd Fellows Breakfast - 1st Sunday of the month @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Free Market - 2nd Tuesday 3:30pm @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Taco Tuesday - 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon
Thankful Thursdays - 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month. Free meal with drink purchase 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon
Odd Fellows Potluck Social - 6:30pm @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Upcoming Events:
Community Club Meeting - May 7, 6:30pm @ The Community Club
Miller’s Hall Meeting - May 12, 9am @ The Miller’s Hall
School Board Meeting - May 14, 5:30pm @ Knights Ferry School
Water Board Meeting - May 21, 7pm @ The Miller’s Hall
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Do you have any exciting Knights Ferry local news, upcoming events, historical facts about the area, jokes or recipes to share? Contact Mary Turner at knightsferrynews@gmail.com
