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Melissa Murphy wins Michigan Shakespeare Festival High School Monologue Contest

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First-place winner Melissa Murphy

Home-schooled student Melissa Murphy of Southgate, MI was named first-place winner of the 2010 Michigan Shakespeare Festival High School Monologue Contest yesterday (July 31, 2010)  for her presentation of Hero's Act III, scene 1 "lapwing" speech from Much Ado About Nothing. Several Oberon members attended the contest finals at Jackson Community College and all concurred with the judges' choice of Murphy who showed poise, projection, and maturity in her command of her body and theatrical space. Murphy won a monetary prize of $350 and a Michigan Shakespeare Festival jacket.

Second-place winner Lonnie Robinson wears his MSF prize jacket.

Charismatic Lonnie Robinson of Ecorse, MI won second-place for his powerful and passionate presentation of a speech from Julius Caesar. Robinson was one of seven students of Ecorse Community High School teacher Dr. James Allen Jones who presented at competition semi-finals in Ann Arbor. Jones' student Stephen D. Steffan II placed fourth in the finals -- behind third-place winner Caitlin Dunlap of Onstead, MI -- with his powerful interpretation of Iago. Oberon hopes to host Dr. Allen and his students at an upcoming Oberon meeting.

Dr. James Allen Jones and Mrs. Jones at MSF Monologue Contest finals at Jackson Community College, July 31, 2010.

First-place winner Melissa Murphy was coached by Carol-Ann Black, artistic director of Big Girl Productions in Allen Park. Black's company is currently presenting Midsummer Night's Dream at 8 p.m. August 6 and 7 at the Royal Majestic Theater inside Trillium Academy, 15740 Racho Road in Taylor. Murphy also directs Shakespearean troupes of young students. Contact her at 734-771-2515 for more information.

Acting coach Carol-Ann Black
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