Dec. 4, 2019

By Darcy Fargo
Editor

WATERTOWN – “It’s not a show; it’s a prayer,” said Terry Burgess, director of the Immaculate Heart Central Mystery Players.

The Mystery Players are now touring with their Advent prayer.

“It’s a more limited schedule than Lent,” said Burgess. “Between sports schedules and the potential for bad weather, we do fewer dates for Advent.”

Fourteen students, mostly seniors, participate in the program.

“They have to express interest in an essay,” he said. “As the student body has become smaller, generally everyone who expresses interest gets to participate.”

While the program is similar every year, Burgess noted the school cycles between six versions of its Lenten program and five versions of its Advent program.

“Obviously the story is the same, but there are slight differences in each different version,” he said.

Each performance, the participants switch roles.

“The roles could change every five minutes,” said Ben Hutchins, 17, of Watertown, a participant in the show. “Since this rehearsal started, I’ve had two different roles. I think changing roles is something I need so I’m not just going through the motions. I have to focus on experiencing each role.”

“If you do the same role over and over, you don’t have to think about it as much,” added McKenna Cooney, 17, of Watertown. “Because it changes all the time, we have to pray each role.”

Cooney said she’s been traveling with the Mystery Players since she was in sixth grade. Her father, Brandon Cooney, an IHC alum, handles lighting as a volunteer for the Mystery Players.

“For years, I’ve watched the groups and I’ve seen what they get out of it,” she said. “It’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else. It’s deeper than what it appears. The group grows closer because of the experience. Other classmates don’t get that.”

Hutchins also has a family connection to the group.

“My mom did it when she was in high school,” he said. “She brought me to every play since I was young. I always enjoyed watching it, and she told me how close you get with everyone. I wanted to be part of that.”
Both Cooney and Hutchins said the Advent program helps the Mystery Players bond as they prepare for the Lenten program.

“Without Advent, Lent wouldn’t be what it is,” said Hutchins.

“Advent is when we get our feet wet,” added Cooney. “Lent is when we dive in.”

While it’s the group’s formative program, Cooney also noted that the Advent program is a great way to mark the season.