Performing, artwork come naturally to Montezuma senior

MONTEZUMA — Lydia Singleton, 18, is no stranger to the stage. A senior at Montezuma High School, Singleton has acted in six school productions, including “The Fallen Star of Coconut Grove,” a murder mystery her mother, Dianne, wrote and codirected in November 2020.

The production was based on real characters in a 1930s popular Chicago nightclub.

Singleton has acted and sung in five musicals, taking the leading role in three of them. She was Princess Fiona in “Shrek the Musical, Jr.,” Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors,” and Cinderella in the latest production, “Into the Woods.”

Singleton also had parts in the MHS musical productions “Cinderella” and “Annie” while in middle school.

Singleton’s work on the stage has led her and several of her co-stars in “Shrek the Musical, Jr.,” and “Little Shop of Horrors” to be recognized at the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcases in 2022 and 2023.

Singleton received a Triple Threat honor for her role as Princess Fiona and was selected to perform a short solo from the musical in the Showcase Medley.

In June 2023, the MHS theater department was once again invited to Des Moines where it was honored in a special video shown at the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase in celebration of its receipt of an Outstanding Overall Technical and Creative Achievement Award — one of the program's highest honors.

Singleton, who received an Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role as Audrey, performed an excerpt from her award-winning role in “Little Shop of Horrors.” She also participated in the Triple Threat Award program for a second year with other advanced performing students.

Also recognized and receiving honors were Kaya Latcham, Lily Shoemaker, Camryn Brennan in “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” and Latcham and Faith Ferry in “Little Shop of Horrors.

In addition to her acting skills, Singleton is quite the artist. She enjoys both oil and watercolor painting and color pencil and charcoal drawings.

Much of her work centers around animals, birds and people.

Singleton says she has been involved in art her entire life.

“When I was little, I used to draw on the walls and always got in trouble,” she said with a chuckle. She started taking art lessons in fourth grade when she and her family lived in Cedar Rapids.

“As I got older, I got better at it,” she said.

In the summer of 2022, Singleton showcased and sold her work in the Art in the Park in Oskaloosa. This summer, she had her artwork on display and for sale at Montezuma’s “Let Freedom Ring” Celebration during the Fourth of July.

Singleton’s paintings and drawings have received lots of recognition and validation from other artists and those who enjoy artwork. She has painted several Mexican-style serving platters in Spanish class as part of a Spanish Club fundraiser held in March.

Singleton said that, in general, art can be tedious and challenging. However, there are times when everything comes together.

“When I get into the flow, I just can’t stop painting because everything is going right,” she said.

Much of Singleton’s inspiration for her artwork comes from visiting art museums and looking at other artwork.

“This summer, I went to Italy with my mom and the MHS Spanish Club, and we went to several art museums there, and that has given me inspiration for future projects,” she said.

In addition to participating in cross-country and track, Singleton is involved in speech and drama. For large group speech, Singleton has been a part of musical theater, choral reading, readers theater and one act plays.

In individual speech, Singleton has participated in musical theater and acting. “I have been selected individually to all-state five times,” she said.

As for her future plans, Singleton is thinking of attending the University of Northern Iowa for elementary education and vocal performance. She is considering a minor in art or taking part in an on-campus art club.

“It will depend on how busy I am,” Singleton said.