Seniors Mary Alice Perkins and Lizzie Cartwright are finishing what they started.

The dynamic duo co-wrote Ursuline's spring play "Hysteria," which debuts Thursday, April 26.

The play, which they started writing last year, explores mental illness in the Victorian era. Junior Emma Hooper plays Edith, who is mute. Other characters in the play are voices in her head.

The play's inspiration came from Dr. Megan Griffin's sophomore-level English Class where they learned about Jane Eyre and the Victorian era. "Yellow Wallpaper," a short story about a woman with postpartum depression, was also an inspiration.

"In that era, the misdiagnosing or misunderstanding of illnesses made things worse, especially for women," said Perkins, who also is the play's director.

Cartwright, who has been stage managing Ursuline productions since her freshman year, makes her acting debut as Hope.

"This is a really good ending to our extensive Ursuline career in Performing Arts," Cartwright said. "We're excited for everyone to see it."

Mary Alice's favorite role at Ursuline? Playing Thisbe in Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream" her sophomore year.

"It's the only real comedic role I've had here, and comedy is my jam," she said. "I really love comedy."

Every student in Ursuline's Advanced Theatre Class is involved in the spring play, including staging, set, and costuming responsibilities. The entire audience will be seated on the UCPA stage during the special performances.

Your "Hysteria" Cast:

Edith: Emma Hooper

Jam: Wilson Rasco

Doctor Terrance: Marco Orendain

Depression: Marrisa Ovenshire

Realist: Veronica Yung

Hope: Lizzie Cartwright

Confidence: Elizabeth Brannon

Anxiety: Kiera Mullany

Stage Manager: Mallory Rasco

Adult tickets are $10, and student tickets are $5. Purchase online. Tickets are limited to 50 seats per performance.

Performance dates:

Thursday, April 26, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 27, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 28, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.