Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Theatre Arts will open its fall children’s production, “Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Verser Theatre. Performances will continue September 18-19 and 21-22 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2:30 p.m.

With limited seating due to COVID-19, the show is open to Ouachita students, faculty and staff to attend in person, and the public may purchase tickets to view the show live online. In-person and streaming tickets can be purchased at obu.edu/boxoffice.

This one act edition of “Puffs” is a family-friendly story for “POTTERphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world,” said the New York Times. “‘Puffs’ exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!”

“‘Puffs’ is a hilarious show about magic, failure, friendships and loyalty,” said Isabella Owen, a sophomore musical theatre major from Jonesboro, Ark., who plays Sally Perks. “Despite the extra challenges brought on by COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, the cast and crew are determined to bring live theatre back to campus (in a safe way, of course)!”

For Abby Burlison, a freshman musical theatre major from Beebe, Ark., “Puffs” will be her first production at Ouachita.

“Being cast as an understudy during the fall semester of my freshman year was such an honor!” Burlison said. “‘Puffs’ has taught me that love really is the greatest magic there is.”

“Puffs” is directed by Stephanie Murry, assistant professor of theatre arts. Eric Phillips, professor of theatre arts, serves as director of light and scenic design; and Kelsey Looney, visiting assistant professor of theatre arts, serves as costume designer.

Student directors include Abi Anderson, a senior theatre education major from Mesquite, Texas, as stage manager; Hannah Anderson, a senior musical theatre major from Austin, Texas, as assistant stage manager; and Sarah Franklin, a sophomore musical theatre major from Grand Cane, La., as assistant stage manager. Autumn Romines, a senior musical theatre major from Cabot, Ark., is the hair and makeup designer and crew head.

The public may purchase tickets to view the show live online for $8 per device for an individual or $25 per device for a family of up to four. Ouachita students, faculty and staff may attend performances in person and receive one free ticket with their Ouachita IDs. All tickets can be purchased at obu.edu/boxoffice. Current students may reserve one free ticket with proof of Student ID online or at the box office, which is open weekdays from 1-5 p.m. For more information, call the box office at (870) 245-5555 from 1-5 p.m. weekdays.

Cast:

Emma Lawyer, a senior musical theatre major from Wynne, Ark., as the Narrator

Payton Hickman, a junior musical theatre major from Siloam Springs, Ark., as Wayne Hopkins

Sammy Campione, a junior musical theatre major from Waxahachie, Texas, as Oliver Rivers

Ashlynn Lockhart, a junior musical theatre major from Eureka Springs, Ark., as Meagan Jones

Kinder Hinrichs, a freshman theatre arts major from Harrison, Ark., as Ernie Mac

Julia Letcher, a sophomore musical theatre major from Plano, Texas, as Hannah Xavia

Logan Dooley, a senior musical theatre major from Texarkana, Texas, as J. Finch Fletchley and Zach Smith

Kinsey Potts, a junior musical theatre major from Wylie, Texas, as Leanne and Jenny/Helga/Frenchy

Isabella Owen, a sophomore musical theatre major from Jonesboro, Ark., as Sally Perks/Bippy

Madeline Martin, a senior musical theatre major from Sheridan, Ark., as Susie Bones/Harry/Myrtle

Mavric Herrera, a freshman musical theatre major from Wylie, Texas, as Cedric and Mr. Voldy

Erin Bagley, a sophomore musical theatre major from White Oak, Texas, as Ensemble

Eli Butler, a freshman musical theatre major from Greenwood, Ark., as Male Swing

Understudies:

Abby Burlison, a freshman musical theatre major from Beebe, Ark., as understudy for the Narrator

Chaney Campbell, a sophomore musical theatre major from Rogers, Ark., as understudy for Hannah Xavia and Ensemble

Sarah Kate Cole, a sophomore musical theatre major from Fort Smith, Ark., as understudy for Meagan Jones

Hannah Gothard, a senior musical theatre major from Cleveland, Texas, as understudy for Leanne and Jenny/Helga/Frenchy and Ensemble

Hayley Johnson, a sophomore musical theatre major from Hot Springs, Ark., as understudy for Ensemble

Ray Medina, a junior musical theatre major from Shreveport, La., as understudy for Susie Bones/Harry/Myrtle

Shelby Tripcony, a freshman musical theatre major from Little Rock, Ark., as understudy for Sally Perks/Bippy

Grace Woodward, a freshman musical theatre major from Plano, Texas,as understudy for Ensemble

Costume/makeup/design crew:

Brittney Bedlington, a sophomore theatre arts major from Bedford, Texas, as costume crew

Mikenzie Blase, a sophomore theatre arts major from Texarkana, Texas, as costume crew

Bailey Ellison, a junior theatre arts major from Walnut Ridge, Ark., as costume crew head

Paige Price, a senior musical theatre major from Plano, Texas, as costume crew and lobby display

Lighting, sound and video crew:

Wyatt Ashlock, a sophomore theatre arts major from Royse City, Texas, as livestream camera operator

Brynlee Beams, a freshman theatre arts major from Cabot, Ark., as light crew head and board operator

Sierra Hoss, a freshman musical theatre major from Fouke, Ark., as lighting crew

Amy Jackson, a senior theatre arts major from Cypress, Texas, as assistant sound designer

Ray Medina, a junior musical theatre major from Shreveport, La., as lighting crew

Matigan Snook, a junior theatre arts major from Cedar Hill, Texas, as assistant light designer

Hannah Webber, a junior public history major from Longview, Texas, as sound crew head and board operator

Scenery and house crew:

Brynlee Beams, a freshman theatre arts major from Cabot, Ark., as scenery build crew

Carlin Campbell, a senior musical theatre major from Rose Hill, Kan., as publicity, lobby display and scenery build crews

LilyKay Feimster, a sophomore theatre arts major from Atlanta, Texas, as properties crew head and scenery build crew

Nathan Frick, a senior theatre arts major from West Monroe, La., as publicity crew head

Payton Mixon, a sophomore musical theatre major from New Caney, Texas, lobby design

Bailey Redden, a senior communications & media/film studies major from Benton, Ark., as properties crew

Kristi Roshto, a senior English major from Alexandria, La., as house manager

Makenna Schaeffer, a junior musical theatre major from Texarkana, Ark., as lobby display and makeup crew

Matigan Snook, a junior theatre arts major from Cedar Hill, Texas, as properties and scenery build crew

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• School of Fine Arts
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