Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present John Millington Synge’s groundbreaking comedy “The Playboy of the Western World” on Feb. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 22 at 2:30 p.m. and again Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Verser Theatre on OBU’s campus. 

The public is invited to join OBU’s Department of Theatre Arts for a 100th anniversary performance of the Irish classic. This dark comedy tells the story of a fearful, dim-witted young farmer, Christopher Mahon, who takes refuge in a reclusive pub, only to find the local villagers awestruck by his story of having just killed his father. As he is called on to retell his story to a succession of curious neighbors, his embellishments of the tall tale become more exuberant and dramatic—eventually winning him the love of Pageen Mike, the local barmaid. But is Christopher telling the truth? Is he really the playboy he pretends to be, and if so which kind of playboy: actor, champion, imposter or one who lives for pleasure? Watch the truth be revealed with some humorous consequences along the way.

Starring in “The Playboy of the Western World” are: Michael Krikorian, a senior musical theatre major from Rockwall, Texas, as Christopher (Christy) Mahon; Trey Baldwin, a junior political science major from Forrest City, Ark., as Old Mahon; Kyle Huey, a senior musical theatre major from Grapevine, Texas, as Michael James Flaherty; Valerie Martinka, a senior theatre arts and Spanish double-major from Dallas, Texas, as Pegeen Mike; and Samantha Parrish, a junior musical theatre major from Forney, Texas, as Widow Quinn.

Other members of the cast include: Daniel Collier, a senior musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Ark., as Shawn Keogh; Jeffrey Stokes, a senior theatre arts and speech communication double-major from Gilmer, Texas, as Philly Cullen; Douglas Brady, a sophomore musical theatre major from Saginaw, Texas, as Jimmy Farrell; Katie Willhite, a sophomore theatre arts and biblical studies double-major from Rowlett, Texas, as Sara Tansey; Krysteena Koiner, a senior musical theatre major from Azle, Texas, as Susan Brady; Molly Brown, a sophomore musical theatre major from Rowlett, Texas, as Nell Brady; Jessica Flint, a freshman theatre arts major from Texarkana, Texas, as Honor Blake; and Steven Miller, a junior musical theatre major from Westminster, S.C., as Town Crier.

Appearing as Peasants are: Marci Bealer, a senior theatre arts major from Branson, Mo.; Amelia Buckmaster, a junior English major from White Hall, Ark.; Rudy Jones, a freshman chemistry major from Smackover, Ark.; Ashley Partridge, a sophomore musical theatre major from Baton Rouge, La.; and Samantha Jo Spradling, a sophomore theatre arts major from Italy, Texas.

Stage manager for the show is Haley Broadaway, a senior musical theatre major from Jonesboro, Ark. Assistant stage manager is Lynley Vire, a sophomore musical theatre major from Searcy, Ark. Directing the show is assistant professor of theatre arts Daniel Inouye.

General admission is $6. Tickets are available by phone through the Jones Performing Arts Center Box Office at (870) 245-5563 or online at www.obu.edu/finearts. All remaining tickets will be sold at the door one hour prior to the show.

by Lindsey Forga