Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will present Jessica Smith and Blaine Surber in their senior musical theatre recitals March 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Smith, a native of Van Buren, Ark., has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and has served as prayer chair for Chi Rho Phi social club and chaplain of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society. She has been a member of Ouachita’s Women’s Chorus and Concert Choir.

“Getting to prepare a senior recital is surreal. It has made me realize not only how far I've come but also how close it is to a new chapter of life,” Smith said. “It has been hard work but also so much fun, and it will definitely be something I'll always remember!”

Surber, a native of Sulphur Springs, Texas, also has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and is a member of Concert Choir. He is a member of Kappa Chi men’s social club, where he has served as historian, and is a beau for EEE women’s social club. Surber is also a member of the Welcome to Ouachita’s World new student orientation leadership team and is a section editor for the Ouachitonian yearbook and historian for Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society.

Smith’s portion of the performance includes: Tom Kitt’s “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” from Next to Normal, a scene from Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar, Irving Berlin’s “Sisters” from White Christmas, a scene from William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, Cole Porter’s “I Hate Men” from Kiss Me Kate and Stephen Sondheim’s “The Ladies Who Lunch” from Company.

Surber’s portion of the performance includes: Marc Shaiman’s “It’s Hairspray” from Hairspray; “Enjoy the Trip” from Bring It On! The Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Kitt and Amanda Green; a scene from David Auburn’s Proof; Frederik Loewe’s “On the Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady; a scene from William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing; and Andrew Lippa’s “Daffodils” from Big Fish.

Smith and Surber will be accompanied on the piano by John Alec Briggs and Kristen LaMadrid, staff pianists.

For more information, contact OBU’s School of Fine Arts at (870) 245-5129.

 

By Chelsea Whelpley