Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Theatre Arts will present its fall children’s musical, James and The Giant Peach, Sept. 23-28 in Verser Theatre on the Ouachita campus. Show times are 8 p.m. on Sept. 23, 7 p.m. on Sept. 24-26 and Sept. 28 and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Based on the book by Roald Dahl, this newly adapted play follows protagonist James Henry Trotter, who, after his parents are killed by an escaped rhinoceros, is forced to live with his two cruel aunts. One summer afternoon, James stumbles across a strange old man who gives him the recipe for happiness and great adventures. Words and music for the stage production are by Bej Pasek and Justin Paul, and book is by Timothy Allen McDonald.

“This show is a culmination of musical wit and humor that is perfect for all ages and people,” said Kyle Osmon, a senior musical theatre major from Rogers, Ark. Osmon serves as stage manager and assistant director for the show. He added that the production “is an incredible show that balances pure imagination and spectacle right before your eyes.”

Director Scott Holsclaw, professor of theatre arts, said he “is excited about the opportunity to bring this musical to Ouachita because the musical version has just recently been released.”

Holsclaw added that the cast and crew “have worked so hard over the past few weeks for this musical. The amount of time we have had to get everything together was quicker than most productions that the theatre department will produce this year.”

Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased from the JPAC Box Office weekdays from 1-5 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased online at www.obu.edu/boxoffice. Current Ouachita students may receive one free ticket upon presentation of their student ID at the box office. For more information, call the box office at (870) 245-5555 during business hours.

 

By Emily Grigsby



Principal cast members include:

• Drew Hampton, assistant professor of theatre arts, as Ladahlord


• Esther Atkinson, a sophomore musical theatre major from Rogers, Ark., as Spiker


• Mattie Bogoslavsky, a senior musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Ark., as Sponge


• Kenzie Osborn, a freshman musical theatre major from Heath, Texas, as Spider


• Michael Pere, a sophomore musical theatre major from Roland, Ark., as Earthworm


• Garrett Sayers, a senior musical theatre major from Greenwood, Ark., as Grasshopper


• Kendrick Scorza, a senior musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Ark., as Centipede


• Hailey Weiner, a junior musical theatre major from Maumelle, Ark., as James


• Nat Williams, a senior theatre arts and music major from Little Rock, Ark., as Ladybug

Additional members of the acting company include:

• Vanja Bogetic, a junior musical theatre major from Arkadelphia, Ark.


• Hunter Brown, a musical theatre major from Central City, Ark.


• Micah Brooks, a freshman musical theatre major from Rockwall, Texas


• Tara Clem, a senior musical theatre major from Texarkana, Texas


• Hannah Fender, a sophomore musical theatre major from Maumelle, Ark.


• Stacy Hawking, a senior musical theatre major from Sherwood, Ark.


• Jacob Hemsath, a sophomore musical theatre major from Wylie, Texas


• Zach Myers, a freshman musical theatre major from Barling, Ark.


• Philip Robinson, a freshman musical theatre major from Lewisville, Texas


• Bret Sanders, a junior musical theatre major from Jonesboro, Ark.


• Scotty Scott, a freshman musical theatre major from Russellville, Ark.


• Lauren Terry, a freshman musical theatre major from Evansville, Ind.

Additional lead members of the crew include:

• Assistant Stage Manager – Kacy Earnest, a sophomore theatre arts and English major from El Dorado, Ark.


• Music Director – John Alec Briggs, adjunct instructor of music


• Costume, Makeup and Hair Designer – Christina Johnson, visiting assistant professor of theatre arts


• Costume Crew Head – Hunter Brown, a senior musical theatre major from Central City, Ark.


• Props Designer/Crew Head – Mattie Alexander, a sophomore theatre arts major from Midwest City, Okla.


• Scenery Designer & Technical Director – Eric Phillips, professor of theatre arts


• Build Crew Head – Marshall Pope, theatre shop technical director


• Light Board Operator/Crew Head – Tyler Lewis, a senior theatre arts major from Magnolia, Ark.


• House Manager – Walter Dodd, a senior theatre arts major from Little Rock, Ark.


• Poster and Program Design – Adam Wheat, fine arts administrator