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Ouachita and Henderson collaborate to perform "To Kill a Mockingbird" Sept. 29-Oct. 10

September 19, 2016 - Mattie Alexander

The Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University theatre programs are partnering to produce and perform To Kill a Mockingbird. The play is adapted by Christopher Sergel from the classic novel by Harper Lee. The show will be performed Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 2 at 2:30 p.m. in OBU’s Verser Theatre and Oct. 6-8 and Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in HSU’s Arkansas Hall Studio Theatre.

The two universities have combined both performing and technical resources to produce the gripping story of a young girl, Scout, and her brother, Jem, in Maycomb, Ala., who witness their father, Atticus, deal with racial prejudices. The siblings learn about social injustice through their father and experience the cruelty and kindness of the world for themselves.

“As an OBU student, working with the HSU theatre department has been such a special experience,” said Emma Pitts, a freshman musical theatre major from Clarksville, Ark. Pitts portrays Scout Finch in the play. “We all come from different theatre backgrounds and we can all learn something from each other. I love getting to spend time with this cast and become closer with each and every one of them through this joint production.”

“I’m excited about bringing the story to life,” said the show’s director, Dr. Claudia Beach, HSU director of theatre. “It is a story that has meant so much to me since I was a wee one. It is an important message for where we are today in the world. I am excited for seeing the story come to life and sharing it with an audience.”

“Theatre as a profession is about working well with teams making good connections wherever you go,” said Eric Phillips, chair of OBU’s Department of Theatre Arts and scenic designer for the show. “This collaboration allows students to start that process close to home with students and faculty that are close to their experience but that might have some different approaches to their craft.

“Theatre also is a community event, and coming to see this play will give people a chance to see the strong work of our joined students and faculty in a thoughtful evening of their peers telling a good story and asking some important questions about who we are as humans,” Phillips noted.

Tickets are $10 each. For the OBU performances, tickets may be purchased at www.obu.edu/boxoffice or through the Jones Performing Arts Center Box Office weekdays from 1-5 p.m. For the HSU performances, tickets can be purchased at the Arkansas Hall Box Office weekdays from 1-4 p.m. HSU reservations may be made by calling (870) 230-5037 or by emailing [email protected].

Current Ouachita and Henderson students may receive one ticket upon presentation of their student ID at the box office at either venue. For more information, call the OBU Box Office at (870) 245-5555 or the HSU Box Office at (870) 230-5291 during business hours.

By Mattie Alexander

September 19, 2016

Cast members include:

Emma Pitts, a freshman OBU musical theatre major from Clarksville, Ark., as Scout Finch

Graham Garrison, a freshman OBU theatre arts and education major from Rowlett Texas, as Jem Finch

Koty Mansfield, a senior HSU theatre major from Benton, Ark., as Atticus Finch

Sharayah Wallace, a freshman OBU musical theatre major from Bryant Ark., as Calpurnia

Jacey Russell, a junior HSU theatre major from Morrilton, Ark., as Maudie Atkinson

Meagan Woodard, a freshman OBU mass communications and theatre major from Alvarado, Texas, as Stephanie Crawford

Magee-Lee Preston, a sophomore HSU theatre major from The Colony, Texas, as Mrs. Dubose

Kyle Chassells, a freshman HSU theatre major from Morrilton, Ark., as Arthur “Boo” Radley

Blake Abbott, a sophomore HSU theatre major from Malvern, Ark., as Nathan Radley/Clerk

Anthony McBride, a senior HSU theatre major from Benton, Ark., as Charles Baker “Dill” Harris

Joseph Kalinowski, a sophomore HSU theatre major from Searcy, Ark., as Heck Tate

Bryant Curtis, a junior HSU theatre major from Broken Bow, Okla., as Judge Taylor

Jawuan Litzsey, a freshman HSU nursing major from Jacksonville, Ark., as Reverend Sykes

Mackenzie Holtzclaw, a junior OBU musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Ark., as Mayella Ewell

Damien Freeman, a senior HSU theatre major from Sheridan, Ark., as Bob Ewell

Colin Perry, a junior HSU theatre major from Texarkana, Texas, as Walter Cunningham

Scotty Scott, a sophomore OBU musical theatre major from Russellville, Ark., as Mr. Gilmer

Philip Robinson, a sophomore OBU musical theatre major from Lewisville, Texas, as Tom Robinson

Cedar Valdez, a freshman OBU musical theatre major from Rogers, Ark., as Link Deas

Townspeople/Ensemble cast include:

CJ Bernard, a senior HSU theatre major from Malvern, Ark.

Aaron Charles, a senior HSU communication major from Gurdon, Ark.

Madison Moore, a junior HSU theatre major from Benton, Ark.

Savannah Reynolds, a junior HSU theatre major from Monticello, Ark.

Jhonika Wright, a sophomore OBU musical theatre major from Arkadelphia, Ark.

Members of the crew include:

Director and Sound Designer: Dr. Claudia Beach, HSU director of theatre

Stage Manager: Brittany Carter, a senior HSU theatre major from Sheridan, Ark.

Assistant Stage Manager: Nadalie Gill, a junior OBU mass communications and theatre major from Price, Texas

Scenic Designer: Eric Phillips, OBU professor of theatre arts

Associate Technical Director: Douglas Gilpin, HSU professor of theatre

Lighting Designer: Jennings Johnson, a junior HSU theatre major from Searcy, Ark.

Costume & Makeup Designers: William Henshaw, HSU professor of theatre, and Christina Johnson, OBU assistant professor of theatre arts

Light Operation: Nicolas Bius, a junior HSU theatre major from Benton, Ark.

Sound Operation: Courtney Palsa, a sophomore HSU theatre major from Searcy, Ark.

Props/Set: Andrew Martin, a junior OBU theatre major from Hot Springs Village, Ark., and Georgeann Burbank: a senior HSU theatre major from Benton, Ark.