Ouachita Stories

The Ouachita Baptist University Department of Theatre Arts will present the fall play The Learned Ladies on Nov. 3-5 and 7-8 at 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, in Ouachita's Verser Theatre.

The French comedy, written by Molière, is a satire on academic pretention, female education and precociousness. Written in the late 17^th century, The Learned Ladies originally was written in French and later translated into English. The OBU production will feature a translation by Richard Wilbur. The play follows the story of two young lovers who must overcome the conflicting views of the young girl’s parents in order to be married.

Director Drew Hampton, assistant professor of theatre arts, said, “My main goal for the acting in this production is to balance being believable and entertaining.”

Hampton affirmed how exciting it was to experiment with the material of the play. “There have been several sections of the play where, because of the cast we have, I have been very trusting to say, ‘At this moment you decide what you want it to be,’” Hampton said. “There has been no shortage of laughter during any of our rehearsals.”

For many Ouachita theatre students, this genre of play is a new experience. “This is the first comedy of manners I've ever done,” said Anna Valdez, a junior musical theatre major from Terrell, Texas. “The nature of the play encourages me to make bigger, more comedic choices and edge away from my normal sense of realism.” Valdez is playing the role of Henriette, the female love interest.

“I don’t think I’ve ever studied the text of a show as much as I have with this one,” said Michael Perè, a junior musical theatre major from Roland, Ark. Perè is playing the role of Clitandre, the male love interest.   “I’ve spent a lot of time not just memorizing the lines, but focusing on the pattern of stressed syllables, looking up words that I don’t understand and pinpointing exactly what my character is doing.”

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 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 Mattie Alexander

October 20, 2016



Cast:

• Tyler Lewis, a senior theatre arts major from Magnolia, Ark., as Chrysale.


• Lauren Roberts, a freshman theatre arts major from Dardanelle, Ark., as Philaminte.


• Anna Joie Valdez, a junior musical theatre major from Terrell, Texas, as Henriette.


• Lizzy Griffin, a junior musical theatre major from Pittsburg, Texas, as Armande.


• Kayla Walker, a senior musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Ark., as Belise.


• Jesse Bowron, a senior theatre arts major from Grandview, Texas, as Ariste.


• Michael Perè, a junior musical theatre major from Roland, Ark., as Clitandre.


• Benjamin Mills, a freshman musical theatre major from Benton Ark., as Trissotin.


• David Hudson, a freshman theatre arts major from Little Rock, Ark., as Vadius.


• Bret Sanders, a senior musical theatre major from Jonesboro, Ark., as Martine.


• Hannah Fender, a senior musical theatre major from Maumelle, Ark., as Lepine.


• Graham Garrison, a freshman theatre arts major from Rowlett, Texas, as Julien.


• Dylan Blackwood, a freshman musical theatre major from Walnut Ridge, Ark., as the notary.

Crew:

• Director and Sound Designer – Drew Hampton, assistant professor of theatre arts.


• Stage Manager – Dallas Sleeman, a senior theatre arts major from Kentwood, Mich.


• Assistant Stage Manager – Michaela Finley, a sophomore musical theatre major from Cedarville, Ark.


• Costumes Designer and Makeup/Hair Designer – Christina Johnson, assistant professor of theatre arts.


• Assistant Costumes Designer – Lauren Terry, a sophomore musical theatre major from Evansville, Ind.


• Costumes Crew Head – Mackenzie Holtzclaw, a junior musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Ark.


• Makeup/Hair Crew Head – Meagan Woodard, a sophomore mass communications and theatre arts major from Alvarado, Ark.


• Props Crew Head – Olivia Witcher, a sophomore theatre arts and Spanish major from Little Rock, Ark.


• Scenic Designer and Technical Director – Eric Phillips, professor of theatre arts.


• Scene Construction Crew Head – Marshall Pope, theatre shop technical director.


• Light Designer – Eric Phillips, professor of theatre arts.


• Light Board Operator and Lobby Display Crew Head – Scotty Scott, a sophomore musical theatre major from Russellville, Ark.


• Sound Board Operator – Nadalie Gill, a junior mass communications and theatre arts major from Price, Texas.


• Publicity Crew Head/House Manager – Jess Elliff, a sophomore musical theatre major from Maumelle, Ark.


• Poster and Program Design – Adam Wheat, box office manager.