Ouachita Opera Theatre to present opera “The Old Maid and the Thief” Nov. 1-4
October 26, 2018
- Meagan WoodardOuachita Baptist University Opera Theatre will present Gian Carlo Menotti’s radio
opera The Old Maid and the Thief Nov. 1-4. Shows will run Thursday, Nov. 1, through Saturday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m.
with a matinee performance on Sunday, Nov.4, at 2:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts
Center.
This one act, comic radio opera—which was adapted for the stage following its successful
radio premiere in 1939—tells the story of a spinster, Miss Todd, and her maid, Laetitia,
who welcome an attractive beggar into their home. The story unfolds as the women’s
gossip, lies and secrets lead to keeping the beggar around, even if it means breaking
the law.
“Come prepared to laugh!” said John Alec Briggs, lecturer of music and co-director
of the opera. “Opera is so often thought of as being very serious, but this show is
full of laughter and hijinks.”
The Old Maid and the Thief is comprised of only four character roles, so the roles are double and triple cast
to give more students the opportunity to perform. With the different ensembles, Briggs
said every show is sure to be unlike the one before it.
“Each character in the show has their own endearing qualities,” Briggs said. “Watching
their interactions on stage and how they deal with the situations they find themselves
in reveals much about what drives each character.”
The cast is composed of students majoring in musical theatre and vocal music performance.
The cast is also accompanied by an orchestra of instrumental music majors. “There
wouldn’t be a show without our orchestra,” Briggs said.
Tickets for The Old Maid and the Thief are $12 each and can be purchased online at www.obu.edu/boxoffice or from the Ouachita Box Office weekdays from 1-5 p.m. For more information, contact
the box office during business hours at (870) 245-5555.
By Meagan Woodard
October 26, 2018
Cast and Crew:
Miss Todd
Hannah Anderson, a sophomore musical theatre major from Austin, Texas
Lexi Reimer, a sophomore music education major from Wylie, Texas
Laetitia
Jessie Brunson, a senior performance vocal performance major from Rockwall, Texas
Lizzy Griffin, a senior musical theatre major from Pittsburg, Texas
Joy Biebighauser, a senior worship arts major from Grapevine, Texas
Miss Pinkerton
Hannah Saunders, a senior musical theatre major from St. Paul, Ark.
Melodie DuBose, a sophomore musical theatre major from Minden, La.
Bonnie Gentry, a junior musical theatre major from Arlington, Texas
Bob
Micah Brooks, a senior musical theatre major from Rockwall, Texas
Logan Dooley, a sophomore musical theatre major from Allen, Texas
Understudies
Karen Fernandez, a freshman vocal performance major from San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Katie Kuss, a freshman vocal performance major from Monument, Colo.
Jackie Zwirn, a senior vocal performance major from Nash, Texas
Music Director: Dr. Gary Gerber, dean of Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts
Stage Director: Dr. Susan Manns, guest artist
Scenic Designer: John Alec Briggs, lecturer in music
Lighting Designer: Stephen Vaughn, a senior theatre arts major from Hot Springs, Ark.
Rehearsal Pianist: Susan Monroe, staff accompanist
Stage Manager: Amy Lytle, a senior music and theatre arts major from Plano, Texas
Assistant Stage Manager: Jackie Zwirn, a senior vocal performance major from Nash, Texas
Props Manager: Aryana Gardner, a sophomore vocal performance major from Conway, Ark.
Costume Designer: Hannah Anderson, a sophomore musical theatre major from Austin, Texas
Hair/Makeup Designer: Lizzy Griffin, a senior musical theatre major from Pittsburg, Texas
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