Ouachita Stories

The Department of Theatre Arts in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Performing Arts will present Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” from Sunday-Monday, Nov. 16-17 in McBeth Recital Hall. Performances will include a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday and a 7:30 p.m. showing on Monday. 

Written in 1791, “The Magic Flute” follows Prince Tamino and his companion, Papageno, on their adventure to rescue the Queen of the Night’s daughter, Pamina. This enchanted opera is an engaging tale filled with humor, courage, hope and love.

“It’s a timeless story showing that truth and goodness will always prevail over deception and fear,” said Jed Kim, assistant professor of music. “It reminds me of Ecclesiastes 2, inviting us to reflect on what it truly means to live wisely, know rightly and find genuine happiness.”

Valerie Barnthson, a sophomore music performance major from Bridgeport, Texas, plays the role of Pamina. “I have absolutely loved working with Dr. Kim and all of the cast,” said Barnthson. “Getting to not only listen to Mozart’s music but also perform it has been such a joy.”

“‘The Magic Flute’ is a story that people of all ages can enjoy,” said Kim. “If our performance helps even one person smile, reflect or feel uplifted, that would be my greatest joy and gratitude.”

Tickets are $10-12 and can be purchased at obu.edu/boxoffice or on weekdays from 1-5 p.m. at the Ouachita Box Office in JPAC. Ouachita students may receive one free ticket with their university ID. For more information, contact the box office at 870-245-5555.

Cast: 

• Valerie Barnthson, a sophomore music performance major from Bridgeport, Texas, as Pamina
• Jayden Gumm, a senior music and computer science double major from Fayetteville, Arkansas, as Tamino
• David Granger, a junior Christian studies/biblical studies & theology major from Rockwall, Texas, as Papageno
• Katie Miller, a junior musical theatre major from The Woodlands, Texas, as Papagena
• Karlie Johnson, a senior music education major from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as Queen of the Night
• Kade Loomis, a sophomore musical theatre major from Nagoya, Japan, as Sarastro
• Cooper Armstrong, a sophomore musical theatre and education double major from McGregor, Texas, as Monostatos
• Ben Curlin, a freshman music performance and accounting double major from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as Monostatos’ Attendant
• Jennie Higdon, a senior musical theatre major from Washington, Oklahoma, as First Lady
• Kate Kelley, a junior music education major from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, as Second Lady
• Cara Cannon, a senior music performance and community & family services double major from McCrory, Arkansas, as Third Lady
• Angela Hibbard, a senior music major from Crossett, Arkansas, as First Spirit
• Eden Van Orman, a sophomore music education major from Jacksonville, Arkansas, as Second Spirit
• Renee Austell, a sophomore worship studies and English double major from Rockwall, Texas as Third Spirit
• Chandler Brinson, a junior elementary education major from Centerton, Arkansas, as First Priest
• Caleb Conrady, a senior music industry major from Little Rock, Arkansas, as Second Priest 

• Tags:
• Academics
• Division of Music
• School of Performing Arts
• Theatre Arts