Evangel University presents “Rising Stars”

October 23, 2007
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, (417) 865-2815 ext. 7292

Springfield, Mo. — Evangel University theatre students will present “Rising Stars,” a showcase featuring new performers, in the Barnett Fine Arts Theatre Oct. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and donations will be accepted for admittance.

The students will perform scenes from six different plays.

“The Importance of Being Earnest,” written by Oscar Wilde, is about two women who think they are engaged to the same man. The scene ends in jealously and confusion, as the women still seek the truth.

Lauren Flake, freshman theatre and speech education major from Shreveport, La., and Kalene Baker, freshman English major from Bloomington, Minn., are the actors.

“Much Ado About Nothing,” written by William Shakespeare, is about Beatrice’s female cousin, Hero, allegedly being accused of committing adultery on her wedding day. Beatrice convinces her lover, Benedict, to avenge her cousin’s honor by seeking revenge.

Actors are Alexa “Lexie” Brown, freshman theatre and speech education major from Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Jonathan Hatter, freshman journalism major from Quicksburg, Va.

“The Rainmaker,” written by Richard Nash, is about a stranger who comes into a family’s life to help bring rain to their farm during drought. The stranger will instill lessons to the entire family that faith issues relate to more then the weather.

This scene will be performed by Arwen Olena, freshman biology major from Springfield, Mo., and Matthew Murphy, sophomore psychology major from Springfield, Mo.

“Barefoot in the Park,” written by Neil Simon, is about a young newlywed couple that is splitting up. The mother of the young woman is in the beginning of a new relationship and encourages her daughter to work things out with her new husband.  We don’t see how they work it out, but we can enjoy what they go through. 

The cast includes Rachel Kozinski, freshman music education major from Mt. Vernon, Ind.; Salvatore “Sal” Marchione, sophomore theatre and speech education major from Union, N.J.; and Crystal Umberger, sophomore English major from Akron, Ohio.

 “The Diary of Ann Frank,” written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, is acted by Dan Burger, freshman art major from Winchester, Va., and Jessica Menzies, sophomore English and biblical studies major from Springfield, Mo. In this scene, Anne and Peter, once childhood enemies, come to the realization that they have strong feelings for each other.

“Star Spangled Girl,” written by Neil Simon, is set in the 1960s where two best friends have feelings for the same woman. Both men try to sort through their feelings, as well as try and save their underground newspaper.

Lexie Brown and Timothy Flick, freshman electronic media major from Boonville, Mo., make up the cast.

Directors are theatre professor David Smith and 2007 alumnus Allan Ansell.

For additional information, contact Elaine Tate at (417) 865-2815 ext. 8640 or Erik Kiser at ext. 7167.