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Evangel University theatre presents Our Town

Published on Oct 24, 2018 by Evangel University News

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Evangel University Humanities Department will present Thornton Wilder’s play, Our Town, Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 1-3, at 7:30 p.m. in The Barnett Theatre.

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Erin Payne, a junior music-theatre major, plays Emily Webb; and David Farmer, a sophomore double major in theatre and pre-veterinarian, plays George Gibbs. // PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

The play is under the direction of Dr. Vickie Wisdom, associate professor of theatre.

“We are anticipating sold-out crowds for each show as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of this seminal, Pulitzer Prize-winning play,” said Wisdom.

Reserve-seat tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for all students. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 417-865-2815, ext. 8640.

The Barnett Fine Arts Center is just south of the Spence Chapel, facing North Glenstone Ave.

Synopsis

“Wilder insisted that his work be produced with a minimal set and allow the audience to follow the story through pantomime, limited set pieces, and the constant presence of the ‘stage manager’ who functions as the narrator throughout the play,” said Wisdom.

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Adam Gillen, a junior theatre major, plays Stage Manager and narrates through the entire production of Thornton Wilder’s, Our Town. // PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Act I invites the audience to enter into Grover’s Corners, located in New Hampshire at the turn of the 20th century, and meet the residents of this quaint town. This first act focuses on life and the relationships individuals build throughout their time in Grover’s Corners.

Act II reminds us of romantic love and how God intended for most to live “two by two.”

In Act III, we are faced with the reality that death is inevitable and as we move from life to death, there is an eternal component that is evident in scriptures and in our understanding of the afterlife.

The Cook Fund — Theatre at Evangel

Since 2010, major productions of Evangel’s Theatre Program have been generously underwritten in part by the Gary D. & Janet S. Cook Theatre Production Fund, which was established as a seed fund by the Cooks to support the technical and visual aspects of the stage environment. Dr. Gary Cook graduated from Evangel with a speech-and-drama major in 1961, and he established the Fund in honor of his wife.

Thanks to their support, Evangel has been able to produce major productions in recent years ranging from Hello, Dolly! (Spring 2011) and The Music Man (Spring 2017) to classic plays such as King Lear (Spring 2012) and The Crucible (Spring 2016).

The theatre major at Evangel provides instruction in theatre history, literary appreciation, dramatic interpretation and performance skills. Theatre majors complete 36-38 credits, with practical experiences in acting, directing, set design and costume design. The program recently added musical theatre to the mix, so opportunities exist for students with a wide range of theatrical interests.

For more information on the theatre program at Evangel University, email Dr. Vickie Wisdom at wisdomv@evangel.edu

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WRITTEN BY: Bri Maybon & PKL

our town poster
(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

SIDEBAR: Cast & Crew

Our Town CAST (Listed in order of appearance)

  • Stage Manager – Adam Gillen
  • Gibbs – Vincent Bushong
  • Joe Crowell – Nathaniel Parrales
  • Howie Newsome – Josiah Love
  • Gibbs – Alexa Reid
  • Webb – Hannah Sowers
  • George Gibbs – David Farmer
  • Rebecca Gibba – Abbigail Vaughan
  • Wally Webb – Chandler Grey
  • Emily Webb – Erin Payne
  • Professor Willard – Jon Spence
  • Webb – Jack Groves
  • Woman in the Balcony/Woman-Dead 1- Nina Hrabel
  • Man in the Auditorium/Man-Dead 1 – Dylan Durham
  • Lady in the Box – Elise Nelson
  • Simon Stimson – Cole Stoecker
  • Soames – Lisa Earlenbaugh
  • Constable Warren – Darrick Clark
  • Si Crowell – Jacob Richmond
  • Baseball Players – Chandler, Dylan, and Jacob
  • Sam Craig – Austin Dunaway
  • Joe Stoddard – Caleb Gravot
  • Woman Among the Dead #2 – Saylor Jones
  • Woman Among the Dead #3 – Amanda Orr
  • Farmer McCarty – Jon Spence

People of the Town/Church Choir

  • Darrick Clark
  • Shantell Gamlen
  • Nina Hrabel
  • Josiah Love
  • Amanda Orr
  • Austin Dunaway
  • Sarah Peacock
  • Summer Raderschadt
  • Janae Rapp

Our Town CREW

  • Hannah Bagley
  • Savannah Biniakewitz
  • Lauren Cordner
  • Maggie Crider
  • Elaine Hines
  • Ellen Hodgerney
  • Kaytin Stevens
  • Juliana Vitosh

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