OBU Theatre Presents “Dreamers: A Depression-Era Musical Fairytale”

OBU Theatre is set to entertain audiences with their latest production, "Dreamers: A Depression-Era Musical Fairytale,” a new musical with book, music, and lyrics by OBU creative writing major Elena Streett.

“Dreamers” features a talented cast and crew with Stage Director John Dement and Technical Director and Music Director C. Alex Webster.

Plan now to attend this special production at the Black Box Theatre in the Sarkeys Center on April 25-27 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee showings on April 27-28 at 2:30 p.m.

Set in a rural farming community in 1930s California, “Dreamers” follows Myrtle, an independent, romantic young woman who meets a drifter named Max and makes choices that drastically change her future. Five years later, she is forced to work through her tragic past when she returns home to reconcile with her family.

This will be OBU's first original musical in the mainstage season, according to Public Relations Manager Jordyn Clinton.

“I am so excited to be working on ‘Dreamers,’” Dement said. “This is the first original work I have directed and it is so great to have the playwright, Elena Streett, on hand during music and staging rehearsals. Elena has written a gem of a show. The style and mood match the subject matter so well.”

Dement points out that this is a love story that takes place during one of the most challenging times in American history - moving from the Depression into World War II.  He said Streett’s music and dialogue strike a balance of sophistication and passion with the straightforward simplicity of the environment in which the characters live.

“For so young a writer, Elena's work pits romance against pragmatism and youthful optimism against more aged, mature desperation,” Dement said. “I am working with Alex Webster again as musical director. It is always a pleasure to see her work with the performers. She has so much energy and confidence, the students cannot help but succeed when she is coaching them.”

Dement also stressed that the ensemble for "Dreamers" is outstanding.

“In addition to our veteran theatre students, we always have new faces that bring fresh energy and talent to the stage,” he said. “’Dreamers’ has already exceeded my expectations as a director. I look forward to audiences getting to experience the show as well.”

Webster said collaborating with Streett has been a joyful and fulfilling adventure to bring this new story to life.

“’Dreamers’ is a really creative approach to the traditional love story and explores the themes from a fresh perspective,” Webster said. “The characters are messy and imperfect in the most endearing ways. Working on new musicals is my favorite niche in theatre, so this has been an exciting year and a half working on the show. I cannot wait for the OBU community to join us for ‘Dreamers.’”

Streett, the playwright, said it’s an honor to have "Dreamers: A Depression-Era Musical Fairytale" performed as part of OBU Theatre's mainstage season.

“When I began working on ‘Dreamers’ in October 2020,” Streett said, “I never imagined it could come this far. Due to COVID-19, my involvement in theatre at the time was limited, so I decided to write a musical for my own enjoyment. I was inspired by the work of Thornton Wilder, Anais Mitchell, Duncan Sheik, and the photographs of Dorothea Lange.”

Streett added, “It has been a pleasure working with John, Alex, and all the cast and crew. I would like to especially thank my family, many of whom were involved in the original workshop production and all of my writing and music teachers.”

In addition to Dement as the stage director and Webster as the music director, the production team includes Alex Wheeler, who takes on the responsibilities of stage manager, supported by Sierra Graham as an assistant stage manager, music assistant and sound board operator. Drew Rohrbach serves as an assistant stage manager, deck crew chief and scenic assistant, while Josie Watson and Amelia Staggs contribute as props assistant and Foley sound effects specialist, respectively. Aris O’Dell is involved as the electrics assistant, with Joshua McCleskey on the deck crew. The marketing efforts are spearheaded by Clinton, with Brianna Arledge assisting with costumes. Emma Wells is the literary manager, Joshua Wideman is the house manager and Elaina Davis manages the box office.

The cast includes Abby Zang, a freshman theatre major, who portrays young Myrtle Greene, while Brynne Whitaker, a junior with a major in psychology and minor in theatre, steps into the role of Myrtle Greene. Cole Green and Madeline Carlson, both freshmen studying business management and biblical studies, respectively, bring to life the characters of Max and Diana Greene. Jubal Nelson, a junior computer science major with a minor in music composition, is cast as Frank Campbell, and Sally Greene is portrayed by Clinton, a junior theatre major and psychology minor.

The cast also includes Zackary Dickens as Mr. Greene, Caden Williams, a freshman worship studies major, as Mr. Campbell, Watson, a freshman theatre major as female swing and Joshua McClesky, a sophomore theatre major, as male swing.

Tickets for the performance are priced at $12 for adults and $5 for students/children and can be purchased online. The production runs around two hours with a 10-minute intermission and is most appreciated by ages 13 and up.