OBU Theatre Offers Encore of Award-Winning Play

The Oklahoma Baptist University theatre department will present a benefit production of its award-winning play, "As It Is In Heaven," on Friday, Feb. 20, at 8 p.m. in Sarkeys Theatre on the OBU campus. 

The OBU theatre department has advanced to the Regional Competition in The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. They will present "As It Is In Heaven" at the University of Texas, San Marcos, Feb. 24-28, 2009.

The OBU production of the play received state awards from the festival in October, as well as the nomination for advancement to regional competition. The cast and crew of the play received "Excellence in Directing," "Excellence in Design," and "Excellence in Ensemble."

The production, by playwright Arlene Hutton, is a historical drama set in the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Ky., in the early 19th century. The play is presented by an all-female cast and filled with traditional Shaker hymns and dance.

In addition to the production awards, three OBU theatre majors received the Irene Ryan Award for Excellence in Acting: junior Katie Tyner from Moore, Okla., junior Lacy Hutchinson from Longview, Texas, and freshman Cylie Hall from Norman, Okla. All three actresses have advanced to the Regional level in competing for the Irene Ryan Scholarship. The scholarship provides recognition, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education. For the regional competition, the nominated actors will perform a monologue and a scene apart from their nominated production at the festival.

All seats for the Feb. 20 production are $5, although additional donations will be accepted to help defray the costs of regional competition. Seats are limited. For tickets, call the OBU Box Office at 878-2347.