New Season Debuts for Theatre

"Celebrating the Centennial, Continuing the Excellence" is this year's theme for the OBU Theatre Department, with a production line-up proving OBU Theatre is continuing its long history of excellence in performing arts.

The season started Sept. 2 with a production of "Yours, Isabel," which starred OBU alum Christy Hall, who is a professional actor and playwright, and her husband, actor Matt Lutz. Hall and Lutz played two World War II- era lovers, Isabel and Nick, who are separated by the war, yet remain close through an exchange of written letters. The play was directed by OBU theatre alum Rex Daugherty.



An OBU Theatre troupe performs during a 1920s production. The 2010-11 OBU Theatre season, "Celebrating the Centennial, Continuing the Excellence," builds on a long history of compelling productions. Season tickets are now on sale.

In November, OBU will portray the story of "Antigone," the final chapter in the tale of Oedipus Rex. The play is directed by Dr. Joyce Spivey Aldridge, associate professor of theatre. "Antigone" will open Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Other performance times are Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 13 and 14 at 2:30 p.m. The production is most appreciated by audiences ages 12 and older.

OBU will present the tale of "Androcles and the Lion" through the "OBU Theatre for Young Audiences" program in March. Laura S. Byland, associate professor and director of theatre, will direct the production. In the story, Androcles, a runaway slave in the time of the Roman Empire, stops to help an injured lion. He is later recaptured, but his life is spared as a result of his act of kindness. "Androcles and the Lion" opens March 4 at 7:30 p.m. Performances include March 5 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and March 6 at 2:30 p.m. The production is most appreciated by audiences ages 3 and older.

"Smoke on the Mountain" will wrap up the theatre season in April. The play is set in 1938 in Mount Pleasant, N.C. The production tells of the Sanders Family Singers who have gone to church to provide an evening filled with hilarious songs as well as entertaining stories. It is guaranteed to have the audience laughing, clapping and cheering. It opens April 14 at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances are April 15 at 7:30 p.m., April 16 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and April 17 at 2:30 p.m. The production is most appreciated by audiences ages 5 and older.

All performances will be in OBU's Craig-Dorland Theatre in Shawnee Hall. The auditorium will open 30 minutes before show times. Ticket prices are $6 for students, $8 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and $2 for children during the "Androcles" performance.

Season tickets are available for $15 for students and $20 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (405) 878-2347 or by visiting the OBU Theatre Box Office in Sarkeys.