OBU Theatre presents “Frankenstein: A Musical in One Act”

The Oklahoma Baptist University Theatre will present “Frankenstein: A Musical in One Act” in the Sarkeys Black Box Theatre. Performances will take place Oct. 29 through Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m. Performances will also be held on Nov. 5 through Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 2:30 p.m.

General admission tickets are $10 and student tickets are free with a valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased online at okbu.edu/theatre or at the door.

In his pride and arrogance, Victor Frankenstein unleashes a monster that ultimately destroys him and everything he loves. This musical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel and the 1939 film version features music by the award-winning composer and OBU alumna Elena Childress and orchestrations by Jubal Nelson, also a graduate of OBU.

Directed by Professor of Theatre John Dement, the production features the collaborative work of OBU students on stage and behind the scenes. Through performance, design and technical production, students gain practical experience while engaging with contemporary musical theatre craft.

The production supports the university’s emphasis on thoughtful artistic exploration, community engagement and preparation for professional and creative pursuits. Student performers, designers and technicians contribute their talents while developing skills in storytelling, collaboration and stagecraft.

The creative team includes Childress as composer and lyricist, Nelson as orchestrator, Dr. Aubrey Chapin as musical director, Lisa Schatz as accompanist and sophomore Baylee Hulin as vocal coach. Dement is designing scenery and lighting while Nikki Dement is the costume designer and set dresser.

The cast includes North Rock Creek junior Cooper Lincoln as Victor Frankenstein; OBU alum Joshua McCleskey as Professor Krempe; freshman Paisley Goffeney as Elizabeth Lavenza; freshman Kaleb Ben as Henry Clerval; senior Reese Janik as The Creature; Hulin as Mina Frankenstein; sophomore Heaven Lewis as Justine Moritz; freshman Jane Hirschenberger as the bridesmaid; freshman Alston Jeff as the vicar; and various other students as townspeople.

Technical student assistants for the fall semester include Hulin in props, Ben in the scene shop, Lewis in the costume shop, Janik in electrics and sophomore Makenna Nine in marketing and social media.

OBU’s Division of Communication Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Education in Theatre Education and a minor in theatre. For more information about this academic career field, visit the OBU Theatre page, okbu.edu/programs/theatre.