By Mike Greife,
February 23, 2018
WARRENSBURG, MO – The University of Central Missouri Department of Theatre and Dance
will present the mainstage production of Thornton Wilder's Our Town March 7-11 in
the James L. Highlander Theatre.
The production will be directed by Richard Herman, professor of theatre, as a celebration
by the university of his upcoming retirement and his 31 years of service to UCM. Herman
will retire May 31.
Curtain time for the production is 7:30 p.m. March 7-10, with a 2 p.m. matinee planned
for March 11. Tickets for season tickets holders are available at the Department of
Theatre box office from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays beginning Feb. 28, with some
season tickets held until March 1. Tickets for the general public will be available
March 1. Online ticket sales will begin Feb. 23 at ucmo.edu/theatre. Admission is
$15 for the general public, $10 for UCM faculty and staff and senior citizens, and
$7 for students. Children under the age of five will not be admitted.
A timeless classic of 20th century American theatre, Our Town follows the lives of
George and Emily as they fall in love and experience change and growth together. This
Pulitzer Prize-winning drama draws the audience into the universality of human existence,
urging us to celebrate the seemingly simple moments as they provide the deepest echoes
throughout our lives.
Serving on the design team are UCM theatre alumni Tim Rothwell, instructor of theatre,
scenic designer; Kayla Jestila, instructor of theatre, costume designer; and Daniel
Parks, guest lighting design artist sponsored by the Meredith Harmon Sauer Guest Artist
Series.
Cast members include Jordan Malone as Stage Manager; Caleb Gazaway as Dr. Gibbs; Maya
Strickland as Mrs. Gibbs; Zach Hutchins as Mr. Webb; Adriana Luffman as Mrs. Webb;
Sam Davin, Melanie Grantham and Emily Coffin as Emily; Nathan Endreshak, Zach Kujath,
and Trevor Jones as George; Raheem Fiedler-Bay as Wally; Ashlyn Reece as Rebecca;
Kendra Simpson as Joe Crowell; Heather Marsh as Si Crowell; Travis Hampton as Howie
Newsom; Elise Marshall as Professor Willard; Demetrius Hampton as Constable Warren;
Dalton Grafton as Simon Stimson; Allyson Latham as Mrs. Soames; Richard Herman as
Joe Stoddard; and Omari Collins as Sam Craig. The People of the Town include Connor
Bosworth, Rachel Bland, James Hatten, Decoda Hoover, Anthony Johnson, Alyssa Haverly,
Katelyn Tormena, and Derek Caswell.
Production staff collaborating with the directors and designers include Kayla Helms
and Adam Segura, assistant directors; Elizabeth Carter, stage manager; Ally Fields
and Matthew Brigg, assistant stage managers; Annie Hall, lproperties mistress; Maya
Strickland, assistant properties mistress; Cody Nelson, master electrician; Ethan
Anissy, light board operator; Cassie Hoppas, costume manager; Kenlyn Shettlesworth,
assistant costume designer; Caitlin Hahn, deck crew chief; Aaron Scully, publicity
coordinator; Matthew Briggs, Tony Smith, Meghan Swovoda, and Erin Clavin, publicity
assistants; Blake Legens, box office manager; McKenzie Mick, assistant box office
manager; Deanne Swaringen, house manager, and Molly Ehrnman, assistant house manager.
For additional information. contact the Department of Theatre and Dance at 660-543-4020.
For up to date UCM Theatre and Dance information, Like us on Facebook @UCMTheatreandDance.
