UCM Theatre and Dance Presents 2008 Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play August: Osage County

By Jeff Murphy, February 11, 2019

WARRENSBURG, MO – Enjoy mainstage theatre featuring students and faculty as the University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance presents the upcoming production of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play August: Osage County. The play runs from Wednesday, Feb. 20 to Sunday, Feb. 24 at the James L. Highlander Theatre on the UCM campus. The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

In this play, a father vanishes. A mother pops pills. Three sisters harbor shady little secrets. When the Weston family unexpectedly reunites after their dad disappears, their Osage County, Okla., homestead explodes into an eruption of hidden truths and disturbing secrets. With Violet, the scathing, acidic matriarch's unpredictable behavior, the play unflinchingly and uproariously exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American Family.
 
The role of Violet is a coveted among actors, and was portrayed by Meryl Streep in the film version of the play. UCM’s production features accomplished actress and faculty member, Dr. Julie Rae Mollenkamp in the role of Violet.

Asked what drew Mollenkamp to the role of Violet, she stated, “What I find so exciting about playing Violet it is that she reverses the trope of the sins of the father. It is the sins of the mother visited upon the children. And the fact that the children are smart enough to realize it and work to break the cycle. All of us possess good and bad inside, but Violet follows her worst instincts. It’s terrible and frightening to admit, but it’s exhilarating to explore that dark side. She is such a damaged woman and she self-medicates rather than deal with her past and her present, her choices and the ones visited upon her. These are choices each of us make every day. She is such a cautionary character.”

This production of August: Osage County marks Dr. Aaron Scully’s directorial debut for the UCM Theatre and Dance mainstage season. Scully has always wanted to direct this play and “feels blessed” to have the opportunity.

In talking about his job as director, Scully noted, “It is one of my favorite plays. It is so well-written that it has been incredibly exciting to delve deep into the text and bring this funny, emotional and gut-wrenching masterpiece to life. Dr. Mollenkamp, the rest of the cast, and the crew have been all-in from day one and I think that speaks to the strength of the text. Everyone working on the show has put their heart and soul into this production and I can’t thank them enough.  This show is not to be missed.  It will be a sight to see.”
 
The cast of August: Osage County includes Julie Rae Mollenkamp as Violet Weston; Lexi Poindexter as Barbara Fordham; Nathan Endreshak as Bill Fordham; Iliana Miller as Jean Fordham; Tony Smith as Charlie Aiken; Alyssa Haverly as Mattie Fae Aiken; Tristan Jordan as Little Charles; Emily Layt as Ivy Weston; Melanie Grantham as Karen Weston; Ethan Yazell as Steve Heidebrecht; Allyson Fields as Johnna; Travis Hampton as Sheriff Deon Gilbeaux;  and Jordan Malone as Beverly Weston.

This production includes original music composed and performed by Jack McClain.

The crew includes Assistant Directors Alley Pettey and Kayla Gross; Stage Manager Kayla Helms; Assistant Stage Managers/Dramaturgs Ashlyn Reece and Julia Wolz; Scenic Designer/Technical Director Ken George; Lighting/Sound Designer Ben Gonzales; Costume Designer Demetrius Hampton; Makeup and Hair Designer/Costume Designer Mentor Kayla Jestila; Props Master Kyle Yorg; Assistant Technical Director Cody Nelson; Assistant Scenic Designer Ethan Shaffer; Assistant Costume Designer Jaggard Williams; Assistant Lighting Designer Seth Sneary; Assistant Sound Designer Lili Garcia; House Manager Chasen Brown; Assistant House Manager Derek Caswell; Assistant Props Master Sarah Miller; Wardrobe Crew Head Maryn Edwards; Wardrobe Crew Ryann Hill, Charlotte Sipple; Box Office Manager Blake Legens; Assistant Box Office Manager Madeline Hamrin; Assistant Publicity Director Tony Smith; Publicity Team Erin Clavin, Emily Layt, Elizabeth Henks, Decoda Hoover, McKenzie Koppe, Demetrius Hampton, Iliana Miller and Ethan Yazell.

This production of August: Osage County is for mature audiences only due to suggestive dialogue, coarse language and mature themes.
 
Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for UCM faculty/staff and $15 for the general public. They can be purchased online at ucmo.edu/theatretickets, by calling 660-543-8811, or at the Box Office at the Highlander Theater between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 13.