Campbellsville University offers seven theater productions for 2016-17 academic year

By Kasey Ricketts | 09/01/2016

Kelli Stanfield plays Eliza Doolittle and Ray Hollenbach was Mr. Higgins in “My Fair Lady” last season at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)

Kelli Stanfield plays Eliza Doolittle and Ray Hollenbach was Mr. Higgins in “My Fair Lady” last season at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)

Sept. 1, 2016
For Immediate Release

By Kasey Ricketts, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - The Campbellsville University Theater department will perform seven productions throughout the 2016-2017 school year. Performances take place at Campbellsville University's Russ Mobley Theater located at 114 University Dr, Campbellsville, Ky.

The first play is “Little Women” which follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested.

Her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. The performances are Oct. 13 at 7 p.m., Oct. 14 at 8 p.m., Oct. 15 (during the university's Homecoming) at 7 p.m. and Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

“'Pickle-Chiffon Pie” is a great play for the whole family to enjoy,” Starr Garrett, director of the theater and assistant professor of theater.

This play will be produced through the Theater Department's Children's Theater class. They will present school matinees from Nov. 14 until Nov. 18, with a public performance Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.

Garrett said “Pickle-Chiffon Pie” is a story without a villain. There is no fighting, no bloodshed, but still exciting and fast-moving she said. It is a tale that stretches the imagination: one must accept a juggling lion (six cans of root beer at once!) and a sixteen-foot Gazoo.
To help get into the holiday spirt make sure to see the production of “A Christmas Carol.” The play is a holiday classic for the whole family that tells the tale of Scrooge and Tiny Tim. Performances will be on Dec. 2-3, 8 and 10 at 7 p.m., and early shows will take place on Dec. 4 and 11 at 2:30 p.m.
 “An Enemy of the People” will be performed Feb. 23-25 at 7 p.m., and an earlier show on the 26th at 2:30 p.m. “An Enemy of the People” is a about a town that is wrestling with how to handle its polluted water and an annoying individual resolved to not keep quiet.

Set in the late 1800s, this Ibsen tale retold by Arthur Miller, begs the question of what obligation do we have when we know the truth but are in the minority?
For a special treat, Stapp Lawn at Campbellsville University will be the site for the production of “Shakespeare Under the Stars: Merry Wives of Windsor. 

This high-spirited romp involves Shakespeare's comedic Sir John Falstaff looking to pad his pockets by wooing the wives of Windsor. Come see the delightful consequences when his plans go awry. Performances are May 18 until 20 at 8 p.m. In case of rain, performances will be held in the Russ Mobley Theater.
The classic tale of “Wizard of Oz” will be performed June 9 until 11 with times to be determined. The play is about a Kansas farm girl that travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home. This is a story that has been entertaining audiences for generations.
The last play of the year will be “Shrek.” “Shrek” is the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, “Shrek The Musical” is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure. “Shrek” performances will take place June 29 until July 1 at 7 p.m., July 2 at 2:30 p.m., July 3 at 7 p.m. and July 4 at 6 p.m. 

For more information about upcoming productions or auditions email Starr Garrett at sgarrett@campbellsville.edu, call (270) 789-5266 or go to campbellsville.edu/academics/schools-and-colleges/college-arts-sciences/humanities/theatre-dance/index.html.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering over 80 programs of study including 24 master's degrees, seven postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.