From left: Keirstine Weaver, Stirling Mackie, Kellsie Davis, Madison Bluejacket
The latest Rogers State University Theatre Program production will explore the seldom-told stories of female pilots during World War II with a production that opens on Veterans Day.
“Decision Height” is an award-winning play by Meredith Levy that traces the lives of six women as they undergo training to become members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots program that was active in the United States from 1942-44.
The play takes place in Sweetwater, Texas, at Avenger Field, which was the only training base for women pilots in history.
During the course of the play, these pilots learn the strength of sisterhood and awaken to a deeper sense of purpose as they discover exactly why they are driven to fly.
The play will open on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with veterans receiving free admission to the performance.
The production will continue nightly through Saturday, Nov. 15. A special performance will be held on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 22, in connection with RSU’s homecoming celebration.
All performances will be held at 7:07 p.m. in the Will Rogers Auditorium on the Claremore campus.
The characters and cast members are:
- Eddie Harknell: Kellsie Davis, a sophomore from Tulsa
- Norma Jean Harris: Madison Bluejacket, a sophomore from Okmulgee
- Rosalie Harston: Taylor Hodges, a freshman from Strang
- Virginia Hascall: Rachel Smith, a sophomore from Jenks
- Alice Hawkins: Kessiah Neff, a junior from Claremore
- Carol Henderson: Stirling Mackie, a Claremore High School senior
- Mrs. Deaton: Elizabeth Black, a senior from Big Cabin
- Ziggie Lewis: Keirstine Weaver, a Claremore High School senior and concurrent RSU student
- Mildred Simmons: Brandy Snavely, a sophomore from Owasso
The play is directed by Mary Mackie, Professor of English and Humanities. Renee Cox, Assistant Professor of English and Humanities, is serving as costume designer.
Admission for regular performances is $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for RSU students, faculty and staff who present university ID. All proceeds will benefit student participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival regional competition.
Patrons may place reservations by calling the theatre department box office. For more information, call the RSU Theatre box office at 918-343-6882.