Original works written by Rogers State University students, faculty and alumni will be presented as part of the RSU Theatre Program’s production of “Original Recipe” on Sept. 20-22.
“Original Recipe” will feature five 10-minute original plays, including the world premiere of a 600-year-old farce recently translated from French.
Performances will be held at 7:07 on Sept. 20-22 at the Baird Hall Performance Studio on the Claremore campus.
David Blakely, associate professor of communications and director of the RSU Theatre Program, said RSU is one of the few theatre programs in the nation that place such a premium on performing original plays, especially those by student writers.
The plays to be performed during the event are:
- “Dave and Marsha,” written by Will Hedgecock, a student from Edison Preparatory School in Tulsa. Performing the title roles in this absurdist comedy about a man and a women locked in a room are Andrew Grimes, an RSU junior from Verdigris, and Katie Hoffman, an RSU junior from Collinsville. Directed by Josh Gammon, a senior from Broken Arrow.
- “9:02,” a drama based on the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building written by Gammon. The play features RSU junior Amanda McFarland of Claremore as Melissa, RSU freshman Marilynn Bullard of Pryor as Allie and RSU senior Garrett Powders of Tulsa as Robert. Directed by David Blakely.
- “Reading Izzy,” a comedy about a woman completely engrossed in reading. Written by Dr. Mary M. Mackie, RSU associate Professor of English and Humanities, the comedy features RSU freshman Hanna Barnoski of Claremore as Meredith, Garrett Powders as Derek, RSU senior David Prock of Collinsville as Bubba, RSU junior Zach Coker of Claremore as D.A., and RSU senior Emily Mahan of Okmulgee as Izzy. Directed by Hannah Rae Westlund, a junior from Owasso.
- “Sylvia from the Bookstore,” written by RSU alumnus George Romero. This drama examines what should be done when a group of women overhear an alarming comment made by a child. Performances by RSU freshman Morgan Baker of Mounds as Alice, RSU freshman Jaina Lee of Morris as Lindsey and RSU freshman Kellsie Davis of Tulsa as Jack. Directed by David Prock.
- “The Washtub,” translated by Roger J. Steiner from a 600-year-old French farce with an anonymous author. The play centers on a man who is henpecked by both his wife and mother, with performances by Josh Gammon as Jack, Hannah Westlund as The Wife, and Dr. Brenda Tuberville, RSU Assistant Professor of English and Humanities, as The Mother. Directed by Andrew Grimes.
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and $2 for RSU faculty, staff and students who present university ID. All proceeds will benefit student participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival regional competition.
For more information, call the RSU Theatre box office at 918-343-6882.