Female-led ‘Flies’ brings energy, emotion
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and Oklahoma City University presented the classic “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding last weekend at the Burg Theatre on the Oklahoma City University campus.
“Lord of the Flies” was published in 1954, and is about a group of school boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island. Their story is one of survival, but it also is a story of the breakdown of civilization as the boys attempt to govern themselves. They create a power struggle between factions and degenerate into savage behavior. Nigel Williams adapted “Lord of the Flies” for the stage, premiering in 1995.
Director Kate Brennan, assistant professor of voice & acting at OCU, adds a new layer to the story with this production. Instead of school boys surviving a plane crash, beauty pageant contestants emerge from the wreckage, older, but not wiser. All girls, they are prettier, but they demonstrate the same range of courage and will.
In the varied personalities represented, we have the same dynamics: power-hungry bullies versus freedom-loving leaders, and timid intelligence versus arrogant smart mouth. Rather than the names of Ralph, Jack and Simon and the unfortunately nicknamed “Piggy,” the characters go by the names of the state they represent.
The only exception is their stage manager, Pegeen — she is called Piggy, although she’d prefer Peggy. The amount of energy that is contained within the theater is quite astounding, and the cast reveals profound presence in these young actresses.
Hailey Hart has the role of Miss Massachusetts, playing her with empathy and precision. Self-doubt is a difficult emotion to get across to an audience, but Hart shows us those moments clearly and with ability beyond her years.
Mary Morgan Bond is Miss Texas, forceful, commanding and demanding with physical power.
Alex Speight is Pegeen, stage manager for the pageant. Her character suffers the abuse of the others. Speight shows us an unattractive, lonely, powerless woman surrounded by the beautiful facades of the other survivors.
The show is an ensemble piece, and each performer makes a distinctive and exciting contribution, bringing definition to the various unique personalities of beauty queens who must be practical. Not every name can be mentioned, although all deserve unstinting applause.
The small but very critical role of the Host is played by Elin Bhaird, artistic director for Oklahoma Children’s Theatre. She makes an impressive and exciting entrance and appearance. And yes, there is a twist at the end!
Many of the ensemble members also are part of the choreography team. Movement and fight director Luke Eddy, brings elegance to the performance.
Brennan accomplishes what Golding and Williams did not expect could happen. The female cast of “Lord of the Flies” is amazingly energetic, and actresses deliver in physically challenging movement, as well as attitude. Assisting Brennan are production assistants Hannah Boyens and Adelaide Ross.
Technically, the show is marvelous, and the opening scene simulating the plane crashing is quite realistic and superbly done. From the numerous and interesting costumes to the balanced set, the location is a perfectly realized lonely desert island. The sound and lighting effects are executed flawlessly. Technical director is Luke Hadsall, scenic designer is Dustin Bielich, costume designer is Alix Phelan and stage manager is MacKenzie Blair. The sound designer is Nathan Schilz, and the lighting designer is Kitty DevanyVitale.
While “Lord of the Flies” is presented at and by OCU, it is a fruitful collaboration between Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Children’s Theatre. The piece is suitable for young people on the verge of their teens, but small children likely would be overwhelmed and confused.
While the decision to replace boys with girls in this production may be somewhat controversial, this cast of ladies does a remarkable job of connecting to the audience.
Brennan said one of the motivations to choose beauty pageant contestants is in homage to Oklahoma City University’s remarkable contributions to various pageants, including three Miss Americas from these hallowed halls.
Patrons should revisit the theater lobby, called the “Hall of Queens,” with an eye for the many portraits of beauty queens from our lovely state and our tremendously respected standing in the performing arts. — Elizabeth Hurd, for The Oklahoman