Ouachita Baptist presents spring drama

ARKADELPHIA – Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Theatre Arts will present Jim Leonard’s drama, “Anatomy of Gray,” at 7: 30 p. m. Thursday- Monday and at 2: 30 p. m. Feb. 23 at Verser Theatre.

“’ Anatomy of Gray’ tells the story of June Muldoon and the relationships between the residents in the small town of Gray, Ind.,” said Kathleen Suit, of Hot Springs, a junior theater arts major who plays June.

“When June loses her father, she prays that God will send her town a doctor so she will never have to lose anyone again. God answers her prayer, but in the most unconventional and life changing of ways. Dr. Galen P. Gray comes into the picture just as a mysterious disease starts to plague the residents of Gray.”

Suit said the play is unlike most shows audiences have seen performed on the Ouachita stage.

“I am thrilled to see our department stretch and reach new heights with this show. I am ecstatic to get to share the experience with our university and our community,” she said.

The play uses humor and sorrow to move audiences to contemplate their own mindsets and prejudices. It is a journey with a strong message of how God often answers prayer and provides hope in unexpected ways.

“Preparing for June is an ongoing process that will still be happening until the moment she walks onto stage,” Suit said.

“Our whole cast has been doing an extensive amount of table work to help us become our characters. Every day we journal our character’s thoughts and feelings relating to the events they go through on stage, as well as finding our real world connections to them.”

Abby Root, of Arkadelphia, a freshman speech- theater education major, plays the role of Tiny Wingfield, the pastor’s spinster sister.

“It is a very enlightening experience,” she said.

Tickets are $ 8. Call the box office at 870245- 5555 for more information.