Lipscomb Theatre Department presents ‘When She Had Wings’

Lipscomb Theatre Department presents ‘When She Had Wings’

“When She Had Wings,” staged by the Department of Theatre Feb. 4-13, follows a 9-year-old named B, who believes that when she was younger she could fly, and she spends the story trying to remember. The play by Susan Zeder is specifically written for a younger audience, and parents are encouraged to bring their children.  Bakari King is an adjunct professor and College of Entertainment and the Arts board member who directs this production, his first at Lipscomb. King first began his involvement in the theatre department as an ensemble member in the school’s 2013 production of “Ragtime.”  King said he was steered toward Lipscomb. “I was teaching around Nashville and I had a connection with a great friend who said you need to be at Lipscomb,” King said He said he was drawn to this play, because he believes this story helps connect children and adults with their inner playfulness. He goes on to say that people should have things in this world that help them create and pretend and that he hopes this show inspires that in people. Caylin Maguire, a junior acting major from Nashville, is in the title role of the play being staged at Shamblin. She said one of her favorite things about this show is being able to invite a younger audience to a live theater experience, noting that it was her own theater experience as a child that inspired her to become a performer.  “The story is about finding yourself and overcoming hurdles. Especially nowadays, I think that’s a really important message to people of all ages.” While the production teams are...
No place like home to see TPAC’s latest, ‘The Wizard of Oz’

No place like home to see TPAC’s latest, ‘The Wizard of Oz’

The classic characters of Oz come to life in the latest incredible performance of the Broadway musical adaptation of the hit film The Wizard of Oz. There really is no place like home to see this show, or at least no place like the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.  The production value is through the roof for this performance. Elaborate sets, extravagant costumes and some incredible special effects really let you know this was a serious production. You get the sense of being right inside the twister with Dorothy. Dorothy, the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow are all portrayed magnificently. The actors really capture the essence of each character and you feel a sense of real hatred towards the Wicked Witch of the West right from the start.  The horrendous witche’s laugh is still frightening just to think about. However, the show is stolen by none other than Toto. From his first appearance, the adoration of the crowd is palpable. The use of a real dog in an on-stage performance is always a risk, but the crew pulls it off thanks to the well-behaved Murphy, the dog who plays Toto. The other highlights of the performance are the musical numbers.  With such classic songs such as “Over the Rainbow” and “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead,” it isn’t tough for the whole crowd to get on board and sing along. The show has something for the whole family. For the parents, there is the nostalgia of watching the story you know and love come to life on stage right in front of you. For the kids, it has all...

Lipscomb production of ‘West Side Story’ presents new challenges, opportunities

Two infamous gangs are squaring off on Collins Alumni Auditorium stage on Halloween weekend. No, these gangs are not real, but they are part of the iconic musical phenomenon known at West Side Story. The musical, inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, tells the story of two star-crossed lovers,Tony and Maria. The two meet at a dance and immediately fall in love, but they quickly realize they have to keep their relationship secret since they come from rivaling groups of people. The setting is the West Side of New York City. The two groups are gangs; the Sharks, a feisty group of Puerto Ricans that are friends of Maria, and the Jets, the tough group of New Yorkers that Tony aligns himself with. Mike Fernandez, the dean of the new College of Entertainment & the Arts, is directing the show. He said that West Side Story presents new opportunities for those involved. “We were really aching for a strong, gritty musical that had some great dance to it,” Fernandez said. “We certainly had done shows before that explored dance, but we really wanted something that would push us in terms of dance capability. We also felt like we wanted to push ourselves musically, and so how better to do that than with West Side Story?” Tyler Russell, a senior theatre major, will be playing the role of Tony. Russell said he is ecstatic that he gets to play such an iconic role. But, to Russell, playing Tony has not come without its challenges. “Physically, emotionally and vocally, Tony is the most difficult role I have ever played,” Russell said. “So...

‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ opens this week

Lipscomb’s theatre department is showcasing C.S. Lewis’ classic play The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe April 20-23 in the Collins Auditorium. The play will serve as the Spring Children’s Theatre production on Easter weekend. Set in the 1940s during World War II, the show follows four children– Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie– who escape their mundane world after the discovery of a magic wardrobe. Entering the wardrobe leads them into Narnia, a world of mythical creatures. While in Narnia, the Pevensies meet such characters as Tumnus, a friendly faun, Aslan, the great and powerful lion, and the evil White Witch. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be dramatized by Joseph Robinette and directed by Deb Rogers Holloway. School performances will be held on April 20-21 at 10 a.m. Night showings will be on April 21-22 at 6:30 p.m. The final day to see the production will be April 23 with two showings at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Student tickets are $5, faculty tickets are $10 and individual public tickets are $15 each. Please call Director Holloway with any questions at 615-966-5728....