by Sylvia Hong
Looking for an outing with friends or a chance to support student artists?
OBU’s theater program will present “Frankenstein,” a one-act musical adapted from Mary Shelley’s novel of the same name.
Opening night is Oct. 29, and OBU students can attend free with a student ID.
John Dement, professor of theatre, said the university considers “kingdom values” when selecting productions.
He sees a lesson about taking responsibility in Victor Frankenstein’s story.
“Victor Frankenstein, he’s a smart guy, but he lets that consume him, and then he commits a pretty heinous sin,” Dement said.
“He realizes what he has done, but he just tries to forget about it and pretend it didn’t happen. You have to own what you did and repent of it, that’s what this play is about.”
OBU graduate Elena Streett composed the musical’s original songs, and fellow alumnus Jubal Nelson is orchestrating them.
Musical director Aubrey Chapin is working with the students on the music while Dement prepares the production for the stage.
OBU senior Reese Janik, who plays the Creature, said he has “never been in a musical before.”
He initially doubted his singing ability, but he connects with the character and believes rehearsals will help him grow into the role.
Paisley Goffeny, who plays Elizabeth Lavenza, said she is enjoying the process of developing her character.
“I’m really enjoying working through the blocking and thinking more about my character and what motivates her, and how she talks and sings,” Goffeny said.
Theater education major Baylee Hulin plays Wilhemina, a character whose response to the Creature differs from that of others in the story.
Hulin said she looks forward to building the emotion of that scene with Janik.
Dement said auditions went well, though he wishes more students had tried out.
He hopes students across campus will consider taking part in future productions.
“I know that there are hundreds of very, very talented people here,” he said.
“I would like to see more of the campus represented, whether it’s athletes, musicians, artists — anyone.”
Students can also participate without appearing onstage.
Productions need help with painting, lighting, sets, costumes and stage management.
Stage manager Lexus Bearpaw helps organize rehearsals, sends reports to the cast and prepares sound cues. She said an additional assistant stage manager would be welcome.
For students who would rather watch, Dement said attending is another way to participate.
“When you’re an audience member, you’re part of the show.”
Performances are at 7 p.m. Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 5-7, and at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 1 and 8.
General admission is $10. Admission is free for OBU students with a student ID.
For more info, check out https://www.okbu.edu/arts/theatre/.
