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ETBU Theatre performs The Voice of the Prairie

November 21, 2017

East Texas Baptist University's Theatre Department continued their season with the production of John Olive's The Voice of the Prairie on Thursday, November 16, through Sunday, November 19. Directed by ETBU senior Theatre Arts Education major Natalie Oates, the one-act play is a part of the department's Discovery Series curriculum. 

"In the 1920's, the radio was a relatively new invention. As the technology improved, more Americans purchased sets for the family home. The way information was disseminated evolved," Oates said. "Throughout history, audiences have enjoyed narrative and this play exemplifies how powerful a story can be to bring people together. This play reminded me of the stories my grandpa used to tell me of his upbringing. As I directed, I remembered listening to him and being rapt in his stories, just as the characters who are moved by David's words."

The Voice of the Prairie is the story of David "Davey" Quinn, an early 1900's farmer whose stories were broadcast on the air and garnered fame throughout the Midwest. Originally a farmer, David is discovered by Leon Schwab, an upstart radio producer, as he entertains patrons at the local feed store. The play depicts the memories of his childhood adventures in 1895 and his adult life in 1923, portraying both comic and heartfelt moments that work together to express an overlying theme of lifelong love between David and Frances "Frankie" Reed. 

"I enjoyed playing the part of thirteen-year-old Davey," ETBU sophomore Levi Pell shared. "I had fun with the role, jumping around and using a youthful laugh. I also appreciated working alongside Judah Armour, acting as David Quinn. Whenever we would need to have the same reaction to an event, I would watch what he did with his hands and try to match his response to show that even over time, he had the same gestures." 

In addition to the actors' performances, the design choices contributed to portraying the transition in time while linking the roles. From similar color pallets in wardrobe to the passing of props, the characters remained connected through the shift from childhood to adulthood. 

"Frances Reed is an interesting character. Although she is blind, she is still feisty and independent. It was helpful to have a younger version of her in the show because I was able to see her personality from a different perspective," ETBU junior Payton Weinzapfel said. "Kelley Malin, who played my counterpart Frankie, and I worked together to emulate one another's speech patterns, pitch, and tone of voice. It was an exciting challenge to pull from her performance and portray an older, more mature version."

The 2017-2018 season will continue with performances of Moon Over the Brewery by Bruce Graham and Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen. To attend a show or learn more about the ETBU Theatre Department, please visit www.etbu.edu/theatre.