“Leap of Faith” Premieres at UCO
Young Jake McGowan (Mason Imboden) is encouraged by Jonas Nightigale ((Quinn Herron)
There is a defining moment in a lifetime when one is required to make a leap of faith. The University of Central Oklahoma tells such a story with their latest production entitled “Leap of Faith” by Glenn Slater. The story is based on a movie of the same name starring Steve Martin and, although the role is serious, Martin uses his own subtle version of levity that makes the serious movie viable. The musical screenplay is somewhat different but the primary premise is the same.
A charismatic faith healer/preacher barely able to support his traveling gospel circus is stranded near a small town. Sweetwater needs rain, jobs and hope and Jonas Nightingale promises miracles. A few believe out of desperation and one of them is a young wheelchair bound boy, Jake McGowan. His mother, Marla McGowan is the sheriff, widowed in the same accident that injured her son. She is not in the least bit fooled, but she is lonely. Sam Nightingale, practical sister to her brother’s brand of brotherly love cautions him about promising more than he can deliver. Instead, he delivers more than he promises, falling in love with the attractive spunky sheriff.
Traveling in the show are mother, Ida Mae Sturdevant and her flamboyant daughter Ornella leading an ensemble of faithful faith performers called ‘angels’ who form an inspirational choir. Isaiah Sturdevant is the son of the family, and he is a legitimate preacher. Brother Amon and Ornella are the most flamboyant of the angels in song and dance bringing enthusiasm to the desperate.
Ultimately the greatest redemption is the predictable transformation of Jonas Nightingale from charming charlatan to solid citizen. “Leap of Faith” is skillfully directed by Greg White using his assets as director to create a very entertaining and light-hearted love story in the dusty drought-ridden plains. The brilliance of Mariann Searle in music direction is quite evident as each performer scales heights of personal balance. Hui Cha Poos is a creative choreographer, giving dancers the opportunity to display form and physicality with a beautiful line. The setting is evocative of the perfect mood, a bit of glitz in a forlorn landscape due to Devin Scheef. The costumes are simple with the exception of Jonas who never fails to don a flashy jacket!
“Leap of Faith” is double cast in most of the leading parts–a practice providing more opportunities to UCO students with talent, and talent certainly abounds in this cast. Quinn Herron is Jonas and he creates a character with a cover of caring concern overlaying his careless and conniving corruption. With adrenaline and self-realization his soul is revealed as a typical nice guy. Carrying all the layers in song and dance, Herron delivers a solid enjoyable performance. Mackenzie Carpenter plays Marla McGowan, a loving mother with her feet firmly planted in reality. Still, Carpenter reveals delightful moments as an incurable romantic and her voice has a poignancy all its own. Mason Imboden is the frail cripple Jake McGowan and he delivers a remarkably genuine performance revealing an inner strength that underscores his belief in Jonas and ultimately himself.
Morgan Rothwell is Sam Nightingale, practical accountant, pragmatic thinker, yet emotionally invested in the success of their faith-healing operation. Sydnee Graves as Ida Mae Sturdevant and Jennifer Obene as Ornella Sturdevant are both outstanding angels with the devilish ability to belt out a song. Their belief surges throughout the auditorium with strength and conviction. Michael Andreaus is Isaiah, the Sturdevant with a stricter moral code, and a softer voice that nevertheless carries certitude.
Technically the show is quite well done, but the sound system has some unfortunate problems interfering with the musical. Microphones are terribly touchy, and these had a tendency to stage a minor rebellion! Visually “Leap of Faith” is enhanced by costumes, set and lighting.
Overall “Leap of Faith” is an enjoyable show, highlighting the significantly talented young students attending the University of Central Oklahoma College of Fine Arts and Design and the School of Music. Mitchell Hall is the location that houses UCO’s quality productions on the campus in Edmond, Oklahoma. Unfortunately, performances are only scheduled Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 and 2:00 for the matinee over the past single weekend. For information on upcoming events or tickets visit www.mitchellhalltheatre.com or call 405-974-3375.
Bonus Material:
It doesn’t take a ‘leap’ of faith to know that another cast from UCO’s excellent performing arts students would be as great—so acknowledging them for exceptional talent is easy. Mitchell Hall has seen excellence come and go in every scene performed. They come, learn and go onto greater heights. Among them are Cameron Blakely sharing the role of Jonas Nightingale with Quinn Herron. Hope Chancey alternates in the role of Marla McGowan with Mackenzie Carpenter and Chelsea Thiessen shares Sam Nightingale with Morgan Rothwell. Julie Rodrigues Santos is also Ida Mae Sturdevant alongside Sydnee Graves and Jenna Ryan is Ornella Sturdevant alternately with Jennifer Obene. Thomas Hudson is Isaiah Sturdevant while Michael Andreaus takes the night off and Tyler Dunkleberger is the young Jake McGowan as well as Mason Imboden. The role of Brother Amon is not double cast so McKai Nbdia may very well need a nap.
It is also important to recognize ensemble members. In any show, whether a hit, or a miss, the ensemble carries a bigger load than many realize. They should be recognized and congratulated beyond general applause. In “Leap of Faith” there are 25 ensemble members and many of them are also understudies for the major roles.
Among the women ensemble members are Alex Altshuler, Ashton Cleer, Rachel Conn, Jessica Darnell, Devan Harris (u.s. Ornella Sturdevant) and Sarah McCoy. Mica Martinez (u.s. Marla McGowan) Domonique Lindsey (u.s. Ida Mae Sturdevant) Maura McMurray, McKenna Nolin, Kenadi Parades (u.s. Sam Nightingale) Nicole Phillips, Kennedy Porter and Madison Stueve grace the stage at Mitchell Hall with their expertise.
Among the men, Bradley Baker, Ryan Brown, Easton Edwards, D.J. Fortner, Nigel Hall (u.s. Isaiah Sturdevant) Tristan Hill, Denver King, Austin Ladd, Cale Richards and Brannon Tallant bring “Leap of Faith” forward with skill and dedication. [There is no understudy listed for the role of Jonas Nightingale; presumably Quinn Herron and Cameron Blakely were understudies for each other!]
Their song is in their instruments, so they are often unsung—the orchestra provides excellence and deserves accolades as well. Under the direction of Mariann Searle, Conductor, the orchestra is wonderful and much of the applause is for their efforts and ability.
While the technicians in charge are listed in the program, there are many students backstage for any production that are not acknowledged. Their talent and hard work is exceptional whether they are seamstresses/quick-change artists, light operators, scene painters and others who are an essential part of this and any production. Congratulations to everyone who participated in “Leap of Faith” at the University of Central Oklahoma.