Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Children’s Theatre Collaborate on Energetic “Lord of the Flies”
Cast of “Lord of the Flies”
Photo Courtesy of Elina Moon Photography
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and Oklahoma City University present the classic “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding at the Burg Theatre on the Oklahoma City University campus. “Lord of the Flies” is a novel that was published in 1954 and is about a group of school boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island. Their story is one of survival but it is also a story of the breakdown of civilization as the boys attempt to govern themselves. They create a power struggle between factions, and degenerate into savage behavior. Nigel Williams adapted “Lord of the Flies” for the stage and it premiered in 1995.
Director Kate Brennan, Assistant Professor of Voice & Acting at OCU, adds a new layer to the story with this production. Instead of school boys surviving a plane crash, beauty pageant contestants emerge from the wreckage, older, but not wiser. All girls, they are prettier perhaps, but they certainly demonstrate the same range of courage and will. In the varied personalities represented we have the same dynamics; power hungry bullies versus freedom loving leaders and timid intelligence versus typical arrogant smart mouth. Rather than the names of Ralph, Jack and Simon and of course the unfortunately nicknamed Piggy, the characters go by the names of the state they represent. The only exception is the stage manager traveling with them Pegeen—she is called Piggy, although she’d much prefer Peggy.
Island Survivors recognize the Texas leader! Photo Courtesy of Elina Moon Photography
The plot and actions remain virtually the same, and although it is unexpected to have beautiful young women telling this story that reeks of masculine essence, it soon becomes quite normal. Golding once stated that the story would not have worked with female characters. Williams opinion is that ‘…you can’t have it being girls from a girls school, because it’s very much about male violence.’ Brennan has directed these young ladies to exhibit their exuberance and they do with almost reckless abandon. The amount of energy that is contained within the theatre is quite astounding and the entire cast reveals profound presence in these young actresses.
Hailey Hart has the role of Miss Massachusetts, playing her with empathy and precision. Self-doubt is a very difficult emotion to get across to an audience; it is often interpreted as self-pity and insecurity but Hart shows us those moments clearly and with ability beyond her years. Mary Morgan Bond is Miss Texas, forceful, commanding and demanding with physical power. Bond has a good grasp on self-absorption as she attains a position of power and challenges her counterpart, Miss Massachusetts. Alex Speight is Pegeen, the non-contestant stage manager for the pageant. Her character suffers the abuse of the others, and Speight shows us an unattractive, lonely, powerless woman surrounded by the beautiful facades of the other survivors. It’s a tall order for a girl as lovely as Speight to perfectly express the loneliness of a wall flower especially when she happens to be the only girl who knows how to dance.
Tyra Bullock is Miss California, and she shows us a confident reasonable young lady who slowly succumbs to the trappings of power Miss Texas offers in spite of her better judgment. Katy Yates is the lovely Miss Oklahoma, destined for the crown, Franziska Harms is Miss Virginia, whose pivotal descent into madness is convincing and honest. Elsa Moen is Miss North Dakota, and her too similar sister in pageantry is Mercedes Arndt, Miss South Dakota; they complement each other beautifully. Mary Taylor Hesterberg is an equally entrancing Miss Utah bringing definition to the various unique personalities of beauty queens who must be practical.
The show is largely an ensemble piece and each performer makes a distinctive and exciting contribution. The survivors represent 15 different states and the seven ‘ensemble’ states are confident and talented actresses as well. They are: Caitlin Gibbons as Miss Colorado, Sara Byerly as Miss Alabama, Reoni Newsome as Miss New York and Andrea Strickler as Miss Maine–all excellent in their roles. Also among the very talented are Bella Granato as Miss Kansas, Evan Clear as Miss Ohio and Shelby McCarver as Miss Georgia-and she is not the only peach! Elin Bhaird, Artistic Director for Oklahoma Children’s Theatre makes an impressive and exciting appearance as the Host. And yes-there is a twist at the end!
Many of the ensemble members are also part of the choreography team. Movement and Fight Director Luke Eddy, brings elegance to the performance by every actress in the show. Brennan accomplishes what Golding and Williams did not expect could happen. The female cast of “Lord of the Flies” is amazingly energetic and they deliver in physically challenging movement as well as attitude. Assisting Brennan are production assistants Hannah Boyens and Adelaide Ross.
Factions Debate and Bemoan their Fate
Photo Courtesy of Elina Moon Photography
Technically, the show is marvelous and the opening scene simulating the plane crashing is quite realistic and superbly done. From the numerous and interesting costumes to the balanced set, the location is a perfectly realized lonely desert island. The sound and lighting effects are executed flawlessly. Technical Director is LukE Hadsall, Scenic Designer is Dustin Bielich, Costume Designer is Alix Phelan and Stage Manager is MacKenzie Blair. The Sound Designer is Nathan Schilz and the Lighting Designer is Kitty Devany-Vitale.
While “Lord of the Flies” is presented at and by OCU, it is a fruitful collaboration between Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, While the piece is suitable for young people on the verge of their teens, small children would likely be overwhelmed.
While the decision to replace boys with girls in this production may be somewhat controversial because of the male bias, this cast of ladies do a remarkable job of connecting to the audience. According to Brennan, one of the motivations to choose beauty pageant contestants is in homage to Oklahoma City University’s remarkable contributions to various pageants, including three Miss America’s from these hallowed halls. Patrons should revisit the theatre lobby called the ‘Hall of Queens’ with an eye for the many portraits of beauty queens from our lovely state and our tremendously respected standing in the Performing Arts.
“Lord of the Flies” plays only for one weekend in the Burg Theatre at Oklahoma City University. For information and tickets visit www.okcu.edu or call 405-208-5227. The University is located at 2501 N. Blackwelder and the Burg Theatre is in the performance arts complex facing Blackwelder and approximately where 25th would have been when this student attended Oklahoma City University-OCU!