It’s always exciting to see which of your friends and neighbors will be showing up in Ouachita Little Theatre’s spring musical. Jessica Kropp is directing “BIG”, the high energy Broadway Musical smash-hit version of the beloved Tom Hanks movie of the same name. She is assisted by Musical Director Judy Kropp and choreographer, Gini Burt. Makeup and hair will be overseen by Gayle Krahn. Makayla Kenyon-Ortiz and Alexis Payne will be keeping things calm and organized backstage as Stage Managers. Rudi Timmerman is designing and overseeing the building of the set, and Lorraine Timmerman will lend her artistic talents as she paints scenery to beautifully enhance the production.
Auditions are over, and the cast is selected. In the leading roles, we will see James Taylor as adult Josh Baskin, Anna Burt as young Josh, Jocelyn Parsons as love interest Susan Lawrence, Jefferson Smith as “the boss” Mr. Macmillan, Tiffany Cavelli as young Josh’s best friend, Alexyss Hildebrand as Mrs. Baskin, and Jaimeson Biard as Paul, a junior executive. The ensemble includes arcade workers, parents, office workers, and lots of kids played by the following people: Annie Baker, Gregory Blashka, Jeanie Bunyard, Kelhan Howell, Kiylee Hughes, Jacob Kenyon-Ortiz, Kristina Kenyon-Ortiz, Gayle Krahn, Larry Kropp, David McDonald, Cristian Miller,
Tank Morgan, Jocelyn Parsons, Philena Rath, Jamie Rath, Robbilee Rath, Hannah Thacker, Cheyanne Windham, Annie Windham, and Alyvia Wooden.
Production dates are May 14-16 and 22-24. The show will open on a Thursday and not include a Sunday performance that first weekend due to Mena graduation ceremonies. Saturday, May 16, will be a matinee. The second weekend of shows has a more traditional schedule, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:30 PM.
Reserved tickets are on sale at the OLT office weekdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. You can also buy a season ticket for all the upcoming shows, including the musical version of “Little Women” which will be showcased in August.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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