JOLT Premiers Original Production “As You Wish It”

Since 1979, the Ouachita Little Theatre has provided quality live theatrical events to West Central Arkansas. As part of the theatre’s community outreach, the Junior Ouachita Little Theatre (JOLT) was created to reach out to younger members of the community. Over the years, many of their JOLT members left Mena to attend college majoring in the arts. Some have returned bringing with them their knowledge.

Logan Sweeten, a 23-year-old who began acting in the JOLT program, has returned to Mena and this summer will direct the premiere of a play he has written. Sweeten is the son of Mike and Kammie Sweeten and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.

Sweeten debuted as a child actor 14 years ago on the Ouachita Little Theatre stage in the 2002 production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Since then, he has appeared in many JOLT productions. Sweeten said, “Growing up in JOLT really helped me cultivate my love of theatre, and without JOLT, I probably would have never found my love for playwriting.”

That love of playwriting drove Sweeten to create “As You Wish It.” The play is a modern day combination of Aladdin and Cinderella following the trials and tribulations of 16-year-old Marcus. Marcus is convinced by a hobo sorcerer to go into an enchanted sewer to find a magic lamp. Once there, he becomes trapped and discovers the genies. The genies return him home and turn his life into Cinderella. The young girl he had a crush on is now a princess and that night a ball is held to find her a suitor.

“As You Wish It” will premiere at the Ouachita Little Theatre in July, but this is just the start for Sweeten who said, “Following the production of this play, I will officially be a produced playwright and that is my career goal.” OLT Board President, Rudolf Timmerman said, “We are proud to have one of our JOLT kids return with an original production debuting on the OLT stage.”

“As You Wish It” debuts at OLT Friday, July 8 and will run July 9, 10, 15, and 17^th. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids. Tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis at the theatre prior to each showing.

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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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