Theatre to Present ‘The Trail to Oregon’ as Season’s Final Production
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University's Department of Theatre will close the 2022-2023 season with an irreverent musical satire based on the famous educational video game, "The Oregon Trail."
“The Trail to Oregon” is by Jeff Blim, Matt Lang and Nick Lang, part of the master satirist collective known as the Starkid Productions. This story follows a family of five facing the trials and tribulations that the Oregon Trail may bring. The musical parody is packed with humor.
Performances in the Fowler Center's Simpson Theatre are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 14-15 and April 21-22, along with 2 p.m. Sunday, April 16.
Dallas Martinez, producing artistic director and assistant professor of theatre, directs the production. Claire Abernathy, associate professor of theatre, serves as the costume designer alongside theatre major Ellen-Ann Keys of Norwich, England, the assistant costume designer. Jeff McLaughlin, associate professor of theatre, serves as the scenic designer. Caisa Sanburg, assistant professor of theatre, is the sound and lighting designer. The music director is Dr. Kristen Sullivan, collaborative voice instructor in music and theatre. Brianna Lucas Larson, assistant professor of theatre, is the choreographer.
The cast consists of theatre majors Alex Jones of Russellville, Kylah Hood of Jonesboro, Emily Provence of Searcy, Baylor McElhaney of Bauxite, Christian Armstrong of Russellville, Gavin Wilson of Berryville, Emma Bryant of Siloam Springs, Haley Reed of Bay, Trey Moore of Batesville, and Judith Bossi of Batesville.
Miraya Gerardo-Munguia of Beebe serves as stage manager. Assistant stage managers are Niko Stark of Searcy and Skyla Conger of Haskell. The properties manager is Thomas Graham of Kennett, Mo. Kit Joseph of Poplar Bluff, Mo., serves as sound engineer, and the light board operator is Lindsey Zimmer of Jonesboro. Wardrobe crew consists of Abi Adams of Charlotte, N.C., and Connor Zane Brewer of Conway. Fernanda Posadas of Sherwood is the house manager. Baylor McElhaney is the publicist. All crew members also are theatre majors.
Parents are cautioned the show is not suitable for all ages because of profanity and mature themes.
Tickets for "Trail to Oregon" can be purchased 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the A-State Box Office in First National Bank Arena or by calling (870) 972-2781. Tickets may also be purchased online at AState.edu/tickets. Prices are $10 for seniors and A-State faculty and staff, and $12-17 for the general public. A-State student tickets are free at the box office with a student ID. Limited seating is available, so it is recommended that patrons reserve seats in advance.
