By Mitch Holt, Staff Writer

“Pride’s Crossing,” a theatrical production about the dilemma-filled life of an aged woman, will open Thursday in Fulks Theatre, followed by two weekends of shows.

One of the most prevalent themes in “Pride’s Crossing” is the idea that life brings opportunities, said Jessica Patterson, musical theatre major from Winchester, Va.

The story is told from the perspective of Mabel Tidings, a 90-year-old woman who has lived a life full of difficult choices since swimming the English Channel in 1928.

“The play is more about regret, choices and chances that are given to us and how we handle those opportunities,” said Caleb Todd, sophomore theatre major from Dallas.

Cast members began rehearsing the week before spring break from 7 to 11 p.m. with director Adam Hester, chair of the Theatre Department.

“In this production, each cast member has multiple parts, and the plot moves between time periods, so it is hard for each cast member to see the big picture with a memory play like this one,” said Jason Kennedy, musical theatre major from Abilene.

“Hester is doing a great job telling us what will work, giving us feedback and letting us know what is going on artistically and logistically,” he said.

The production is not limited to the cast members. Most members of the Theatre Department are involved in “Pride’s Crossing,” Patterson said.

Each theatre major is required to participate in a practicum, in which they must work and learn costuming and set building for several hours each week.

The dates of the show are April 7 through 9, 15 and 16 and 22 and 23. Students can charge tickets to their ACU accounts. Tickets for “Pride’s Crossing” are available in the Williams Performing Arts Center and cost $12 for the show and $25 for dinner and the show.

“If you look at the play from a surface standpoint, it looks like an extremely dramatic production,” Kennedy said. “However, the play is more humorous than anything and will be a rather enjoyable experience.”