The ACU Department of Theatre is set to perform this year’s Homecoming musical Titanic this weekend, Oct. 8-10, at the Abilene Civic Center.
Directed by Dawne Swearingen Churchville, the musical stars Peter Hardgrave as Captain, Eric Carter as Mr. Andrews, Blake Rogers as Barret, Carlee Cagle as Alice Beane and Payton Jones as Kate McGowan.
“Titanic is unlike the last two Homecoming musicals that we’ve done,” said Brynn Smith, sophomore musical theatre major from Ft. Worth. “They were both upbeat and happy-go-lucky, and Titanic shows a more serious side of the theatre department’s talent. I think it really showcases our variety.”
The musical tells the historical story of the Titanic, not the popular fictitious film version. Many of the characters are based on real-life individuals, and actors were required to research the era and their roles to accurately portray various aspects of the show, including events, accents, props and costumes.
“It’s a very historically enlightening story,” said Caroline Marols, sophomore musical theatre major from Prescott, Ariz. “A lot of research went into our parts. We worked so incredibly hard on this musical, and I think the results of that can be seen in our performance.”
Rehearsals began the first day of classes, and the cast has been rehearsing nonstop since then. The majority of the set was rented from the 2001 national tour of Titanic and the Department of Theatre built the rest, creating a unique experience for this weekend’s audience.
“The set is really amazing,” Smith said. “On load-in day, the whole department spent the day unloading and assembling the set. It was fantastic teamwork. The costumes are also one of the best parts of the show. The year 1912 featured some eclectic and diverse fashions, and it was such a neat experience to be a part of making the costumes.”
Smith and Marols, who play the respective parts of stewardesses Hutchinson and Ida Strauss, worked backstage on numerous productions last year.
“This is the first time most students from our class have been cast in a show, and I’m so excited to see how we come together with the more experienced members of the department to make this performance outstanding,” Marols said.
Smith said the musical is an excellent display of the ACU spirit.
“It is the summation of the efforts, hard work, dedication and passion of so many people coming together to result in what I think is going to be an incredible musical,” Smith said.
Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Theatre Box Office at (325)674-ARTS or by ordering through the Online Box Office at www.acu.edu/theatre. Tickets are still available for all three performances.
