By Hillary C. Wright, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.—The musical, “Prodigal,” will be performed at Campbellsville University’s alumni theater Thursday-Sunday, April 16-19, presented by writer and director Matthew Hodge, the Campbellsville University School of Music and the Campbellsville University Theater Department.
Hodge, a CU graduate, is pursuing a master of arts in music at CU.
“The musical ‘Prodigal’ is a dramatic modern interpretation of a familiar biblical parable,” Hodge said. “This musical has been a labor of love in my life the past year. I yearned to write a musical that would challenge me both mentally and creatively. I allowed myself to create a world much darker than I had created a year before.”
“I can see Matt writing musicals for many years,” Dr.
Frieda Gebert, associate professor of music (voice/choral) at CU, said. “He loves the genre and has a real gift for theater. It’s been fun to watch him tackle a drama this year. I was actually a bit worried when he first described the plot to me, afraid it would be too heavy, but after hearing the music and watching the fantastic dancing, I changed my mind.”
The play will open on April 16 at 7 p.m. and will also be performed April 17 at 7 p.m., April 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and April
19 at 3 p.m.
“I am so incredibly proud of the cast and crew of ‘Prodigal,’” Hodge said. “Their dedication and passion continually impresses me. I am especially grateful to Campbellsville University’s Theater Department and School of Music. Working on a project that unites these two impressive departments has been a privilege and an honor.”
The cast includes: Matthew Mittelkamp, Troy, Ohio, as Daniel; Chanelle Gardner, Campbellsville, Ky., as Sarah; Josh Hensley, Vine Grove, Ky., as Kyle; Faun Lobb, director of annual giving at CU, Greensburg native living in Campbellsville, as Laura;
Rob Collins, Columbia, as Dad; Reyn Judd, Greensburg, Ky., as Paul; Aubrey Skutt, Columbia, Ky., as Dee; Erin Johnson, Russellville, Ky., as Jessie; MaryGrace Lee, Ponchatoula, La., as Kim;
Mance Chappell, Dawson Springs, Ky., as Luke; Allen Brooks, Bardstown, Ky., as Jason; Brittany Hall, Lawrenceburg, Ky., funeral woman; Zach Sharp, Campbellsville, Ky., funeral man; Shaun Richardson, Glasgow, Ky., as Mr. Mabel/Police Officer; and James Nutter, Lebanon, Ky., as Messenger.
Ensemble: Brittany Hall (captain); Megan Massey, Science Hill, Ky.; Sarah Smith, Brandenburg, Ky.; Melody Hall, Bowling Green, Ky.; Farrin Marlow, Campbellsville; Meredith Scalos, Campbellsville; Zach Sharp, Campbellsville; James Nutter; Shaun Richardson; Josh Pennington, Liberty, Ky.; Jesse Reece, Keyport, N.J., and Zach Myers, Campbellsville.
The crew includes: Matt Hodge, director; Dr. Frieda Gebert and Starr Garrett, instructor and director of the CU theater, artistic directors; Erica Moon, assistant to the director of the theater, technical director;
Amanda Edmondson, Morganfield, Ky., stage manager; Brittany Hall, Lawrenceburg, Ky., choreographer; Josh Myers, Annville, Ky., producer; Doug Price, coordinator of audio/visual services; Sean Stengl, LaGrange, Ky., audio; Kim Hough, Louisville, Ky., lights; Amber Wimsatt, Elizabethtown, Ky., and Brittany Cummings, Burlington, Ky., costumes; and Kiel Thorlton, Auburn, Ky., and Matt Boyd, Philpot, Ky., set construction.
For tickets and reservations, which are $3 for the general public, contact the theater office at (270) 789-5266.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,601 students who represent 93 Kentucky counties, 27 states and 31 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2009 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South for the second consecutive year. CU has been ranked 16 consecutive years with U.S. News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his tenth year as president.