Walking in to see the set on the Howard Payne stage for “Terre Haute,” one might never suspect all the drama that occurred beforehand.
A week and a half before the performance was due to the public, one of the actors became incredible ill and had to have a stand-in. With only eight rehearsals before opening night, junior Tiffani Peeples stepped in for freshman Abbey Beardsley.
Due to a severe reaction to anaphylactic shock, Abbey was left without a voice for weeks and was forced to pass off her role. However, she has been devoted to helping backstage as much she can with her new role as Sound Board Operator and Prop Mistress.
“It was such a shame that Abbey could not be in the show, but I was glad I was able to help my theatre family in their time of need,” said Peeples.
Peeples faced difficulty learning the lines, movement, and developing her character in just nine days. She mentioned that she was extremely grateful for her professors who showed understanding during this difficult change to her schedule.
On top of having to replace one actor, the erratic Texas weather seemed to cause further illnesses, bloody noses, sinus problems, and sore throats among the actors. Fighting through all of the problems sent their way, the cast of “Terre Haute” truly embody the longtime theatre adage that “the show must go on.”
The show is also filled with a lot of young blood. The cast and crew is primarily made up of underclassman. There are two seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, seven freshmen, and one non-student.
“Generally we have a big freshman class and I like it. They are strong. I feel safe leaving the department in their hands,” said senior Jared Russell.
“Terre Haute” is broken down into three acts with two 15-minute intermissions. With each act more of the plot is unraveled keeping the audience entertained to the end.
The show begins quickly. The audience is thrown into the plot along with the character Milly, played by Reagan McKinley. She is attempting to do a report on the superstitions and ghost stories that are placed in the Terre Haute cathouse/brothel.
Every actor wears multiple hats in this performance, with small “shows” within the show. They must use different accents, ages, and roles throughout the show. Many of the actors are thankful for the challenge presented with the script in helping them grow as actors.
“I chose this play because the playwright, Don Migro, is very well respected and highly awarded. He is someone my students need to know about. We can’t be happy-happy joy-joy all of the time. This is educational theatre and the students need to experience different types of genres,” said Director Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. Monday.
The show – scheduled for the Theatre Building – is free for HPU students, faculty, and staff. Otherwise, admission is $5 for students and $8 for adults. The Monday performance will be part of the Christian University Theatre Festival that HPU is hosting and will include a $5 admission for everyone.
Through the challenging script, young cast, and health issues the spring show “Terre Haute” has really come together to help bring entertainment to the students of HPU and community in Brownwood.
“I am excited for this show but really sad because Howard Payne, this stage has been my home for so long. I am very proud of this department and the legacy I am leaving behind,” said senior Alex Taliaferro.
