SFCC to Present ‘Women Playing Hamlet’

The State Fair Community College Theatre Arts program will present the comedy “Women Playing Hamlet” Oct. 4-8 in the Thompson O’Sullivan Studio Theatre, Yeater 126, on the Sedalia campus.

The play, dubbed “a modern comedy about an old tragedy,” is written by William Missouri Downs and features an all-woman cast performing multiple roles. Downs has won two Rolling Premieres from the National New Play Network for “The Exit Interview” and “Women Playing Hamlet."

He also has won numerous playwriting awards and twice been a finalist at the Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference. Eric Yazell, Theatre Arts program coordinator and instructor, is the director.

Playing Hamlet is a challenge for any actor, but when Jessica is cast as the lead character in a New York production, her life spins out of control. With a borderline abusive acting coach; a negative Starbucks barista who tells her that she is too young to play Hamlet; and a Broadway star opposing her, it is no wonder Jessica cannot figure out “to be or not to be.” Shakespeare fans and haters alike will find this fast-paced performance comical yet sobering.

The performance is rated PG for mild language.

Regular performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4-7; admission is $6. Tickets are $15 for the Oct. 7 dinner theatre in the Yeater Center lobby; dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. The dinner theatre menu is available by calling the Box Office at (660) 530-5814 from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A matinée will be presented at 2 p.m. Oct. 8. Anyone 60 or older will be admitted free.

SFCC students and employees receive free admission, and cost of the dinner theatre for them is $10. Special group rates are available for both regular performances and dinner theatre.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.sfccmo.edu/the-arts, by calling the Box Office or emailing tickets@sfccmo.edu. Wheelchair seating is available upon request.

Cast:

Jessica – Lauren Dowell, Odessa

Gwen/Ghost – Jillian Herigon, Boonville

Humanities Prof/Barfly/Minn. Mom – Alyce Wilson, Eldon

Starbucks Actress/Psychiatrist/Hostess/Roxy – Hannahmaye Doster, Odessa

Lord Derby/Gravedigger/Gilda/Priest/Bartender – Alia Stepney, Columbia

Emily/Model/Stage manager/Bicycle messenger – Alicia Eldred, Windsor

Production Staff:

Director – Eric Yazell, SFCC Theatre Arts program coordinator and instructor

Technical Director – Tim Wells, instructor

Costume Designer – Kim Windle, staff

Box Office – Cassie Bruce, staff

Assistant Director/Stage Manager – Regan Smith, Odessa

Properties – Hannahmaye Doster, Odessa

Properties Assistant/Running Crew – Jacob Carver, Sedalia; Zach Gerlach, Sedalia

House Manager/Box Office – Saryna Hansen, Windsor

Hair/Makeup Design – Alia Stepney, Columbia; Alicia Eldred, Windsor; Morgan Alford, Sedalia; Claire England, New Jersey

Makeup/Crew: Alia Stepney, Columbia; Alicia Eldred, Windsor; Keanna Collins, Sedalia

Light Board Operator – Jacob Carver, Sedalia

Sound Board Operator – Alex Contreras, Sedalia

Costume Crew/Running Crew - Alyce Wilson, Eldon; Connor Marshall; Odessa

Costume Crew – Claire England, New Jersey; Gavin Eichler, Lincoln

Set Construction and Lighting – Dayton “Alan” Ehlers, Stover; Tyler Singer, Odessa

Set Construction and Lighting/Running Crew – Dakota Heller, Milo; Robyne Free, Windsor

Box Office/Promotion/Publicity – Dakota Swain, Lowry City; Lauren Dowell, Odessa; Jacob Carver, Sedalia; Gavin Eichler, Lincoln; Maryanne Henley, California

In the photo: The State Fair Community College Theatre Arts Program will present the comedy “Women Playing Hamlet” Oct. 4-8 in the Thompson O’Sullivan Studio Theatre, Yeater 126, on the Sedalia campus. From left, Jillian Herigon as Gwen, Alicia Eldred as Emily Ostergaard, Alia Stepney as the bartender, Lauren Dowell as Jessica, Alyce Wilson as the barfly, and Hannahmaye Doster as the psychiatrist.