Abilene Christian College - Prickly Pear Yearbook (Abilene, TX)

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Lett: The agony experienced bythe men who fought the Civil War is reflected in Andy Spells' expression as he sings The Only Home I Know. Right: Nelson Coates, Greg Perry, Leslie Hunter and Trent Pines tease Deborah Gardner into a lightin' mood as they sing Next to Lovin'. 16 f Shenandoah 2 6 -5' 6 9 O g 2 2 5 5 E ? '5 J ' - ' X wi' sf N' 'S-' T The Charlie Anderson family in the musical Shenan- doah loved and fought its way through the Civil War, as did the stage family who worked and loved and struggled its way through the production of another outstanding ACU musical. The cast, especially the Anderson family, became an off- stage family, said Clay Hale, senior marketing major from Abilene, who played the lead role of Charlie Anderson, You learn to love them like your own family. When you see them struggle and fail, then see them struggle and suc- ceed, it is all worthwhile, he said. Deborah Gardner, junior drama major from Arlington Heights, Ill., portrayed the role of jenny Anderson. She believed the audience could see the love the performers had for each other. The cast spent time together outside of rehearsals, said Nelson Coates, senior advertising major from Abilene, who played Henry. We had a barbecue and taught the girls how to shoot rifies. The times we shared offstage made the Anderson family seem more realistic. The students who performed spent many hours every day preparing for opening night. But they all agreed that in the end the time was definitely worthwhile. Greg Perry, a senior all-level physical education major from Abilene, played the role ofjacob, one of the sons. He said the response from the audience was the icing on the cake. Greg believed the musical gave the audience a good feel- ing about the drama division as well as shared a very impor- tant message. The actors tried to convey the heartache and strain people experienced during the Civil War, said Greg. But the Anderson family showed the strength of the family unit and how people can stay together even during the worst oftimes. Shenandoah was only one of several musicals Clay has performed in. But he believes this story was particularly meaningful for him because he was the father. It made me look forward to being a father. It showed how special the family relationship is and how important the father is to the family unit. Leslie Hunter, mass communication major from Abilene, was the only freshman in the stage family. They teased me offstage at times about being 'The Boy' because of my part and my age, but I learned a lot from the director and the

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upperclassmenf' For Leslie, the musical was also a lesson in learning to balance his time. He had been in other musicals, but none while he was a college freshman learning to juggle the books. It did hurt my grades a bit, but I'd do it again in a minute. This year was the fastest a musical has ever come together at ACU because of the talented and experienced people who worked to put the show together, said Lewis Fulks, artistic director ofthe ACU Theatre. But Clay believes the show came together because of Fullcs' leadership. He helped us to keep the glory in the right place, said Clay. A lead role can be a very humbling experience, and I realized if it wasn't for the Lord we wouldnt have anything. The musical drew students closer together and closer to God, said Clay. And the cast did a fine job of entertaining the audience at the same time. - Andrea Cannedy Charlie Anderson jacob ......., james ........ Nathan . . . john .... jenny ........ Henry ........ Robert CThe Boyl Anne ........ Gabriel ....... Reverend Byrd . Sam ......... Sergeantjohnson Lieutenant ..... Tinlcham .... Carol ...... Corporal .... Marauder . . . Engineer ....., CAST . . . . . Clay Half . . . . Greg Perry . . .Kevin Weem: , . . . . Elliott Bale: . . . . . . .Trent Pine: . . . . Deborah Gardne: . . . . . Nelson Coate: . . . . Leslie Huntei . . . Ferryn Martir . . . . Allan Browr . . . . Curtis Tate . . . Randy Story . . . Stan Denmar . . . . .Greg Holi . . . Greg Foster . . . Dane Bootl .......AndySpel . . . . David Vasque: john-Mark Spradlir Confederate Sniper ..................... Kelvin Dilk: 18 f Shenandoah .Mm