THE MUSIC LESSON
by Tammy Ryan

If music is the universal language, then the theatre department at Eastern Oklahoma State College is in a "total immersion" program as they rehearse for their upcoming production THE MUSIC LESSON, playing Nov. 5 & 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Mitchell Auditorium on the Wilburton campus.

The new drama by Tammy Ryan explores the relationship between a refugee couple from Bosnia who are musicians and the American family who sign on to be their music students in America. The emotional needs of the two American teenagers and the couple's memories of a gifted student in Sarajevo create the conflict of the short play.

"This beautiful play explores the place of the arts, represented by music, in a world gone mad whether that madness stems from families torn apart by war or by divorce and anger. It is a powerful call for peace and communication. We have all learned to listen a bit more through the process of working on this play; I hope the audience will take the time to listen, too."

Featured in the cast are Dottie Minshall, Nashoba, who thrilled Eastern audiences two years ago in the popular THE KING AND I; sophomore Vanessa Miller, Haileyville, acclaimed for her ditsy portrayal of Dim Witty in the recent SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS OF THE BLACK FOREST; and Rachael McClure, Tupelo sophomore most recently one of the brides in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS.

Completing the ensemble are sophomores Daniel Jesse Bruesch, Heavener; Cody Henry, Antlers; and Christina Bentley, Muldrow.

This drama will be Theatre Eastern's entry in the American College Theatre Festival, Nov. 13, at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. For more information, call Ruth Askew Brelsford at 918-465-2361 x 216.

Caption: The cast of the upcoming Theatre Eastern production, THE MUSIC LESSON, take a look at the musical score in a recent rehearsal. The drama plays Nov. 5 & 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Mitchell Auditorium on the Wilburton campus. This new play will be Eastern's entry in the American College Theatre Festival later in the month. Pictured above are: (left to right) Sophomores Rachael McClure, Tupelo; Vanessa Miller, Haileyville (seated); Dottie Minshall, Nashoba; Daniel Jesse Bruesch, Heavener; Cody Henry, Antlers; and Christina Bentley, Muldrow. Tickets are $3 at the door. For more information, call Ruth Askew Brelsford, 918-465-2361 x 216.

(Official Press Release 10-30-04)