November 13, 2020
Waxahachie, TX | Stephanie Van Wyk
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Theatre will present “The Voice of the Prairie” by John Olive in the BlackBox theater at 7:30 PM on Friday, November 20th, and Saturday, November 21st. There will also be a 3:00 PM showing on Sunday, November 22nd.
“The Voice of the Prairie” is about David Quinn, a farmer locally known for his storytelling. Quinn gets hired by a radio salesman to tell his life story on the air. The story of Quinn’s life becomes entangled in the life of his mentor, Poppy, and the life of Frankie, a blind girl Quinn rescued from an abusive home. A highly sentimental play, The Voice of the Prairie focuses on themes of nostalgia, coming of age, overcoming trauma, and learning to heal through relationships.
“The characters in this play struggle within themselves, their past, and with where they are in the present. The idea of struggle is such a human idea and such a relatable idea,” said Mackenzie Weiss, SAGU student director.
This show will be a little different from recent SAGU productions. Rather than being directed by SAGU’s Assistant Professor of English & Theatre, Mr. Blount, it will be student-directed by Mackenzie Weiss, a senior studying Theater Education. Weiss has acted in several productions at SAGU and embraces the new challenge of directing wholeheartedly.
“It’s actually been more gratifying to direct than to act. Directing is certainly a lot of work, but to be able to work collaboratively with these talented individuals has really been an honor,” she said.
Mr. Blount, who has assumed the role of assistant director for this production, has greatly enjoyed working with Weiss this semester and looks forward to others seeing the fruits of her labor.
“Kenzie exudes a positive attitude and possesses natural leadership qualities. She is detail-oriented and is very knowledgeable of what it takes both as an actor and as a director what it takes to put on a quality performance,” he said.
The Voice of the Prairie requires a very small cast of only 10 actors/actresses. Bryant Cox, a Freshman majoring in Theater Education, plays the lead role of David Quinn. Though a lot of hard work goes into every performance, Cox believes it’s worth it.
“We are able to express and please the Lord with the talents he has given us. It’s another form of beautiful worship to our Lord and Savior,” he said.
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community.
We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service.
Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
