Posted September 28, 2009.
The University of Oklahoma School of Drama Lab Theatre presents A Piece of My Heart, a gripping drama by Shirley Lauro, suggested by the book by Keith Walker, opening Wednesday, October 7 at 8 p.m., in the Beatrice Carr Wallace Old Science Hall Lab Theatre, 640 Parrington Oval, in Norman. The show will continue its run at 8 p.m., October 8-10 and at 3 p.m., October 10-11.
In A Piece of My Heart, Shirley Lauro weaves together the true stories of six American women who served in the Vietnam War -- from Martha, an Army brat determined to serve her country, to Maryjo, a Texas bumpkin who just wants to entertain the boys. They leave their lives behind with patriotic optimism, but the chaos of combat quickly awakens them to the reality of war. As the play moves from active duty through the decades afterward, the women struggle to cope with the heart-wrenching truths of their experience. A Piece of My Heart is a poignant drama about healing and growth in the aftermath of one of the most turbulent and controversial wars of our time.
Lou Antonio, OU alumnus and film and television veteran, is guest directing. His motion pictures include Elia Kazan's America, America, Cool Hand Luke, and Hawaii. In television he guest starred in over 100 series episodes, and was a regular in three series. As a television director he helmed 28 movies for television and some 90 episodes, working with such actors as George C. Scott, Lee Remick, Elizabeth Taylor, Carol Burnett, William Shatner, Peter Ustinov, and Heath Ledger. He received three Emmy nominations, a Directors Guild nomination, and a Humanitas Award.
The cast consists of Weitzenhoffer College of Fine Arts students Mary Black, Marisha Castle, Kristina Doelling, Jessie Downs, Anna Fearheiley, Jonathan Hooks, Candace Jordan, Ross Johnson, Alden Olds and Lindsey Newell.
Other members of the production team include Jillian Robertson, assistant director, Tom Huston Orr, associate producer, Robin Huston, choreographer, Rena Cook, dialect coach, Andrew Brown, stage manager, Christopher Fitzer, scenic designer, Jillian Donaldson, costume designer, Kirk Fitzgerald, lighting designer, and Addie Work, dramaturg.
Tickets are $8 adult, and $6 students with ID, and can be purchased by calling the Fine Arts College Ticket Service at (405) 325-4101, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The box office is located in the Catlett Music Center, 500 West Boyd. For accommodations on the basis of a disability call (405) 325-4101. If you would like more information about A Piece of my Heart or to schedule an interview please call Sandra Bent at (405) 325-5321 or email: sbent@ou.edu. Additional School of Drama information can be found at http://theatre.ou.edu.