BATESVILLE, Arkansas — Lyon College’s Harlequin Theatre marked its 100th anniversary with a major achievement. The college’s fall production of “Miss Lulu Bett” earned five honors from the Region VI Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), recognizing excellence in performance, design and direction.
Students Lillie Hall and Eden Bodeker were nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition, one of the preeminent competitions for collegiate performers. Hall also received recognition for Excellence in Costume Design, highlighting her artistry both on stage and behind the scenes.
Faculty also were honored for their creative leadership. Dr. Fonzie Geary, professor and director of theatre, was cited for Excellence in Direction for “Miss Lulu Bett.” Maggie Gayle, associate professor of art and theatre, earned recognition for Excellence in Scenic Design.
The production was especially meaningful as part of the Harlequin Theatre’s centennial celebration. Founded in 1925 by educator Lois Ball, Lyon College’s Harlequin Theatre is recognized as the oldest academic theatre organization in Arkansas and the longest continuously running extracurricular activity at the college.
The theatre was established by women and sustained through the decades by visionary alumnae and faculty directors, including Ella Shanks and Doris Hammett, both former students of Ball who carried her legacy forward.
“Representing the rich tradition of the Harlequin Theatre at Lyon College has always been an honor for me,” said Dr. Geary. “Seeing our work on the theatre’s centennial production so recognized is incredibly gratifying. Everyone who worked on this production deserves to feel a sense of immense satisfaction in what we achieved.”
Written by Zona Gale in 1920, “Miss Lulu Bett” tells the story of a woman seeking independence and self-respect in a society that confined her to narrow roles. The Lyon College cast brought Gale’s timeless story to life with authenticity and heart, drawing praise from KCACTF adjudicators.
The cast included Bodeker as Lulu, Weston Derden as Dwight, Alex Band as Ina, Hall as Mrs. Bett, Kami Smith as Diana, Thaddeus Wirges as Bobby, Jeremiah Battles as Cornish, Jayson Nichols as Ninian and Lilly Gayle as Monona.
The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival is a national organization recognizing excellence in collegiate theatre. Lyon College competes in Region VI, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Lyon College Harlequin Theatre Earns Region VI Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Honors
