Spring Musical Takes to the Stage Tonight (April 24)

Beginning tonight, NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s theatre and music programs will present “110 in the Shade,” a lovely musical that promises to draw in audiences with its heartfelt story, music, and compelling characters. 

Set to be performed from April 24 through April 26 at 7 p.m. in the White Auditorium of Burns Hall on the NWACC campus, this production will showcase actors and songbirds and inject a bit of humor into the situation of a community facing a severe drought. 

Tickets are priced affordably at just $5 for NWACC students and $10 for the general public. “110 in the Shade” is based on the play “The Rainmaker” by N. Richard Nash, who also wrote the book for the musical adaptation. 

The show explores the life of a character named Lizzie Curry, a smart, and independent woman living in a small drought-ridden town in the American Southwest during the 1930s. The town, like Lizzie herself, is thirsty for rain, for change, and for something more than what their world currently offers. This production is a joint effort between NWACC’s Music and Theatre departments, showcasing the talent and dedication of both students and faculty. A press release regarding the production includes additional details about the collaboration.

“This will be the second musical co-produced by the Music and Theatre Departments, and I guess our brand has become hidden-gem, minimalist shows!” says director Professor Stephanie Freeman, Theatre Program coordinator. “I fell in love with the play ‘The Rainmaker’ while I was an undergraduate acting student, and I was delighted to find a pared-down version of the musical adaptation that would shine a light on our wonderful students and meet the requirements for our playing space.”

All musical direction, acting, choreography, stage design, and technical execution will be handled by a team of passionate students and staff who have spent months bringing this vision to life. 

Freeman also reflected on some of qualities inherent in the story. “There is also something both timeless and timely about a woman carving her own path and trying to reconcile her own wants and needs with societal pressures,” she said. “As much as we hope for belly laughs, it’s the poignant moments of self-discovery that we hope will stay with the audience.”

The music director for “110 in the Shade” is Professor Drew Morris, a part-time Music Faculty member, who teaches classes in Music Theory and Composition. 

“When I heard the music of ‘110 In the Shade’ I was instantly struck with how classic and catchy it sounded,” Morris says. “I can’t wait for you to hear a few of my personal favorites, ‘Poker Polka’ and ‘Evenin’ Star’.”

NWACC Music/Theatre student Angela Allen will be making her debut on the White Auditorium stage as the wistful yet wise-cracking Lizzie Curry.

“This show is nothing you might expect, but everything you could want,” Allen says. “With its upbeat numbers and its hilarious dialogue, there is truly never a dull moment in ‘110 in the Shade.’ Golden Age musical meets modern Broadway in this story of female self-discovery, where Lizzie comes to terms with her own femininity while still being wholeheartedly herself. This character has taught me so much already and is a powerful example of womanhood even today.”

 Production collaborative pianist is Rebecca Harrold, vocal coach is Prof. Freda Goodman (Music Program Coordinator), and choreography is by Dani Mott (DivaDance NWA). 

“110 in the Shade” features NWACC students Angela Allen, Joseph Mendiola, Hidgens Leonard, Dave McWhorter, Jordyn Bunting, David Fox, Jina Her, Destaney Marie, and Dylan Head, with Prof. Doug Krueger and NWACC librarian Jadzia Craft, along with community member Simon Marie.

Scenic/lighting design and technical direction is by AFA Theatre student Curt Gilgen, costume design is by Jina Her, with costume supervisors Kate Melee and Jocelyn Wulf. Sound design is by RJ Perry with sound supervision by Prof. Marc Turner and David Oliver. Co-Stage Managers are Dustin Rodriguez II and Destaney Marie. Graphic design is by Alek Burt.

This production of “110 in the Shade” is registered as an associate production in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region VI.

This show contains brief moments of intimacy/adult language and runs approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. “110 in the Shade” is recommended for ages 10 and up.