'King Lear' to be performed at Campbellsville University May 11-13

by Gerard Flanagan, news writer and photographer, Office of University Communications

Campbellsville, KY (05/04/2023) — One of William Shakespeare's many plays will be performed soon on the campus of Campbellsville University, with performances of "King Lear" set for 8 p.m., Thursday, May 11; Friday, May 12; and Saturday, May 13, in the parking lot of the Student Activity Center, 106 University Drive.

A $10 donation is recommended instead of admission. Donations can be made the day of the performance.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Campbellsville University, Town Hall Productions and Heritage Children Services will present the production. In Shakespeare's tragedy, "King Lear" tells the story of King Lear, who divides his kingdom among the two daughters who flatter him and banishes the third one who loves him, according to a synopsis of the play.

"His eldest daughters both then reject him at their homes, so Lear goes mad and wanders through a storm. His banished daughter returns with an army, but they lose the battle and Lear, all his daughters and more, die," the synopsis adds.

Playing the lead role of King Lear is Jonathan Heineman, an attorney in Campbellsville.

Additional cast members are as follows: Chris Gibbs, IT infrastructure manager at Campbellsville University, as Gloucester; Spencer Ingram, senior from Mt. Eden, Ky., as Kent; Jenny Kawa, who does freelance media and theater work, as Goneril;

Holly Jo Evans, a 2022 graduate of Campbellsville University, as Cordelia; Emma Kait Grider, senior from Columbia, Ky., as Regan; Gavin Johnson, senior from Campbellsville, Ky., as Edmund; Nicholas Hardin, freshman from Hodgenville, Ky., as Edgar;

Briana Vinson, freshman from Hammond, Ind., as the fool; Emily Burchett, freshman from Campbellsville, Ky., as Oswald; Jon Carey, freshman from Bowling Green, Ky., as Duke of Albany; Collin Harris, junior from Campbellsville, Ky., as Cornwall;

Sinjin Fuchs, senior from Eubank, Ky., as King of France, first Knight and gentleman; Channing Young, junior from Lebanon, Ky., as Duke of Burgundy and doctor; and Hannah Williamson, junior from Munfordville, Ky., Lacey Miller, freshman from Radcliff, Ky., and Nathaniel Clifford, senior from Campbellsville, Ky., as members of the ensemble.

Alia McClendon, community theatre manager at Campbellsville University, is the play's director. Serving as stage manager is Starr Garrett, theatre director and professor of theatre. Abigail Tollison, senior from Glasgow, Ky., will serve as stage manager.

Priscilla Wilson, sophomore from Lebanon, Ky., is the play's assistant stage manager. In addition to her role as Cordelia, Holly Jo Evans will oversee set design for the play. Sydney Harlan, freshman from Mt. Washington, Ky., is in charge of costume design.

Lauren Phillips, senior from Campbellsville, Ky., will oversee sound design and Isaac Rogers, sophomore from Campbellsville, Ky., is handling light design. Gabe Taylor, senior from Fisherville, Ky., is over props design and is the run crew manager for the play.

The run crew consists of Alex West, freshman from Burnside, Ky.; Rogers; and Kade England, freshman from Campbellsville, Ky. Carynne Ritter, sophomore from Campbellsville, Ky., will oversee costumes and wardrobes for the play.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.