Ouachita Division of Music to present “The Old Maid and the Thief” 

“The Old Maid and the Thief” will be performed November 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. Poster by Parker Raines

By ASHLYN KINLEY | OBU News Bureau

Ouachita’s Division of Music will perform “The Old Maid and the Thief” November 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The opera is set in a small town, telling the story of a mysterious stranger and the unexpected choices people make when fear, desire and reputation are involved. Though comedic on the surface, the production highlights common human struggles.  

The director of the production, Dr. Jed Kim, assistant professor of music, spoke about the creative process involved. 

“I’m most excited for our students to share the work they’ve poured their hearts into,” Kim said. “Watching them grow as performers and storytellers throughout this process has been incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience what they’ve created.” 

Kim encourages the audience to enjoy the performance and laugh while recognizing the fine line between the good and bad characters in this production. 

“This production reminds me of a question a pastor who mentored me in college often asked: ‘What is my motivation?’” Kim said. “As I worked on this opera, I found myself returning to that question again and again.” 

Although the characters in the production make questionable decisions, their emotions, insecurities and personal struggles connect with the audience, cast and crew. 

“For me, that’s what makes this story both meaningful and timeless,” Kim said. 

Cara Cannon, a senior music performance/voice and community & family services double major from McCrory, Arkansas, plays the lead role of Ms. Todd, a prominent, middle-aged and unmarried woman.  

“This opera is so much fun to be a part of, with its melodramatic characters and mysterious plot that I get to portray with my friends,” Cannon said. “But the best aspect for me is the incredible learning opportunity it has been. This opera has allowed me to grow as a musician and actor, as well as really learn to appreciate what wonderful professors we have in the School of Performing Arts.”

Tickets range from $12-15 and can be purchased at obu.edu/boxoffice or weekdays from 1-5 p.m. at the Ouachita Box Office in Jones Performing Arts Center. Ouachita students may receive one free ticket with their university ID. For more information, contact the box office at 870-245-5555.  

Cast:  

• Cara Cannon, a senior music performance/voice and community & family services double major from McCrory, Arkansas, as Ms. Todd
• Valerie Barnthson, a junior music performance/voice major from Krum, Texas, as Laetitia
• Ben Curlin, a sophomore music performance major from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as Bob
• Katie Miller, a senior musical theatre major from Conroe, Texas, as Ms. Pinkerton
• Eden Beasley, a senior music major from Benton, Arkansas, as Ms. Pinkerton
• Kade Loomis, a junior musical theatre major from Nagoya, Japan, as Liquor Store Keeper 

Crew: 

• Dr. Jed Kim, stage director
• Dr. Ian Aipperspach, associate dean of the School of Performing Arts, as music director
• Virginia Waterman, a senior musical theatre major from Dallas, Texas, as costume designer, costume crew head and hair & makeup designer
• Jennie Higdon, a senior musical theatre major from Washington, Oklahoma, as costume design crew and hair & makeup crew
• Justin Cialone, a freshman musical theatre major from Fort Smith, Arkansas, as prop, set and sound crew
• Alden Thompson, a freshman musical theatre major from Benton, Arkansas, as prop, set and sound crew