The Howard Payne University Department of Theatre will host performances of A Man Called Peter, which will open this Thursday for a five-day run.
The play is about Peter Marshall, the Scottish minister who was the Chaplain of the U.S. Senate for several years during the latter 1940’s before his untimely death.
“Our students have truly enjoyed studying about this incredible preacher whose prayers and sermons have been published and widely acclaimed,” said director Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld. “Many people are already very familiar with the prayers and ministry of Peter and Catherine Marshall, and this play brings to life the vibrant power of their unshakeable faith and devotion to God and to each other.”
The play features Marshall who has gathered into his home the young people of the community. He makes their joys and sorrows his own. His wife knows how ready he is to overtax his strength on behalf of others, but he good-humoredly evades her efforts to shield him. To Peter Marshall, life is service. Sometimes this means he gives offense to the more conservative elements in the church. Two elder members are scandalized when they walk in on their minister illustrating (with the tea cloth on his head) how to play the role of an Arab sheik. He even opposes a distinguished senator when he finds him determined to jail a boy who has erred but is now ready to live honestly. Although he has even more serious problems, the audience will see his indomitable spirit triumphing over every threat.
“While there are none of his sermons in the play, there are snippets of wonderful thoughts that I think will resonate with our audience,” Humfeld said.
Performances will take place February 27, 28, March 1, & 3 at 7:30 PM and March 2 at 2:30 PM in the Howard Payne University Theatre. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. HPU students, faculty and staff are free. Call the HPU Box Office at 325-649-8516 for ticket information.
Click the photo gallery below for pictures of a recent dress rehearsal of the play.
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