Howard Payne University students will perform “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” by Paul Zindel from February 27 through March 2. This play will be their entrance in the Christian University Theatre Festival hosted by Hardin-Simmons University (HSU).

Showtimes at the HPU Theatre will be Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 1 at 2:30 p.m. The Van Ellis Theatre at HSU will also host one showtime on Monday, March 2 at 8:00 p.m. as a part of the Christian University Theatre Festival. 

“This play is an especially challenging production for our students, whose talent, hard work and dedication to their craft have created a powerful and beautiful performance,” said Dr. Nicholas Ewen, director and designer for the production and Chair of the HPU Department of Theatre. “Audiences are sure to be moved by the unforgettable performances by the cast.”

The cast is comprised of Katie Richards, a junior from Brownfield; Crista Mallory, a freshman from Comanche; Madison Youngblood, a sophomore from Brownwood; Aniyah O’Neal, a senior from Bay City; and Audrie Grimes, freshman from Comanche. The assistant director of the play is Dariany Sotelo Antonetti, a sophomore from Port Neches. 

“Although this is her first full-length directing opportunity, Dariany’s work on this production has been incredible,” said Dr. Ewen. “She has a great eye for staging and has helped our actors create incredible characters on stage.”

“The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” by Paul Zindel is character-driven drama centered on the fractured Hunsdorfer family. At its heart are three complex female roles: Beatrice, the bitter, volatile mother; Ruth, the fragile older daughter suffering with social anxiety and psychosomatic illness; and Tillie, the shy yet brilliant younger daughter who finds refuge in science.

For more information, please call the School of Education and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500.