Vox Pandora to make Texas debut on Stage at HSU

HSU Alum and Local Artist' Paintings Featured

February 5, 2014 NEWS RELEASE

 

Never before seen in Texas, the play, Vox Pandora, comes to Hardin-Simmons University’s Van Ellis Theatre this February.

In this spring’s upcoming premier, Vox Pandora picks up after Pandora’s Box has been opened, “The play starts where Greek mythology leaves off,” says Victoria Spangler, HSU adjunct theatre instructor and the play’s director.
HSU theatre students have tackled debuts before; in February 2012, HSU presented the world premiere of Birds on a Wire, a vivid incarnation of the Texas Dust Bowl and the characters caught in this disaster of nature. In the fall semester of 2013, HSU premiered Red, a Tony Award-winning play that explored the enigmatic life of a famed artist.
 
Dean Nolen, assistant professor of theatre and artistic director, says, “I’m pleased to invite Victoria Spangler back this season to direct Bilal Dardai’s Vox Pandora. When she approached me last year about this script, I was instantly hooked on the idea. I also knew that Victoria would bring incredible insight and artistry to the production…all to our students’, and audiences’, benefit.”
Vox tells the story of the last remaining resident of the box, Hope, who lives life making paintings from the world’s hopes. “To the world, hope is a vague, pleasant feeling, but the character, Hope, finds herself facing reality when an idealist politician makes his way into the world. She must find out who she really is to herself, and who she is to the world,” says Spangler.
 
Artwork featured in Vox Pandora is by 1965 HSU graduate and local artist, Russell Ellison. His art is used as the artwork made by Hope as she resides in the box. Spangler describes Ellison’s work as absolutely perfect for Vox, “Especially since art plays a vital role in this production.”
 
Spangler emphasizes that students find new challenges with premier productions, “There’s less history regarding how the play has been presented in the past, and that really brings a refreshing change of pace.”
 
The lead character, Hope, will be played by Debbie Crawford; Gregory Peyton plays Xaplamos; Andreelynn Enloe, Eleanor; Cooper Langham, Roland; Candace Martinez will play Val; Anna Warren serves as lighting designer; Katie Brown, costume designer; Ryan McBride, set designer; Clara Kromer, stage manager; and Grant Paulsen, prop master.

Vox Pandora
is set to open February 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Van Ellis Theatre on the HSU campus.

Show times:


February 13-15, 2014, 7:30 p.m.

February 20-22, 2014, 7:30 p.m.

February 23, 2 p.m.

The cost for general admission is $8; for military and senior discount, $5; for HSU faculty, staff, and students, free.

 

Other productions in the 2013-2014 season:


Sweeney Todd

March 27-29, April 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees March 30 and April 6 at 2 p.m.

General Admission is $10; Military and Senior Citizen discount is $8; HSU faculty, staff and students $5

Van Ellis Theatre

 

DirectFEST


April 23-26, 7:30 p.m.

Van Ellis Theatre

 

To purchase tickets follow the link to WWW.HSUTX.EDU/TICKETS. Tickets may also be purchased at the door; or from the HSU Box Office, Van Ellis Theatre, 1 – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

 

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