Playhouse to Raise Scholarship Money Through Production of Idol Hill

By Rachel Evans

The Texas A&M University-Commerce University Playhouse will present their summer production of Idol Hill beginning Tuesday evening, July 9 and close with a matinee on Sunday, July 14.

“The show runs from July 9-13 at 8pm with a Sunday matinee on July 14 at 3pm,” says Alesa McGregor, current A&M-Commerce graduate student and University Playhouse Box Office Manager. “Proceeds from this production will be used to benefit a new acting scholarship for our department in memory of our award-winning alumna Watashia Jayroe who performed in the 1994 production of Idol Hill.”

“We will also be hosting a fundraiser-gala performance immediately following the matinee on Sunday for a $15 donation to the scholarship,” says McGregor. “This performance will feature a reception and musical performances including Brad Davis, among others.”

This play, written by Jim Tyler Anderson and directed by Dr. John Hanners, takes place in the summer of 1966 in the small Texas town of Idol Hill. The Vietnam War raged on and racial tensions were high. The play is part love story and part ghost story. A beautiful woman comes to town and stirs up secrets from the past. Multiple overlapping storylines weave a tale of heroes and lies, love and transformation. This production does contain language and some violence and is considered not suitable for children.

Tickets are on sale now at the box office at $5 for children under 18 or students with a valid ID, $10 for seniors, and $15 for adults.

Those who wish to reserve tickets or would like to inquire about group rates can call the University Playhouse box office at 903-886-5900.

Future updates from the University Playhouse can be found online at https://www.facebook.com/universityplayhouse.