March 31, 2008
Lyon College News Bureau

The Lyon College Theater Department is gearing up for its performances of “The Heidi Chronicles” in April.

Performances are April 10, 11, 12 at 8 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m. in Holloway Theatre. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for students/senior citizens. Reservations can be made at 870-307-7510. This production is intended for mature audiences.

“The Heidi Chronicles,” written by Wendy Wasserstein, was first produced on Broadway in 1989 and won a Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, New York Drama Critics Award and other awards.

The play is a funny and touching account of a baby boomer, Heidi Holland, an art historian. It begins in 1965 and ends in 1989, as Heidi Holland struggles to come of age as both a woman and a professional. She attempts to find her bearings in a rapidly changing world. The play traces the journey of women from idealism and political radicalism, militant feminism, and finally to the materialism they fought so hard to avoid.

Director Dr. Michael L. Counts said he thought that this play was ready for a revival in a presidential election year, with a woman running for president. Counts said he found it interesting that the idea of a woman president is not dealt with in this play about woman's rights from a mere 20 years ago.

The production is being designed and built by Jance Floyd, a 2007 graduate of the Theatre Department at Lyon College. Cast members include Emily Fleming (Heidi Holland), Alissa Walter (Susan Johnston), Roger Simons (Peter Patrone) and Victor Wilson (Scoop Rosenbaum). Seth Madison, Joe Sanchez, Kelsey Lack and Amanda Wawak are each playing several roles.

Students Roger Simons as Peter Patrone and Emily Fleming as Heidi Holland rehearse for the spring production of “The Heidi Chronicles.”