Lyon College Harlequin Theatre earns regional Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival honors

Lulu, played by Eden Bodeker, asserts her independence in Lyon College Harlequin Theatre’s centennial production of “Miss Lulu Bett.”

Lyon College’s Harlequin Theatre marked its 100th anniversary with a major achievement as its fall production of “Miss Lulu Bett” earned five honors from the Region VI Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, recognizing excellence in performance, design and direction.

Students Lillie Hall and Eden Bodeker were nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition, one of the leading programs for collegiate performers. Hall also received recognition for excellence in costume design, highlighting her work on and off the stage.

Faculty members were honored as well. Dr. Fonzie Geary, professor and director of theatre, was cited for excellence in direction for the production. Maggie Gayle, associate professor of art and theatre, earned recognition for excellence in scenic design.

The honors come during the Harlequin Theatre’s centennial year. Founded in 1925 by educator Lois Ball, it is considered the oldest academic theatre organization in Arkansas and the longest continuously running extracurricular activity at the college.

The program was established by women and sustained for decades by alumnae and faculty directors, including Ella Shanks and Doris Hammett, former students of Ball who continued her legacy.

“Representing the rich tradition of the Harlequin Theatre at Lyon College has always been an honor for me,” Geary said. “Seeing our work on the theatre’s centennial production so recognized is incredibly gratifying. Everyone who worked on this production deserves to feel immense satisfaction in what we achieved.”

Written by Zona Gale in 1920, “Miss Lulu Bett” tells the story of a woman seeking independence and self-respect in a society that confined her to narrow roles. The Lyon College cast brought the story to life with authenticity and depth, drawing praise from festival adjudicators.

The cast included Bodeker as Lulu, Weston Derden as Dwight, Alex Band as Ina, Hall as Mrs. Bett, Kami Smith as Diana, Thaddeus Wirges as Bobby, Jeremiah Battles as Cornish, Jayson Nichols as Ninian and Lilly Gayle as Monona.

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival is a national organization recognizing excellence in collegiate theatre. Lyon College competes in Region VI, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Image provided by Lyon College