Theatre @ UAFS will perform “Women of Manhattan,” its third theatrical production of the year, Nov. 21-24 at the Breedlove Auditorium on the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith campus.

 

The performances, which are free and open to the public, will be shown Nov. 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m. The play is recommended for ages 16 and older.

 

The comedic drama tells the story of three upper-class Manhattan women who have health, wealth and success, but not love. Their struggle with relationships is the center of this coming-of-age play penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley.

 

The show will feature UAFS student Priscilla Tran of Fort Smith as the play’s director. Having students directing plays is uncommon, according to UAFS theatre director Bob Stevenson of Fort Smith, but he said Tran “has what it takes to be a director.”

 

“This show is fully student directed and designed. When a student distinguishes themselves in directing class and wants a shot at directing a full-length play, we try to make it happen,” he said. “Priscilla is a focused student who has proven she can handle it. Every day she comes up with a new idea or a new way of looking at material.”

 

Tran said that “Women of Manhattan” is a “heart-felt and coming-of-age story.”

 

“What spoke out to me about this play are the viewpoints these characters have of one another, and especially of themselves,” she said. “These viewpoints affect their behavior and their personalities, and it ultimately drives how these characters live their lives.” 

 

Despite the play being led by three female characters, Stevenson said the story appeals to anyone who has experienced love.  
“This show is a comedy, but it’s an urban comedy about women in relationships, somewhat like ‘Sex in the City,’” Stevenson said. “I think, however, that there are things in the show that anyone who has ever been in a relationship can relate to.”

 

The cast and crew includes:

 

Booneville: Hannah Yeager.

 

Clarksville: Elizabeth Sampley.

 

Fort Smith: Ashley Behm, Kendra Carter, Cassi Colvett, Pablo Guerra-Monje, Lee Hartsock, Catherine Leimberg, Hannah Lovins, Will Paget, Wendy Quick, John Smith, Kyyah Thompson, Priscilla Tran.

 

Greenwood: Jacob Lensing, Cheree Spann.

 

Mena: LaTrisha Metcalf.

 

Muldrow, Okla.: Tiffany Reed.

 

New Orleans, La.: Kevin McElwee.

 

North Little Rock: Alex Sanders.

 

Oklahoma City, Okla.: Leah Wineland.

 

Pea Ridge: Chaz Bratton.

 

Perryville: Cory Wray.

 

Poteau, Okla.: Felicia Walker.

 

Waldron: Emily Gardner.

 

Theatre @ UAFS is offering six productions this year, with two of those as part of the University's Season of Entertainment annual slate of productions and concerts.

 

For more information about "Women of Manhattan," email bob.stevenson@uafs.edu or call 479-788-7303.