Emma Barkley
Lantern Staff
The Children’s Theatre show, “Completely Frank,” focuses on the main character “Alvin” the alligator. This character was introduced several years ago in a Children’s Theater show and has appeared in several Butler Children’s Theatre performances. As Theatre and Speech Professor Bob Peterson re-thought the focus of his stories, “Alvin” is going back to the prep school campus where he was introduced.
“This show ‘Completely Frank’ is a re-working, re-thinking and a rewrite of the first ‘Alvin the Alligator’ show,” Peterson said.
In subsequent plays, Alvin will stay on the prep school campus and interact with characters that are introduced in this play. Peterson stresses that the play centers around the theme of acceptance and understanding that everyone deserves to be a respected member of society regardless of age, race and gender.
“I hope the audience understands that the struggles in this play are real struggles that many people face in today’s society,” Morgan Hailey, a freshman and an actor, said. “I hope that they understand the idea of accepting everyone, no matter who they are or what they look like.”
One of Peterson’s main motivations in directing a children’s theatre is the audience.
“Children’s Theatre is a wonderful and unique genre,” Peterson said. “What I love about Children’s Theatre is that the audiences are so honest. This production gives the Butler actors an opportunity to perform for an eager and honest audience and to share with them a life lesson. It is an opportunity to genuinely change lives.”
Tyeler Sholander, an actor and freshman, will play Bunny, a foreign exchange student that is involved in Zandra’s group of girls called the “Debs.” Zandra, the villain of the show, will be played by freshman Sophie Watkins. Sholander said she has been involved in theater since she was about 13, she has performed in theater production beginning in middle school.
“One thing I hope the audience takes away from this production is that it is ok to be different, and that it doesn’t matter what you look like or what clothes you are wearing to get people to like you,” Sholander said.
“Completely Frank” will open to the public on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available beginning Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets will be sold at $2 each and are free for faculty, staff and students with a Butler ID.
For any questions, contact the Box Office at (316) 322-3262.
