Everything Nac

    “The Gift of the Magi,” the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre’s first radio play, will be broadcast on the region’s NPR affiliate (locally KLDN 88.9 FM) at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25.

    The half-hour adaptation of O. Henry’s classic Christmas story of the same title was dramatized by Jack Heifner, SFA resident playwright and Broadway veteran writer, and directed by SFA Senior Lecturer Jackie Rosenfeld.

    Heifner opens his play in an early 20th century pub where an author named William Sidney Porter (O. Henry’s real name) is heard worrying about a deadline for a Christmas story due to a New York magazine. An affectionate pair of youthful pub-goers inspires Porter to write what would become his best-known work—the story of a struggling young wife and husband who make extraordinary sacrifices to buy one another Christmas gifts, explained Scott Shattuck, director of the SFA School of Theatre.

    “The presents prove so ironic that the twist ending has become one of the most famous in the history of the short story form,” Shattuck continued.

    The production was recorded in the School of Theatre’s newly renovated, state-of-the-art sound laboratory. It features original music by Tyler sophomore Mason Lieberman, SFA music composition major; and sound effects by CC Conn, SFA assistant professor who specializes in theatrical sound and lighting design. Adjunct faculty member David Raine plays Pete the Bartender.

    The other characters are voiced by SFA students. Commerce junior Benn May plays Porter, and Richmond freshman Katy Rutherford portrays both the young woman in the pub and the young wife. Mesquite junior John Lisi plays her husband and the young man in the pub.

    British exchange students Helena Williams and Fenella Spillane, Houston junior Virginia Arteaga, Nacogdoches senior Kyla Williams, Orange sophomore Randy Wuske, and sophomore criminal justice major Jeron Humphrey of Dallas complete the cast.

    Visiting Assistant Professor Toni Smith provided vocal coaching for the actors. Nacogdoches senior Arrie Tucker is the assistant director, and freshman Ryann Underwood of West Chapel, Fla., serves as stage manager.

    Members of the School of Theatre’s New Original Cast, directed by Assistant Professor Jason Davids Scott, provide the Christmas caroling that is heard in the background. Graduate student Robert Palermo of Brownsville and Sachse senior Korey Stephens perform the original score on saxophone and clarinet, respectively.

    “Adding radio drama to our repertoire allows us to reach a large, new audience,” said Shattuck. “It also gives a new dimension to the learning experiences available to our theatre students and strengthens our collaboration with the School of Music.

    “The fact that we were able to commission a writer of the talent and stature of Jack Heifner to pen this pilot effort has resulted in an extraordinary holiday treat,” Shattuck continued, “and we couldn’t be more thrilled that Red River Radio has added it to their schedule so that our entire region can enjoy the story on Christmas night.”

    The program is also available as a podcast at www.theatre.sfasu.edu through Tuesday, Jan. 17.

    Nacogdoches Naturally will host a family field trip to Martin Dies Jr. State Park on Saturday, Jan. 7. Families will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Stephen F. Austin State University Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., to travel to the park.

    Martin Dies Jr. State Park is a 705-acre recreational area in Jasper and Tyler counties between Woodville and Jasper on B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir. Outdoor activities at the recreation area will be provided by park naturalist Katherine Crippens.

    “Ms. Crippens will present a program on insects in the morning, and, in the afternoon, she will have a reptile program for our group in the park’s nature center,” said Kerry Lemon, program director for Nacogdoches Naturally. “This will be a fun winter outing to one of the great Texas State Parks in our region. Families will be able to explore the park and experience the facilities available there.”

    Weather permitting, there will be opportunities during the lunch break for fishing, bird watching, hiking and picnicking. There are covered facilities at the park to use in case of rain. Families are reminded to wear appropriate clothing for a winter outdoor adventure and good walking shoes. Travel time from Nacogdoches to Martin Dies Jr. State Park is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The group will leave in time to arrive back at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center at approximately 4 p.m.

    Nacogdoches Naturally is sponsored by SFA Gardens and funded through a matching grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Sponsored activities are designed to cultivate outdoor skills and an awareness of outdoor education with the goal of families developing a lifetime enjoyment of the natural world. All programs are family friendly and appropriate for all ages.

    Cost for the event is $5 per family. Lunch will be provided by the Nacogdoches Naturally program. Limited SFA van transportation will be available as needed. Space will be limited, so register early. The registration deadline for the event is Thursday Jan. 5.

    For more information, contact Kerry Lemon at (936) 468-5586 or lemonkb@sfasu.edu.