MSU Theatre receives invitation to regional theater festival

            For the second consecutive year, the Midwestern State University Theatre has earned an invitation to the Region VI American College Theater Festival.

            MSU's production of And the Rain Came to Mayfield will be one of six productions showcased at the regional festival in Amarillo, Texas, during the week of February 22 through 27.  Region VI includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas.

            And the Rain Came to Mayfield is the story of two sons, one white, the other African-American, who cross paths in a small Mississippi town gripped by racism in the early 1960's.  The production was directed by Brandon Smith.  The award-winning scenic, costume, and property designs were the work of MSU students Justen Locke, Sydney Stockton, and William Palmer, respectively.  Three student performers from the cast were also chosen to participate in the Irene Ryan Acting Competition sponsored annually by ACTF: Trinton Williams, Sydney Stockton, and Matthew Griffin.

            The other five productions selected for the festival are Awake and Sing by the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Eurydice by Sam Houston State University, Machinal by the University of Central Arkansas, Noises Off by the University of Louisiana - Lafayette, and Parking Lot Babies by Southeastern Louisiana University.