MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile presents the play “These Shining Lives” by Melanie Marnich as the first event of their 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series.
“These Shining Lives” chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. Catherine and her friends are dying, it’s true; but theirs is a story of survival in its most transcendent sense, as they refuse to allow the company that stole their health to kill their spirits – or endanger the lives of those who come after them.
This production is under the direction of Stewart Hawley, theatre department chair and assistant professor of theatre, along with Claire Strong, a senior BFA musical theatre major, as assistant director and Lisa Rosado Rivera, a master’s student in vocal performance, as stage manager.
“This show is about the marginalization of women and the importance of female stories that created a point in history,” Hawley said.
“These Shining Lives’ will perform Sept. 28-30 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. at College Woods Auditorium on the University of Mobile campus. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for student admission. To purchase tickets, visit umobile.edu/pas or contact the box office at 251-442-2373 or svalentin@umobile.edu.
Cast members include:
Tabitha Ott: Catherine Donahue
BFA Acting Performance, Senior
Karli Alaniz: Charlotte Purcell
BFA Acting Performance, Junior
Erica Jackson: Pearl Payne
BFA Acting Performance, Sophomore
Chesed Turner: Frances O’Connell
BFA Musical Theatre, Sophomore
Jonah Nelson: Tom Donahue
BFA Musical Theatre, Sophomore
Logan Mitchell: Mr. Reed/Leonard Grossman
BFA Musical Theatre, Sophomore
Brooke Hamner: Doctor Dalitsch/Judge
BFA Acting Performance, Freshman
Tiffany Aikens: Doctor Rowntree/Reporter 1 (U/S Catherine and Charlotte)
MM Vocal Performance
Caden Dazzo: Company Doctor/Reporter 2 (U/S Tom)
BFA Acting Performance, Freshman
To find out more about Alabama School of the Arts events, please visit umobile.edu/asota or call the Alabama School of the Arts at 251.442.2383.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Gregory Naman is an intern in the Office of Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. He is a full-time student double-majoring in Communication with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations and Performance with a concentration in Acting. Greg can often be found playing pretend onstage in various Alabama School of the Arts productions and concerts. When school and work aren’t keeping him busy, he enjoys singing and dancing with his friends and going on sunset drives to nowhere.