C of O Hosts Patriotic Play

The College of the Ozarks begins their annual Patriotic Play performances today.

The press release from College of the Ozarks is below:

Beginning today (Oct 7), College of the Ozarks will present “A Flight to Faith: The Story of a Vietnam P.O.W.” This riveting and true story chronicles the journey of an American hero, Colonel John Clark. The play is produced and performed by students at College of the Ozarks.

The showing of a patriotic play is a fall tradition at College of the Ozarks. Performances are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; seating is first-come, first-served. 

Mark Young, professor of theatre and director of the production, derived the play from the book, “Vietnam 101: A Class Like No Other,” written by President Jerry C. Davis.

This year’s play was written with the help of five College of the Ozarks students during the summer 2021 Work Education Program. These five students include Susie Johnson, senior musical theatre major; Jacob Robbins, senior biblical and theological studies major; Nicholas Sutton, senior theatre major; Izzy Sutton, senior theatre major; and Elijah Wolfard, sophomore biblical and theological studies major. 
Play Synopsis
For 2,176 days, Colonel John Clark was held captive in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” as a P.O.W. during the Vietnam War. He endured starvation, a deadly sickness, and mental and physical torture at the hands of the enemy. To his family, he was reported MIA and presumed dead. 

Play dates

Performances will take place in The Keeter Center’s Royal Oak Forum. The play’s duration is approximately one hour and 10 minutes. 

Show dates for the 2 p.m. performances:

October 7, 12, 14, 19, 26, 28
November 2, 16

Show dates for the 3 p.m. performances: 

October 9, 23
November 7, 11, 13, 14

Show dates for a special 7 p.m. performance: November 9, 11

Cast and Crew 

•    Director/Set Design: Mark Young, professor of theatre
•    Veteran, performed by senior Nicholas Sutton, theatre major from Marionville, Missouri
•    Molly, performed by senior Rani Rush, musical theatre major from Ash Flat, Arkansas
•    Captain John Clark, performed by freshman, Jacob Priestner, public relations major from Springdale, Arkansas
•    V.C Officer, Camp Commander, performed by junior C.J. Voerman, history major from Eureka Springs, Arkansas
•    Jane, V.C. Soldier #1, and Guard, performed by senior Izzy Sutton, theatre major from Bunker, Missouri
•    V.C. Soldier #2, Slew Food, performed by junior Judah Sawyer, theatre major from Fredericktown, Missouri 
•    Tien, performed by senior Susan Johnson, musical theatre major from Des Moines, Iowa
•    Valorie and the Veteran’s girlfriend, performed by junior Anna Brayman, musical theatre major from Hollister, Missouri
•    Western Union Man and Colonel Russell, performed by senior Jacob Robbins, Biblical and theological studies major from Springfield, Missouri
•    Bonnie Clark and Protester #3, performed by junior Dorothie-Grace Goode, musical theatre major from Vilonia, Arkansas 
•    Howie, performed by freshman Elijah Stewart, speech and theatre education major from Springfield, Nebraska
•    Eddie and Woman’s husband, performed by junior Christian Belcher, theatre major from Blanchard, Oklahoma
•    Charlie and Protestor #4, performed by junior William Bressler, theatre major from Jonesboro, Arkansas 
•    Tom, performed by senior Bradley Shelton, theatre major from Rolla, Missouri
•    Jimmy, performed by junior Jagger Case, music theory and composition major from Union, Missouri
•    Mayor, performed by freshman Phoebe Ulmer, music theatre major from Seneca, Kansas
•    Sylvia, performed by freshman Alyvia Labertew, theatre major from Mena, Arkansas
•    Woman, performed by freshman Grace Ellett, theatre major from Buckner, Missouri
•    Protestor #1, performed by freshman Rachel Hall, theatre major from Kansas City, Missouri 
•    Protestor #2, performed by senior Hallie Hartwell, theatre major from Nixa, Missouri
•    Mother, performed by sophomore Rebecca Tiffee, studio art: computer art major from Tulsa, Oklahoma  
•    Sharon, performed by Molly McNeill, daughter of Andy McNeill, purchasing manager and Stacy McNeill, chair of performing and professional arts
•    Ann Clark, performed by sophomore Amelia Aguilera, family studies/social services: marriage and family major from Springfield, Missouri 

Groups of 10 or more and motor coaches, call (417) 690-2122. For general inquiries, call (417) 239-1900.