The Hastings College Department of Theatre and Alpha Psi Omega honor society will present The Arkansaw Bear, the annual production for youth, Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m., in Scott Studio Theatre. 

Tickets are $5 for all ages. The box office will be open from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays beginning Monday, Dec. 1. Call (402) 461-7380, or e-mail tickets@hastings.edu. 

The Arkansaw Bear was written by Aurand Harris, one of America’s most beloved children’s playwrights. The play is about a young girl who wishes on a star to understand why her grandfather is dying and meets the world’s Greatest Dancing Bear, an aging circus bear, and his friend Little Bear. Funny and touching, together they realize the best way to honor the circle of life. 

Senior Zach Boyd, son of Robert and Lisa Boyd, Hastings, Neb., is directing the play. 
 
Cast:
Tish: Franny Myers, sophomore, Charles/Mary Myers, Fallon, Nev.
Greatest Dancing Bear: Paul Martin, junior, Philip/Ann Martin, Doniphan, Neb. Mime: Peter Laegreid, sophomore, William/Renee Laegreid, Hastings, Neb.
Ringmaster: Blake Holen, sophomore, Wes/Christa Holen, Oxford, Neb.
Star Bright: Bethany Beavers, Master of Arts in Teaching student, Robert/Becky Beavers, Carleton, Neb.
Arkansaw Bear: Danae Garfield, junior, James/Jane Garfield, Aurora, Neb.
Voices:
 Mother: Melissa Muller, sophomore, Glenton/Michelle Muller, Aurora, Colo.
 Aunt Ellen: Katie Van Eaton, freshman, Barbara Van Eaton/James Van Eaton, Roswell, N.M.
 Announcer: Christopher Work, sophomore, Lavern/Jeanette Work, Plattsmouth, Neb.

Crew Heads:
Stage Manager: Katie Van Eaton, freshman, Barbara Van Eaton/James Van Eaton, Roswell, N.M.
Set: Bob Gilmore, senior, Richard/Christine Gilmore, Omaha, Neb.
Lights: Katti McNally, junior, Timothy/Sandra McNally, Loveland, Colo. 
 Melissa Muller, sophomore, Glenton/Michelle Muller, Aurora, Colo.
Sound: Jillian Haller, sophomore, David/Darla Haller, Greybull, Wyo.
Make-up: Emily Gilchrist, senior, Thomas/Elizabeth Gilchrist, Craig, Colo.
Costumes: Anna Kippley, senior, Geroge/Deborah Kippley, Papillion, Neb.
Props: Cory VomWeg, senior, Wayne/Marcia VomWeg, Hastings, Neb.
Public Relations/Box Office: Aaron Blackman, senior, Susan Blackman/Raymond Blackman, Valparaiso, Neb.
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