The scene is a shanty town outside Ware, Illinois during the depths of the Great Depression. Hopeless masses are huddled in poverty ridden enclaves.
Rising above all this is Girl, an allegoric image of ‘every girl’ who is an abandoned child seeking identity. She finds some comfort in the haven of Mother Hicks, the figure head which rises above the heap. Mother Hicks, however, is blamed for all misfortunes and the populous think ‘she is a witch.’
Emma McDonell as Girl bounces across the stage with all the enthusiasm of an 11-year-old. She makes the Girl’s quest exciting.
Mother Hicks is portrayed by Kendall Dayton assisted by the mute Tuc played to the hilt by Michael Arvay. The Girl’s current foster family, the Wards, are played well by Shannon DeVaughn and Abigail Taylor. Garrett Rowland and Ashley Emrick comprise the Ricks family.
Special notice is directed to Douglas Diaz as Clovis, the storekeeper. Rounding out the cast are Jason Weathers, Dylan Poll, and Corbin VanVliet. A Greek chorus of Tyre Simpson, Shelby Bradshaw, and Abigail Howard furthers the story telling.
The set on the expansive stage of Dassance Fine Arts Center on the College of Central Florida at Ocala totally represents the “Hooverville” conclaves of the 1930’s.
Consider “Mother Hicks” a test for the students at CF. They deserve an unqualified passing grade.
The show’s very brief run ends Sunday, Oct. 26. If you miss this one, plan on seeing their upcoming musical “Godspell” Nov. 14 – 16. These quality shows at bargain prices are too good to be missed. For further information visit www.cf.edu/departments/instruction/las/vpa/theater.
Villager Jack Petro reviews local theater for Villages-News.com
