Students prepare for summer production

“Splendor in the Grass” is a tale about growing up, sexual desire and the pain of love. 
The Little Theatre production, directed by Neil Weiss, is scheduled to run from July 23 to August 1.

Most famously, Elia Kazan released the movie “Splendor in the Grass” in 1961.

The film starred Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood, who earned an Oscar nomination for best actress in a leading role. Pulitzer award-winning playwright William Inge earned an Oscar for best original screenplay.

Cherie Brown, director of the Little Theatre, has had “Splendor” on her list for awhile and saw that under the direction of Weiss, it would be a great play for the Little Theatre to produce.

“I’ve always wanted to do ‘Splendor,’” Brown said. “I know how much everyone loved the movie, and I think it is such a beautiful play. It is easy to relate to and a great summer piece. It is also a wonderful acting challenge for my students.”

The story is set in a small town in Kansas in 1928. The audience is first introduced to Deanie Loomis, played by Tayler Larson.

Deanie is a beautiful, quiet girl, who is dating Bud Stamper, played by Thomas Burns. Bud is the most popular boy in school.

Bud is the all-American boy: handsome, smart, and the high school quarterback. Bud’s sister, Ginny, played by Summer Stratton, is the family outcast.

Their parents are ashamed of her and put all of their focus on Bud.

When Deanie follows her mother’s advice and refuses to have sex with Bud, the boy’s father, Ace, a wealthy oil tycoon played by Kaveh Farzad, tells his son to find another girl who will satisfy his desires.

“I’ve never played so far out of my age range before,” said 22-year-old Farzad. “I am looking forward to the challenge, though, and I think that working with a talented director like Neil will help me prepare for the role.” 

The cast is scheduled to begin rehearsing June 11, giving them just a little more than a month to perfect their roles. Tickets can be purchased at the theater box office, and are priced at $12 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.