Story by Sara Howell, Features Editor

Photo courtesy of Campus Lights

Are you in need of some weekend plans? Come out to Murray State’s annual production of Campus Lights this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m or Sunday at 2:30 p.m. This year students will be performing “Mamma Mia!”, which highlights hits from the Swedish pop group ABBA.

Nathan Arnold, the stage director from Mount Vernon, Illinois, said Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha are asked for theme suggestions.

“The Board of Producers and Staff narrow down the options and give the fraternities three options to vote on,” Arnold said. “The directors explain the pros and cons of each show option and give their recommendations, but at the end of the process, it’s up to the members.”

He said about 50 students auditioned for the show and 22 students got roles.

“The students will have rehearsed two weeks before the show,” Arnold said. “Most productions usually have two months to rehearse, so we have three intense rehearsals each day for a week and a half.”

He said audience members should expect a positive and upbeat show with some very heartfelt moments.

Tristan Houser, junior from Mount Vernon, Illinois, said he plays Pepper, the flirtatious bartender.

“I decided to audition because a lot of my friends have been a part of this program in the past and I’ve always wanted to but never had time,” Houser said. “Luckily this semester I had a little more free time and who doesn’t love ‘Mamma Mia!’?”  

He said though the whole experience has been stressful and time-consuming, it has been well worth it.

“Spending time with this cast and meeting new people has been great and seeing the show come together after just a few weeks has been incredible,” Houser said.

He said the cast has grown into a family.

Caroline Oguin, sophomore from Sturgis, Kentucky, is playing to role of Sophie Sheridan, Donna’s daughter, who wants to have the perfect wedding by having her father walk her down the aisle.

She said this is her second time participating in Campus Lights; last year she played Rapunzel in “Into the Woods.”

“I adored the tradition and the significance that Campus Lights has on this campus and I knew I wanted to do it again this year,” Oguin said.

She said these past two weeks have been nonstop but the cast and crew have put the show together quickly.

“We all have worked so hard these past few weeks and we can’t wait to put on a great show for this community,” Oguin said. “We hope you enjoy ‘Mamma Mia!’ as much as we have loved performing it.”

Ticket reservations are available on the Campus Lights 2019 Facebook page. Adult tickets are $15.00, student tickets are $10.00 with student ID and children, 12 years or younger, tickets are $7.00.