“When She Had Wings,” staged by the Department of Theatre Feb. 4-13, follows a 9-year-old named B, who believes that when she was younger she could fly, and she spends the story trying to remember.
The play by Susan Zeder is specifically written for a younger audience, and parents are encouraged to bring their children.
Bakari King is an adjunct professor and College of Entertainment and the Arts board member who directs this production, his first at Lipscomb. King first began his involvement in the theatre department as an ensemble member in the school’s 2013 production of “Ragtime.”
King said he was steered toward Lipscomb. “I was teaching around Nashville and I had a connection with a great friend who said you need to be at Lipscomb,” King said
He said he was drawn to this play, because he believes this story helps connect children and adults with their inner playfulness. He goes on to say that people should have things in this world that help them create and pretend and that he hopes this show inspires that in people.
Caylin Maguire, a junior acting major from Nashville, is in the title role of the play being staged at Shamblin.
She said one of her favorite things about this show is being able to invite a younger audience to a live theater experience, noting that it was her own theater experience as a child that inspired her to become a performer.
“The story is about finding yourself and overcoming hurdles. Especially nowadays, I think that’s a really important message to people of all ages.”
While the production teams are led by professionals, the teams themselves are entirely made up of students. Students are involved in everything from building the sets and hanging lights to the backstage crew and stage management team.
“The creative team behind this have created a wonderful place of imagination and creativity that is so fun to play in every night,” said Maguire.
Tickets for “When She Had Wings” can be bought online or at the door, and Lipscomb students are offered tickets at a discounted price. The play runs at about 60 minutes and audiences are encouraged to stay after the show for a talk-back event with the cast.
“I’m excited to not be the only one laughing at things,” King said, reacting to the audience reaction to opening night. “The audience is similar to the last cast member to show up, and when they do it’s magic.”