BATESVILLE, Ark. — Lyon College’s Harlequin Theatre is turning 100 this year, marking a century of entertaining audiences and shaping the arts on campus. Recognized as the oldest academic theatre organization in Arkansas, the Harlequin Theatre is also the longest continuously running extracurricular activity at Lyon College.
The Harlequin Theatre was founded at Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in 1925 by Lois Ball, a visionary educator who established a space for students to explore performance, storytelling and stagecraft. When Ball left Arkansas College, the theatre was carried forward by two of her former students—first by Ella Shanks, and later by Doris Hammett, another Ball apprentice who took over when Shanks left to teach at Hendrix College.
To celebrate its centennial, the Harlequin Theatre will present “Miss Lulu Bett” by Zona Gale Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 23–25, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m., in Holloway Theatre, Lyon College, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.
Written in 1920, “Miss Lulu Bett” was the first play by a woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. The play tells the story of Lulu Bett, a woman struggling to find her place in the world after living as a virtual servant to her sister and brother-in-law. With the Harlequin Theatre’s origins rooted in the 1920s and guided by female directors, this production is a fitting tribute to the theatre’s history, celebrating both its enduring presence on campus and its pioneering spirit in advancing opportunities for women in the arts.
“The Harlequin Theatre has been a cornerstone of creative expression at Lyon College for 100 years,” said Dr. Fonzie Geary, professor and director of theatre at Lyon College. “Our students have the chance to explore challenging roles, collaborate creatively behind the scenes and connect with the legacy of those who built this theatre from the ground up. It’s inspiring to honor that history while bringing a powerful story to life for today’s audiences.”
The cast features Eden Bodeker as Lulu, Weston Derden as Dwight, Alex Band as Ina, Lillie Hall as Mrs. Bett, Kami Smith as Diana, Thaddeus Wirges as Bobby, Jeremiah Battles as Cornish, Jayson Nichols as Ninian and Lilly Gayle as Monona.
Performances are open to the public. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and non-Lyon students and free for anyone with a Lyon College ID. Tickets are available at the door.
For more information, please contact the Marketing and Communications department at Communications@Lyon.edu.
About Lyon College
Lyon College, a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1872, is the oldest college in the state with its original charter. Ranked by US News & World Report as a 2024 “Best College,” Lyon currently enrolls 781 students from more than 33 states and 14 countries. Students can tailor their education, selecting from 32 majors, as well as pre-professional, individualized options and select graduate programs. Learn more at lyon.edu.
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