The Jefferson College Theatre Department will put on the play, “A Case of Libel,” a 60-year-old courtroom drama with a message that is still pertinent today, director Rebecca Ellison said.
Showtimes are 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 29; 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 1-2; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3, all in the Fine Arts Theatre on the college’s Hillsboro campus.
All tickets for the 10 a.m. Feb. 29 and 2 p.m. March 3 matinee shows cost $2, but the cost for the 7 p.m. March 1-2 shows is $5 for general admission and $2 for students and those 60 and older.
Ellison, a communications and theater professor, noted that Jefferson College is celebrating the institution’s 60th anniversary this school year, so it was appropriate to choose the show, which debuted six decades ago.
“‘A Case of Libel’ was first produced on Broadway in 1964. Also, I think the play focuses on an issue still very relevant today – freedom of speech and libel.
“Many people feel they have the right to say whatever they want about another person, with no thought to the power of their words or implications. I want people to think more about language, as well as how we treat our fellow humans.”
Ellison said the plot revolved around a war correspondent named Dennis Corcoran who sues a newspaper syndicate and its leading columnist, Boyd Bendix, who attacked Corcoran’s patriotism and personal life in print.
The cast includes Arnold resident Isaac Steward; Barnhart resident Michael Booker; De Soto residents Victoria Avis, Roy S. Bradford, Cameron Clark and Zoey Laburay; Herculaneum resident Maya Smith; Hillsboro residents Mercedes Kaspar and Jeremy Lovier; Imperial residents Jeff Carr, Olivia Hartwell and Skyler Hunt; and High Ridge resident Shawn McAfee.
Christopher Owens of Fenton is the stage manager, and Joel Speth of Hillsboro is the sound manager. Owens and Speth both handle construction duties.
Hartwell, 18, a Jefferson College freshman, said she appreciates the chance to perform in the show.
“We don’t really do a lot of dramatic plays,” she said. “Our director, Rebecca Ellison, felt really passionate about it. I like a chance to expand my acting roles to rise to the challenge.”
Hartwell said she believes those who attend the play will be gripped by the story.
“I think the courtroom scenes are really attention-getting,” she said. “There is a lot of really quick dialogue.”
Ellison agrees, adding that the plot of “A Case of Libel” may be difficult for youngsters to grasp.
“I would say this would appeal to those high school age and older,” she said. “The play is relevant to 2024. There are cases in court right now dealing with libel that strike at the very heart of being a human being, at being respectful of others.”
She also praised the cast.
“Come out and support these amazing actors,” Ellison said. “They are working very hard to bring this incredibly important material to life.”
Tickets may be purchased online at jeffcopace.ludus.com. For more information, visit the Jefferson College Theatre Department page on Facebook or go to the college’s website at Jeffco.edu.
Last semester, the department put on “Barefoot in the Park,” another play that debuted 60 years ago.