A-State Theatre Department Presents 'The Thanksgiving Play'
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University’s Department of Theatre continues its 2025 - 26 season with “The Thanksgiving Play” by Larissa FastHorse, a sharp, satirical comedy that examines the challenges of celebrating and teaching Thanksgiving in modern America.
Performances will take place in Fowler Center’s Simpson Theatre, 201 Olympic Drive, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14 - 15 and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 - 22, with a Sunday matinee beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 23.
In this biting satire, a group of well-intentioned educators attempts to devise a "politically correct" Thanksgiving pageant that excludes any Native representation. The Thanksgiving Play skewers cultural missteps, performative allyship, and the awkward chaos of trying to "do the right thing." FastHorse's clever, razor-sharp comedy is as thought-provoking as it is laugh-out-loud funny.
The cast includes Jo Crites of Russellville, as Logan; Zane Brewer of Conway, as Jaxton; Kamyron Lefebvre of Harrison, as Alicia; and Niko Stark of Searcy, as Caden.
The artistic team includes Dallas Martinez, assistant professor of musical direction, artistic producing director of theatre, director; Jeff McLaughlin, associate professor of theatre, scenic designer; Dee Flax of Port Arthur, Texas, lighting designer; Selena Hinds of Jonesboro, costume designer; and instructor Jarrett Robinett’s sound design class, sound design team. Olin Hahn of Jonesboro is the stage manager; Ash Outlaw-Miller of Cabot, Billy Hankins of Jonesboro and Luke Holt of Jonesboro, assistant stage managers; and DayDay Robinson, assistant professor of theatre, intimacy choreographer.
The production team includes Leah Max of Memphis, properties manager; Maliah Anderson of Jonesboro, light board operator; Cristal Martinez of Batesville, sound board operator; Conner Ernes of Jonesboro, backstage crew; Bee Hanson of Benton and RJ Moad of Batesville, wardrobe crew; Aayanna Jackson of West Memphis and Xe’Harper of Arkadelphia, house managers.
Please be aware, that due to adult themes, this play is not appropriate for children. The suggested rating for the play is PG 13/ teen+.
Tickets may be purchased from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the A-State Box Office in First National Bank Arena or by calling (870) 972-2781. Tickets may also be purchased online. Prices are $15 for the general public.
A-State student tickets are free at the box office with a student ID. It is recommended that patrons reserve seats in advance. For more information about the play, call 870-972-2830.
