Audience finds ‘Awkward’ play relatable

Life can sometimes feel like one big awkward moment, according to Oklahoma Christian University’s production of “Well, That Was Awkward.”

“Well, That Was Awkward” opened last night in Judd Theater to a boisterous crowd.

The play consists of three one-act comedies directed by Scott Hale, professor of art and design.

“I was told, kind of, pick something light and funny that would involve as many people as possible without putting huge burdens on any one person,” Hale said.

Junior Garrett Marshall plays one of the main characters in the third act.

“I accepted the part because I thought the play was really good and really funny,” Marshall said. “I was excited to be called in for this one.”

The first act, “Sure Thing,” features an awkward situation involving a guy and a girl on their first date.

Each time the couple experiences an awkward moment — a bell rings to reset reality, giving them a chance to rewind to the moment of connection prior to the awkwardness.

Freshman Caroline Hose said “Sure Thing” was a relatable awkward scenario.

“The first act was hilarious,” Hose said. “I felt like I, and other people have been in that same awkward situation many times when meeting new people.”

According to Hale, the second act, dubbed “Funeral Parlor,” is even more awkward than the first.

“Funeral Parlor” deals with the awkwardness that comes when someone does not follow the unwritten rules of conduct at a funeral.

“My favorite part in the ‘Funeral Parlor’ was the Irish singing part,” Hose said. “I almost fell out of my seat laughing.”

The third and final act of the play is “The Actor’s Nightmare.”

Marshall plays the role of the main character in this act, George.

“The play is all about awkward situations,” Marshall said. “My guy’s awkward situation is that he is thrown up on stage without knowing anything about the play. He has no idea that he is supposed to be in a play, and so he has no idea what his lines are.”

Hale said he is excited to see all the hard work of his students put to performance.

“I’m blessed with the cast,” Hale said. “They really perform their parts so well, I mean they just seem to inhabit these characters so well and naturally. It’s delightful to see each of them excel in their own way.”

This play is one of the first that Hale has directed in a college setting after several years working with professional actors.

Although it was different working with college students instead of professionals, Hale said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“I just kind of took for granted working with professionals, but it’s also a lot of fun because of the enthusiasm of the young college students,” Hale said. “You can clearly see their passion for what they’re doing.”

Marshall said the end of the production will be bittersweet for all the cast members.

“It’s always a bittersweet moment when a play is over,” Marshall said. “You’re really busy when a play is in full-swing, but you also miss it after because you become pretty good friends with your fellow actors, and you even sometimes miss your character.”

The play will have two more showings today and Saturday in Judd Theater at 8 p.m.

“I’m really glad I went to the play,” Hose said. “I laughed throughout the whole production. The cast and director did such a great job.”