Lone Star College-University Park’s emerging theater program presented a special performance of the previously sold out The Christmas Carol – The Radio play for members of the Shining Stars Guild Board and their guests Dec. 4 in the Black Box Theatre on campus.

“These community leaders understand the value of the arts and are committed to supporting a variety of activities in our community,” said LSC-President Shah Ardalan. “We value their expertise and their friendship, and we look forward to working together as our emerging theater program grows.”

Shining Stars Board Member Diane Lipton helped organize the event after she learned LSC-University Park’s theater department had a strong season for the 2016-2017 academic year. 

“Beginning with the greeting by LSC’s Law Force Academy Cadets, to the beautiful décor of the party arena and the delicious assortment of hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and culminating with the delightful presentation of “A Christmas Story—the Radio Musical” the evening was a smashing success,” Lipton said. “The partnership between the Guild and Lone Star was strongly solidified as members had the opportunity to hear from and visit with the theatre arts students and staff. We are all looking very forward to working together to help maximize the benefits of the new arts building when it is completed in 2018!” 

The evening brought many in the group to the college’s campus for the first time. Originally, the Shining Stars group formed to support the Texas Repertory Theatre Company in northwest Houston.

Dr. Calvin Cobb, chair of the board for the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, sent a note to Ardalan after the event.  “Carol and I thoroughly enjoyed the theater evening at University Park. The food was very nice, beautifully presented, and more than we expected. Your staff was very cordial, accommodating, and we know you are very proud of them,” he wrote. “We liked experiencing the Black Box theater and seeing the enthusiasm of your students. They presented a good play that was enjoyed by all. Again, thank you for inviting us and the Shining Stars Guild to our ‘community’s college’.”

LSC-University Park’s Interim Dean of Liberal Arts Lisa Hill said the evening brought like minds together. “The evening was an occasion to share our students’ talent, and to explore potential partnership opportunities,” she said. “The Shining Stars Guild is a wonderful group of people who share our artistic vision and understand the need for quality theatre education programs in our community.”

Before the performance, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and sparkling grape juice and raspberry mocktails courtesy of Ardavan Motamedi and Minuti coffee.

Associate Professor of Theater William Grayson directed the “University Park Players” whose rendition of the classic story in a retro production of a 1940s radio show received rave reviews. The cast and stage crew embellished the performance with live sound effects that they created on stage.

Click here for tickets and more information on upcoming performances at LSC-University Park’s Black Box Theatre: http://lonestar.edu/blackboxevents