Allan R. Kenward's 1942 play takes audiences on a journey through the lives of eight volunteers and three soldiers in the Bataan area of the Philippines right when Douglas MacArthur was on the retreat. Written prior to the historical Bataan Death March in 1943, "Cry Havoc" depicts the struggle of women who continue to serve despite a dire and desperate situation. Trapped in an ammunition bunker and subjected to continuous siege from the Japanese, Kenward's women display the strengths and weaknesses that the stresses of war create. These include the strong-minded doctor, her overworked assistant and the volunteers brought to help staff the hospital: a vacuous Southern girl, a swaggering bully, a couple of shy students, an ex-burlesque girl and the inevitable spy. A story of camaraderie and defiance, this is a compelling revelation of women who served on the front line in some of the war's darkest hours. Peace College Associate Professor of Theatre, Dr. Kenny Gannon and Flynt Burton direct the play.

 

Kenny Gannon says:

 

"Cry Havoc" may lean occasionally in a patriotic way that goes a bit too far toward propaganda but consider the fact that it was written and performed and then made into a film within a year or two of the "Bataan Death March." It brings to mind "Casablanca." I believe the year of that film is 1942 or 1943. Today we know the outcome of the war of course. Back then when "Casablanca" came out, no one did. Makes the film even more special to me. Same thing is true for "Cry Havoc." How often do you find a play about women in World War II written during the time it portrays? I can easily forgive any point of view that would be politically incorrect today because it accurately reflects the period. That is something to cherish even if today certain aspects may seem to be too much this or that. I think audiences will enjoy the drama and appreciate the story of the nurses on Bataan and what that story then meant to Americans in 1943 and perhaps still means to the history of the U. S. It's a story that isn't told very often. It's amazing that it was made into a successful play and film then and there. It gives us the chance to be there as well."

 

 

Kristal DeSantis leads a cast of 13 in "Cry Havoc."

 

The production team for Cry Havoc includes Sonya Drum (Design), Jeremy Allen (Sound Designer), Jennifer Becker (Lighting Designer/Production Manager), Caroline Domack (Stage Manager), Flynt Burton (Assistant Director), Kelsey Hunt (Costumes), David Jensen (Technical Director), Jeff A.R. Jones (Fight Director), Amanda Craig (Assistant Stage Manager), Adrianne Washington, Cyndi Mandese, Emily Kinney and Marya Riddick.

 

Under Gannon and Burton's direction, Cry Havoc features an all women cast that includes Brittany Oslund (Steve), Laura Faulkner (Flo), Meg Arrowod (Pat), Elsbeth Cassandra Taylor (Grace), Rachel McCrain (Sadie), Zena Crockett (Nydia), Elisabeth McDonald (Sue), Madeline Anderson (Connie), Jessica Dixon (Andra), Aoife Hammersmith (Doc), Kristal DeSantis (Smitty), Heaven Gouch
(Helen) and Marya Riddick (Native Woman).

 

Cry Havoc runs February 11-14 and February 18-21, 2009 at Peace College's Leggett Theatre at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for faculty and staff and $15 for the general public. Tickets are free to Peace

College students. To order tickets call 919-508-2051 or email theatre@peace.edu. www.peace.edu.