The story of one of Arkansas’ most famous natives will come to Jones Performing Arts Center later this month, as Ouachita’s music department presents “Billy Blythe,” a folk opera based upon Bill Clinton’s early days.
The opera, whose title comes from Clinton’s birth name, William Jefferson Blythe, will take place November 17-19 at 7:30 and November 20th at 2:30 p.m. The opera was composed by Ouachita alumna Bonnie Montgomery (’02) with libretto from fellow alum Britt Barber (’01). The work is presented in a folk style that allows for small glimpses into Clinton’s early days as opposed to a long-form style. “Billy Blythe” is the annual opera presented at Ouachita’s campus and will showcase the talents of many Ouachita students.
One such student is Scotty Scott, a sophomore musical theatre major from Russellville, Ark. who portrays Clinton’s (or, more correctly, Blythe’s) fathe. Scott is excited to perform the show to a newer and broader audience than it may have seen before.
“As a student performer, it is always very exciting to get to perform relatively new works. With ‘Blythe,’ not only did the piece debut this year, but it’s also composed by an OBU alumna.”
Scott is also excited about the way the show is staged.
“We are… doing a non-traditional staging of the show where the audience will be on stage with us during the performance,” Scott said.
Will Stotts, a junior musical theatre major from Jonesboro, Ark., has the lead for the show and is thankful for the opportunity and the challenges it provides.
“I’ve learned many things about myself as a performer through this experience, seeing as how I’m technically a tenor, but Billy is a baritone role.”
Stotts, however, is quick to give credit where it is due.
“Mr. Stanley and Mr. Briggs have been a huge help in making me feel more comfortable with the role vocally, and I am grateful for that,” Stotts said.
Stotts levels his experience with his character’s.
“Bill Clinton had to learn how to be a leader at a young age, and it is an honor to portray him in that crucial time in this opera,” Scott said.
This opera is a departure from any of the operas Ouachita has performed, as it is written in a folk setting. The music will seem more modern to audiences, and that is a product of its creators, specifically Bonnie Montgomery. After her graduation from Ouachita with a degree in music education and a Master of Arts in music from the Conservatory at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, she began touring and performing. To date, she has released two EPs and performs in a country duo. Her work on this opera has garnered attention from such places as The New Yorker, Huffington Post and Time Magazine.
“Billy Blythe” will be a unique opera experience about one of Arkansas’ most famous natives and will be presented in a unique fashion in Jones Performing Arts Center November 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and November 20th at 2:30 p.m.
By Chris Digiovanni, staff writer
