THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2018 STUDENT MEDIA
BIPARTISAN BAR
The Angry Elephant provides space for debate and drinks By Taylor Fennell @TaylorPFennell By serving food such as “The FDR All-American Dog” and “The Bill Clinton Dirty Chili Cheese Dog” along with “liberal cocktails at conservative prices,” a new politically-themed bar in College Station is providing an atmosphere for fans of politics to let loose and discuss their views. The Angry Elephant, a bar and grill franchise with two locations in San Antonio, opened its first location in College Station earlier this month. The bar, located on William D. Fitch Parkway, boasts of a comedic menu and is decorated with pictures of former presidents. Chip Ingram, owner of the Angry Elephant franchise, said the bar is open for customers from both sides of the political spectrum. Because of this, he said the bar can feel like a sports bar on election days. “We’re not strictly a Republican or Democrat bar,” Ingram said. “I was open for the first election between Obama and Romney, and it was like a Super Bowl atmosphere. People would come in and sit on the right or the left, and they watch, yell and clap. Sometimes they get after each other, but it’s always in good fun.” Ingram said he doesn’t expect his customers to agree on everything. He said he wants to provide them a
place to disagree, and have a drink while doing so. “At the end of the day, people are more divided, not less divided when it comes to politics,” Ingram said. “People are more visceral, more angry than they’ve ever been. God forbid people sit down and don’t agree with each other and have a drink. At the end of the day, that’s the theme of this place.” A large Budweiser cartoon hangs on the back wall, featuring an elephant and donkey toasting drinks and reads, “When gentlemen agree.” Other posters feature President Nixon’s infamous peace sign and President Obama smoking a cigarette. Tressie Medlock, Class of 2007, said the fun decorations provide the perfect atmosphere for a political discussion. “I think you could probably come in here and have a nice conversation,” Medlock said. “The decor and funny menu lightens the mood, so that opens up room for a nice, healthy political conversation.” Ingram recalled one of the most interesting occurrences that since opening the bar, when Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin visited his San Antonio location. According to Ingram, a customer brought Walker the Angry Elephant menu, which features a “Scott Walker Bratwurst,” inspiring the visit. “His people called my cell phone and they said, ‘The governor is going to be in town. He heard you had ANGRY ELEPHANT ON PG. 3
The Angry Elephant offers customers politically themed entrées and drinks in a unique atmosphere. C. Morgan Engel — THE BATTALION
Cristian Aguirre — THE BATTALION
Jennifer Mercieca, an associate communication professor, started Aggie Agora in the fall of 2015.
Discussion in division The founder of Aggie Agora discusses program and A&M By Kenya Robinson @_KenyaJ In early Greek history, in the time of city-states, major cities would make space for the agora: The center of town meant for communication and fellowship. In that same vein, associate communication professor Jennifer Mercieca founded Aggie Agora. Aggie Agora is a part of the College of Liberal Arts and focuses on facilitating positive political conversations among students. Throughout the school year, Aggie Agora hosts events such as Workshop Wednesdays to discuss political engagement and a Friday Lecture Series based on a specific theme. For the 2017-2018 school year, Aggie Agora’s theme is based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s “Hidden Figures.” Shetterly’s novel was se-
lected for the College of Liberal Arts’ Common Ground Reading Initiative, an effort to create a learning community through a shared reading experience for first year students. Mercieca has been a professor at Texas A&M since 2003 and said she considers herself very fortunate to join the communication department in the College of Liberal Arts. “It was my first job outside of grad school and I was very lucky to get it,” Mercieca said. “When I came here, this communication department was very well known for its department in presidential rhetoric and one of the best places in the country for research and scholarship, which is one of my interests, so I felt like I won the lottery.” In 2015, Mercicia co-chaired a committee that focused on getting the entire university involved in the 2016 Presidential debate that was potentially going MERCIECA ON PG. 3
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Howdy Farm provides produce to local farmers markets and hopes to begin cooking demonstrations with the food they grow.
Fighting frost and facing the future Students continue tradition and hope to grow in spring By Megan Rodriguez @MeganLRodriguez Despite the winter weather and chaos of a new semester, the Sustainable Agriculture Student Association’s (SASA) start to the year has been a success, one they expect to maintain through the spring. SASA, more commonly referred to as Howdy Farm, is an organization that grows fresh produce on the Texas A&M campus and sells their harvests to local farmers markets. The organization’s goals for this semester include teaching people how to cook with the food they grow, finalizing partnerships with The 12th Can, A&M’s food pantry and a continued search for increased student involvement.
The purpose of the farm is to encourage students to get in touch with the food they eat, according to Megan Turner, bioenvironmental science senior and president of SASA. “We want to promote sustainable agriculture practices,” Turner said. “Another thing is just reconnecting people to where their food comes from ... reconnecting people with these processes they rely on and empowering people by giving them the skills and teaching them so they can grow their own food and be more self reliant.” This winter, the farm has had to contend with unusual weather, including snow in December, temperatures 10 degrees below average near the new year and more cold days than normal. These struggles led to the loss of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and banana trees. However, due to other carefully planned crops which could sustain cold weath-
er and watering plants before big freezes to prevent them from drying out in the cold, the farm did not suffer overwhelming loss. “We didn’t actually go to market until March last year because we had a little bit of freeze and didn’t have enough crops that could handle cold weather like that,” Michael Legorreta, Howdy Farm manager, said. “It’s kind of a big win to have outfought the winter ... just the fact that we were even able to go to market at all. I think it’s a really big win for us.” While cold fronts and freezes are still a possibility until March or April, Legorreta said he doesn’t expect significant damage. This semester, Howdy Farm is working toward giving donations to The 12th Can and are currently sorting out the logistics of storing fresh produce, according to Turner. HOWDY FARM ON PG. 2
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Howdy Farm looks forward to implementing new ideas to grow their organization this semester.
HOWDY FARM CONTINUED In addition, the farm is looking to increase their presence at local farmers markets. Currently, Howdy Farm sells at the Brazos Valley Farmers Market in Downtown Bryan and the Farmers Market at Lake Walk Town Center. Howdy Farm is also going to start nutrition related cooking demonstrations according to Kerry Kennedy, international agricultural development graduate student and community outreach and education officer of SASA. “Our goal with that is to collaborate with all of the local farmers and have some of their produce be in one of the meals we prepare,” Kennedy said. “We will do a demo that can get kids involved and have recipe cards people can take home with them so they can go to those farmers and stock up on the produce that we just demonstrated how to prepare.” Howdy Farm will host an informational on Jan. 28 at 5 p.m at their farm, located on West Campus. Students from all fields of study are welcome to join, Sarah Gregory, nutrition sophomore and farmers market manager of SASA said. “You don’t have to be a horticulture or a nutrition major or a plant and soil science major to fall in love with Howdy Farm,” Gregory said. “There’s just something about being so in touch with the earth and with people while you’re doing it that’s so rewarding.”
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The recovery clinic includes physician care and behavioral therapy facilities. Symetria Recovery Clinic will be hosting an open house on Jan. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
New opiate treatment center opens in B-CS In the midst of the opioid crisis, Symetria Recovery hopes to help By Katherine Garcia @KatieGarcia2018 As the first, and only, comprehensive treatment center currently in College Station, clinical staff at Symetria Recovery are seeking to help patients struggling with addiction. As the national crisis of the opioid epidemic pushes through central and south Texas, the staff at Symetria, a division of Symetria Health, are looking to push back and provide a full treatment plan for patients with addictions to painkillers and other opioids. Symetria opened on Dec. 13 with a program that includes resources such as medicated-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy to combat different types of symptoms. The College Station location is the first of several clinics being established in Texas by the same parent company. According to Tom Bohman, CEO of Symetria Health, although there has been a steady increase in opiate use disorder and overdosing, within the past few years there has been a decrease in prescription opiates. Bohman said this deprivation is leading to a gravitation toward heroin use. Reflecting on his 26 years in the field
of addiction relief, Bohman said there is a process in which people can go from ordinary hospital patients to patients with an opiate addiction. “Somebody is in an accident, or they have some sort of regular pain,” Bohman said. “They are introduced to opiates, and they use them for a while. But at some point in the mix of that, they start overusing to the point where they become dependent, and that ultimately will cascade into, potentially, addiction.” Bohman said Symetria wants to provide services that will negate the fragmented style of opiate addiction care systems in which patients often bounce from residential programs to short-term outpatient programs without being completely treated. “So, each [treatment] is happening on an island, and so there’s not communication with other providers,” Bohman said. “Their record doesn’t follow them. The providers don’t follow them, and that’s what the difference in what we’re doing differently with the Symetria method is.” Staci Goff is a licensed vocational nurse working at the clinic. She said she wants the treatment center to be a place of support where patients feel they can receive the help they need. According to Goff, there has already been positive atmosphere. “[I have been] seeing the difference in the patients that come through — their at-
titude and the way they feel about themselves,” Goff said. “So far, we’ve had a lot of positivity come through the door. Most of our patients are very positive and want to get help.” There is not one definitive type of person who can become addicted, according to Amy McNamara, social worker and outreach coordinator for Symetria Recovery. “I think anyone is prone to addiction, and anyone is prone to getting addicted to a pain killer,” McNamara said. “I’ve seen patients, and I’ve heard stories of ‘My husband had his knee replaced,’ or athletes [who have become addicted]. So I don’t think it takes a certain person. I think anyone is prone to it.” Before working at Symetria, McNamara was previously employed in hospice care. She said there are noticeable differences between the two workplaces. “Hospice is more closing the book because the patient is not going to get better, and it’s helping that family through that process,” McNamara said. “This to me is more like the opening, because it’s a new chapter in the patient’s life and the family’s life, and it’s their first step to recovery to change their life.” An open house will be held on Jan. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Symetria Recovery Clinic as an educational program about opioid addiction.
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FOR RENT Currently renting out a spacious one-bedroom apt at Country Place Apts for $620/mo. Lease ends on June 30, 2018, will leave all my furniture including HDTV to anyone who can take over my lease. February is already paid for. If you move in during February, that month will be rent free for you. Contact Chuck at 512-576-3924 or Country Place Apts at 979-691-6200.
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HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $75-$150/hr, up to $500/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com
HELP WANTED Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for interview.
HELP WANTED Estimating/Sales position. If you love working with design and people call 979-574-7474 or email resume contact@aggielandcarpetone.com Part-time child care help needed. Apply in person at Fit for Kids. 3609 East 29th Bryan, Tx. Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $10/hour. Apply online at www.99Tutors.com 979-255-3655. Work around your class schedule! No Saturday or Sundays, off during the holidays. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Must be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should come by our office located in the MSC, Suite 400, from 8am-4pm, ask to speak with Joseph.
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TUTORS Need a Tutor? Friendly, helpful one-on-one private tutors for all subjects at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State. Check us out at www.99tutors.com, 979-255-3655.
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a bratwurst named after him, and he wants to come by,’” Ingram said. “I thought, ‘Who is this?’ I thought one of my friends was messing with me. Sure enough, Easy the next day, he shows up. It Price Includes Affordable Logo and Name was pretty cool.” (More logos available) Price Includes Ingram said the bar doesn’t Effective Logoforand Name Shop Little Aggies have to be a place for political (More available) to anlogos Aggie Xmas discussion. In fact, he said there IShop havefor adult andAggies other Little things in between. to an Aggie Xmas are nights nobody talks about For information, call I have adult and other etsy.com/shop/aggiesandbows politics. Jackie Gronburgy, a thingsReveille’s in between. by Charlotte, Seamstress 845-0569 College Station resident, said For Sterling Silver Jewelry: etsy.com/shop/aggiesandbows 979-778-2293 she enjoys the political theme, bystores.ebay.com/charboeg979 Charlotte, Reveille’s Seamstress charboeg@yahoo.com but isn’t interested in talking 979-778-2293 about today’s politics. charboeg@yahoo.com “I love the environment,” Price Includes C. Morgan Engel — THE BATTALION Gronburgy said. “The walls, the Logo and Name (More logos available) black and white pictures and I’m Shop for Little Aggies The Henry Cisneros Mexican Dog, named after the former mayor of San Antonio, not even big on politics. It’s a an andto the Pacifist sandwich are two of the Aggie many politically named entrées on the Xmas fun menu, too. So far, it’s been I have adult and other menu. a great experience.” things in between. .com/shop/aggiesandbows According to Ingram, the first Specialties Photography will be set up to have Charlotte, Reveille’s AngrySeamstress Elephant location didn’t your FREE portrait taken for Texas A&M 979-778-2293 have much cooking space, University’s 2018 Aggieland yearbook. which led him to focus on one harboeg@yahoo.com primary menu item: Hot dogs. ALL CLASSES: “I decided I loved hot dogs and I would just try to do the 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. best hot dog possible,” Ingram Monday - Thursday said. “We actually fly our hot in the Sanders Corp Museum Library dogs in from Chicago. They’re 100 percent Black Angus. They’re the same ones they Should any student be unable to make the serve at [Chicago] Cubs games. specified times on campus they can contact Then, I decided I’m going to do Specialties directly to set up a complimentary a bunch of hot dogs named after in-studio appointment at 979-696-9898. presidents and try to write funny descriptions and stuff like that.” Megan Dorsey, Class of 2016, Any graduating seniors who wish to set up a cap/ said the food keeps her coming gown photo will need to contact the studio at back to The Angry Elephant. 979-696-9898. Cap/Gown sessions cost $21.95. “This is our second time here,” Dorsey said. “The food made us want to come back. Last time, I got the Dirty Bill Clinton and this time I got the JFK. They were both really Josh McCormack, Editor in Chief good.” Dorsey said she’s happy about Gracie Mock, Managing Editor Kenya Robinson, Life & Arts Editor the new bar, and plans to return Sarah East, Co Social Media Editor Cassie Stricker, Photo Editor Asha Fuller, Co Social Media Editor Tenoh Aztecatl, Multimedia Editor and try other menu items. Angel Franco, Sports Editor Liang Zhao, Page Designer “I’m glad we stumbled across Luke Henkhaus, News Editor Devon McGarvey, Page Designer Sanna Bhai, Special Sections Editor Brad Morse, SciTech Editor it,” Dorsey said. “We like to branch out and try a lot of differC. Morgan Engel — THE BATTALION THE BATTALION is published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during ent restaurants. We’ll definitely the 2018 spring semester and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, The Budweiser cartoon that hangs inside the Angry Elephant promotes a friendly be back.”
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News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.
Check Ring Eligibility: Jan 5 - Feb 12 Order Dates: Jan 9 - Feb 13 Aggie Ring Day: April 13 & 14, 2018 HOW TO GET YOUR AGGIE RING ON APRIL 13 & 14, 2018: If you meet the requirements after Fall 2017: 1. Log in to AggieNetwork.com by Feb 12 to check your Ring eligibility. (You will need to create an account on this website.)
Cristian Aguirre — THE BATTALION
Mercieca recieved the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in teaching in 2016.
MERCIECA CONTINUED to be hosted on A&M’s campus. After the plan to host the debate fell through, Mercieca began thinking of other ways to get students involved in political conversations. “We then thought about hosting a program in the College of Liberal Arts that would be very engaging in teaching students about campaign finance and how to understand political adversity and how to talk about politics,” Mercieca said. “We would host debate watching parties and host lectures.” Three years into the program, Mercieca said she is very pleased with how the students engage with one another, even when they disagree. “The conversations have been really good,” Mercieca said. “Students are curious. They are eager to learn. We’ve talked about so many difficult, button pushing issues. And I’ve never felt uncomfortable and awkward about anything the students have done. They’ve been respectful and open and even when they disagree they do it in a way, in our forum, that is productive, so I really enjoy the conversation. I learn a lot from the students.” In addition to learning how to dis-
agree with others, Mercieca said she wants to encourage students to talk about important, controversial topics. “It’s a big controversy nationwide as to whether or not people are able to talk about things,” Mercieca said. “That’s been one of the cool things. We not only talk about things, we bring people to campus, to teach us why it’s important to talk about those things. I enjoy the opportunity to talk to people about politics.” Mercieca said by hosting these events, such as their Friday Lecture Series and Difficult Dialogue events, she hopes to encourage students to participate in the electoral process and discuss important topics when needed. “Our voter turnout is pretty low in Texas,” Mercieca said. “We either rank 48 or 49 or 50th, traditionally, for election turnouts. People in the college-age actually vote less than the average Texan, which is really pathetic. So when we ask people “Why don’t you vote,” it’s really because they say ‘Oh it isn’t relevant to me, I don’t think my vote counts.’ Or even ‘I don’t know how to get started.’ Well, let’s make it accessible. Let’s teach people how to understand politics.”
Upcoming Aggie Agora Events Friday Lecture Series: “The Pathology of Patriarchy: Sexual Violence and the Sexual-Exploitation Industries.” Rudder 401 Feb. 2, 10:30-12 p.m. Aggie Agora Coffee Hour with Dr. Robert Jenson, Coke 206A Feb. 2, 2-3 p.m. Difficult Dialogue with Jess Gantt Shafer, Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Communication, Bolton 213 Feb. 7, 1:30-3 p.m. Marquee Lecture: Dr. Stephen Hartnett, Department of Communication, University of Colorado, Denver, Kurt Ritter Lecture in Political Rhetoric: “Trumpism, Amnesia, and the Politics of ‘New Fascism’ Rhetoric.” MSC 2400 Feb. 12, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Your records will be reviewed and your eligibility status will be displayed online instantly. 2. If eligible, schedule an appointment online to order your Aggie Ring at the Aggie Ring Office. • Select from available order dates between Jan 9 - Feb 13. • If you are unable to order in person, submit an order to the Aggie Ring Program prior to the deadline. 3. On your appointment day, visit the Aggie Ring Office to find your Ring size (with official Aggie Ring sizers) and pay for your Ring. • FULL PAYMENT IS DUE AT TIME OF ORDER. • Pricing is available online. • Ring Loans are available to qualified, currently enrolled students at the Short Term Loan Office. Visit AggieNetwork.com/Ring for full details. UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: 1. 90 cumulative completed undergraduate credit hours. 2. 45 undergraduate resident credit hours completed at TAMU. 3. 2.0 cumulative GPR at Texas A&M University. 4. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university. GRADUATE STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: Master’s Thesis Option 1. Defended Thesis Due to ordering deadlines, you may order at the beginning of the semester you will graduate. Your Aggie Ring will be delivered on Aggie Ring Day if you have defended your thesis prior to the deadline set by the Office of Graduate Studies. If you do not defend your thesis prior to this date, your Aggie Ring will be held until the qualification is met. 2. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university. Master’s Non-Thesis Option 1. 75% of coursework completed for degree program at TAMU. 2. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university. Ph.D. Students 1. Accepted as a Ph.D. candidate at TAMU. 2. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university.
AggieNetwork.com Visit AggieNetwork.com/Ring for complete details or call the Aggie Ring Program at (979) 845-1050.
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Texas A&M back in action after break “Everybody is a little bit rusty. We really have to take care of the details and get back into that mode,” McKay said. “It’s hard when you only have two weeks [to practice]. We’ve done some video review and tried to do some of that stuff on the side too that can help. Just try to get back into our game faces.” The Aggies (6-2, 2-1 SEC) and the Horned Frogs (2-5, 0-2 Big 12) last met in College Station in October when A&M defeated TCU 16-3. Racheal Hake, senior Hunt Seat rider, said although A&M is ranked higher than TCU and have defeated them once before, she believes the Horned Frogs will provide a good competition on their home field. “I think they’re going to put on a really good competition,” Hake said. “I think that we’re going to have to ride to the best of our ability and not take anything for granted. Even though they may not be ranked as high.” Avery Ellis, senior horsemanship rider, and Hake said they are trying to take advantage of the time they have left with
Equestrian prepares to take the on the Horned Frogs, Thursday By Abigail Ochoa @AbigailOchoa1
Jesse Everett — THE BATTALION
A&M kicks off the spring slate of competition against TCU on the road.
After losing to Oklahoma State, the No. 3 Texas A&M Equestrian team are back and set to take their Hunt Seat and Western riders to face No. 9 Texas Christian for the second time this season. The event will be taking place in a split location competition in both Springtown and Fort Worth, Texas on Jan. 25, with the Springtown competition beginning at 11 a.m. and the Fort Worth competition starting at 5 p.m. Tana McKay, A&M head coach, said the girls and horses were a bit out of practice coming off their winter break. Because of this, their game plan going into this matchup is to get their heads back into the game and take care of the little details during preparation for the event.
their teammates, considering these will be some of the last competitions they will ride with them before graduating. Hake said being a part of the team has changed her perspective on life and riding. “There’s pressure there but I’m also trying to take advantage of this year because it is my last year and I’ve loved doing this,” Hake said. “It’s changed my perspective on riding and life in general [from] just being on this team.” Ellis said although last season was one for the books, she is focusing on making the most of her season with A&M. “I had a great year last year,” Ellis said. “This year I’m just really trying to enjoy myself, enjoy the team, take it all in, and enjoy being around the people I’m with and doing this for the last time.” The Aggies’ Hunt Seat team will compete at 11 a.m. on Jan. 25 at Turning Point Ranch in Springtown. A&M will then travel to Fort Worth for the Western team to compete at the Justin Arena in the Fort Worth Stockyards at 5 p.m.
Cinderella’s lovely nights in Aggieland Tony Award winning musical dazzles B-CS By Taylor Fennell @TaylorPFennell Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” made its way to Aggieland, leaving audiences with themes of kindness, generosity and possibility. On Jan. 23 and 24, the touring Broadway cast of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” performed at 7:30 p.m. in Rudder Theatre. The performances were hosted by MSC OPAS as part of their 2017-2018 season. Former students, current students and local families were in attendance, with many young girls donning their best princess dresses.
The musical, originally written in 1957 by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, tells the story of Ella, a girl who teaches a kingdom about kindness. The show won a Tony Award for Best Costume Design in 2013. According to several OPAS members, the show had a perfect balance of magic and relatable characters. Madison Hughes, OPAS director-at-large, said the show was the best of the season. “We loved the sets, the changes and the magic,” Hughes said. “I could see myself in a lot of those roles. Even the stepsisters and stepmother at some points. It was amazing.” The show begins dramatic action scene, when Prince Topher slays a beast and ironically comments “I just wish I was doing something more
important with my life.” Because of the witty jokes and humor, “Cinderella” was a hit, even with audience members who typically don’t enjoy theatre. Brady Walding, Class of 2017, said he was surprised by how much he liked the performance. “I don’t ever go to theatre performances, but I actually liked this one quite a bit,” Walding said. “I thought it was really funny. I didn’t expect this show to have the comedic element that it did. It was enjoyable the whole time.” The musical frequently discussed themes of kindness and possibility, ensuring those ideas stayed in the minds of the audience. OPAS members said they were happy to assist in bringing such an incredible show to the university. Hannah
Stacey, industrial distribution senior, said she liked the different perspective the show presented. “Everybody has heard the name ‘Cinderella,’” Stacey said. “It’s a story we’ve all grown up with. But you can’t tell me that’s the same story we’ve all seen before. It brought people in because of the name, but it had different themes, especially genuine kindness and being comfortable in your own skin.” Hughes said the themes of the show were really important and she hopes they will stay with audience members for a long time. “It reinforces the kindness theme,” Hughes said. “In today’s society, we really need genuine kindness. I hope that resonates, especially with the young girls here.”
PROVIDED
The classic fairytale was presented by MSC OPAS at Rudder Auditorium Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
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