The cast of “They Promised Her the Moon,” the first theatrical presentation of Cameron University’s 2026-2027 academic year, has been announced.
Performances of Laurel Ollstein’s play are set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1-3, with a matinee finale at 2 p.m. Oct. 4, all in the University Theater, 27th and A Avenue.
The production, under the direction of CU assistant professor Natalie McCabe, revolves around the life of record-breaking Oklahoma aviator Geraldine “Jerrie” Cobb, who nearly became America’s first female astronaut.
Cobb was part of the “Mercury 13,” a group of women who participated in an under-the-radar program at the same time as the original “Mercury Seven” astronauts who flew in space. She was the first to successfully complete all of the testing, but since the Mercury 13 was not considered an official NASA project, women were not added to the astronaut program.
Starring in the lead role of Cobb is Rose Venus of Greeley, Colo. Also starring are Victoria Spruill of Duncan as Jackie Cochran and Skylar Edwards of Las Vegas, Nev., in the multiple roles of Helena, Mrs. White, a female reporter and a young woman. The roles of Harvey and Congressman Anfuso will be played by Morgan Whelpley-Hof of Lawton.
Rounding out the cast are Theo Cognet, Horizon City, Texas, in the roles of Dr. Lovelace, Carlos, and Congressman Waggonner; Joshua Olenick, Raleigh, N.C., as Circus Bob, Jack Ford, John Glenn and the pilot; Gabby Rayne, Oberkirch, Germany, as the mayor, reporter, reporter number 2 and child number 1; and Ryan Martin of Lawton as child number 2, reporter number 1 and the photographer.
The crew will be headed by stage manager Abbey Kirby, of Houston, Texas. Shalyn Bowles, of Walters, is dramaturg. Alaya Price is light board operator, with Brendon Reeves is sound designer/board operator. Both are from Lawton.
Aster Ruff of Lawton and Theo Cognet are property designers. Making up the run crew and handling props are Troy Pressley and Adam Young, both from Lawton. Skylar Edwards is handling publicity, while Ari Deuel of Lawton heads the wardrobe crew.
CU faculty involved in the production are instructor Jean Tartiere as fight director, movement consultant and costume designer. Associate professor Ben Williams is technical director, lighting designer and set designer.
Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, the military and non-Cameron students. CU faculty, staff and students receive one free ticket with their Cameron ID card. More ticketing information is available at https://www.cameron.edu/art-music-and-theatre/events/buy-tickets.
The production is not recommended for those under age 18, as it contains mature subject matter and language.
PR#26-096
