The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Community Service

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  • Christianne Chase poses in Gaslight Theatre. Chase has been in the theater for many years. Her first performance was in 1967 when, as a young girl, her mother took her to auditions for the musical “Tom Sawyer,” and she was cast in the chorus. She was hooked. That production was in the old Gaslight Theatre on 2nd Street. (Staff Photo by SHAWN YORKS)

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  • Christianne Chase portrays her Gaslight Theatre best actress role of Lady Riverdale in “Death By Chocolate,” in 2004. (Photo provided)

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Discussion

April 24, 2010

On and off the stage

Chase a veteran of local theater

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Christianne Chase has been involved in more than 50 Gaslight Theatre plays.

“I was very young when I started,” she said.

Her first performance was in 1967 when, as a young girl, her mother took her to auditions for the musical “Tom Sawyer,” and she was cast in the chorus. She was hooked. That production was in the old Gaslight Theatre on 2nd Street.

Chase, who is a member of the historic Enid Garber family, attended Oklahoma State University, then attended Phillips University, studying theater. While at Phillips she studied with Jerry Turpin, who was active in Gaslight Theatre. She obtained a minor in theater.

Chase first directed a play in 1982 called “Ah Wilderness,” by Eugene O’Neill. She had become fascinated with all aspects of theater, especially the costumes and backstage camaraderie and being part of a cast.

Theater is a valuable community service in Enid because it not only provides entertainment but a place for actors and directors to learn and grow and expand their knowledge. Chase said she learns something new in each production.

“Theater is an escape, and if you are doing it right people are not thinking about their credit card statement, their boss or their relationship problems,” Chase said.

She said she also has enjoyed assisting others get started in theater. Among those she directed in their first productions are Jason Maly and Jonathan Suttmiller. Watching those two develop as actors and develop their gifts has been a satisfying experience, she said.

Chase also is active with First Presbyterian Church USA and Presbyterian synods in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Arkansas, traveling extensively to perform those duties. She has been active in Presbyterian disaster assistance in Louisiana and is a member of the Salvation Army advisory board and Community Development Support Association’s campaign committee.

One of her biggest thrills in the theater was performing in and directing a play written by Turpin titled “Four Women West,” which was done as part of the Phillips University reunion. Chase and Carmen Ball reprised the roles they originally performed in the play.

Chase also helps Thom Whittaker, music director at First United Methodist Church, with its annual Christmas concert. Whittaker was one of the first directors she worked with who gave her the chance to direct. Turpin proved to be a collaborator and mentor, she said, and one of her most intimidating experiences was directing Turpin in a play.

“But he was very nice,” she said.

Her most enjoyable role, she said, is the one she currently is performing: Kate, the family matriarch in “All My Sons,” by Arthur Miller. She said her most challenging part has been Lady Blackwell in “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde.

When not doing community service work, Chase owned a travel agency in Enid for 231⁄2 years. She sold the business after Sept. 11, 2001.

“After 9-11 the industry changed, and travel was more difficult, more of a hassle,” she said. “But I got to travel all over the world. It was a great experience.”

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