KU News Release

KU graduate student pens play about teen’s mysterious 1988 disappearance

LAWRENCE — The mysterious disappearance of 17-year-old Randy Leach after he attended a pre-graduation party April 15, 1988, in Linwood is the subject of “Leaves of Words,” a new play by Tim Macy, a University of Kansas graduate student in English from Topeka.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 and 7 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. Tickets are $6 for students, $8 for seniors and $10 for the public. Tickets can be purchased at the arts center box office or by calling (785) 843-2787.

Macy, a master’s of fine arts candidate in playwriting, researched the play for one year. He conducted extensive interviews with Harold Leach, Randy Leach’s father, who offers various scenarios for what may have happened to his son and who continues to hope that he may still be alive.

Macy spent another year writing the play in a special directed studies project with Paul Stephen Lim, KU playwriting professor. Lim is also directing the premiere of the play for English Alternative Theatre, a group he founded in 1989 primarily to nurture and produce the work of KU playwrights.

Featured in the production are KU students Garrett Michael Kelly as Randy Leach; Colin Elliott, Whitney Rowland and Mackenzie Wiglesworth as members of the Class of ’88; and Robert Steele in a variety of roles. Dylan Walker of Lawrence also plays at 1988 student. Appearing in the role of Randy’s father is guest artist Jeremy Auman, a longtime Lawrence resident well-known for his participation in many EAT shows and for producing the Victor Continental comedy sketches.

The production team includes Lee Saylor (set and lighting design), Kaye Miller (costume and makeup), Jerel Hilding (choreography), Nick Mosher (sound design) and Megan Smith (stage manager).

“Leaves of Words” is a participating entry in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and is eligible for the Michael Kanin National Student Playwriting Award and the David Mark Cohen Playwriting Award.

CHEROKEE COUNTY
From Galena
Jeremy Wayne Auman, KU theatre and film alumnus, son of Debbie Auman; Riverton
High School graduate; guest artist playing part of the father.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Colin Frederick Elliott, senior in English, son of Robert and Dorice Elliott; Lawrence Free State High School graduate; playing member of the Class of 1988.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Leavenworth
Garrett Michael Kelly, freshman in theatre and film, son of Michael E. and Keyta D. Kelly; Tonganoxie High School graduate; playing the part of Randy Leach.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Lenexa
Megan Kathleen Smith, junior theatre and film, daughter of Mary Buckmaster and Kevin Smith; Shawnee Mission Northwest High School graduate; stage manager.

From Olathe
Whitney Reece Rowland, sophomore in theatre and film, daughter of Myra Rowland; Olathe North High School graduate; playing member of the Class of 1988.

Mackenzie Lynn Wiglesworth, sophomore in theatre and film, daughter of Russell and Carol Wiglesworth; Olathe East High School graduate; playing member of Class of 1988.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Tim Dylan Macy, graduate student in English; bachelor’s degree in English from KU; playwright.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY
From Kansas City
Robert James Steele, senior in theatre and film, son of Larry and Colleen Steele; Washington High School graduate; playing policeman, psychic and garage mechanic.

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