Time changes everything—and for Dr. Lonnie Polson, it’s transforming a role he’s known for decades. This November, the Bob Jones University communications professor returns to the stage as King Lear for the third time.
“Dr. Polson, Classic Players’ most prolific actor and newly titled First Player, will reprise his role as King Lear once again,” said Nathan Pittack, associate producer for fine arts at BJU. “This powerful tragedy follows the aging king as his kingdom and sanity crumble beneath his foolish pride. But along this journey, even in the darkness, glimpses of hope and redemption shine through.”
Past Performances
Polson has appeared in or directed 50 Classic Players productions, including two roles in musicals, at BJU.
“Among the tragedies, my favorite roles have been Lear and Othello. On the comedy side, I loved playing Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing and Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night,” said Polson.
Polson performing in Twelfth Night (1990)
A Different Approach
As he prepares to take on the role of King Lear for the third time, Polson comments, “I’m doing my best to take a fresh approach to playing Lear in 2025—attempting to engage with the text and character without preconceptions based on previous productions. I first played the part in 1991, when I was 38 years old. Now that I’m considerably older and much closer to Lear’s stated age of 80, I think I have a clearer perspective on what he’s experiencing.”
Polson as King Lear (1991)
Looking Back
Polson reflects on the memories of performing this role previously saying, “My special memories focus on the wonderful folks I’ve been privileged to work with in this and previous productions of Lear. I’m especially enjoying working with the student actors in this current show. They are incredibly mature and hardworking. My daughter Lauren played Regan in the 2005 production of King Lear. Sharing the stage with her was a wonderful experience.”
Polson (middle left) and his daughter (middle right) 2005
Polson’s Mission
“I believe the Classic Players productions are an integral part of the mission of BJU,” said Polson. “It’s an honor to labor with so many talented and dedicated colleagues to fulfill the cultural mandate of the BJU charter. The Lord is good.”
Bob Jones University will present William Shakespeare’s King Lear November 14, 18, and 20, in Rodeheaver Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. A pre-show talk will be held in Levinson Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, before the performance.
All performances are open to the public. Tickets for individual performances, season passes and educational performances are available via BJU’s ticketing platform, Showpass, or by calling the Programs and Productions Box Office at (864) 770-1372 from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
