In the News

Now Enrolling: Hesston Summer Theatre Camp Offers Youth a Week on Stage

Campers from Hesston College’s 2024 Summer Theatre Camp perform in the final production of “Mean Girls: The Musical.” Each year, the camp concludes with a full-stage performance open to the public.

Hesston College Theatre invites young performers from across the region to bring their energy and creativity to the stage as the college hosts its annual Summer Theatre Camp this summer, June 15 to 21. Open to students ages 11 to 18, the weeklong camp will culminate in a public performance of the musical “Beetlejuice” on Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary.

Throughout the week, campers will immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre — from acting, singing and dancing to staging and character development — while staying on campus and building friendships with fellow young artists. The experience offers an encouraging environment for students of all experience levels to grow their skills and confidence both on and off the stage.

“Theatre camp gives students the opportunity to take creative risks, collaborate and step into the spotlight,” said Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “It’s a fun, fast-paced week that ends in something they can all be proud of.”

The final performance is open to the public, and community members are warmly invited to attend and support the students’ work. The show will take place at 2 p.m. on June 21 at Hesston Mennonite Church, located on the Hesston College campus. Admission is $5 per person.

A limited number of spots remain for students interested in joining the camp. Registration is open through June 13. For campers staying overnight, evening activities such as swimming, movie night, a talent show and bonfire allow for a break from the stage and time for campers to build friendships beyond rehearsals.

For more information and to register, contact the Hesston College Theatre Department at 620-327-8142.

Hesston College Celebrates Student Excellence at LarkFest

2025 Hesston College Lark of the Year winners Jessica Raharjo and Ashleigh Williams

As the academic year draws to a close, Hesston College gathered to honor outstanding student achievements at the annual LarkFest awards ceremony on Friday, May 9, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. Earlier in the week, on Monday, May 5, the athletic department also hosted its annual banquet to recognize student-athletes for their dedication, leadership and success both on and off the field.

At LarkFest, awards were presented across academics, leadership, the arts and campus life, culminating in the announcement of Lark of the Year — the college’s highest student honor. This year, the award was presented to Ashleigh Williams, associate degree student from Eaton, Colo., and Jessica Raharjo, bachelor’s degree student from Semarang, Indonesia, recognizing their exceptional leadership, scholarship and service to the Hesston College community. Students are nominated for Lark of the Year by the Hesston Experience team and the recipient is chosen by a faculty vote.

Athletics also celebrated top performers, with Jammial “Jr” Hicks, basketball player from Kansas City, Kan., earning Male Athlete of the Year and Rylee Weishaupt, powerlifting team member from Goshen, Ind., named Female Athlete of the Year.

Other award recipients at LarkFest included:

• Outstanding Student Ambassadors: TJ Bowman (Twin Falls, Idaho), Ky Kougl (Edmond, Okla.), Kristyn Oliver (Amarillo, Texas), Brock Swedlund (Akron, Colo.)
• Lark Leaders of the Year: Anna McIntire (Lawrence, Kan.) as Community Assistant of the Year, AJ Noriega (Marana, Ariz.) as Wellness Assistant of the Year, Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.) as Ministry Assistant of the Year
• Peer Educator of the Year: Ethan Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
• Bill Mason Business Scholars: Gresa Arapi (Cypress, Texas), Amy Hunley (Owensboro, Ky.), Luis Jimenez (Dallas, Texas), Ryan Ziesch (Goddard, Kan.)
• Clayton V. Beyler Award: Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.)
• Daniel Gerber Peace and Service Award: Lily Corkill (Olsburg, Kan.), Josalyn Wipf (Huron, S.D.)
• Art: Best in Show: Sarah Hanson (Park City, Kan.)
• Mariann Martin Award: Desirae Rodriguez (Wichita, Kan.)
• Musician of the Year: Caroline Miller (Arlington, Kan.)
• Yoder/Zaid Chemistry Scholarship: Blen Bezuwork (Wichita, Kan.)
• Certificate of Nursing Achievement: Amy Birkey (Wichita, Kan.), Holly Cummins (Potwin, Kan.), Jeremy Schmidt (Wichita, Kan.)
• Outstanding Academic Achievement by an International Student: Elsa Rayneau (Indonesia/India) as associate degree student, Jessica Raharjo (Semarang, Indonesia) as bachelor’s degree student

The athletic banquet showcased achievements from across the Lark sports teams, with coaches honoring athletes for their contributions in their respective programs. In addition to Hicks and Weishaupt, other athletic awards included:

Volleyball

Freshman of the Year: Laura Rojas Gomez (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain)
Defensive Player of the Year: Sarahi Paez (Arlington, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Audrey Garrison (Wiesbaden, Germany)

Men’s Soccer

Team MVP: Alexander Radu (London, England)
Goal of the Season: Paul Torres (Paris, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Tyler Beckford (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

Women’s Soccer

Offensive MVP: Rena Itoga (Saitama, Japan)
Defensive MVP: Nevaeh Bowman (Derby, Kan.)
Most Improved: Annabelle Ortega (Portales, N.M.)
Bookworm Award: Lissette Tovar (Wichita, Kan.)

Men’s Basketball

MVP: Jammial Hicks Jr. (Kansas City, Kan.)
Hard Hat Award: Trent Thompson (Okmulgee, Okla.)
Highlight of the Year: Terryon Stebbins (Stone Mountain, Ga.)

Women’s Basketball

Newcomer of the Year: Akiva Brown (Plano, Texas)
Pick Me Up: Hanah DeBelle (Castle Rock, Colo.)
Brick Wall: Anna McIntire (Lawrence, Kan.)

Disc Golf

Women’s MVP: Josalyn Wipf (Huron, S.D.)
Men’s MVP: Devin Miller (Hesston, Kan.)
Most Improved: Phoebe Kolb (Milford, Neb.)

Flag Football

Iron Will Award: Lauren Payne (Geuda Springs, Kan.)
Game Changer Award: Destiny Ortiz (Fort Worth, Texas)
Heart of the Team Award: Mikayla Lucas (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Cross Country

Culture Award: Sebastian Pavlovich (Lindsborg, Kan.)
Most Improved Athlete: Ethan Thompson (Hesston, Kan.)
MVP: Angelo Jenkins (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Program Award: Maddy Ralph (Colwich, Kan.)

Track and Field

Culture Award: Sebastian Pavlovich (Lindsborg, Kan.)
Most Improved Athlete: Gabriel Clark (Goshen, Ind.)
MVP: Jaylon Hatcher (Plano, Texas)
Program Award: Michelle Lewis (Brownsboro, Texas)

Men’s Golf

MVP: Mark Neeley (Arlington, Texas)
Hardest Worker: Ivar Bruce (Gävle, Sweden)
Best Teammate: Braxton Linden (Sterling, Kan.)

Esports

Team of the Year: Rocket League
Lark’d In Award: Anja Martinez (Topeka, Kan.)
F.A.M.I.L.Y Award: Ethan Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Level Up Award: Corbyn Oden (Iowa Park, Texas)

Baseball

Offensive Player of the Year: Lucas Dunn (LaMarque, Texas)
Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Cammllarie (McKinney, Texas)
Pitcher of the Year: Luke Richard (McKinney, Texas)
Team Player of the Year: Beau Johnson (Englewood, Colo.), Peyton Rush (Oxford, Kan.)

Dance

Leadership Award: Amy Hunley (Owensboro, Ky.)
Spirit Award: Evelyn Gaertner (Newton, Kan.)
Principal Dancer: Phoebe Kolb (Milford, Neb.)

Softball

Table Setter: Carly Lee (Rose Hill, Kan.)
Silver Slugger: Alysha Kendrick (Beaumont, Calif.)
Every Day: Serena Hewes (Battle Ground, Wash.)

Powerlifting

Male Lifter of the Year: Corbyn Oden (Iowa Park, Texas)
Female Lifter of the Year: Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.)
Most Valuable Teammate: Brock Swedlund (Akron, Colo.)
Spark Plug Award: Evan Bernal (Alice, Texas)
“Each of these students represents the heart of the Hesston College community,” says President Mark Landes. “We’re proud of their achievements and excited to see how they continue to grow and lead beyond our campus.”

Laughter and Desserts Await at Hesston College’s “A Comedy Cabaret” May 2 to 4

Get ready for a night of laughter, sweets and spontaneous comedy as Hesston College Theatre serves up “A Comedy Cabaret” — a delightful blend of sketches, musical numbers and improv — May 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m. in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater (301 S Main, Hesston).

This performance will feature an array of hilarious scenes, monologues and charming musical theatre songs sure to usher in an evening of fun and laughter.

“I encouraged my students to draw inspiration from everywhere — classic comedy, TikTok, YouTube — you name it,” shares Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “It’s a playful mix of the traditional and the trendy, guaranteed to appeal to all ages.”

The experience includes entertainment from members of MaLARKey improv team who will lead a few improv games and offer the opportunity for audience involvement.

“Improv is all about spontaneity and creativity,” Jantzi explains. “The audience might throw out a situation, a famous person, or even a wild setting, and our MaLARKey team will run with it. Think ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ but with a clean twist!”

Upon entering the theatre, attendees won’t find the traditional row seating of a typical theatre performance. Instead they will gather around small tables where they can sit back and relax while snacking on desserts and chatting between acts, offering a less formal, but still engaging production. Featured dessert vendors include Salted Creamery and Lyndsey’s Cakes and Bakes.

“I hope the audience leaves with smiling faces and happy bellies,” says Jantzi.

Don’t miss out on an evening filled with laughter and desserts! Tickets are limited, so grab yours today by calling 620-327-8104. Suitable for ages 7 and up.

Hesston College Theatre Presents Musical “Urinetown”

Hesston College Theatre invites the community to experience the hilariously satirical Tony Award-winning musical “Urinetown” in the Black Box Theater, March 5 to 8 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance on March 9 at 2 p.m.

Directed by Rachel Jantzi, “Urinetown” is a unique blend of humor, social commentary and catchy music, set in a drought-stricken city where citizens must pay to use public restrooms. The musical explores themes of corporate greed, sustainability and rebellion, all with a comedic twist.

“I’ve seen this show performed several times to varying degrees of success and always wanted to tackle the trick of directing a fun-filled musical with some rather dark humor,” says Jantzi. “I feel this cast has the ability to pull it off.”

While “Urinetown” delivers laughs, it also prompts reflection on its timely themes.

“It’s about a town struggling with a water shortage,” Jantzi notes. “After seeing my favorite lake pretty much dried up this past summer, it seems fairly relevant to our region. The show presents two extremes: a corporation that controls water to the point of an absolute corporatocracy and a rebel force pushing for zero regulation. Where does the line fall?”

This production will offer a fresh take on the show’s traditional set design.

“Every production I’ve seen is set around sewers in a ‘Gotham-like’ city. I wanted something different but true to the story,” says Jantzi. “Our designer, Jocelyn Wilkinson, asked what other entities would be affected by a water shortage. The answer: a community pool. So, we created a dried-up, zero-entry kiddie pool in a town’s aquatic center as our setting.”

The cast has embraced this creative concept, assisting with set construction and bringing vibrant energy to their performances.

“They are having a blast with the staging and choreography,” Jantzi shares. “The music playfully parodies classics like ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘West Side Story,’ ‘Newsies’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ making it both catchy and familiar.”

Audiences can expect a show filled with wit, surprises and irreverent humor.

“The tone is established quickly with the narrators, Officer Lockstock and Little Sally, warning that ‘nothing can kill a show like too much exposition,’” says Jantzi. “Viewers will realize by the second song that it’s dark, hilarious and doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

While the production is lighthearted, it does contain some stylized violence and mature themes. Jantzi recommends the show for ages 12 and up but encourages families to reach out with any questions about content.

Ultimately, Jantzi hopes the production will offer both entertainment and food for thought.

“All our shows aim to create community and conversation through storytelling. This one is no exception,” she shares.

The cast consists of students Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Charles Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Desirae Rodriguez of Wichita, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; Alyssa Coonce of Hutchinson, Kan.; Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo.; Evelyn Gaertner of Newton, Kan.; Kyrsten Pauley of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; and Ashleigh Williams of Eaton, Colo.; staff members Jose Gloria and Ben Miller; Hesston High School senior Audrey Tipton; and community members Brent Yoder and Em Kerbs. Crew members include students Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind.; Tana Hayworth of Lincoln, Kan.; and Uyen (Ava) Huynh of Lamdong, Vietnam. Alumna Alexis (Driscoll) ’23 Becker is designing lights and community member Jocelyn Wilkinson is returning to design the set.

Tickets are available by calling 620-327-8104.

Hesston College Theatre Receives Prestigious Honors from KCACTF

Hesston College Theatre is celebrating a landmark achievement as the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) selected a scene from their fall production of “Antigone” to perform at the Region V Festival in Des Moines, Iowa, this January. With roughly 30 scenes in consideration from hundreds of productions in the region, Hesston’s is one of only nine that were selected to perform. This recognition marks the first time Hesston College has been invited to showcase its work on this stage.

In addition, two student actors from the “Antigone” cast have earned Irene Ryan Scholarship nominations for their standout performances, a competition that is regarded as one of the most prestigious collegiate acting events. Senior Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo., who played Creon, and sophomore Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan., who portrayed Antigone, will compete against more than 300 nominees at the regional festival, with the competition narrowing to just 16 finalists.

“This recognition is significant for Hesston College Theatre,” says Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “I can’t wait for these students to experience the opening ceremony and see their photo up there with the University of Nebraska, KU and other larger schools. It’s a validation of our students’ dedication, hard work and talent.”

The invited scene features a powerful confrontation between Creon and his son Haemon, as Haemon challenges his father’s decision to condemn Antigone, the woman he loves, to death. Fleming will reprise his role as Creon, alongside freshman Christian Ryan of Topeka, Kan., as Haemon. The performance will be staged with a simplified scenic design for travel.

Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Jantzi shares, “It’s incredible to see our students and program honored on this scale, and it’s a way to show future students the caliber of opportunities they can experience here.”

While the chance to see Hesston College’s theatre students perform “Antigone” has passed, the community can still take in this talented group at its next production, “Urinetown,” a Tony Award-winning dark comedy about love and greed to be staged March 5 through 9, 2025. For more information, visit hesston.edu/theatre.

About the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival:

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival is a national program that recognizes and celebrates the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theater programs. Region V is the largest of the eight regional festivals, involving students from seven states.

Experience the Magic of “’Twas the Night After Christmas”

Last year’s collaboration between music and theatre brought “A Christmas Carol” to stage with music by Bel Canto Singers and Josh Fleming as Scrooge.

Hesston College Performing Arts invites the community to a unique music and theater experience, “’Twas the Night After Christmas,” on December 8, at 7 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church. Admission is free, and attendees of all ages are welcome to join in an evening of reflection, artistry and collaboration.

A special effort between Hesston College’s theatre and music departments creates an enchanting performance. The two disciplines met early in the creative process and later found their efforts intertwined to create moments that feel intentionally crafted for one another. Some of the songs provided the main inspiration for a piece, while others enhance a scene or offer a musical interlude. All of the music beautifully complements the unfolding vignettes, bringing depth to this showcase of heartfelt exploration. In the spirit of the season, the audience will also be invited to join in singing a few traditional Christmas favorites.

Unlike traditional performances, “’Twas the Night After Christmas” is a devised theatre piece, uniquely crafted entirely by current Hesston College theatre students alongside Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre. She shares how the creative process behind this piece is as distinct as the performance itself.

“We started with nothing, and we worked collaboratively to build a script using our own experiences, interviews with others and additional inspirations like poetry, music, dance, journalism and art,” Jantzi explains. “What happens to our relationship with the nativity story after the hurriedness and excitement of the season comes to an end was the idea and starting point for us. The creators of the piece then become the performers, so it all feels very personal and immediate.”

The production features student actors Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Ashleigh Williams of Eaton, Colo.; Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; Christian Ryan of Topeka, Kan.; Desirae Rodriguez of Wichita, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo.; and Kyrsten Pauley of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; with tech support from Uyen (Ava) Huynh of Lamdong, Vietnam; and Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind.

The vocal talents of Hesston College’s premier vocal choir, Bel Canto Singers, includes Lily Corkill of Olsburg, Kan.; Evelyn Gaertner of Newton, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Desirae Rodriguez of Wichita, Kan.; Uyen (Ava) Huynh of Lamdong, Vietnam; Misaki Kurata of Osaka, Japan; Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Ashleigh Williams of Eaton, Colo.; Rylee Weishaupt of Goshen, Ind.; Josalyn Wipf of Huron, S.D.; Gabriel Clark of Goshen, Ind.; Angelo Jenkins of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Charles Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Nolan Gorman of Redmond, Ore.; Devin Miller of Hesston, Kan.; Sebastian Pavlovich of Lindsborg, Kan.; Christian Ryan of Topeka, Kan.; Ethan Thompson of Hesston, Kan.; with Ken Rodgers as conductor and Russell Adrian as accompanist.

“We’re excited to welcome audiences to a thoughtfully constructed evening that feels intimate and conversational,” says Jantzi. “Our goal is to spark meaningful, thought-provoking conversations that extend beyond the holidays.” Join us for an evening that promises to be as warm and engaging as a fireside chat and aims to keep the season’s message alive in a fresh, personal way. For those unable to attend in person, the production will be live streamed at hesston.edu/livestream. Also, the Hesston College Theatre Guild will provide cookies, cocoa and warm cider following the performance.

Hesston College Theatre Bringing “Antigone” to the Stage

Caption: Actors Caroline Miller as Antigone, Chloe Robinson as Ismene and Desirae Rodriguez as Nurse prepare to impress audiences during a rehearsal this week. “Antigone” will take the stage in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater September 26 through 28 at 7 p.m. and September 29 at 2 p.m.

Hesston College Theatre Department is set to captivate audiences with their production of “Antigone” by Jean Anouilh. Performances will be held in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater at 7 p.m. September 26 through 28 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 29.

Inspired by the ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles, Anouilh wrote this version in 1944 about the then-current Nazi occupation of France. Even with historic roots, this play continues to invoke thought relevant to current issues.

“Themes of war, tyranny and questions regarding laws of man and gods are just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago,” explains Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre. “In this election year, I think producing a play about power and how it is handled could make for some good discussions.”

A shorter play with no intermission, attendees will enter into the theater space through a scenic facade with 12-foot columns around them which are intended to make them feel included in the same space as the actors. Themes of war, death and abuse of power run throughout the performance. While there is no blood or coarse language, it is best suited for audiences over age 12.

Jantzi says one of her favorite aspects of this production has been the collaboration on the set and lighting design with fellow Newton Community Theatre executive board members Jocelyn Wilkinson and Jeffrey Graber, both of Newton. She is also excited to see the play take the stage knowing it is a difficult one to produce, but that she has students who can pull it off.

“It has been inspiring to watch my students really feed on this script and push themselves to expand on these characters and fully flesh them out. The sheer amount of line work that is required of Creon and Antigone is incredible,” Jantzi says. “We’ve taken some risks with this show, conceptually, but every choice has been carefully considered so that the concept doesn’t lack reason.”

Students involved in this production include Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan., Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan., Desirae Rodriguez of Wichita, Kan., Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla., Christian Ryan of Topeka, Kan., Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo., Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan., Evelyn Gaertner of Newton, Kan., Kyrsten Pauley of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Ava Huynh of Lam Dong, Vietnam, Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind., Hope Dewey of Wichita, Kan., Tana Hayworth of Lincoln, Kan., Zoe Duran of Newton, Kan., as well as HC staff member Jose Gloria of Newton.

This show has also been entered for adjudication in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. An adjudicator will be on campus for the Thursday evening performance, meet with the cast, crew and production team and offer their response to the show. The adjudicator will select one or two student actors to perform with their acting partner and represent Hesston College in January at the Regional Festival in Des Moines, Iowa.

Ticket prices are $5 for students and $10 for adults and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Hesston College Bookstore by phone at 620-327-8105. For more information about “Antigone” by Jean Anouilh, visit our theatre page.

High school students are invited to a matinee performance during the annual Hesston College TheatreFest on Wednesday, September 25. This day-long event is structured to equip actors and tech crew members with skills necessary in the theatre industry, advance their abilities and have fun. Students will have an opportunity to audition and interview for a theatre scholarship after the performance.

Local Playwriting Festival Takes the Stage

For the first time since 2019, Hesston College will present their local playwriting showcase, Pen to Paper to Performance, on April 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. in the Keim Center Black Box Theater. Nine ten-minute plays were chosen from dozens of submissions to be produced and performed by the Hesston College Theatre Department.

“I love this event because it not only showcases the talent of our department and campus, but also the creativity in our communities,” says Rachel Jantzi, director of theater at Hesston College and creator of Pen to Paper to Performance.

The winning playwrights hail from communities like McPherson and Wichita to Hesston’s own campus. Jantzi created this festival as a way to encourage people who are curious about playwriting to give it a try. She enjoys seeing the different writing styles of the playwrights and how they translate to an onstage production.

“It’s fun to see how the playwrights react to seeing their ideas and dialogue spring to life,” explains Jantzi. “It takes a lot of courage to trust others to take what you wrote and move it from the page to the stage, but this process – one that promotes trust, vulnerability and collaboration – is what theatre allows and encourages.”

With a wide variety of genres and subject matter, here are this year’s winning submissions:

• Check by Cassie Balzer, Wichita, Kan.
• Bad Episode by Skye Colaw, McPherson, Kan.
• Tooter-Bug by Travis Duerksen, Goessel, Kan.
• Death by a Thousand Papercuts by Michele Hershberger, Hesston, Kan.
• Butter Woman by Patricia Middleton, Topeka, Kan.
• Trapped by Sam Setiawan ’24 (Hesston College student), Goshen, Ind.
• Writer’s Block by Mitch Stutzman, Hesston, Kan.
• A Fine Day for a Felony by Caitlin Waits, Winfield, Kan.
• The Menno Simons House for Wayward Christians by Matt Lehman Wiens, McPherson, Kan.

An ensemble of 16 actors will portray various roles in the performances with each actor appearing in at least two of the shows. The ensemble includes Hesston College students Meg Beyer, Josh Fleming, Hadassa Friesen, Joy Jones, Jamie Krehbiel, Caroline Miller, Charlie Miller, Desirae Rodriguez, Sam Setiawan, Rylee Weishaupt and Ashleigh Williams, faculty and staff members Jose Gloria, Michele Hershberger, Johann Reimer and Ken Rodgers, and community member Mitch Stutzman.

Admission is free for Hesston College students, $5 for outside students and $10 for adults and seniors. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door or in advance by calling 620-327-8104. Seating is limited, so early arrival is encouraged. Talkback sessions with the playwrights will follow the shows and each playwright will receive a portion of the box office earnings.

“Little Shop of Horrors” Performance Highlights Romance and Tragedy

Hesston College Theatre will demonstrate why you should be careful what you wish for with their spring musical production of “Little Shop of Horrors” from Feb. 28 through March 3. The show is suggested for ages 10 and up. Performances will be held in the Keim Center Black Box Theater at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The show centers around a small flower shop on Skid Row that gets taken over by a bloodthirsty alien plant. This award-winning musical will discuss themes of greed and survival while showcasing fun choreography, wicked humor and beloved songs by Alan Menken. Director Celaine Worden is ecstatic to bring this off-broadway hit to the Hesston community.

“For over 30 years this delightful show has been making audiences laugh, scream and consider giving up gardening altogether,” says Worden. “We have a talented cast of students, faculty, staff and alumni excited to bring this story to life.”

The cast includes Hesston College students Caroline Miller, Meg Beyer, Hadassa Friesen, Desirae Rodriguez, Daniel Miller, Charlie Miller, Josh Fleming, Alyssa Coonce, Ashleigh Williams and Jamie Krehbiel; Hesston College employees Del Hershberger and Jose Gloria; and community member Mitchell Stutzman. The musical ensemble will consist of Fleming, Coonce, Williams, Krehbiel and Gloria as well as student Lily Corkill and faculty member Michele Hershberger. Faculty members Holly Swartzendruber and Ken Rodgers will assist with the production, as the music director and pit director respectively. Community member Scott Steinert will fill the technical director role for the show. As a special treat, the Bel Canto Singers will join the cast in the musical’s opening number.

Ticket prices are $5 for students and $12 for adults and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Hesston College Bookstore or by phone at 620-327-8104.