The Southwestern College theatre department and Campus Players’ 84th annual production of “Eagerheart” will be on stage soon. The annual Christmas chapel on the SC campus will be performed in the Helen Graham Little Theatre, located on the lower level of Christy Administration building, on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m.  Other performances will be Thursday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 11, both at 6:30 p.m.  Admission is free with a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Winfield Food Pantry.  
 “Eagerheart,” which was written by early 20th century English playwright A.M. Buckton, celebrates the legend that Christ and the Holy Family travel the earth each year, blessing one deserving home where they rest on Christmas Eve.   Eager Heart and sisters Eager Fame and Eager Sense, along with shepherds and kings of Power, Wisdom, and Love, reveal their understanding of Christ and His teachings.  The search for the Holy Family is tested by beggars seeking food and shelter.  The play challenges and inspires audiences to live with charity throughout the year.  

Director Roger Moon says that many community members have told him that because of the deeply moving Christian message, they refer to this production as the beginning of the Christmas season.  

“The message of the play is that there are those who have needs, and we have a hand to give,” Moon says. 

This year the role of Eager Heart will be played by Meagan Morrow. Brandi Young has been cast as Eager Fame and Carlene Dick as Eager Sense.  

The Beggar Man will be played by Jacob Marney.  The kings will be played by Alexander Wilken, King of Power; Elijah Rodda, King of Wisdom; and William Wade, King of Love. Donald Dutton will play the role of the Old Shepherd. Other shepherds will be played by Matthew Porter, Julianna Smarsh and Willow Branch. 

The Prologue will be given by Stephen Gehly and angels will be played by Victoria Lybarger, Britany Morgan, and Allie Petrovich as the Angel of Death.

An uncredited woman traditionally plays the role of the beggar woman who later is recognized as one the Holy Family, and infants of the community are cast as the beggars’ child taken in by Eager Heart.   A senior student will play the role at the chapel performance and a selected faculty or staff will play the Beggar Woman at the community performances.  

Due to limited seating in the Helen Graham Little Theatre, reservations are encouraged.  They can be made by calling (620) 221-7720 or (620) 229-6272.  Reservations may also be made by emailing boxoffice@sckans.edu.