Southwestern College’s 87th annual production of “Eagerheart” will be presented two times in December. Performances will be Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the Helen Graham Little Theatre located on the lower level of Christy Administration Building.  Admission is free with a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Winfield Food Pantry. 

The Southwestern College theatre department and the Campus Players organization produce the show each year as a gift to the community.

“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. 

Allyson Moon, director of the theatre program at Southwestern College, will direct this year’s presentation of “Eagerheart.”  Moon says that she enjoys having the show in the Helen Graham Little Theatre.

“We are all excited that ‘Eagerheart’ will be performed in the Little Theatre this year,” Moon says.   “The last time that it was performed there was in 2016.  The cast and crew love the intimacy with the audience as they share this story of giving and hope during the Christmas season.”

Moon adds that Campus Players alumna, Roxy Callison, is playing the role of Prologue/Epilogue. 

Playing the role of Eager Heart will be Carson Davis.  Hannah Breshears has been cast as Eager Sense and Maya Damron as Eager Fame.

The Beggar Man will be played by Jacob Reynolds.  The kings will be played by Aidan Wells Filbert, King of Power; Joshua Robinson, King of Wisdom; and Shawn Knepper, King of Love. Jamieson Campo will play the role of the Old Shepherd. Other shepherds will be played by Raynee Case, Emma Bate, and Elizabeth Santana.

Katie Miller and Shelby Tate will play the role of the angels while the Angel of Death will be played by Jenni Warren.
An uncredited but honored 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 performance. 

Reservations for the shows can be made by calling (620) 221-7720 or (620) 229-6272.  Reservations may also be made by emailing boxoffice@sckans.edu.