The Southwestern College theatre department and Campus Players are back for their 91st season. They will be performing a variety of shows, including a Homecoming original script created in celebration of SC’s 125th Anniversary year, a romantic comedy, an opera, and a major musical.  Additionally, 9 Lives Improv Comedy will punctuate the season along with directing scenes and one acts.
           
An original devised script with the working title “The Richardson Fire Project,” created by Roger Moon and the SC theatre department playwrighting students, has been in research and process for nine months.  Adam Sharp, who graduated in 2005 from Southwestern, has brought life to the research creating “The Pillars Stand.”  It brings to life the fire of 1950 that destroyed Richardson Hall, SC’s pillared administration building, a tragedy that nearly caused the college to close its doors. This play will be performed as the Homecoming show, Sept. 30, Oct. 2 and 3 in Richardson Auditorium.
           
The theatre department will also be performing a selection of student-directed 10-minutes scenes this fall from “Funny as a Crutch” by Rick Orloff.  These scenes take a comedic stance on disabilities and how people who do and do not have them deal with them.   A second set of directing scenes will perform in December.
           
Gian Carlo Menotti’s Christmas opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” is next on the Campus Player calendar. It will be performed in collaboration with Southwestern's music department. The show will premiere Dec. 3 at Cowley College’s Brown Center, and have a second showing Dec. 5 on the SC campus.   
            
A.M. Buckton’s “Eagerheart” will return to Kansas after its tour to England last year.    “Eagerheart” has been SC’s annual Christmas play since 1932.  The play performs on the SC campus in the Helen Graham Little Theatre on Dec. 5 and Dec. 8.  The show will also be touring regional churches early in December.
           
In March 2011, the SC theatre department will perform Kander and Ebb’s “Chicago, the Musical.” This musical takes place in the roaring ’20s and brings to life the story of Roxie Hart, who is sent to death row for murdering a faithless lover.  The performances are March 3-5 in Messenger Recital Hall.
           
The spring main stage will bring a new romantic comedy, “Almost Maine,” by John Cariani. It’s a whimsical look at the joys and troubles of romance. In the mythical town of Almost, residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected ways.  This show will take place in April 14, 15, and 17.
           
For information about season and individual show tickets, as well as patronage of the Southwestern College theatre department and Campus Players, contact Lou Tharp at 221-7720 or email at lou.tharp@sckans.edu.