There’s a little something for everyone in this year’s Sterling College Theatre season with a variety of productions that celebrate creativity, community, and storytelling through both contemporary works and timeless classics. Audiences can expect an unforgettable blend of comedy, drama, and musical theatre, while experiencing performances that reflect Sterling College’s Christ-centered mission.

The delightfully quirky musical, The Addams Family, kicks off the season with its unforgettable classic comics/television/movie characters created by Charles Addams. The show is filled with both hilarious and heartfelt moments and centers around the macabre Addams family as they face a night of surprises when daughter Wednesday Addams brings home a new, “normal” boyfriend. 

Filled with catchy songs, spooky fun, and hilarious family dynamics, this musical is sure to be popular with audiences of all ages. Featuring an enchanting score and quirky characters, this show reminds audiences to embrace who they are, a message that aligns with Sterling’s faith-based belief in the intrinsic value of every individual.

The Addams Family - the musical will be presented Thursday, September 26 through Saturday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29 in Culbertson Auditorium. It is directed by Lesa Brown with music director Marisa Callan and technical director Greg McGlynn. Tickets are currently available at www.sterling.edu/arts. 

The master of farce, Ken Ludwig, brings a whirlwind of backstage drama to the stage for Sterling College Theatre’s next offering. Set in 1953, Moon Over Buffalo follows a dysfunctional theatrical couple as they navigate career mishaps, mistaken identities, and second chances. A hilarious romp, this play leaves audiences in stitches. With themes of redemption and perseverance, this play highlights the power of laughter and hope, themes central to Sterling’s mission as a Christ-centered institution.

This show will be presented in Culbertson Auditorium on November 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on November 10. McGlynn will direct and design the show. 

Continuing the story of the Ibsen classic, A Doll’s House, Part Two explores the aftermath of Nora’s controversial decision to leave her family. The play is by contemporary playwright Lucas Hnath whose sharp, insightful dialogue engages with complex issues of identity and forgiveness, encouraging thoughtful reflection on relationships and faith. This powerful drama provides an opportunity for deep conversations about grace, understanding, and the human journey toward redemption.

 A Doll’s House, Part Two will be directed by Betsy Dutton and will be presented January 31 and February 1 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on February 2. 

Generally regarded as one of history’s most beloved comedies, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will take the Culbertson stage next on March 7 and 8 at 7:30 and on March 9 at 2:00 p.m. Audiences will experience the magic, mischief, and romance of this classic set in an enchanted forest. This timeless tale of love, jealousy, and mistaken identities brings together a group of lovers, mischievous fairies, and bumbling actors for a whimsical and unforgettable adventure. 

The show will be directed by Brown and invites audiences into a fantastical world where love prevails and joy triumphs, mirroring the hope and beauty found in God’s creation.  

Closing out the mainstage season is the Tony Award-winning musical Urinetown – the musical. The show carries a tagline “Terrible title…Hilarious show” and is a satirical comedy that tackles themes of capitalism, politics, and environmental catastrophe. Set in a future where water is scarce and citizens must pay to use public amenities, this cleverly irreverent musical combines humor with a powerful social message.

Urinetown uses humor and wit to explore important themes of greed, corruption, and the common good. With its message about resource management and care for creation, this show encourages us to reflect on our role as caretakers of God’s world. The show will be presented in Culbertson Auditorium from April 10 through 12 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2:00 on April 13. Music Director Callan will helm this production. 

The year will close with An Evening of One-Act Plays & Dance set for May 3 at 7:00 p.m. in Culbertson. It will include one-acts directed by SC Theatre students as well as dance performed by SC dance students. 

With this new season, Sterling College Theatre is offering online ticket sales through the platform “On the Stage.” The center section of seating will be offered as “reserved seating” while general admission seating will be offered in the two side sections. Tickets may be obtained by going to www.sterling.edu/arts or at the door before each performance.   

Sterling College Theatre is dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and excellence in theatre arts. With a commitment to producing high-quality, diverse performances, the Sterling theatre department provides students with the opportunity to hone their craft while entertaining, educating, and inspiring our community all within a context of a Christian worldview. 

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kan., with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.