“That’s Mighty Liberal” Coming to the Stage

The Seward County Community College Showcase Theater season begins with the world premiere of an original play that examines local history, That’s Mighty Liberal,. Auditions for the play, written by Michele Van Hessen and CJ Barton Carmichael, are set for Sept. 22-24. Source material for the play comes from local historian Lidia Hook-Gray, who authored the book Liberal and Seward County.

Although it is set in the past, “the play will use advanced digital technology to feature photos of Liberal from the Seward County Historical Society,” said Van Hessen.

Auditions for That’s Mighty Liberal will be held at 8 p.m. Sept. 22 (a Friday), 1-4 p.m. Sept. 23 (a Saturday), and 2-4 p.m. Sept. 24 (a Sunday). Van Hessen said the production will require actors, singers and dancers. Scripts will be available at the auditions.

“This is the first play that I’m aware of that has ever been written about Liberal and its diversified heritage,” said Van Hessen, who was inspired by the stories and photos in Lidia Hook-Gray’s book. “I think it’s going to be fantastic, and a celebration of the community and its history.”

The play will open Nov. 17, with performances at 8 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 18, and a 4:30 p.m. matinee on Nov. 19 (a Sunday).

For more information, contact Michele Van Hessen at the college, 620-417-1460, or email [email protected].