'The Christmas Star and Other Stories,' (Hastings College, Courtesy)
HASTINGS — Each year, three children visit their grandpa’s house for Christmas, where he shares a new and special story that teaches them valuable life lessons in “The Christmas Star & Other Stories,” the Hastings College Alpha Psi Omega’s annual production, which is suitable for all ages.
From the mischievous dynamics of the grandchildren to the comically flawed planets of the solar system, or Matty’s realization that their unique, imperfect song can bring joy and connection, these stories help guide the children as they grow.
“The Christmas Star” shows that even the most unlikely characters can find purpose and light when they learn to work together and embrace their unique talents.
Based on the stories of William Nottage-Tacey and adapted for stage by Sarah Nottage-Tacey, “The Christmas Star & Other Stories” is in Scott Studio Theater (806 N. Turner Avenue) on Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m, and Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15 at 2:00 p.m. The heartwarming performance has a runtime of 40 minutes.
Admission is free for all, but reservations are encouraged as there is limited seating. Email tickets@hastings.edu to secure your spot.
Concessions will be available for cash only, and a free-will donation will be accepted to benefit Alpha Psi Omega, which organizes a children’s show each year.
Santa will be present for the Friday and Sunday performances.
Rev. William Nottage-Tacey, a 1972 Hastings College graduate and Bronco Award winner, served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hastings from 2004 until his retirement in 2014 and served two terms on the Hastings College Board of Trustees from 1999 through 2012 and 2013 through 2015.
He was inducted into the Pro Rege Society in 2013 and was presented with an Outstanding Alumni Award in 2019.
Sarah Nottage-Tacey graduated from Hastings College in 2004 and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 2009. She has worked as an adjunct theatre professor and in the College’s student support center. She is currently director of performance for visual arts and theatre, which is housed in the College’s admissions office.
The Christmas Star & Other Stories
Director
- Aynsley Brink of La Vista, Nebraska
Cast
- Grandpa/Narrator: Peyton Wallace of Bennett, Colorado
- Child One: Alex Schmidt of Smith Center, Kansas
- Child Two: David Udlock of Castle Rock, Colorado
- Child Three: CJ Jacobs of Norwood, Colorado
- Seraphim, Mars, Shepard, Townsperson: Morgan Ashcraft of Limon, Colorado
- Michael, Townsperson: Max Vertin of Hastings, Nebraska
- Gabriel, Townsperson: Anya Myers of Overland Park, Kansas
- Choir director, Shepard, Townsperson: Abby Hardesty of Lincoln, Nebraska
- Matty Saturn: Kaley Waite of Hastings, Nebraska
- Jupiter, Angel Choir, Mary, Townsperson: Abbygayle Peeters of Limon, Colorado
Crew
- Stage Manager: Maxwell Blankenship of Queen Creek, Arizona
- Assistant Stage Manager: Meme Jones of Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Lighting: Casper Campbell of Columbus, Nebraska; Maddie Kamler of Shickley, Nebraska; Jaden Suhr of Lincoln, Nebraska
- Set: Noah Sullivan of Centennial, Colorado; Saige Patocka of Brainard, Nebraska; Jason Jones of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Ayla Kephart of Chardron, Nebraska
- Costumes: Tess Pedersen of Columbus, Nebraska; Maggie deFreese of Holdrege, Nebraska; Claire Fuqua of Woodland Park, Colorado
- Sound: Jordan Parker of Omaha, Nebraska
- Props: Janison Majors of Superior, Nebraska
- Box Office/Promotions: Molly Droste of Queen Creek, Arizona
