Central College opens another production season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel this Halloween weekend. Performances will be at 7 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Kruidenier Theatre on Central’s campus. A matinee performance also will be held at 2 pm on Sunday. Directed by associate professor of theatre C.D. Adamson, the musical features a cast and crew of 37 students.

Based on the play Liliom, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel revolves around carousel barker Billy Bigelow, whose romance with millworker Julie Jordan comes at the cost of their jobs. He participates in a robbery to provide for Julie and their unborn child, and after it goes tragically wrong, he is given a chance to make things right. A secondary plot line deals with millworker Carrie Pipperidge and her romance with ambitious fisherman Enoch Snow. 

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Admission is free for Central students with a student ID. Tickets are available here.

Central students in the performance include:

• Angelica Anderson, Marne, Iowa, music education – instrumental major, Class of 2027, spotlight operator.
• Avion Bailey, El Mirage, Arizona, undeclared major, Class of 2029, construction crew.
• Mya Bishop, Ankeny, Iowa, communication studies major, Class of 2026, performing the role of Principal and townspeople/ensemble.
• Emma Boston, Waukee, Iowa, undeclared major, Class of 2029, audio engineer.
• Shea Buenzow, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, undeclared major, Class of 2028, performing the role of David Bascombe and townspeople/ensemble.
• Donovan Card, Norwalk, Iowa, computer science major, Class of 2027, construction crew.
• Rylinn Dale, Marshalltown, Iowa, art and musical theatre major, Class of 2027, props master and costume construction crew.
• Anna Dennis, Davenport, Iowa, English major, Class of 2027, stage manager.
• Kathryn Fairchild, Eddyville, Iowa, communication studies and Spanish major, Class of 2026, costume construction.
• Mason Farrington, Ottumwa, Iowa, musical theatre major, Class of 2027, performing the role of Billy Bigelow.
• Theo Fisher-Kern, Perry, Iowa, undeclared major, Class of 2029, spotlight operator.
• Sofia Geistkemper, Marion, Iowa, computer science major, Class of 2028, light board operator.
• Katie Hamlow, Woodland Park, Colorado, environmental and sustainability studies major, Class of 2028, performing the role of Nettie Fowler and costume construction crew.
• Grace Harvey, Pleasant Hill, Iowa, music education – vocal major, Class of 2026, performing the role of Louise and townspeople/ensemble.
• Pril Heartfell, South Amana, Iowa, psychology major, Class of 2026, performing the role of first heavenly friend and townspeople/ensemble.
• Sullivan Holthaus, Quincy, Illinois, undeclared major, Class of 2029, wardrobe crew and costume construction.
• Grant Humphrey, Pella, Iowa, music education – vocal major, Class of 2026, performing the role of Jigger Craigin.
• Lauren Husz, Hampton, Iowa, art major, Class of 2026, carpenter.
• Eryn Lenhart, Bondurant, Iowa, communications studies and musical theatre major, Class of 2027, performing the role of Carrie Pipperidge, costume construction crew and assistant front of house.
• Rachel Masters, Lisbon, Iowa, communications studies major, Class of 2026, performing the role of Mrs. Mullin.
• Abigail Matson, Ankeny, Iowa, undeclared major, Class of 2029, performing the role of Arminy and townspeople/ensemble.
• Zeke McCarty, Ames, Iowa, music major, Class of 2026, performing the role of Enoch Snow and construction crew.
• Mika McCool, Colesburg, Iowa, English and musical theatre major, Class of 2027, sound designer.
• David Michael Negley, Winterset, Iowa, music and business management major, Class of 2026, stage manager.
• Joshua Nieuwsma, Leighton, Iowa, undeclared major, Class of 2029, performing the role of Captain and townspeople/ensemble.
• Samantha Pagel, Madrid, Iowa, music education – vocal major, Class of 2027, performing the role of Julie Jordan and construction crew.
• Gracie Pattison, Rossville, Illinois, undeclared major, Class of 2029, assistant props master.
• Ashley Purk, Ira, Iowa, Spanish and art major, Class of 2027, performing the role of townspeople/ensemble.
• Alexandra Marin-Rodriguez, Des Moines, Iowa, undeclared major, Class of 2029, make-up designer.
• Shaylee Smet, Aledo, Illinois, computer science major, Class of 2026, assistant stage manager, sound board operator, construction and electrician crew.
• Selena Snell, Richmond, Virginia, musical theatre major, Class of 2027, performing the role of townspeople/ensemble and make-up designer.
• Lillie Barker, Marshalltown, Iowa, undeclared major, Class of 2029, assistant stage manager and costume construction.
• Marin Tribolet, Urbandale, Iowa, psychology major, Class of 2029, wardrobe crew.
• Chris Ver Heul, Monroe, Iowa, communication studies major, Class of 2026, electrician and construction crew.
• Brooke Watson, Newton, Iowa, musical theatre major, Class of 2028, assistant sound designer and front of house.
• Christian White, Creston, Iowa, undeclared major, Class of 2029, performing the role of first policeman, Enoch Snow Jr. and townspeople/ensemble.
• Miles-Xavier Young, Akron, Iowa, English and musical theatre major, Class of 2028, performing the role of second policeman, townspeople/ensemble and construction crew.

This production is also supported through the creative work of:

• C.D. Adamson, associate professor of theatre, director.
• Cynthia Prickett Beschel, adjunct faculty, choreographer.
• Anne McCullough Kelly, counselor, costume design.
• Ron Rybkowski, technical director of theatre and lecturer, lighting designer.
• Kate Kanne Smith, assistant professor of theatre, scene designer.
• Sean Stephenson, assistant professor of music, music director.
• Arvin Van Zante, Dr. Seldon.