Hesston College Performing Arts presents The Apple Tree on March 1 to 5, 2023, at the Hesston College Black Box Theater in Keim Center. The cast and crew are Hesston College students with a special appearance by a former Hesston College staff member and alum.

The Apple Tree is a work from Bock and Harnick, the same duo that created for Fiddler on the Roof and She Loves Me. The performance consists of three musical playlets with separate storylines yet connected by a theme. This play presents comedy, tragedy and romance.

“This show is so unique with its three-in-one structure,” said Director of Theatre Rachel Jantzi. “All the playlets fall under this familiar theme of choice and consequences and our cast has met the wonderful challenge of taking on a multitude of characters and vastly different genres of storytelling.”

The first playlet is The Diary of Adam and Eve by Mark Twain. The story tells the well-known tale in a new variation. The second playlet is a fable, The Lady or the Tiger. This performance tells a story of a forbidden love. The final playlet is Passionella, a modern twist on the Cinderella story that ends much more surprisingly than the original.

“This will be the first production that our new scenic and lighting designer, Micah Bachert, has created for Hesston College, and it is as unique as the show!” said Jantzi. “Every massive piece he designed is integral to the action and featured heavily throughout each story. I have had fun directing in such a creative space. This show is also special in that the band is featured onstage interacting with the characters.”

As an additional treat to this performance, Hesston College Theatre Guild members will serve an apple dessert for the audience to enjoy.

Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased at the Hesston College Bookstore (620-327-8105, hesston.edu/bookstore). For more information, call 620-327-8142 or visit hesston.edu/theatre.