Performing Arts to present “A Quiet Christmas” in partnership Prairie Lights

Hesston College Performing Arts invites families and community members to experience the beauty and stillness of the holiday season with “A Quiet Christmas,” an original theatre performance presented in conjunction with Prairie Lights at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Performances will take place December 6 and 7 from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Prairie Pavilion.

This year’s production offers something new for Hesston College Theatre. While past winter shows often featured original scripts built from personal stories, poems or current events, “A Quiet Christmas” draws inspiration from children’s Christmas literature to shape a gentle, imaginative storytelling experience. With music by Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, led by Interim Choir Director Greg Bontrager and accompanied by Music Professor Ken Rodgers, the performance will be presented in an intimate indoor setting.

“I hope we can give audiences a charming performance,” shares Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi. “We want to allow family and friends an intentional time to connect while experiencing the beauty and serenity of this holiday season.”

The stories featured in this year's production celebrate the beauty of the natural world, drawing inspiration from children's books like “Night Tree” by Eve Bunting, “What The Little Fir Wore To The Christmas Party” by Satomi Ichikawa and “Room For A Little One” by Martin Waddell. The production will take a creative approach to these tales, incorporating a variety of storytelling techniques such as shadow puppetry, interpretive readings and musical accompaniment.

Following the performance, audiences are encouraged to enjoy Prairie Lights at their own pace. The arboretum’s landscape provides a peaceful setting for conversation, quiet wonder and connection.

“I am excited to be teaming up with the Dyck Arboretum’s Prairie Lights 2025,” Jantzi adds. “People will come and experience a live theatre performance for the whole family with Bel Canto Singers joining us, and also be able to walk through nature illuminated by thousands of lights.”

Students participating in this production are Alyssa Coonce, Hutchinson, Kan.; Constance Feldt, Wichita, Kan.; Evelyn Gaertner, Newton, Kan.; Brody Hutto, Bel Aire, Kan.; Misaki Kurata, Habikigaoka, Japan; Anja Martinez, Topeka, Kan.; Sebastian Pavlovich, Lindsborg, Kan.; Chloe Robinson, Moore, Okla.; Angel Sinnet, McPherson, Kan.; Arlynn Smith, Newcastle, Okla.; Cindy Smith, Park City, Kan.; Rey Tipton, Hesston, Kan.; Ava Huynh, Lam Dong, Vietnam; Sam Setiawan, Goshen, Ind.; Lily Corkill, Olsburg, Kan.; Eve Corkill, Olsburg, Kan.; Abby Hamm, Seminole, Texas; Kaylee Manning, El Dorado, Kan.; Ashleigh Williams, Eaton, Colo.; Adam Wonser, Goessel, Kan.; Nolan Gorman, Redmond, Ore.; Devin Miller, Hesston, Kan.; Ren Sparks, Moundridge, Kan.; and Ethan Thompson, Hesston, Kan.

Entrance to the performance is included with Prairie Lights admission. Tickets are $5 for adults, free for children ages 0 to 12, and are available at the entrance or at dyckarboretum.org/prairie-lights. For more information visit hesston.edu/theatre