Hesston College Theatre to present comic fantasy “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility”

Hesston College Theatre will take audiences on a whimsical, globe-spanning adventure this fall with its production of “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility” by Craig Pospisil. Performances will take place at 7 p.m., October 2 to 4, and at 2 p.m., October 5, in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and seniors, available at the door or in advance at hesston.edu/showtix or by calling 620-327-8104.

Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi chose the comic fantasy as a lighthearted counterbalance to last season’s darker themes, pairing it thematically with the upcoming spring musical “Xanadu.”

“Both ‘Poles’ and ‘Xanadu’ have a light, fantastical feel,” says Jantzi. “After last year’s heavier themes, I felt it was important to bring in some cheer.”

The play follows a captivating storyline that blends romance with adventure, taking audiences from jungle to ocean to arctic with dragons, giant squid and monsters from Australia’s outback making appearances along the way.

“It’s like if ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ merged,” Jantzi shares. “I also have a talented cast who is already figuring out the complexities of characters who find themselves in extremely far out circumstances.”

Pushing the limits of the Keim Center’s intimate performance space, the production will combine practical stage effects and sound design to create an unforgettable journey.

“We are bringing in locations from all over the world,” Jantzi explains. “This one relies more heavily on technical effects than in some more recent years, the spectacle should be entertaining.”

Recommended for ages eight and up, attendees can expect an evening filled with laughter and energy.

“I want audiences to expect a good laugh and a great night out,” Jantzi says, “and to leave feeling like there’s still some magic in this world.”

The cast consists of students Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; Angel Sinnet of McPherson, Kan.; Brody Hutto of Bel Aire, Kan.; Dakota Nisbeth of Enterprise, Kan.; Constance Feldt of Wichita, Kan.; Rey Tipton of Hesston, Kan.; Alyssa Coonce of Hutchinson, Kan.; Arlynn Smith of Newcastle, Okla.; Cindy Smith of Park City, Kan.; Misaki Kurata of Habikigaoka, Japan.; Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; and Sebastian Pavlovich of Lindsborg, Kan. Crew members include students Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind., and Ava Huynh of Lam Dong, Vietnam.