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The Path to Your Purpose
Bethany College & Broadway RFD present Little Women: The Broadway Musical
February 13, 2020
LINDSBORG, KAN., DATE— January 28, 2020-Louisa May Alcott’s beloved American classic about love and family is coming to the Burnett Center stage at Bethany College this April, as Bethany College and Broadway RFD team up once again to present Little Women: The Broadway Musical. The production is part of the 2020 Messiah Festival of the Arts: Celebrating Women in the Arts.
Little Women has played on stages across America and around the world. Critics have praised it for its adapting such a … timeless, captivating story” into a musical that “is filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope, and everlasting love.”
Based on Alcott’s own life, Little Women follows the adventures of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy. Jo, the budding young writer, is at the center of the story. Receiving rejection after rejection from publishers, Jo takes the advice of Professor Bhaer, a fellow inhabitant of Mrs. Kirk’s Boarding House, and began writing stories based more on her own life. She “weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.”
Helming the production is Eric Johnson, of McPherson, a member of the ensemble in last winter’s Bethany/Broadway RFD production of Sondheim on Sondheim, and most recently seen as the Father in the BC Theatre fall production of Eurydice. The cast includes 12 Bethany College students, with Abby Rishel-Barnett, Elaina Bergquist, Rebecca Sawyer, and Maya Hererra taking on the roles of Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth March, respectively. Two members of the Bethany faculty will be seen on stage as well, Dr. Pari Ford as Mrs. Kirk, and Dr. Arminta Fox as Marmee, the matron of the March family.
Performances of Little Women will be Friday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. in Burnett Center, on the Bethany College campus. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $7.00 for students. Seating is general admission.
Cast List:
Role Name
JO MARCH Abigail Rishel-Barnett
PROFESSOR BHAER Brett Baldwin
AMY MARCH Rebecca Sawyer
MEG MARCH Elaina Bergquist
BETH MARCH Maya Herrera
MARMEE MARCH Arminta Fox
MR. LAWRENCE Tom Nelson
LAURIE LAWRENCE Joshua Hall
AUNT MARCH Tara Nicole Harms-Becker
MR. JOHN BROOK Caleb Hildenbrand
MRS. KIRK Pari Ford
CLARISSA Madison Price
BRAXTON Mikey Baker
RODRIGO Ryan Dye
KNIGHT Matt Eades
HAG Jessica Greer
TROLL Lakisha Comstock
Director Eric Johnson
Stage Manager Madison Walter
Music Director Sid Showalter
Vocal Director Jeanie Lucas
Set Designer Greg LeGault
Lighting Designer Eric Johnson
Sound Designer Eric Lundstrom
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
Little Women has played on stages across America and around the world. Critics have praised it for its adapting such a … timeless, captivating story” into a musical that “is filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope, and everlasting love.”
Based on Alcott’s own life, Little Women follows the adventures of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy. Jo, the budding young writer, is at the center of the story. Receiving rejection after rejection from publishers, Jo takes the advice of Professor Bhaer, a fellow inhabitant of Mrs. Kirk’s Boarding House, and began writing stories based more on her own life. She “weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.”
Helming the production is Eric Johnson, of McPherson, a member of the ensemble in last winter’s Bethany/Broadway RFD production of Sondheim on Sondheim, and most recently seen as the Father in the BC Theatre fall production of Eurydice. The cast includes 12 Bethany College students, with Abby Rishel-Barnett, Elaina Bergquist, Rebecca Sawyer, and Maya Hererra taking on the roles of Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth March, respectively. Two members of the Bethany faculty will be seen on stage as well, Dr. Pari Ford as Mrs. Kirk, and Dr. Arminta Fox as Marmee, the matron of the March family.
Performances of Little Women will be Friday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. in Burnett Center, on the Bethany College campus. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $7.00 for students. Seating is general admission.
Cast List:
Role Name
JO MARCH Abigail Rishel-Barnett
PROFESSOR BHAER Brett Baldwin
AMY MARCH Rebecca Sawyer
MEG MARCH Elaina Bergquist
BETH MARCH Maya Herrera
MARMEE MARCH Arminta Fox
MR. LAWRENCE Tom Nelson
LAURIE LAWRENCE Joshua Hall
AUNT MARCH Tara Nicole Harms-Becker
MR. JOHN BROOK Caleb Hildenbrand
MRS. KIRK Pari Ford
CLARISSA Madison Price
BRAXTON Mikey Baker
RODRIGO Ryan Dye
KNIGHT Matt Eades
HAG Jessica Greer
TROLL Lakisha Comstock
Director Eric Johnson
Stage Manager Madison Walter
Music Director Sid Showalter
Vocal Director Jeanie Lucas
Set Designer Greg LeGault
Lighting Designer Eric Johnson
Sound Designer Eric Lundstrom
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State. 锘� Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.