April 17–26, 2026 @ Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE– “Pollyanna,” anaward-winning musical written by a local resident that focuses on the indomitable spirit of a girl to overcome adversity is arriving soon at Tusculum University for a six-show run.
Performances are held April 17, April 18, April 24 and April 25 at 7 p.m. and April 19 and April 26 at 2 p.m. in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre, which is located on Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Art Center’s main level. An American Sign Language interpreter is present opening night to assist guests with enjoying the show.
“This musical has been great fun to develop during rehearsals, and the cast and crew are thrilled they will have the opportunity to present it in front of audiences,” said Steve Schultz, the show’s director. “We have assembled outstanding cast members who will bring tremendous energy to the stage as they bring this important story to life. We urge the community to join us because we guarantee everyone in the seats will have a great time.”
Set in the 1920s, “Pollyanna” is based on the novel of the same name that was written by Eleanor H. Porter. It tells the story of 10-year-old Pollyanna, who moves to Vermont after her parents pass away. Pollyanna responds with kindness and friendship, and that changes the town’s viewpoint. A spirit of community begins to emerge. However, a tragic accident could unravel all of her good work, and it challenges her resilience more than ever.
“Pollyanna” has been portrayed on film multiple times, but the Theatre-at-Tusculum production will feature the music, lyrics and libretto that were written by David Gipson. He played Pulitzer in Tusculum’s production of “Newsies” in 2024. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and has written several original musicals that have been produced in the United States.
Gipson helped evaluate the singing components of “Pollyanna” during auditions.
The show features a cast of about 35, many of whom have participated in Tusculum theater productions or other shows in the area. But the roster also includes some newcomers who are making their mark on “Pollyanna.” You can view the entire cast athttps://bit.ly/4vpBECS.
The role of Pollyanna is being split between Maggie Hall and Zanna Parker, both of whom are students in the Greene County school system and members of Tusculum Young Actors Studio, which meets at the university. One of these young actresses will perform in the role for an entire show, and then the other will play Pollyanna in another performance.
Among the other actors are three Tusculum students – Michael Bumgarner, Sam McCamey and James Sams – and alumni, such as Angela Bride, Zack Gass and Dr. Melissa Koehler.
The behind-the-scenes team is rich in experience with Tusculum theater productions. Faith Rader is serving at the show’s music director, a position she has held before, including for the wildly popular “Newsies” in 2024. Izzy Wilson, a Tusculum freshman who has performed in many shows, is serving as the stage manager for this one.
Erin Hensley Schultz, Tusculum’s costume director, is overseeing the attire for this production as well and choreographed the show. She also teamed with Gipson and Rader to evaluate the musical elements of “Pollyanna” auditions. She has an extensive portfolio on stage and in leadership roles that support productions.
Leading the way is Steve Schultz, who serves as director ofTusculum Arts Outreachand has a prolific résumé as an actor, writer and director. He most recently performed in “The Sneeze” and directed the “5 X 10 Plays,” “Joseph and Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Newsies.”
“We are grateful we can bring ‘Pollyanna’ to Tusculum and are ecstatic to hold another exceptional theater production on campus,” he said. “Our shows contribute significantly to the community’s quality of life, and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our civic engagement by entertaining our friends and neighbors. We enrich people’s lives and are honored to be part of the region’s cultural fabric.”
“Pollyanna” tickets are available athttps://www.onthestage.tickets/tusculum-university. The cost is $12 plus fees for individuals aged 3-12. Guests who are 13-54 pay $20 plus fees. Anyone 55 or older pay $15 plus fees.
Theatre-at-Tusculum is part ofArts Outreachand Tusculum’sCenter for the Artsand is supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission and many generous donors. To learn more about the Center for the Arts and Arts Outreach, please visithttps://site.tusculum.edu/center-for-the-arts/. Additional information about the university is available atwww.tusculum.edu.
Category: Theatre