The stage lights burned bright at Sterling College on Monday, April 14, as nearly 200 high school students from across Kansas packed into Culbertson Auditorium for a day that blended fierce vocal competition with side-splitting musical theatre. The college hosted its first-ever Musical Theatre Singing Contest, followed by a crowd-pleasing matinee performance of Urinetown: The Musical—a hilarious, high-energy satire that had students laughing, cheering, and leaping to their feet at curtain call.

The day kicked off with 25 student competitors from 11 schools delivering powerful solo performances of musical theatre favorites. Judged by Sterling College faculty Marisa Callan (Musical Theatre Director), Lesa Brown (Theatre Artistic Director), and Sean Foster (Choral Director), the contest showcased a wide range of talent and styles. Megan Giorgetti was the accompanist for the event. 

Taking top honors was freshman Adeline Sullivan of Pittsburg High School with a powerful rendition of “Monster” from Frozen. Runners-up included Salina Central senior Lillian Crow with “Flowers” from Hadestown and Pittsburg senior Nityan Doodnauth with “I Just Keep Moving the Line” from Smash. 

Following the competition Pittsburg junior Norlan Aguilar, who delivered a stirring version of “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables and Goddard High School junior who performed an earnest, spirited “Giants in the Sky” from Into the Woods were recognized as being in the top five performers of the day.

“The response was tremendous,” said Dennis Dutton, Sterling College Arts Director. “This was our first-ever musical theatre contest, and it was thrilling to see so much talent from schools big and small. These students were passionate, prepared, and excited to share their love of musical theatre.”

Following the contest, the full group of high schoolers packed Culbertson Auditorium for the afternoon performance of Urinetown: The Musical, presented by Sterling College Musical Theatre. The irreverent satire – known for its eyebrow-raising title and Broadway-bright score – was a hit with the student crowd.

“There is nothing like an audience of high school theatre students,” said Dutton. “They get it. They understand the effort behind every moment on stage and aren’t shy about showing their appreciation – howls of laughter, applause, and a standing ovation at the curtain call.”

Teachers and students alike raved about the experience. Barb Hilt of Salina Central High School noted, “The production was great! I especially enjoyed the choreography and the ensemble’s strong character work. It’s something I try to teach my students, and it was great for them to see it in action.”

Student comments echoed the enthusiasm. “Oh my gosh! It was such a fun musical,” one wrote. “Everything was amazing!” Another added, “The costume design was wonderful, and the acting and singing were excellent. It felt very professional.”

Dutton was particularly pleased to welcome schools like Pittsburg and Salina Central – both with powerhouse musical theatre programs – alongside smaller schools attending a Sterling theatre production for the first time. “The students left energized and inspired, and that’s exactly what we hoped for,” he said. 

“It was a joy to introduce new students and teachers to what we do here,” Dutton said. “The positive response is an affirmation of our musical theatre program and the incredible work of our students and faculty. We hope this event continues to grow and becomes an annual tradition for young performers across the region.”