On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council</a> executive director Brenda Meder discusses the 2023 Winter Art Walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council prepares for 2023 Winter Art Walk" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9cyci-14fc9f5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council</a> executive director Brenda Meder discusses the 2023 Winter Art Walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Arts Council prepares for 2023 Winter Art Walk

Just before Thanksgiving, a lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?" The stock boy replied, "No ma'am, they're not alive anymore."

Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

Just before Thanksgiving, a lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?" The stock boy replied, "No ma'am, they're not alive anymore."Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/15/23

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699985222194.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, 94.3/1400 KAYS The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">Cottonwood Extension District</a> Family and Community Wellness Agent Monique Koerner about cooking turkey safely.

<div><iframe title="Stay safe this Thanksgiving with these turkey cooking tips from the Cottonwood Extension District" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mi5dn-14fb16a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, 94.3/1400 KAYS The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">Cottonwood Extension District</a> Family and Community Wellness Agent Monique Koerner about cooking turkey safely.

🎙 Post Podcast: Stay safe this Thanksgiving with these turkey cooking tips from the Cottonwood Extension District

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a> Executive Director Sarah Meitner about National Community Foundation week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Heartland Community Foundation celebrates National Community Foundation week" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hmrpy-14fb145-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a> Executive Director Sarah Meitner about National Community Foundation week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Heartland Community Foundation celebrates National Community Foundation week

A cowboy was trying to buy a health insurance policy. The insurance agent was going down the list of standard questions. “Ever have an accident?” asked the agent. “Nope, nary a one,” replied the cowboy. “None? You’ve never had any accidents?” the agent continued. “Nope. Ain’t never had one. Never,” insisted the cowboy. “Well, you said on this form you were bit by a snake once. Wouldn’t you consider that an accident?” said the agent. “Heck, no." exclaimed the cowboy. "That dang varmint bit me on purpose.”

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

A cowboy was trying to buy a health insurance policy. The insurance agent was going down the list of standard questions. “Ever have an accident?” asked the agent. “Nope, nary a one,” replied the cowboy. “None? You’ve never had any accidents?” the agent continued. “Nope. Ain’t never had one. Never,” insisted the cowboy. “Well, you said on this form you were bit by a snake once. Wouldn’t you consider that an accident?” said the agent. “Heck, no." exclaimed the cowboy. "That dang varmint bit me on purpose.”Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/14/23

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699899654809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Early planning is underway for the Victoria Community Coalition, Inc. second annual Holiday Home Tours on Dec. 9 and 10.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetheresthome">Follow the Victoria Community Coalition Facebook page for future details.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699901204576.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Early planning is underway for the Victoria Community Coalition, Inc. second annual Holiday Home Tours on Dec. 9 and 10.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetheresthome">Follow the Victoria Community Coalition Facebook page for future details.</a>

Victoria Community Coalition plans annual Holiday Home Tours

Q: Why did the man lose his job at the orange juice factory? A: He couldn’t concentrate!

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

Q: Why did the man lose his job at the orange juice factory? A: He couldn’t concentrate!Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/13/23

The Chamber in Hays is proud to announce the appointment of Isaiah Schindler as their new executive assistant, effective Nov. 8.

With deep local roots and a strong commitment to advancing the interests of Chamber members and stakeholders, Schindler's addition to the team marks a new chapter in the organization's ongoing mission to support small businesses and enhance the economic vitality of the community.

Schindler, a native of Hays, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community development to his new role.

He said he is eager to forge new relationships within the community and beyond, leveraging his unique perspective on the importance of small businesses in driving economic success.

"I am beyond elated to announce that I have joined The Chamber in Hays staff in the executive assistant role,” Schindler said. “Being originally from Hays, I understand the necessity of small business in improving the economic vitality of the community. Without it and the steadfast efforts of the Chamber, the community would not be as successful as it is today."

Schindler's commitment extends to the efficient management of day-to-day operations, alongside a dedicated team at The Chamber, with a focus on connecting businesses, advocating in the community and developing opportunities.

"It is my hope that I can find methods and ways to get into spaces that are harder to reach that will bring opportunities to advance the Chamber further while seamlessly connecting the greater Hays community,” Schindler said. “I look forward to sharing my talents with the Chamber to give back to this community of which I am very privileged to serve."

President/CEO Sarah Wasinger expressed her excitement about Schindler's appointment.

"We are very pleased to welcome Isaiah Schindler to The Chamber in Hays. His desire to serve our businesses and community and attention to exceptional customer service make him a strong asset to our team,” Wasinger said. “He will undoubtedly make a significant impact on our organization's work and has already hit the ground running."

"Isaiah's passion for connecting businesses, advocating, and fostering opportunities resonates with our mission. We are confident that his expertise and commitment will play a pivotal role in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the Hays community. We are excited to have him on board."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699546470092.jpeg" alt="Isaiah Schindler (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Isaiah Schindler (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays native is new executive assistant at the Chamber in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7tgn6-14f9927-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Hays ChamberThe Chamber in Hays is proud to announce the appointment of Isaiah Schindler as their new executive assistant, effective Nov. 8.With deep local roots and a strong commitment to advancing the interests of Chamber members and stakeholders, Schindler's addition to the team marks a new chapter in the organization's ongoing mission to support small businesses and enhance the economic vitality of the community.Schindler, a native of Hays, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community development to his new role.He said he is eager to forge new relationships within the community and beyond, leveraging his unique perspective on the importance of small businesses in driving economic success."I am beyond elated to announce that I have joined The Chamber in Hays staff in the executive assistant role,” Schindler said. “Being originally from Hays, I understand the necessity of small business in improving the economic vitality of the community. Without it and the steadfast efforts of the Chamber, the community would not be as successful as it is today."Schindler's commitment extends to the efficient management of day-to-day operations, alongside a dedicated team at The Chamber, with a focus on connecting businesses, advocating in the community and developing opportunities."It is my hope that I can find methods and ways to get into spaces that are harder to reach that will bring opportunities to advance the Chamber further while seamlessly connecting the greater Hays community,” Schindler said. “I look forward to sharing my talents with the Chamber to give back to this community of which I am very privileged to serve."President/CEO Sarah Wasinger expressed her excitement about Schindler's appointment."We are very pleased to welcome Isaiah Schindler to The Chamber in Hays. His desire to serve our businesses and community and attention to exceptional customer service make him a strong asset to our team,” Wasinger said. “He will undoubtedly make a significant impact on our organization's work and has already hit the ground running.""Isaiah's passion for connecting businesses, advocating, and fostering opportunities resonates with our mission. We are confident that his expertise and commitment will play a pivotal role in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the Hays community. We are excited to have him on board."

🎙 Hays native is new executive assistant at the Chamber in Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699646996223.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699646961723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699646925698.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Camber President Bobby Eklofe.

For reference, the list of gifts mentioned during the interview includes:&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6uRPueIKhvc?si=Rs55WchM2c_Cg94a" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Camber President Bobby Eklofe.For reference, the list of gifts mentioned during the interview includes:&nbsp;Rubix CubesFidgetsAge-appropriate booksBasketballsFootballsVolleyballsSoccer ballsSquishmellosStuffed animalsDollsAction figuresBoard gamesPlaying cardsUnoPhase 10Fidget spinnersBluetooth headphonesUnderwear and socks

🎤 Forward Ever: Camber President Bobby Eklofe

We are giving away the Chicken Soup for the Soul book, "Angels and the Miraculous." 

Listen to 99.5 FM, KHAZ, during A KZ Country Morning with Theresa Trapp Monday, November 13 - Friday, November 17, 2023 for chances to win a copy. No age restrictions.



These true stories of angels and miracles will strengthen your faith and remind you that good things do happen to good people! Miracles, divine intervention, amazing coincidences—these unexplainable, unexpected surprises bless the lives of people from all walks of life. You’ll be inspired and comforted by these 101 stories from ordinary people who’ve experienced the extraordinary, including:• Tamra, who tripped and began to fall while teaching her students. The entire class was shocked when unseen hands stopped Tamra in mid-fall and lifted her back to standing.• Dave, who while working in his late mother’s garden, was approached by a strange man who told him where to put a certain plant. Dave found his mom’s missing diamond ring there.• Kerry, who asked her father to send snow so she would know he was okay. Minutes after he died, despite the sunny 45-degree day, it flurried.• Donna, who was awoken by a shimmering woman in her bedroom who warned her to get out of bed and run seconds before a tornado shattered her window.• Jean, whose pet parakeet escaped, presumably lost forever, until he turned up a mile away where he landed on the bald head of her husband’s identical twin.



Congrats Mandy, Barb, Terry, Judy &amp; Don!

Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

We are giving away the Chicken Soup for the Soul book, "Angels and the Miraculous." Listen to 99.5 FM, KHAZ, during A KZ Country Morning with Theresa Trapp Monday, November 13 - Friday, November 17, 2023 for chances to win a copy. No age restrictions.

These true stories of angels and miracles will strengthen your faith and remind you that good things do happen to good people! Miracles, divine intervention, amazing coincidences—these unexplainable, unexpected surprises bless the lives of people from all walks of life. You’ll be inspired and comforted by these 101 stories from ordinary people who’ve experienced the extraordinary, including:• Tamra, who tripped and began to fall while teaching her students. The entire class was shocked when unseen hands stopped Tamra in mid-fall and lifted her back to standing.• Dave, who while working in his late mother’s garden, was approached by a strange man who told him where to put a certain plant. Dave found his mom’s missing diamond ring there.• Kerry, who asked her father to send snow so she would know he was okay. Minutes after he died, despite the sunny 45-degree day, it flurried.• Donna, who was awoken by a shimmering woman in her bedroom who warned her to get out of bed and run seconds before a tornado shattered her window.• Jean, whose pet parakeet escaped, presumably lost forever, until he turned up a mile away where he landed on the bald head of her husband’s identical twin.

Congrats Mandy, Barb, Terry, Judy &amp; Don! Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

Winners: Chicken Soup for the Soul book "Angels and the Miraculous" with 99.5 KZ Country

A guy walks into a bar and takes a seat. Before he can order a beer, the bowl of pretzels in front of him says, “Hey, you’re a handsome fellow.”

The man tries to ignore the bowl of pretzels, and orders a Pilsner of beer.

The bowl of pretzels then says, “Ooooh, a pilsner, great choice. You’re a smart man.”

Starting to freak out, the guy says to the bartender, “Hey what’s with this bowl of pretzels? It keeps saying nice things to me!”

The bartender replies, “Don’t worry about it, the pretzels are complimentary.”

A guy walks into a bar and takes a seat. Before he can order a beer, the bowl of pretzels in front of him says, “Hey, you’re a handsome fellow.”The man tries to ignore the bowl of pretzels, and orders a Pilsner of beer.The bowl of pretzels then says, “Ooooh, a pilsner, great choice. You’re a smart man.”Starting to freak out, the guy says to the bartender, “Hey what’s with this bowl of pretzels? It keeps saying nice things to me!”The bartender replies, “Don’t worry about it, the pretzels are complimentary.”Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/10/23

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with <a href="https://fhsualumni.com/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University Alumni Director</a> Carolyn Tatro, about Veterans Day activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="FHSU plans events to celebrate veterans" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ac5rg-14f47b2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with <a href="https://fhsualumni.com/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University Alumni Director</a> Carolyn Tatro, about Veterans Day activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU plans events to celebrate veterans

Deciding to eat healthier breakfasts, a husband declared that oatmeal would now be his cereal of choice.

But after eating his first bowl, he told his wife, “I hope I develop a taste for the stuff. It goes down real rough.”

“Well,” she asked, “how long did you cook it?”

Deciding to eat healthier breakfasts, a husband declared that oatmeal would now be his cereal of choice.But after eating his first bowl, he told his wife, “I hope I develop a taste for the stuff. It goes down real rough.”“Well,” she asked, “how long did you cook it?”“You’re supposed to cook it?!?”Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/09/23

Q: What did one raindrop say to the other? A: Two’s company, three’s a cloud.

Q: What did one raindrop say to the other? A: Two’s company, three’s a cloud.Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/8/23

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699379158165.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Get ready for a dazzling night of excitement as Bright Lights for Little Tikes brings together an unforgettable experience to benefit&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Area&nbsp;Children's Center.

 The event will be held on November 18 at The Strand Event Center in downtown&nbsp;Hays. 

Cocktail hour is planned from 5-6 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner and live auction. 

During the event, attendees will enjoy music from local favorite DOC. 

Your ticket also includes a meal, and two drink tickets. 

Tickets are $75 per person or $550 for a table of 8. 

Get your tickets booked now for a night of fun supporting&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Area&nbsp;Children’s Center!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698946591838.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Area Children's CenterGet ready for a dazzling night of excitement as Bright Lights for Little Tikes brings together an unforgettable experience to benefit&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Area&nbsp;Children's Center. The event will be held on November 18 at The Strand Event Center in downtown&nbsp;Hays. Cocktail hour is planned from 5-6 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner and live auction. During the event, attendees will enjoy music from local favorite DOC. Your ticket also includes a meal, and two drink tickets. There will also be a cash bar.Tickets are $75 per person or $550 for a table of 8. Get your tickets booked now for a night of fun supporting&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Area&nbsp;Children’s Center!

🎙 Post Podcast: Holy Family plans Gifts in a Jar fundraiser

Where was Peter when his candle went out? In the dark!

Where was Peter when his candle went out? In the dark!Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/07/23

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays High School is bringing to the stage a story of revenge, a bloody barber and deranged baker in its production of the musical "Sweeney Todd."

The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the 12th Street Auditorium.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. They can be preordered online by <a href="https://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school">clicking here</a> or purchased at the door.

Because of the content of the show, it is not recommended for small children.

Sweeney Todd, the murderous barber, is played by HHS senior Eric Lucio, and Mrs. Lovett, the baker, is played by junior Jordan Aschenbrenner

Lucio described the plot of the black comedy.

Sweeney Todd is taken away from his family by an evil judge. He seeks vengeance and plots to kill the judge who wronged him and his family.

The baker, Mrs. Lovett, has a bakery underneath the barber shop. She and Todd plot to kill Todd's clients and bake them into pies, which she sells, Lucio said.

"This whole time, while he is trying to get revenge on the judge, they are baking humans," Lucio said.

Stephen Sondheim wrote music and lyrics in 1979 to adapt the play by the same name by Christopher Bond circa 1970. However, the Sweeney Todd character dates back to the Victorian era.

Lucio said he had to get out of his comfort zone to play the murder.&nbsp;

"I had to balance the line between the humor and being a murderer," he said.

"There are times that you have to be still. You are the most serious person on the planet, and then other times, you are laughing about eating a priest," Lucio said.

Aschenbrenner said she studied throughout the summer to better understand the depth behind Mrs. Lovett.

"She's very ditzy, but she also knows what she wants at all moments," Aschenbrenner said.

In amongst the murderous mayhem, there's a subtle love story. Mrs. Lovett pines for Sweeney Todd.

Lucio said is has been a challenge to relate to the dark part of the characters, but Sweeney Todd is a human who has suffered trauma and hardships.

Director Adrian Rifat said the quality of the student cast has helped transform a Broadway hit into something that can be enjoyed in Hays.

"I think that the cast that I'm working with is very talented and is a very able cast and a very willing cast," he said. "It's been very fun to meet them halfway. They are as excited about the material as I am."

He said he thought one of the greater challenges was reimagining the production so it could be more relatable to people in this area.

Alex Underwood, musical director, said "Sweeney Todd" has one of the most difficult scores in musical theater.

"It's basically an opera," he said. "It's almost entirely song through. I would say it's the same difficulty too. Lots of opera companies around the country produce this show. It's one of the things that makes it so difficult for high school students and is something a lot of directors shy away from."

&nbsp;About 50 students are in the cast, and Underwood said it has been a good flex for them.

"If you like to watch high school students be really incredible at what they do, this is definitely what you want to come and check out," he said.

The set is one piece that is divided into sections. The crew has developed homemade blood packs for the show that are made of water and detergent that will be enhanced by special lighting.&nbsp;

Lucio said he thought this might be a great first musical for someone who is not normally into musical theater.

"This is something that could change your perspective," he said. "It's not really like anything I have seen.

"There is so much to keep track of. Something is always happening. There are so many parts to this musical and so many layers. Every time I read the script I find something new — a new humorous line or something deep."

Senior Eric Lucio as Sweeney Todd Junior Jordan Aschenbrenner as Mrs. Lovett Senior Nate Henderson as Anthony Senior Kendra Ryan as Johanna Junior Oscar Flores as Judge Turpin Junior Caleb King as Toby Senior Atlas Seib as The Beadle Senior Ellie McGuire as Lucy/Beggar Woman Senior Galahad Nichols as Signor Pirelli

The ensemble this year consists of seniors Sam Albin, Sophie Ballenger, Beth Bowles, Calliope Green, Brooke Leiker, Calvin Moore, Dakota Normandin and Nathan Ward; juniors Addy Brull and Elizabeth Noble; sophomores Levi Harrison, Johanna Jones, Bryler Russell, Bryson Weber, Connor Werth, Olivia Werth and Rose Windholz; and freshmen Daniel Adkins and Harley Foarde.

Chorus members include senior Tim Koehn; sophomores Leo Cain, Ahna Leiker, Loren Tervort and Lizzy Vajnar; and freshmen Kali Beougher, Adrian Carrillo Maldonado, Kayden Eaton, Riley Flax, Jocelyn Goodspeed, Pashyn Jones, Jazmine Lynd, Ripley Mills-Kulmala, Zari Niles, Mari Paxton, Jacob Ridgway, Alexis Ryan, Adam Slaughter and Julianne Stecklein.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699288852524.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
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 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays High presents the murderous barber of Fleet Street, ’Sweeney Todd’" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x3pek-14efb98-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays High School is bringing to the stage a story of revenge, a bloody barber and deranged baker in its production of the musical "Sweeney Todd."The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the 12th Street Auditorium.Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. They can be preordered online by <a href="https://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school">clicking here</a> or purchased at the door.Because of the content of the show, it is not recommended for small children.Sweeney Todd, the murderous barber, is played by HHS senior Eric Lucio, and Mrs. Lovett, the baker, is played by junior Jordan Aschenbrenner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699288977476.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
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 </figure>Lucio described the plot of the black comedy.Sweeney Todd is taken away from his family by an evil judge. He seeks vengeance and plots to kill the judge who wronged him and his family.The baker, Mrs. Lovett, has a bakery underneath the barber shop. She and Todd plot to kill Todd's clients and bake them into pies, which she sells, Lucio said."This whole time, while he is trying to get revenge on the judge, they are baking humans," Lucio said.Stephen Sondheim wrote music and lyrics in 1979 to adapt the play by the same name by Christopher Bond circa 1970. However, the Sweeney Todd character dates back to the Victorian era.<figure>
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 </figure>Lucio said he had to get out of his comfort zone to play the murder.&nbsp;"I had to balance the line between the humor and being a murderer," he said."There are times that you have to be still. You are the most serious person on the planet, and then other times, you are laughing about eating a priest," Lucio said.Aschenbrenner said she studied throughout the summer to better understand the depth behind Mrs. Lovett."She's very ditzy, but she also knows what she wants at all moments," Aschenbrenner said.In amongst the murderous mayhem, there's a subtle love story. Mrs. Lovett pines for Sweeney Todd.<figure>
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 </figure>Lucio said is has been a challenge to relate to the dark part of the characters, but Sweeney Todd is a human who has suffered trauma and hardships.Director Adrian Rifat said the quality of the student cast has helped transform a Broadway hit into something that can be enjoyed in Hays."I think that the cast that I'm working with is very talented and is a very able cast and a very willing cast," he said. "It's been very fun to meet them halfway. They are as excited about the material as I am."He said he thought one of the greater challenges was reimagining the production so it could be more relatable to people in this area.Alex Underwood, musical director, said "Sweeney Todd" has one of the most difficult scores in musical theater."It's basically an opera," he said. "It's almost entirely song through. I would say it's the same difficulty too. Lots of opera companies around the country produce this show. It's one of the things that makes it so difficult for high school students and is something a lot of directors shy away from."<figure>
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 </figure>&nbsp;About 50 students are in the cast, and Underwood said it has been a good flex for them."If you like to watch high school students be really incredible at what they do, this is definitely what you want to come and check out," he said.The set is one piece that is divided into sections. The crew has developed homemade blood packs for the show that are made of water and detergent that will be enhanced by special lighting.&nbsp;Lucio said he thought this might be a great first musical for someone who is not normally into musical theater."This is something that could change your perspective," he said. "It's not really like anything I have seen."There is so much to keep track of. Something is always happening. There are so many parts to this musical and so many layers. Every time I read the script I find something new — a new humorous line or something deep."<h2>Cast list</h2>Senior Eric Lucio as Sweeney Todd Junior Jordan Aschenbrenner as Mrs. Lovett Senior Nate Henderson as Anthony Senior Kendra Ryan as Johanna Junior Oscar Flores as Judge Turpin Junior Caleb King as Toby Senior Atlas Seib as The Beadle Senior Ellie McGuire as Lucy/Beggar Woman Senior Galahad Nichols as Signor PirelliThe ensemble this year consists of seniors Sam Albin, Sophie Ballenger, Beth Bowles, Calliope Green, Brooke Leiker, Calvin Moore, Dakota Normandin and Nathan Ward; juniors Addy Brull and Elizabeth Noble; sophomores Levi Harrison, Johanna Jones, Bryler Russell, Bryson Weber, Connor Werth, Olivia Werth and Rose Windholz; and freshmen Daniel Adkins and Harley Foarde.Chorus members include senior Tim Koehn; sophomores Leo Cain, Ahna Leiker, Loren Tervort and Lizzy Vajnar; and freshmen Kali Beougher, Adrian Carrillo Maldonado, Kayden Eaton, Riley Flax, Jocelyn Goodspeed, Pashyn Jones, Jazmine Lynd, Ripley Mills-Kulmala, Zari Niles, Mari Paxton, Jacob Ridgway, Alexis Ryan, Adam Slaughter and Julianne Stecklein.

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