By DAVID BAUDER AP Entertainment Writer

NEW
 YORK — In reimagining 40 of their best-known songs, U2 recognized 
that many fans would experience them through earphones connected to a 
device in their pockets — rather than being belted out onstage.

That was one thought behind <a href="https://www.u2.com/">“Songs of Surrender,”</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/u2-ted-lasso-streaming-watch-week-211eb0a5b4f8606f313c523c790f49d1">coming out this week</a>.
 The four men of U2, now either 61 or 62 years old, revisit material 
written in some cases when they were little more than kids out of 
Dublin.

Particularly in those days, U2 songs were written 
primarily with concerts in mind. The Edge told The Associated Press in 
an interview that U2 wanted to catch the attention of people seeing the 
band for the first time, perhaps in a festival or as an opening act.

“There's
 a sort of gladiatorial aspect to live performances when you're in that 
situation,” he said. “The material has got to be pretty bold and even 
strident at times. With this reimagining, we thought it would be fun to 
see intimacy as a new approach, that intimacy would be the new punk 
rock, as it were.”

The Edge was the driving force behind “Songs of Surrender,” using pandemic down time to record much of the music at home.

Given
 that his electric guitar and Bono's voice are the musical signature of 
U2, there's a certain irony in the absence of that guitar being the most
 immediately noticeable feature of the new versions. He sticks primarily
 to keyboards, acoustic guitar and dulcimer.

The process began without a roadmap or commitment to see it through if it wasn't working.

“As
 we got into it and got into a groove, we really started to enjoy what 
was happening,” he said. “There was a lot of freedom in the process, it 
was joyful and fun to take these songs and sort of reimagine them and I 
think that comes across. It doesn't sound like there was a lot of hard 
work involved because it wasn't.”

Much of the intimacy comes 
through Bono's voice. There's no need to shout, so he sometimes uses 
lower registers or slips into falsetto.

Lyrics are often rewritten, sometimes extensively in even a recent song like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwZEIHTne58">“The Miracle of Joey Ramone.”</a>
 Some changes are more subtle but still noticeable: replacing the line 
“one man betrayed with a kiss” with “one boy never will be kissed” takes
 Jesus out of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHcP4MWABGY">“Pride (In the Name of Love).”</a>

At the same time, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” is rearranged to end with a question: “where is the victory Jesus won?”

Cellos replace the driving guitar of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98W9QuMq-2k">“Vertigo.”</a> Keyboards give <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzZWSrr5wFI">“Where the Streets Have No Name”</a> an ambient sound. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQiFSPboKAM">"Two Hearts Beat as One,"</a>
 the original a high-octane rock dance song, now has a slinkier, sexy 
vibe and is one of four songs where The Edge takes lead vocal.

The
 band is fairly democratic in taking songs from throughout its catalog, 
although 1981's “October” album and 2009's “No Line on the Horizon” are 
not represented. “New Year's Day,” “Angel of Harlem” and “Even Better 
Than the Real Thing” are among the songs left alone.

“We’re one of
 the only acts that has this body of work where a project like this 
would be possible, with the distance of time and experience where it 
would be interesting to revisit early songs,” The Edge said.

Throughout
 music history, bands have occasionally re-recorded material for 
contractual reasons. Taylor Swift is the most famous example, putting 
out new versions of her older songs in order to control their use. 
Squeeze's “Spot the Difference” makes sport of how they tried to make 
new recordings indistinguishable from the originals.

Live 
recordings and archive-cleaning projects like Bob Dylan's “bootleg” 
series gives fans the chance to hear familiar songs differently.

Many
 older artists don't see the point of making new music, since there's 
little opportunity to be heard and fans are partial to the familiar 
stuff, anyway, said Anthony DeCurtis, Rolling Stone contributing editor.

“Revisiting
 your body of work in a creative way is a means of sustaining interest 
in your career,” DeCurtis said. “Older fans might not be interested in 
another collection of your hits, but reworking them in a meaningful way 
could prove enticing. Younger fans don't have the same investment in 
your classics, so these new versions offer a route into your catalog.”

The Edge encourages fans to give the new versions a try, suggesting they may even grow to prefer some of them.

“I
 don't think there's a competition between these and the original 
versions,” he said. "It's more of an additive thing than a substitution.
 If you like the new arrangements, great. If you prefer the originals, 
keep listening.

“It's no problem either way,” he said. “They're both valid.”

The Edge said he's working on new music for U2, “and we've got some great stuff in the pipeline.”

The
 quartet that met in drummer Larry Mullen Jr.'s kitchen when they 
answered an ad placed on a high school bulletin board is a remarkable 
story in longevity. A passage toward the end of Bono's book “Surrender,”
 where he talked about looking around onstage at the end of their most 
recent tour in 2019 and wondering if it was the end, raised natural 
questions about how long U2 would continue.

“There are many 
reasons why U2 has stayed together for so long, but one of the main 
reasons is that it works so well for us as individuals,” The Edge said. 
“I think we all shine the brightest as part of this collective. I 
certainly would not like to hang up the guitar.”

This year will 
provide a test for a band that can count on one hand the number of times
 it has performed without all four members. U2 has committed to a run of
 shows in Las Vegas without Mullen, who is recuperating from surgery.

Would U2 continue if one of the original quartet decides it's time to hang it up?

“I
 wouldn't rule out the possibility that we could go forward with 
different members,” The Edge said. “But also, equally, I could imagine 
us deciding not to. It would be a big challenge. But I think at the time
 we would know what felt right.”

By DAVID BAUDER AP Entertainment WriterNEW
 YORK — In reimagining 40 of their best-known songs, U2 recognized 
that many fans would experience them through earphones connected to a 
device in their pockets — rather than being belted out onstage.That was one thought behind <a href="https://www.u2.com/">“Songs of Surrender,”</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/u2-ted-lasso-streaming-watch-week-211eb0a5b4f8606f313c523c790f49d1">coming out this week</a>.
 The four men of U2, now either 61 or 62 years old, revisit material 
written in some cases when they were little more than kids out of 
Dublin.Particularly in those days, U2 songs were written 
primarily with concerts in mind. The Edge told The Associated Press in 
an interview that U2 wanted to catch the attention of people seeing the 
band for the first time, perhaps in a festival or as an opening act.“There's
 a sort of gladiatorial aspect to live performances when you're in that 
situation,” he said. “The material has got to be pretty bold and even 
strident at times. With this reimagining, we thought it would be fun to 
see intimacy as a new approach, that intimacy would be the new punk 
rock, as it were.”The Edge was the driving force behind “Songs of Surrender,” using pandemic down time to record much of the music at home.Given
 that his electric guitar and Bono's voice are the musical signature of 
U2, there's a certain irony in the absence of that guitar being the most
 immediately noticeable feature of the new versions. He sticks primarily
 to keyboards, acoustic guitar and dulcimer.The process began without a roadmap or commitment to see it through if it wasn't working.“As
 we got into it and got into a groove, we really started to enjoy what 
was happening,” he said. “There was a lot of freedom in the process, it 
was joyful and fun to take these songs and sort of reimagine them and I 
think that comes across. It doesn't sound like there was a lot of hard 
work involved because it wasn't.”Much of the intimacy comes 
through Bono's voice. There's no need to shout, so he sometimes uses 
lower registers or slips into falsetto.Lyrics are often rewritten, sometimes extensively in even a recent song like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwZEIHTne58">“The Miracle of Joey Ramone.”</a>
 Some changes are more subtle but still noticeable: replacing the line 
“one man betrayed with a kiss” with “one boy never will be kissed” takes
 Jesus out of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHcP4MWABGY">“Pride (In the Name of Love).”</a>At the same time, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” is rearranged to end with a question: “where is the victory Jesus won?”Cellos replace the driving guitar of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98W9QuMq-2k">“Vertigo.”</a> Keyboards give <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzZWSrr5wFI">“Where the Streets Have No Name”</a> an ambient sound. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQiFSPboKAM">"Two Hearts Beat as One,"</a>
 the original a high-octane rock dance song, now has a slinkier, sexy 
vibe and is one of four songs where The Edge takes lead vocal.The
 band is fairly democratic in taking songs from throughout its catalog, 
although 1981's “October” album and 2009's “No Line on the Horizon” are 
not represented. “New Year's Day,” “Angel of Harlem” and “Even Better 
Than the Real Thing” are among the songs left alone.“We’re one of
 the only acts that has this body of work where a project like this 
would be possible, with the distance of time and experience where it 
would be interesting to revisit early songs,” The Edge said.Throughout
 music history, bands have occasionally re-recorded material for 
contractual reasons. Taylor Swift is the most famous example, putting 
out new versions of her older songs in order to control their use. 
Squeeze's “Spot the Difference” makes sport of how they tried to make 
new recordings indistinguishable from the originals.Live 
recordings and archive-cleaning projects like Bob Dylan's “bootleg” 
series gives fans the chance to hear familiar songs differently.Many
 older artists don't see the point of making new music, since there's 
little opportunity to be heard and fans are partial to the familiar 
stuff, anyway, said Anthony DeCurtis, Rolling Stone contributing editor.“Revisiting
 your body of work in a creative way is a means of sustaining interest 
in your career,” DeCurtis said. “Older fans might not be interested in 
another collection of your hits, but reworking them in a meaningful way 
could prove enticing. Younger fans don't have the same investment in 
your classics, so these new versions offer a route into your catalog.”The Edge encourages fans to give the new versions a try, suggesting they may even grow to prefer some of them.“I
 don't think there's a competition between these and the original 
versions,” he said. "It's more of an additive thing than a substitution.
 If you like the new arrangements, great. If you prefer the originals, 
keep listening.“It's no problem either way,” he said. “They're both valid.”The Edge said he's working on new music for U2, “and we've got some great stuff in the pipeline.”The
 quartet that met in drummer Larry Mullen Jr.'s kitchen when they 
answered an ad placed on a high school bulletin board is a remarkable 
story in longevity. A passage toward the end of Bono's book “Surrender,”
 where he talked about looking around onstage at the end of their most 
recent tour in 2019 and wondering if it was the end, raised natural 
questions about how long U2 would continue.“There are many 
reasons why U2 has stayed together for so long, but one of the main 
reasons is that it works so well for us as individuals,” The Edge said. 
“I think we all shine the brightest as part of this collective. I 
certainly would not like to hang up the guitar.”This year will 
provide a test for a band that can count on one hand the number of times
 it has performed without all four members. U2 has committed to a run of
 shows in Las Vegas without Mullen, who is recuperating from surgery.Would U2 continue if one of the original quartet decides it's time to hang it up?“I
 wouldn't rule out the possibility that we could go forward with 
different members,” The Edge said. “But also, equally, I could imagine 
us deciding not to. It would be a big challenge. But I think at the time
 we would know what felt right.”

In unusual step, U2 reinterprets 40 of its best-known songs

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming events at the library.

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library connects community through various events" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bruf2-13b6339-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming events at the library.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Public Library connects community through various events

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

"Body and Place," an interdisciplinary exhibition of drawing, painting and printmaking students and faculty, is on display now through March 15 at the Hays Arts Center.

FHSU faculty Amy Schmierbach, Jee Hwang and Juana Estrada-Hernandez developed lesson plans around the themes body and place.

Schmierbach's lecture focused on body as place. She encouraged students to seek self-awareness through meditation and drawing. She wanted them to focus on self-love and self-reflection.&nbsp;

Hwang's lecture focused on the exploration of cultural identity through the image of body of place in art. Hwang introduced the concept of diaspora, which means "the dispersion or spread of any people from their original homeland."

Estrada-Hernandez based her lecture on her experience in Lands Arts of the American West at the Univeristy of New Mexico. The course took students to sites in the southwest to create site-specific art.&nbsp;

Senior in art Katie Vaughn's mixed media piece "Flight of Art and Bee of Heart," is featured in the exhibit.&nbsp; She described "Flight of Art."

"The concept is that you can look super calm and serene on the outside, but you can have all of this running through your head 24/7," she said.

Vaughn of Hays developed the concept for "Bee of Heart" during meditation for the body and place lecture. "Bee of Heart" represents the body.

"The concept of it was to be more centered," she said, "and to take the time to refocus on self when I'm starting to feel more anxious and have those random chaotic thoughts."

The canvases consists of cardboard, layered paper and fabric to which pastels and ink have been applied.

Amiyah Gonzalez, FHSU senior in drawing and art history of Hays, said she interpreted place and body as her own female body.

"I immediately went to how I feel in my body," she said. "Sometimes women's bodies are viewed as their only place that has value and how they have to build up their body for other people."

"I thought of what happens when that place deteriorates after years of trying to fit into the societal norm of having your body sexualized and exploited,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Gonzalez said.

Emily Schoeppner, junior in art from Wichita, painted an image of her and a friend having a mud fight in a pond in a piece she calls "Pond Girl Soul."

"When I thought about body and place, I thought about the place I felt most connected," she said. "I was thinking of a time I felt most connected and grounded in my body."

She said she thinks of her body as a shell with a dark interior, but as she was at a camp as a counselor she said she felt very connected to her body in part through just feeling tired and sore.

"It was the most joyful and dismal time in my life," she said.

The other camp counselors didn't like being in that pond because it was basically a glorified toilet because of the fish, frogs and algae, she said.

"I wanted it to look like a secret, magical window that you were peeking into," she said.

Megan Roy, junior in art of Palco, explored body out of place. Her set of three drawings depicted her in an elevator and a disembodied figure in a room that is filling with water.&nbsp;

"It's about disassociation and feeling uncomfortable with anxiety," she said.&nbsp;

Participating artists include Lexis Beesley, Jenny Cox, Taygan Daisy, Mariah Dechant, Isabel Dixon, Juana Estrada-Hernandez, Brooklyn Vasquez, Kaylee Eubanks, Madison Gleason, Amiyah Gonzalez, Courtney Hancock, Jee Hwang, Emily Schoeppner, Katie Vaughn, James Jay, Kiernan McCarty, Maddy Otter, Katie Petersen, Megan Roy, PJ Stauffer and Russell Wells.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678388842551.jpeg" alt="Senior in art Katie Vaughn's mixed media piece "Flight of Art and Bee of Heart," is featured in the "Body and Place"&nbsp;exhibition on display now through March 15 at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Senior in art Katie Vaughn's mixed media piece "Flight of Art and Bee of Heart," is featured in the "Body and Place"&nbsp;exhibition on display now through March 15 at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post"Body and Place," an interdisciplinary exhibition of drawing, painting and printmaking students and faculty, is on display now through March 15 at the Hays Arts Center.FHSU faculty Amy Schmierbach, Jee Hwang and Juana Estrada-Hernandez developed lesson plans around the themes body and place.Schmierbach's lecture focused on body as place. She encouraged students to seek self-awareness through meditation and drawing. She wanted them to focus on self-love and self-reflection.&nbsp;Hwang's lecture focused on the exploration of cultural identity through the image of body of place in art. Hwang introduced the concept of diaspora, which means "the dispersion or spread of any people from their original homeland."Estrada-Hernandez based her lecture on her experience in Lands Arts of the American West at the Univeristy of New Mexico. The course took students to sites in the southwest to create site-specific art.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678401725450.jpeg" alt=""Pond Girl Soul" by&nbsp;Emily Schoeppner, FHSU junior in art from Wichita.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Pond Girl Soul" by&nbsp;Emily Schoeppner, FHSU junior in art from Wichita.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior in art Katie Vaughn's mixed media piece "Flight of Art and Bee of Heart," is featured in the exhibit.&nbsp; She described "Flight of Art.""The concept is that you can look super calm and serene on the outside, but you can have all of this running through your head 24/7," she said.Vaughn of Hays developed the concept for "Bee of Heart" during meditation for the body and place lecture. "Bee of Heart" represents the body."The concept of it was to be more centered," she said, "and to take the time to refocus on self when I'm starting to feel more anxious and have those random chaotic thoughts."The canvases consists of cardboard, layered paper and fabric to which pastels and ink have been applied.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678401755282.jpeg" alt=""Reaching Out, Falling Back In" by Mariah Dechant. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Reaching Out, Falling Back In" by Mariah Dechant. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Amiyah Gonzalez, FHSU senior in drawing and art history of Hays, said she interpreted place and body as her own female body."I immediately went to how I feel in my body," she said. "Sometimes women's bodies are viewed as their only place that has value and how they have to build up their body for other people.""I thought of what happens when that place deteriorates after years of trying to fit into the societal norm of having your body sexualized and exploited,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Gonzalez said.Emily Schoeppner, junior in art from Wichita, painted an image of her and a friend having a mud fight in a pond in a piece she calls "Pond Girl Soul."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678401774282.jpeg" alt=""Barren" by&nbsp;Amiyah Gonzalez.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Barren" by&nbsp;Amiyah Gonzalez.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"When I thought about body and place, I thought about the place I felt most connected," she said. "I was thinking of a time I felt most connected and grounded in my body."She said she thinks of her body as a shell with a dark interior, but as she was at a camp as a counselor she said she felt very connected to her body in part through just feeling tired and sore."It was the most joyful and dismal time in my life," she said.The other camp counselors didn't like being in that pond because it was basically a glorified toilet because of the fish, frogs and algae, she said."I wanted it to look like a secret, magical window that you were peeking into," she said.Megan Roy, junior in art of Palco, explored body out of place. Her set of three drawings depicted her in an elevator and a disembodied figure in a room that is filling with water.&nbsp;"It's about disassociation and feeling uncomfortable with anxiety," she said.&nbsp;Participating artists include Lexis Beesley, Jenny Cox, Taygan Daisy, Mariah Dechant, Isabel Dixon, Juana Estrada-Hernandez, Brooklyn Vasquez, Kaylee Eubanks, Madison Gleason, Amiyah Gonzalez, Courtney Hancock, Jee Hwang, Emily Schoeppner, Katie Vaughn, James Jay, Kiernan McCarty, Maddy Otter, Katie Petersen, Megan Roy, PJ Stauffer and Russell Wells.

FHSU student, faculty exhibit explores 'Body and Place' at Hays Arts Center

"Out of Pocket," the Fort Hays State University graphic design bachelor of fine arts exhibit is now on display at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on campus.

The exhibit will run through March 24. The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

The exhibit includes projects from the various students' classes, including games, stamps, restaurant branding, packaging and posters.

Paige Polika-Denson, junior in graphic design from Hays, was the winner of the American Democracy Project and History of Graphic Design Poster Series contest.

Students are asked to consider important current social issues and design posters based on historic graphic design styles on those themes.

Polifka-Denson addressed rape. Her poster shares the message that 1 in 16 women lose their virginity to rape. 56 percent of them were verbally pressured. The poster also has moveable sayings of possible offender verbal abuse.&nbsp;

The poster challenges viewers to "Go ahead take a piece if you have said or have been told one of the following quotes."

"As a woman myself and having friends who have dealt with situations that weren't necessarily ideal with their partners, I felt like it was a very easy cause for me to pick to focus on. It hit home, and I had a lot of people who I could reach out to as far as getting their testimonies and their quotes and their stories."

She said she was lucky enough to have people around her who were willing to trust her with their stories.

"The result was pretty powerful," she said. "I was happy to see I was able to hit the spot I was wanting to hit, and people were able to relate."

Polifka-Denson also had a stamp series in the exhibit that portrayed women and their insecurities. She created fictional female artists to focus on those insecurities.

She said after graduating in 2024 she hopes to do advocacy work with youth, the disabled or LGBTQ+ individuals.

"I want to help people or disenfranchised people find a place where art can make a difference," she said. "Although some might think that art is not powerful to people, it can make a difference in day-to-day life."

Ian Will, a senior in graphic design from Hays, said he was proud of a matchbox design he created that allows someone to open the matchbox and strike in with one hand.

"We're showing all of the work we've done over the years. We have pedestals with all of our different projects and our posters that we designed last semester," he said.

The sign-in wall installation and the catalogs were also designed by graphic arts students.

The students chose the exhibit name "Out of Pocket" because it is something random or unexpected. Will said all of the students have their own personalities but work well together.&nbsp;

"When we work late at night in the lab, we talk about all kinds of random things," he said, "and we have all kinds of out-of-pocket discussions."

Jacob Basye, graphic design student from Hoisington, had his card game, Wind Up Apt, featured in the show. The game is based around an apartment with tenants who have bad habits.&nbsp;

He also had his Lousiana gumbo-style barbecue brand, Crockie Charlie's featured in the show. The branding features a smiling frog.

His domino sets each included mystery vinyl albums from a decade in music history.&nbsp;

"When you pull out the records, they have the lyrics on them, so you can sing along and get groovy," he said.

Basye said he hopes to do package and logo design after he graduates.&nbsp;

Lauryn Becker's paint line was mixed with recycled material, which created a textured wall treatment.

Becker, junior in graphic design from Cheney, also participated in a group project to create a restaurant brand, Spud Murphy's. The restaurant serves spicy potatoes that have been created by crossing potatoes with peppers.

Other FHSU students featured in the show include Makenna Hammond, Maria Neale, Brandon Karlin, Travis Wierman, Tyler Boomer, Avery Jones, Riley Tinder, David Guzman, Secily Cruse, Brittany Wheeler, Spencer Bergstrom, Moriah Debey and Riley Judd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678376280052.jpeg" alt="Paige Polika-Denson, junior in graphic design from Hays, was the winner of the American Democracy Project and History of Graphic Design Poster Series contest with this poster on rape. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Paige Polika-Denson, junior in graphic design from Hays, was the winner of the American Democracy Project and History of Graphic Design Poster Series contest with this poster on rape. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post"Out of Pocket," the Fort Hays State University graphic design bachelor of fine arts exhibit is now on display at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on campus.The exhibit will run through March 24. The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.The exhibit includes projects from the various students' classes, including games, stamps, restaurant branding, packaging and posters.Paige Polika-Denson, junior in graphic design from Hays, was the winner of the American Democracy Project and History of Graphic Design Poster Series contest.Students are asked to consider important current social issues and design posters based on historic graphic design styles on those themes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678376327300.jpeg" alt="Graphic arts student Ian WIll's matchbox can be opened and struck with one hand. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Graphic arts student Ian WIll's matchbox can be opened and struck with one hand. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Polifka-Denson addressed rape. Her poster shares the message that 1 in 16 women lose their virginity to rape. 56 percent of them were verbally pressured. The poster also has moveable sayings of possible offender verbal abuse.&nbsp;The poster challenges viewers to "Go ahead take a piece if you have said or have been told one of the following quotes.""As a woman myself and having friends who have dealt with situations that weren't necessarily ideal with their partners, I felt like it was a very easy cause for me to pick to focus on. It hit home, and I had a lot of people who I could reach out to as far as getting their testimonies and their quotes and their stories."She said she was lucky enough to have people around her who were willing to trust her with their stories."The result was pretty powerful," she said. "I was happy to see I was able to hit the spot I was wanting to hit, and people were able to relate."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678386438788.jpeg" alt="A team of students created the Spud Murphy's restaurant brand. The restaurant serves spicy potatoes. Students who collaborated on this project include Riley Tinder, Lauryn Becker, Travis Wierman and Ian Will. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A team of students created the Spud Murphy's restaurant brand. The restaurant serves spicy potatoes. Students who collaborated on this project include Riley Tinder, Lauryn Becker, Travis Wierman and Ian Will. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Polifka-Denson also had a stamp series in the exhibit that portrayed women and their insecurities. She created fictional female artists to focus on those insecurities.She said after graduating in 2024 she hopes to do advocacy work with youth, the disabled or LGBTQ+ individuals."I want to help people or disenfranchised people find a place where art can make a difference," she said. "Although some might think that art is not powerful to people, it can make a difference in day-to-day life."Ian Will, a senior in graphic design from Hays, said he was proud of a matchbox design he created that allows someone to open the matchbox and strike in with one hand."We're showing all of the work we've done over the years. We have pedestals with all of our different projects and our posters that we designed last semester," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678386470734.jpeg" alt="A poster on abortion created by FHSU graphic arts student&nbsp;Makenna Hammond. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A poster on abortion created by FHSU graphic arts student&nbsp;Makenna Hammond. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The sign-in wall installation and the catalogs were also designed by graphic arts students.The students chose the exhibit name "Out of Pocket" because it is something random or unexpected. Will said all of the students have their own personalities but work well together.&nbsp;"When we work late at night in the lab, we talk about all kinds of random things," he said, "and we have all kinds of out-of-pocket discussions."Jacob Basye, graphic design student from Hoisington, had his card game, Wind Up Apt, featured in the show. The game is based around an apartment with tenants who have bad habits.&nbsp;He also had his Lousiana gumbo-style barbecue brand, Crockie Charlie's featured in the show. The branding features a smiling frog.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678386541720.jpeg" alt="The game Bandits was created by FHSU graphic arts student Travis&nbsp;Wierman. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The game Bandits was created by FHSU graphic arts student Travis&nbsp;Wierman. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>His domino sets each included mystery vinyl albums from a decade in music history.&nbsp;"When you pull out the records, they have the lyrics on them, so you can sing along and get groovy," he said.Basye said he hopes to do package and logo design after he graduates.&nbsp;Lauryn Becker's paint line was mixed with recycled material, which created a textured wall treatment.Becker, junior in graphic design from Cheney, also participated in a group project to create a restaurant brand, Spud Murphy's. The restaurant serves spicy potatoes that have been created by crossing potatoes with peppers.Other FHSU students featured in the show include Makenna Hammond, Maria Neale, Brandon Karlin, Travis Wierman, Tyler Boomer, Avery Jones, Riley Tinder, David Guzman, Secily Cruse, Brittany Wheeler, Spencer Bergstrom, Moriah Debey and Riley Judd.

FHSU graphic arts students featured in Moss-Thorns exhibit

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mCgRqySF6Q" 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 Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

🎤 Forward Ever: Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota

A Sensory Inclusive Bag.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo

Persons with sensory needs now can have a more enjoyable experience at Rolling Hills Zoo.

The zoo announced Thursday that it is now Sensory Inclusive Certified via KultureCity, and is one of only five such certified locations in Kansas.

"One in six individuals has a sensory need or an invisible disability; including those with PTSD, autism, dementia and stroke, just to name a few. Sensory needs are a common medical condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. In fact, common sounds, lights, crowds, and even certain smells, might not only be overwhelming but also physically painful," the zoo noted in a news release.

In addition to the zoo being certified, all zoo employees have Sensory Inclusive Certification.

When persons with sensory needs arrive at the zoo, 625 N. Hedville Road, they can check out KultureCity sensory bags for free. The bags are created for both adults and children and include items that can help lessen sensory overload. Fidget toys and noise-canceling headphones are among the items in the sensory bags.

Additionally, signage has been placed throughout the zoo and museum that not only designates quiet areas, but also alerts guests to areas where they may experience loud noises or strong smells. The zoo also is creating a quiet room below Safari Station for zoo guests to use.

KultureCity was founded in 2013 by Julian Maha and his wife, Dr. Michele Kong, after Maha witnessed his son, who has autism, experiencing a “meltdown” in a barber shop when a stranger yelled at and grabbed him, the zoo noted. Maha said after that day he was inspired to try to make public spaces more accessible for those struggling with sensory issues and cofounded KultureCity, which has now established more than 900 sensory-inclusive spaces in more than five countries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678404890638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Sensory Inclusive Bag.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Rolling Hills ZooBy SALINA POSTPersons with sensory needs now can have a more enjoyable experience at Rolling Hills Zoo.The zoo announced Thursday that it is now Sensory Inclusive Certified via KultureCity, and is one of only five such certified locations in Kansas."One in six individuals has a sensory need or an invisible disability; including those with PTSD, autism, dementia and stroke, just to name a few. Sensory needs are a common medical condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. In fact, common sounds, lights, crowds, and even certain smells, might not only be overwhelming but also physically painful," the zoo noted in a news release.In addition to the zoo being certified, all zoo employees have Sensory Inclusive Certification.When persons with sensory needs arrive at the zoo, 625 N. Hedville Road, they can check out KultureCity sensory bags for free. The bags are created for both adults and children and include items that can help lessen sensory overload. Fidget toys and noise-canceling headphones are among the items in the sensory bags.Additionally, signage has been placed throughout the zoo and museum that not only designates quiet areas, but also alerts guests to areas where they may experience loud noises or strong smells. The zoo also is creating a quiet room below Safari Station for zoo guests to use.About KultureCityKultureCity was founded in 2013 by Julian Maha and his wife, Dr. Michele Kong, after Maha witnessed his son, who has autism, experiencing a “meltdown” in a barber shop when a stranger yelled at and grabbed him, the zoo noted. Maha said after that day he was inspired to try to make public spaces more accessible for those struggling with sensory issues and cofounded KultureCity, which has now established more than 900 sensory-inclusive spaces in more than five countries.

Rolling Hills Zoo receives sensory inclusive certification

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country singer Lainey Wilson is a fan favorite at this year’s <a href="https://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards">CMT Music Awards</a>, where she is the leading nominee including for “Video of the Year.”

The
 “Heart Like a Truck” singer earned four nominations when nominees were 
announced Wednesday ahead of the April 2 show airing on CBS.

Other
 leading nominees including Cody Johnson, CMT co-host Kane Brown and 
first-time nominee Jelly Roll, who all have three nominations each. 
Brown and Kelsea Ballerini return to host the show from Austin, Texas.

There are 16 nominees for the show's top prize, video of the year, a category that Carrie Underwood <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-anthony-mackie-kelsea-ballerini-nashville-tennessee-b8d1e13ad2888abd891dab8da439b620">holds the record</a> in with 25 awards. She's nominated again for her video “Hate My Heart” and will also perform.

The winners will be selected by fan voting, which is open now at <a href="http://vote.cmt.com">vote.cmt.com</a>.

Wynonna
 Judd earned two nominations in the CMT performance of the year 
category, one with her late mother Naomi for their last performance 
together on last year's CMT Music Awards and one for her performance of 
“The Rose” with Brandi Carlile during <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-country-nashville-28c4ce0f989a4ceb3276fac8a570c434">a memorial show</a> after <a href="https://apnews.com/article/naomi-judd-dead-29302bc273e57c174ea9ecbea606f668">Naomi Judd's death.</a>

This
 year, CMT is splitting their breakthrough video of the year award into 
separate male and female subcategories, which increases the total number
 of nominees.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country singer Lainey Wilson is a fan favorite at this year’s <a href="https://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards">CMT Music Awards</a>, where she is the leading nominee including for “Video of the Year.”The
 “Heart Like a Truck” singer earned four nominations when nominees were 
announced Wednesday ahead of the April 2 show airing on CBS.Other
 leading nominees including Cody Johnson, CMT co-host Kane Brown and 
first-time nominee Jelly Roll, who all have three nominations each. 
Brown and Kelsea Ballerini return to host the show from Austin, Texas.There are 16 nominees for the show's top prize, video of the year, a category that Carrie Underwood <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-anthony-mackie-kelsea-ballerini-nashville-tennessee-b8d1e13ad2888abd891dab8da439b620">holds the record</a> in with 25 awards. She's nominated again for her video “Hate My Heart” and will also perform.The winners will be selected by fan voting, which is open now at <a href="http://vote.cmt.com">vote.cmt.com</a>.Wynonna
 Judd earned two nominations in the CMT performance of the year 
category, one with her late mother Naomi for their last performance 
together on last year's CMT Music Awards and one for her performance of 
“The Rose” with Brandi Carlile during <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-country-nashville-28c4ce0f989a4ceb3276fac8a570c434">a memorial show</a> after <a href="https://apnews.com/article/naomi-judd-dead-29302bc273e57c174ea9ecbea606f668">Naomi Judd's death.</a>This
 year, CMT is splitting their breakthrough video of the year award into 
separate male and female subcategories, which increases the total number
 of nominees.

Fan favorite Lainey Wilson leads CMT Music Awards nominees

Greg Rasmussen.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo

Gregory Rasmussen, 2023 Indianapolis Prize nominee and founder and executive director of Painted Dog Research Trust (PDRT), will be at Rolling Hills Zoo on March 13 as part of his three-month tour of the U.S. to promote awareness of the highly endangered painted dog, aka African wild dog, of which there are approximately 6,500 left in the wild.

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. in RHZ’s Conference Center with a light lunch followed by Rasmussen’s presentation on the current state of the painted dog population, pressing threats of their survival, and the tireless efforts of PDRT to save them from extinction.

The cost to attend this wildlife conservation program is $15 per person and includes a light lunch.&nbsp;Reservations are required by Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/news/lunch-learn">Click here to access the registration link</a>.

Rasmussen will follow up with a short conservation encounter at Rolling Hills Zoo’s African Painted Dog Exhibit at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon followed by Q &amp; A. This conservation encounter will be included in the price of zoo admission.

Rasmussen’s tour of the U.S. encompasses visiting more than 30 venues, including zoos and universities. Scientists, academics, zookeepers, supporters and the interested public are invited to attend the public presentations. His complete schedule of events can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.painteddogresearch.org/events">https://www.painteddogresearch.org/events</a>.

“With painted dogs as our flagship, we too now are adding afforestation and mitigation of climate change to our conservation armory,” said&nbsp; Rasmussen, who has studied painted dogs in their natural habitat for over 30 years, one of the longest studies into the species.

“The biodiversity crisis is affecting every corner of the globe and every form of life, especially painted dogs,” he added.

Rasmussen founded PDRT in 2014 in northwest Zimbabwe, one of the last strongholds for painted dogs, the recognizable carnivores from their individually unique tri-colored coats, fluffy white tails and oversized Mickey-Mouse ears.

“I am delighted to return to the states to reconnect with friends and associates as well as add new names and faces to our widening support base for the endangered painted dogs,” said Rasmussen. “While I hope to inspire and share, I too am motivated by those I meet.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678151950766.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Greg Rasmussen.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Rolling Hills ZooRolling Hills ZooGregory Rasmussen, 2023 Indianapolis Prize nominee and founder and executive director of Painted Dog Research Trust (PDRT), will be at Rolling Hills Zoo on March 13 as part of his three-month tour of the U.S. to promote awareness of the highly endangered painted dog, aka African wild dog, of which there are approximately 6,500 left in the wild.The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. in RHZ’s Conference Center with a light lunch followed by Rasmussen’s presentation on the current state of the painted dog population, pressing threats of their survival, and the tireless efforts of PDRT to save them from extinction.The cost to attend this wildlife conservation program is $15 per person and includes a light lunch.&nbsp;Reservations are required by Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/news/lunch-learn">Click here to access the registration link</a>.Rasmussen will follow up with a short conservation encounter at Rolling Hills Zoo’s African Painted Dog Exhibit at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon followed by Q &amp; A. This conservation encounter will be included in the price of zoo admission.Rasmussen’s tour of the U.S. encompasses visiting more than 30 venues, including zoos and universities. Scientists, academics, zookeepers, supporters and the interested public are invited to attend the public presentations. His complete schedule of events can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.painteddogresearch.org/events">https://www.painteddogresearch.org/events</a>.“With painted dogs as our flagship, we too now are adding afforestation and mitigation of climate change to our conservation armory,” said&nbsp; Rasmussen, who has studied painted dogs in their natural habitat for over 30 years, one of the longest studies into the species.“The biodiversity crisis is affecting every corner of the globe and every form of life, especially painted dogs,” he added.Rasmussen founded PDRT in 2014 in northwest Zimbabwe, one of the last strongholds for painted dogs, the recognizable carnivores from their individually unique tri-colored coats, fluffy white tails and oversized Mickey-Mouse ears.“I am delighted to return to the states to reconnect with friends and associates as well as add new names and faces to our widening support base for the endangered painted dogs,” said Rasmussen. “While I hope to inspire and share, I too am motivated by those I meet.”

Rasmussen to discuss endangered painted dogs during Rolling Hills Zoo stop

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The third year of Friday celebrations in downtown Great Bend will start with extra excitement in April as the Lovegrass Music Festival Association will introduce the area to three bluegrass bands.

Great Bend Alive, the downtown arm of Great Bend Economic Development, introduced “Fridays on Forest” as a way to bring entertainment, food and drinks outdoors along Forest Avenue. Economic Development Communications Director Lee Ann June said having a big show from Lovegrass Music Festival is a great way to kickoff the Friday events on April 28. "It was Lovegrass that reached out to us," said June. "They saw what we were doing and reached out at the end of last year. This could be a forum for them to bring bluegrass out to Great Bend." Lovegrass puts on a three-day music festival at Lake Wilson State Park in August, and will bring three bands to Great Bend, including Gravel Yard, Brook Blanche Band and Old Fangled. In addition to music, attendees can enjoy food and alcohol sold on Forest Avenue between Main and Williams. "What was wonderful was we sold all of our sponsorships before the end of the year," said June. "I think Great Bend gets what's going on. They want to be part of it." The alleyway between Forest and Lakin Avenue is also included in the consumption district between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the final Friday from April to October.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677862225730.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe third year of Friday celebrations in downtown Great Bend will start with extra excitement in April as the Lovegrass Music Festival Association will introduce the area to three bluegrass bands.Great Bend Alive, the downtown arm of Great Bend Economic Development, introduced “Fridays on Forest” as a way to bring entertainment, food and drinks outdoors along Forest Avenue. Economic Development Communications Director Lee Ann June said having a big show from Lovegrass Music Festival is a great way to kickoff the Friday events on April 28. "It was Lovegrass that reached out to us," said June. "They saw what we were doing and reached out at the end of last year. This could be a forum for them to bring bluegrass out to Great Bend." Lovegrass puts on a three-day music festival at Lake Wilson State Park in August, and will bring three bands to Great Bend, including Gravel Yard, Brook Blanche Band and Old Fangled. In addition to music, attendees can enjoy food and alcohol sold on Forest Avenue between Main and Williams. "What was wonderful was we sold all of our sponsorships before the end of the year," said June. "I think Great Bend gets what's going on. They want to be part of it." The alleyway between Forest and Lakin Avenue is also included in the consumption district between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the final Friday from April to October.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bluegrass music to kick-off ‘Fridays on Forest’ in Great Bend

The Everly Set, namely Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, will perform Forever Simon &amp; Garfunkel for the Golden Belt Community Concert Association at 7:30 p.m. March 14, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone. The performance is open to GBCCA members. Memberships will be available for purchase at the concert.



Golden Belt Community Concert members will revel in an evening of music celebrating Simon &amp; Garfunkel, the best-selling duo in rock-and-roll history. Award-winning singer-songwriters Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, together known as The Everly Set, will sing the music of the forever-popular Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone.

With great humor, soaring energy, charm and laser-precise harmony, Altman and Skuller will lead the audience on a journey through Paul Simon &amp; Art Garfunkel’s teenage roots, their early success as a groovy folk act, their global dominance as hit-makers, and the best of Paul Simon’s solo career.

Altman is the founder Rockapella, American a cappella singing group that began in the mid-1980s, and Skuller is the recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Buddy Holly Prize.

Their concert will include such hits as “The Boxer,” “Sound of Silence,” “America,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “59th Street Bridge Song,” “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover,” and “Cecelia,” among so many others.

Members will remember The Everly Set, who performed a tribute to the Everly Brothers here in the 2019-2020 season. They present the music of Simon &amp; Garfunkel with the same great humor, energy, charm and precision.

This GBCCA event is open to association members. No single concert tickets are available. Anyone who is not a member and wishes to purchase a season membership may do so at this concert. Because the concert association encourages music education in the schools, full-time students of any age will be admitted to the concert for a $5 donation at the door.

Season memberships are $50 per adult; $10 for any full-time enrolled student; $110 for a Family Membership (two adults and all dependent children living in the same household); and $110 for a Grandparent Package (two adults and up to four minor grandchildren).

The GBCCA 2022-2023 season will conclude on April 22 with Beginnings, the ultimate Chicago Tribute Band.

For more information about GBCCA and to see video previews of the season’s concerts, go to the web site, www.goldenbeltcca.org, or call 620-793-2748.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678114357220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Everly Set, namely Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, will perform Forever Simon &amp; Garfunkel for the Golden Belt Community Concert Association at 7:30 p.m. March 14, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone. The performance is open to GBCCA members. Memberships will be available for purchase at the concert.

Golden Belt Community Concert members will revel in an evening of music celebrating Simon &amp; Garfunkel, the best-selling duo in rock-and-roll history. Award-winning singer-songwriters Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, together known as The Everly Set, will sing the music of the forever-popular Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone.With great humor, soaring energy, charm and laser-precise harmony, Altman and Skuller will lead the audience on a journey through Paul Simon &amp; Art Garfunkel’s teenage roots, their early success as a groovy folk act, their global dominance as hit-makers, and the best of Paul Simon’s solo career.Altman is the founder Rockapella, American a cappella singing group that began in the mid-1980s, and Skuller is the recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Buddy Holly Prize.Their concert will include such hits as “The Boxer,” “Sound of Silence,” “America,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “59th Street Bridge Song,” “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover,” and “Cecelia,” among so many others.Members will remember The Everly Set, who performed a tribute to the Everly Brothers here in the 2019-2020 season. They present the music of Simon &amp; Garfunkel with the same great humor, energy, charm and precision.This GBCCA event is open to association members. No single concert tickets are available. Anyone who is not a member and wishes to purchase a season membership may do so at this concert. Because the concert association encourages music education in the schools, full-time students of any age will be admitted to the concert for a $5 donation at the door.Season memberships are $50 per adult; $10 for any full-time enrolled student; $110 for a Family Membership (two adults and all dependent children living in the same household); and $110 for a Grandparent Package (two adults and up to four minor grandchildren).The GBCCA 2022-2023 season will conclude on April 22 with Beginnings, the ultimate Chicago Tribute Band.For more information about GBCCA and to see video previews of the season’s concerts, go to the web site, www.goldenbeltcca.org, or call 620-793-2748.

The Everly Set performs ‘Forever Simon & Garfunkel’ tribute in Great Bend

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JEFFREY%20SCHAEFFER%20and%20SYLVIE%20CORBET%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JEFFREY SCHAEFFER and SYLVIE CORBET The Associated Press</a>

PARIS (AP) — The reconstruction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-europe-france-paris-2020-tokyo-olympics-1653357d9b54ccb7fed94f1417392d88">Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris</a>&nbsp;is going fast enough to allow its reopening to visitors and faithful at the end of 2024, less than six years after a fire ravaged its roof, French officials said Monday.

The cathedral's iconic spire, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-ap-top-news-paris-international-news-victor-hugo-7538fdb8fc8b476b8c442f0c2ac52115">collapsed in the blaze</a>, will gradually start reappearing above the monument this year in a powerful signal of its revival, the army general in charge of the colossal project, Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, said.

“The return of the spire in Paris’ sky will in my opinion be the symbol that we are winning the battle of Notre Dame," he told the Associated Press.

The reconstruction itself started last year, after more than two years of work to make the monument stable and secure enough for artisans to start rebuilding it.

Authorities have made the choice to rebuild the 12th century monument, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the way it was before. That includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-forests-trees-notre-dame-cathedral-emmanuel-macron-2afd2fbb0466fbc85252230933084da6">recreating the 93-meter-high (315 ft) spire</a>&nbsp;added in the 19th century by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.

Meanwhile, an exhibition called “Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site” is to open to visitors on Tuesday in an underground facility in front of the cathedral. Accessible for free, it highlights ongoing operations on the site and the expertise and skills of workers. It also features some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral.

Gen. Georgelin said the cathedral will reopen in December 2024, in line with the goal set by President Emmanuel Macron just after the fire — yet it will be too late for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games">Paris Olympic Games scheduled in summer</a>&nbsp;next year.

“My job is to be ready to open this cathedral in 2024. And we will do it," Gen. Georgelin said. "We are fighting every day for that and we are on a good path.”

This “means that the archbishop of the capital will be in a capacity again to celebrate the Catholic liturgy in his cathedral" and the monument will also "be open for tourists to visit,” he said.

Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak told the AP that this doesn’t mean all the renovation will be finished then. "There will still be some renovation work going on in 2025,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, the new exhibition near the cathedral will allow visitors, including those coming for the Olympics, “to live what could be this experience of visiting Notre-Dame in a brand new way,” she said. In addition to the free visit, a virtual reality show will allow paying visitors to dive into the history of the cathedral. "That will help also tourism in Paris,” she added.

Everyday in the capital and across the country, about 1,000 people work to rebuild Notre Dame, Gen. Georgelin said.

“The biggest challenge is to comply precisely every day to the planning we have done," he stressed. “We have a lot of different works to achieve: the framework, the painting, the stones, the vault, the organ, the stained glass and so on.”

Philippe Jost, managing director of the government agency overseeing the reconstruction, noted that the result “will be faithful to the original architecture" both because “we are sticking to the vanished shapes of the cathedral” and because ”we are also sticking to the materials and construction methods” of medieval times.

“We don’t do concrete vaults that look like stone, we do stone vaults that we rebuild as they were built in the Middle Ages,” Jost said, adding that the roof framework will also be made from oak like it initially was.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JEFFREY%20SCHAEFFER%20and%20SYLVIE%20CORBET%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JEFFREY SCHAEFFER and SYLVIE CORBET The Associated Press</a>PARIS (AP) — The reconstruction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-europe-france-paris-2020-tokyo-olympics-1653357d9b54ccb7fed94f1417392d88">Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris</a>&nbsp;is going fast enough to allow its reopening to visitors and faithful at the end of 2024, less than six years after a fire ravaged its roof, French officials said Monday.The cathedral's iconic spire, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-ap-top-news-paris-international-news-victor-hugo-7538fdb8fc8b476b8c442f0c2ac52115">collapsed in the blaze</a>, will gradually start reappearing above the monument this year in a powerful signal of its revival, the army general in charge of the colossal project, Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, said.“The return of the spire in Paris’ sky will in my opinion be the symbol that we are winning the battle of Notre Dame," he told the Associated Press.The reconstruction itself started last year, after more than two years of work to make the monument stable and secure enough for artisans to start rebuilding it.Authorities have made the choice to rebuild the 12th century monument, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the way it was before. That includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-forests-trees-notre-dame-cathedral-emmanuel-macron-2afd2fbb0466fbc85252230933084da6">recreating the 93-meter-high (315 ft) spire</a>&nbsp;added in the 19th century by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.Meanwhile, an exhibition called “Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site” is to open to visitors on Tuesday in an underground facility in front of the cathedral. Accessible for free, it highlights ongoing operations on the site and the expertise and skills of workers. It also features some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral.Gen. Georgelin said the cathedral will reopen in December 2024, in line with the goal set by President Emmanuel Macron just after the fire — yet it will be too late for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games">Paris Olympic Games scheduled in summer</a>&nbsp;next year.“My job is to be ready to open this cathedral in 2024. And we will do it," Gen. Georgelin said. "We are fighting every day for that and we are on a good path.”This “means that the archbishop of the capital will be in a capacity again to celebrate the Catholic liturgy in his cathedral" and the monument will also "be open for tourists to visit,” he said.Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak told the AP that this doesn’t mean all the renovation will be finished then. "There will still be some renovation work going on in 2025,” she stressed.Meanwhile, the new exhibition near the cathedral will allow visitors, including those coming for the Olympics, “to live what could be this experience of visiting Notre-Dame in a brand new way,” she said. In addition to the free visit, a virtual reality show will allow paying visitors to dive into the history of the cathedral. "That will help also tourism in Paris,” she added.Everyday in the capital and across the country, about 1,000 people work to rebuild Notre Dame, Gen. Georgelin said.“The biggest challenge is to comply precisely every day to the planning we have done," he stressed. “We have a lot of different works to achieve: the framework, the painting, the stones, the vault, the organ, the stained glass and so on.”Philippe Jost, managing director of the government agency overseeing the reconstruction, noted that the result “will be faithful to the original architecture" both because “we are sticking to the vanished shapes of the cathedral” and because ”we are also sticking to the materials and construction methods” of medieval times.“We don’t do concrete vaults that look like stone, we do stone vaults that we rebuild as they were built in the Middle Ages,” Jost said, adding that the roof framework will also be made from oak like it initially was.

Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral set to reopen in December 2024

NEW YORK — Hollywood is gearing up for the 95th Academy Awards, where <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-oscar-nominations-f10835dc948d9a1b5535e8da9aaab8fb">“Everything Everywhere All at Once” comes in the lead nominee</a> and the film industry will hope to move past “the slap” of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-oscars-show-9a69424884de11649b68a12a284353a1">last year’s ceremony.</a> Here’s everything you need to know about <a href="https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2023">the 2023 Oscars,</a> including when they are, where to watch the live show and this year’s controversies.

The
 Oscars will be held Sunday, March 12, at the Dolby Theatre in Los 
Angeles. The ceremony is set to begin at 8 p.m. EST and be broadcast 
live on ABC.

The broadcast can be
 streamed with a subscription to Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&amp;T TV 
and Fubo TV. Some of these services offer brief free trials. You can 
also stream the show on ABC.com and on the ABC app by authenticating 
your provider.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-host-jimmy-kimmel-3147af73bf0e205152c6375f14067e3a">Jimmy Kimmel will host for the third time</a>
 and his first time since 2018. That was also the last Oscars to feature
 a solo host. The show went hostless for several years after Kimmel's 
last outing. Last year, Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes hosted 
as a trio. In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGsXh_loS7k">an ad for this year’s show</a>
 styled after “Top Gun: Maverick,” Kimmel made his humble case for being
 the right person for the job while noting that he can’t get slapped 
because “I cry a lot.”

WHAT’S NOMINATED FOR BEST PICTURE AT THE 2023 OSCARS?

The
 10 movies competing for best picture are: “All Quiet on the Western 
Front,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” 
“Elvis,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tár,” 
“Top Gun: Maverick,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Women Talking.” Here's <a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-watch-2023-oscar-nominations-movies-364aca2fdaa51eae34307c3b02446ae8">a guide to how you can watch them.</a>

The
 first announced round of presenters are: Riz Ahmed, Emily Blunt, Glenn 
Close, Jennifer Connelly, Ariana DeBose, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne 
Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, Troy Kotsur, Jonathan Majors, Melissa 
McCarthy, Janelle Monáe, Deepika Padukone, Questlove, Zoe Saldaña and 
Donnie Yen.

The Academy 
of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has said that winners to all 
categories will be announced live on the show. (Last year, some 
categories were taped in a pre-show, something that caused an uproar 
among academy members.) All signs point to a full slate of musical 
performances, with <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rihanna-oscars-2023-performance-lift-me-up-8f0080a8701ed56fd7f5995bb15995da">Rihanna performing “Lift Me Up”</a> from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Kala Bhairava singing M.M. Keeravaani's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsU0CGZoV8E">“Naatu Naatu”</a>
 from “RRR." No official word yet on whether Lady Gaga will sing “Hold 
My Hand,” from “Top Gun: Maverick,” during the show. On Monday, show 
producers announced that Lenny Kravitz will deliver the “In Memoriam” 
performance.

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s <a href="https://apnews.com/article/michelle-yeoh-movie-92b9737f7ef574ea62dec51ba12516fd">indie sci-fi hit “Everything Everywhere All at Once”</a> comes in with a leading 11 nominations. Close on its heels, though, is the Irish friends-falling-out dark comedy <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-plays-martin-mcdonagh-colin-farrell-f5304b75bb64127e080e94e8736b8377">“The Banshees of Inisherin,”</a>
 with nine nods, a total matched by Netflix’s WWI film “All Quiet on the
 Western Front.” Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) may
 have a slight edge on <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-plays-martin-mcdonagh-colin-farrell-f5304b75bb64127e080e94e8736b8377">Cate Blanchett (“Tár”)</a> for best actress. Best actor is harder to call, with <a href="https://apnews.com/article/brendan-fraser-the-whale-darren-aronofsky-1b3e71f1022f11b26b764f238b421363">Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”)</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/elvis-movie-review-b18e59c1b13c603e0fdd55adcea53f4d">Austin Butler (“Elvis”)</a> in the mix. In the supporting categories, Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”) and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ke-huy-quan-interview-everything-everywhere-spielberg-ab2601e87b405370853ce1ab12bf5dc2">Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”)</a>
 are the frontrunners, though Jamie Lee Curtis' Screen Actors Guild 
Awards win may have thrown a wrench into the supporting actress 
category. Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”) may win his third best 
director Oscar, though the Daniels may have emerged as the favorites.

Aside from the usual <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-oscar-nominations-snubs-d3108e53d062ee923d14f31c9de7c3ca">snubs and surprises,</a> this year’s biggest to-do has been <a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-andrea-riseborough-celebrity-austin-butler-tom-cruise-01ce502c5a987ee2603a56b3fb82e065">the debate surrounding Andrea Riseborough’s unexpected nomination for best actress.</a>
 Riseborough was nominated for the little-seen Texas-set drama “To 
Leslie” after many A-list stars rallied around her performance. When two
 other best-actress contenders — Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”) and Viola 
Davis (“Woman King”) — were snubbed, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/danielle-deadwyler-oscars-snub-12db71a080acf7a4bb3b1407f497e79e">some saw that as a reflection of racial bias in the film industry</a>. The academy launched an inquiry into the star-studded, grassroots campaign for Riseborough <a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-andrea-riseborough-best-actress-campaign-review-31573db31b522287339733ed9d2956f3">but found no reason to rescind her nomination.</a>

Just the reading of the title to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/my-year-of-dicks-oscars-b8a6cb7089a580da4dbae0b16571bb25">one of this year’s short film nominees</a> should prompt a wave of giggles. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-williams-indiana-jones-star-wars-music-af541b3979fd6c0ea624bb200c322f42">John Williams</a>
 (“The Fabelmans”), up for best score, is the oldest nominee ever, at 90
 years old. After historic back-to-back best-director wins by <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2021-oscars-best-director-chloe-zhao-539cda398d2dd5abcf7a92d87b685994">Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”)</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-oscars-best-director-winner-744abe46744ceb4180ce6ffb4210453e">Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”)</a>,
 no women were nominated this year for best director. Also don’t expect 
to see Will Smith at the Oscars anytime soon. After striking Chris Rock 
at last year’s ceremony, Smith was <a href="https://apnews.com/article/will-smith-oscars-ban-664346ac2d2441939764f35be2d8026b">banned by the film academy from attending for 10 years</a>. In a live Netflix special on Saturday, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-rock-netflix-oscars-slap-b13e372ea8f01bacb39da49fd1bd0415">Rock finally punched back at Smith with a blistering stand-up set</a> about the incident.

Associated PressNEW YORK — Hollywood is gearing up for the 95th Academy Awards, where <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-oscar-nominations-f10835dc948d9a1b5535e8da9aaab8fb">“Everything Everywhere All at Once” comes in the lead nominee</a> and the film industry will hope to move past “the slap” of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-oscars-show-9a69424884de11649b68a12a284353a1">last year’s ceremony.</a> Here’s everything you need to know about <a href="https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2023">the 2023 Oscars,</a> including when they are, where to watch the live show and this year’s controversies.___WHEN ARE THE OSCARS?The
 Oscars will be held Sunday, March 12, at the Dolby Theatre in Los 
Angeles. The ceremony is set to begin at 8 p.m. EST and be broadcast 
live on ABC.CAN YOU STREAM THE OSCARS?The broadcast can be
 streamed with a subscription to Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&amp;T TV 
and Fubo TV. Some of these services offer brief free trials. You can 
also stream the show on ABC.com and on the ABC app by authenticating 
your provider.WHO’S HOSTING?<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-host-jimmy-kimmel-3147af73bf0e205152c6375f14067e3a">Jimmy Kimmel will host for the third time</a>
 and his first time since 2018. That was also the last Oscars to feature
 a solo host. The show went hostless for several years after Kimmel's 
last outing. Last year, Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes hosted 
as a trio. In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGsXh_loS7k">an ad for this year’s show</a>
 styled after “Top Gun: Maverick,” Kimmel made his humble case for being
 the right person for the job while noting that he can’t get slapped 
because “I cry a lot.”WHAT’S NOMINATED FOR BEST PICTURE AT THE 2023 OSCARS?The
 10 movies competing for best picture are: “All Quiet on the Western 
Front,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” 
“Elvis,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tár,” 
“Top Gun: Maverick,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Women Talking.” Here's <a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-watch-2023-oscar-nominations-movies-364aca2fdaa51eae34307c3b02446ae8">a guide to how you can watch them.</a>WHO'S PRESENTING?The
 first announced round of presenters are: Riz Ahmed, Emily Blunt, Glenn 
Close, Jennifer Connelly, Ariana DeBose, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne 
Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, Troy Kotsur, Jonathan Majors, Melissa 
McCarthy, Janelle Monáe, Deepika Padukone, Questlove, Zoe Saldaña and 
Donnie Yen.WHAT ELSE IS IN STORE FOR THE SHOW?The Academy 
of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has said that winners to all 
categories will be announced live on the show. (Last year, some 
categories were taped in a pre-show, something that caused an uproar 
among academy members.) All signs point to a full slate of musical 
performances, with <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rihanna-oscars-2023-performance-lift-me-up-8f0080a8701ed56fd7f5995bb15995da">Rihanna performing “Lift Me Up”</a> from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Kala Bhairava singing M.M. Keeravaani's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsU0CGZoV8E">“Naatu Naatu”</a>
 from “RRR." No official word yet on whether Lady Gaga will sing “Hold 
My Hand,” from “Top Gun: Maverick,” during the show. On Monday, show 
producers announced that Lenny Kravitz will deliver the “In Memoriam” 
performance.WHO ARE THE FAVORITES?Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s <a href="https://apnews.com/article/michelle-yeoh-movie-92b9737f7ef574ea62dec51ba12516fd">indie sci-fi hit “Everything Everywhere All at Once”</a> comes in with a leading 11 nominations. Close on its heels, though, is the Irish friends-falling-out dark comedy <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-plays-martin-mcdonagh-colin-farrell-f5304b75bb64127e080e94e8736b8377">“The Banshees of Inisherin,”</a>
 with nine nods, a total matched by Netflix’s WWI film “All Quiet on the
 Western Front.” Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) may
 have a slight edge on <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-plays-martin-mcdonagh-colin-farrell-f5304b75bb64127e080e94e8736b8377">Cate Blanchett (“Tár”)</a> for best actress. Best actor is harder to call, with <a href="https://apnews.com/article/brendan-fraser-the-whale-darren-aronofsky-1b3e71f1022f11b26b764f238b421363">Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”)</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/elvis-movie-review-b18e59c1b13c603e0fdd55adcea53f4d">Austin Butler (“Elvis”)</a> in the mix. In the supporting categories, Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”) and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ke-huy-quan-interview-everything-everywhere-spielberg-ab2601e87b405370853ce1ab12bf5dc2">Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”)</a>
 are the frontrunners, though Jamie Lee Curtis' Screen Actors Guild 
Awards win may have thrown a wrench into the supporting actress 
category. Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”) may win his third best 
director Oscar, though the Daniels may have emerged as the favorites.WHAT’S BEEN CONTROVERSIAL THIS YEAR?Aside from the usual <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-oscar-nominations-snubs-d3108e53d062ee923d14f31c9de7c3ca">snubs and surprises,</a> this year’s biggest to-do has been <a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-andrea-riseborough-celebrity-austin-butler-tom-cruise-01ce502c5a987ee2603a56b3fb82e065">the debate surrounding Andrea Riseborough’s unexpected nomination for best actress.</a>
 Riseborough was nominated for the little-seen Texas-set drama “To 
Leslie” after many A-list stars rallied around her performance. When two
 other best-actress contenders — Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”) and Viola 
Davis (“Woman King”) — were snubbed, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/danielle-deadwyler-oscars-snub-12db71a080acf7a4bb3b1407f497e79e">some saw that as a reflection of racial bias in the film industry</a>. The academy launched an inquiry into the star-studded, grassroots campaign for Riseborough <a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-andrea-riseborough-best-actress-campaign-review-31573db31b522287339733ed9d2956f3">but found no reason to rescind her nomination.</a>WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?Just the reading of the title to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/my-year-of-dicks-oscars-b8a6cb7089a580da4dbae0b16571bb25">one of this year’s short film nominees</a> should prompt a wave of giggles. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-williams-indiana-jones-star-wars-music-af541b3979fd6c0ea624bb200c322f42">John Williams</a>
 (“The Fabelmans”), up for best score, is the oldest nominee ever, at 90
 years old. After historic back-to-back best-director wins by <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2021-oscars-best-director-chloe-zhao-539cda398d2dd5abcf7a92d87b685994">Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”)</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-oscars-best-director-winner-744abe46744ceb4180ce6ffb4210453e">Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”)</a>,
 no women were nominated this year for best director. Also don’t expect 
to see Will Smith at the Oscars anytime soon. After striking Chris Rock 
at last year’s ceremony, Smith was <a href="https://apnews.com/article/will-smith-oscars-ban-664346ac2d2441939764f35be2d8026b">banned by the film academy from attending for 10 years</a>. In a live Netflix special on Saturday, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-rock-netflix-oscars-slap-b13e372ea8f01bacb39da49fd1bd0415">Rock finally punched back at Smith with a blistering stand-up set</a> about the incident.

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Academy Awards

The tale of red-haired orphan Anne Shirley will come to 12th
Street Auditorium as Hays High School presents Anne of Green Gables at 7
p.m. on March 9 through 11.

“Lucille
Maude Montgomery’s classic 1905 novel has been adapted for the stage by
award-winning playwright Joseph Robinette and is under the direction of Bill Gasper,”
according to a press release announcing the production.

“It's a
really it's a coming of age story, I feel like and it's just a lot of fun,”
said Addy Brull, who plays the titular character. “It's such an amazing show.
It's family-friendly and everybody is sure to love it.”

“In a nutshell, it is a
coming-of-age story in which a young girl (Anne Shirley) overcomes the
adversity of losing her parents, living in an orphanage, and bouncing from one
harsh family to another to achieve success,” Gasper said. “It stresses the
importance of independence, family, nature, faith, and education. Taking place
in the early 20th century, the book explores the strict gender roles of that
period and how Anne defies those stereotypes to prove she is equal to her male
counterparts.”

The
story has been adapted for stage and film numerous times since its
publication, and Gasper, in his 17th year directing the Spring Play
at Hays High, said he had been considering Anne of Green Gables for
previous productions, but this year decided to “give it a go.”

“I'm glad I did,” he said. “It's simply a great story.”

But mounting the classic
tale required considerable effort, including finding a large cast that includes
23 students on stage and another 6 students behind the scenes.

“It
takes a village,” said Devlyn Jochum,
who plays Marilla Cuthbert. “We have a
gal doing our costumes… people all need different costumes from a specific time
period. That's quite difficult to do. We have people in charge of building and
painting our sets, in charge of stocking those sets with props and things. And
then of course, we're responsible for learning lines. We have people working
lights and the soundboard.”

“Everything
has to work pretty smoothly, but once it does, it's really fun.”

“It’s one of the largest casts I’ve had in a
while, which presents its own set of challenges,” Gasper said. “Overall though,
I couldn’t be more pleased with the effort and the outstanding performances
taking place on the stage. Parents, relatives and community members should be
very proud of the talent that exists at Hays High School.”

After months of work, Spencer Mills-Kulmula, who plays Rachel Lynde,
said the production has nearly come together as they continue dress rehearsals.

“It's
flowing nicely,” Mills-Kulmula said. “There's still some kinks, which is how it
goes for everything. But we're working those out.”

“We're
definitely getting really good at our characterization right now,” Brull said. “I
feel like what we're doing the most of is just smoothing out our character to
get it fully ready for the show.”

“And I
would say that genuinely the best part of putting on something like this, making
the audience believe what they're seeing and being so immersed into that scene,”
Mills-Kulmula said. “Yeah, it's really coming along nicely.”

The performance will be a “highlight reel” of all the most memorable moments from the book,
Gasper said as they move quickly from scene to scene and from season to season.

“Robinette does a nice
job in keeping things moving and relatively cohesive, especially since it
covers several years of Anne's life,” he said.

Tickets are $8 and are available
now at <a href="http://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school">ticketsource.us/hays-high-school</a>, the Hays High School office, and
at the door the night of the performance.

The full cast of Hays High's production of Anne of Green Gables includes:

Anne
Shirley.......................................................... Addy
Brull Matthew
Cuthbert................................................. Caleb
King Marilla
Cuthbert............................................. Devlyn
Jochum Rachel
Lynde...................................... Spenser
Mills-Kumala Diana
Barry......................................... Jordan
Aschenbrenner Mrs.
Barry/Mrs. Neville..................................... Allie
Conner Girl
On Street/Minnie May Barry...................... Olivia
Pince Josie
Pye.................................................... Katelyn
Willemsen Mrs.
Blewett/Ruby Gillis............................... Calliope
Green Moody
MacPherson................................................ Atlas
Seib Jane
Andrews.............................................. Skyler
Rodriguez Gilbert
Blythe.................................................... Caleb
Johnson Mr.
Phillips/Jerry Buote/Rev. Allan.............. Connor
Werth Charlie
Sloan/Mr. Sadler.................................... Oscar
Flores Rev.
Bentley/President Queen’s Academy.... Calvin
Moore Station
Master/Tommy Sloane.................. Bryton
Unsworth Jimmy
Glover....................................................... Cade
Becker Miss
Susan Stacy/Carrie Sloane.................. Elizabeth
Noble Prissy
Andrew/Aunt Josephine Barry........ Clare
Tholstrop Miss
Rogerson/Mrs. Allan............................ Rose
Windholz Bessie
Wright/Mary Jo....................................... Maddie
Meis Girls
On Street/Tillie Boulter..................... Allison
Goertzen Violinist
“Going Home”.......................................... Evyn
Cox

PRODUCTION CREW Production
Assistant/Sound................. Hannah
Eikenberry Stage
Manager..................................................... Ry
Houchen Stage.......................................................................... Anna
Zerr Lights.................................................................. Jaxon
Fleenor

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780186546.jpeg" alt="Hays High School will present the classic story, “Anne of Green Gables” at 7 p.m. on March 9-11 at 12th Street Auditorium. Cast members are: Front – Skyler Rodriguez, Spenser Mills-Kulmula, Caleb King, Addy Brull, Devlyn Jochum, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Katelyn Willemsen. Second – Olivia Pince, Allison Goertzen, Rose Windholz, Clare Tholstrup, Cade Becker, Atlas Seib, Bryton Unsworth, Elizabeth Noble, Calliope Green. Back – Maddie Meis, Oscar Flores, Allie Conner, Calvin Moore, Caleb Johnson, Connor Werth. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Hays High School will present the classic story, “Anne of Green Gables” at 7 p.m. on March 9-11 at 12th Street Auditorium. Cast members are: Front – Skyler Rodriguez, Spenser Mills-Kulmula, Caleb King, Addy Brull, Devlyn Jochum, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Katelyn Willemsen. Second – Olivia Pince, Allison Goertzen, Rose Windholz, Clare Tholstrup, Cade Becker, Atlas Seib, Bryton Unsworth, Elizabeth Noble, Calliope Green. Back – Maddie Meis, Oscar Flores, Allie Conner, Calvin Moore, Caleb Johnson, Connor Werth. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays High to present ‘Anne of Green Gables’ March 9-11" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=t5dpq-13a69d4-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe tale of red-haired orphan Anne Shirley will come to 12th
Street Auditorium as Hays High School presents Anne of Green Gables at 7
p.m. on March 9 through 11.“Lucille
Maude Montgomery’s classic 1905 novel has been adapted for the stage by
award-winning playwright Joseph Robinette and is under the direction of Bill Gasper,”
according to a press release announcing the production.“It's a
really it's a coming of age story, I feel like and it's just a lot of fun,”
said Addy Brull, who plays the titular character. “It's such an amazing show.
It's family-friendly and everybody is sure to love it.”“In a nutshell, it is a
coming-of-age story in which a young girl (Anne Shirley) overcomes the
adversity of losing her parents, living in an orphanage, and bouncing from one
harsh family to another to achieve success,” Gasper said. “It stresses the
importance of independence, family, nature, faith, and education. Taking place
in the early 20th century, the book explores the strict gender roles of that
period and how Anne defies those stereotypes to prove she is equal to her male
counterparts.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780239173.jpeg" alt="One of most iconic moments from L.M. Montgomery’s book is depicted on stage when Diana (Jordan Aschenbrenner) gets drunk after Anne (Addy Brull) mistakenly serves her currant wine instead of raspberry cordial. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>One of most iconic moments from L.M. Montgomery’s book is depicted on stage when Diana (Jordan Aschenbrenner) gets drunk after Anne (Addy Brull) mistakenly serves her currant wine instead of raspberry cordial. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>The
story has been adapted for stage and film numerous times since its
publication, and Gasper, in his 17th year directing the Spring Play
at Hays High, said he had been considering Anne of Green Gables for
previous productions, but this year decided to “give it a go.”“I'm glad I did,” he said. “It's simply a great story.”But mounting the classic
tale required considerable effort, including finding a large cast that includes
23 students on stage and another 6 students behind the scenes.“It
takes a village,” said Devlyn Jochum,
who plays Marilla Cuthbert. “We have a
gal doing our costumes… people all need different costumes from a specific time
period. That's quite difficult to do. We have people in charge of building and
painting our sets, in charge of stocking those sets with props and things. And
then of course, we're responsible for learning lines. We have people working
lights and the soundboard.”“Everything
has to work pretty smoothly, but once it does, it's really fun.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780256607.jpeg" alt="Marilla (Devlyn Jochum) look on as Anne (Addy Brull) apologizes for her previous display of temper to Rachel Lynde (Spenser Mills-Kulmala). Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Marilla (Devlyn Jochum) look on as Anne (Addy Brull) apologizes for her previous display of temper to Rachel Lynde (Spenser Mills-Kulmala). Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s one of the largest casts I’ve had in a
while, which presents its own set of challenges,” Gasper said. “Overall though,
I couldn’t be more pleased with the effort and the outstanding performances
taking place on the stage. Parents, relatives and community members should be
very proud of the talent that exists at Hays High School.”After months of work, Spencer Mills-Kulmula, who plays Rachel Lynde,
said the production has nearly come together as they continue dress rehearsals.“It's
flowing nicely,” Mills-Kulmula said. “There's still some kinks, which is how it
goes for everything. But we're working those out.”“We're
definitely getting really good at our characterization right now,” Brull said. “I
feel like what we're doing the most of is just smoothing out our character to
get it fully ready for the show.”“And I
would say that genuinely the best part of putting on something like this, making
the audience believe what they're seeing and being so immersed into that scene,”
Mills-Kulmula said. “Yeah, it's really coming along nicely.”The performance will be a “highlight reel” of all the most memorable moments from the book,
Gasper said as they move quickly from scene to scene and from season to season.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vRb1CjrWTbM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Robinette does a nice
job in keeping things moving and relatively cohesive, especially since it
covers several years of Anne's life,” he said.Tickets are $8 and are available
now at <a href="http://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school">ticketsource.us/hays-high-school</a>, the Hays High School office, and
at the door the night of the performance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780284805.jpeg" alt="While at Sunday school, the girls of Avonlea (Elizabeth Noble, Allison Goertzen, Maddie Meis, Clare Tholstrup, Skyler Rodriguez, Calliope Green and Katelyn Willemsen) gossip about the new girl, Anne Shirley. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>While at Sunday school, the girls of Avonlea (Elizabeth Noble, Allison Goertzen, Maddie Meis, Clare Tholstrup, Skyler Rodriguez, Calliope Green and Katelyn Willemsen) gossip about the new girl, Anne Shirley. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The full cast of Hays High's production of Anne of Green Gables includes:</h2>Anne
Shirley.......................................................... Addy
Brull Matthew
Cuthbert................................................. Caleb
King Marilla
Cuthbert............................................. Devlyn
Jochum Rachel
Lynde...................................... Spenser
Mills-Kumala Diana
Barry......................................... Jordan
Aschenbrenner Mrs.
Barry/Mrs. Neville..................................... Allie
Conner Girl
On Street/Minnie May Barry...................... Olivia
Pince Josie
Pye.................................................... Katelyn
Willemsen Mrs.
Blewett/Ruby Gillis............................... Calliope
Green Moody
MacPherson................................................ Atlas
Seib Jane
Andrews.............................................. Skyler
Rodriguez Gilbert
Blythe.................................................... Caleb
Johnson Mr.
Phillips/Jerry Buote/Rev. Allan.............. Connor
Werth Charlie
Sloan/Mr. Sadler.................................... Oscar
Flores Rev.
Bentley/President Queen’s Academy.... Calvin
Moore Station
Master/Tommy Sloane.................. Bryton
Unsworth Jimmy
Glover....................................................... Cade
Becker Miss
Susan Stacy/Carrie Sloane.................. Elizabeth
Noble Prissy
Andrew/Aunt Josephine Barry........ Clare
Tholstrop Miss
Rogerson/Mrs. Allan............................ Rose
Windholz Bessie
Wright/Mary Jo....................................... Maddie
Meis Girls
On Street/Tillie Boulter..................... Allison
Goertzen Violinist
“Going Home”.......................................... Evyn
CoxPRODUCTION CREW Production
Assistant/Sound................. Hannah
Eikenberry Stage
Manager..................................................... Ry
Houchen Stage.......................................................................... Anna
Zerr Lights.................................................................. Jaxon
Fleenor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780305950.jpeg" alt="Gilbert Blythe (Caleb Johnson) teases Anne (Addy Brull) by playing keep-away with her school work, which leads to yet another incident that lands her in trouble. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Gilbert Blythe (Caleb Johnson) teases Anne (Addy Brull) by playing keep-away with her school work, which leads to yet another incident that lands her in trouble. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Hays High to present ‘Anne of Green Gables’ March 9-11

BY NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON — "HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis" is coming to the Fox in Hutchinson on Friday night.

The
 evening begins with hypnotist Asad Mecci welcoming 20 volunteers on 
stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Colin 
Mochrie, improv comedian from TV's "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" to improvise 
the rest of the show, while hypnotized.

"It's a totally different 
experience," Mochrie said. "When I worked with the guys from Whose Line,
 even though we're making it up, I can usually tell what joke they are 
going to head for, what kind of ending they are going to head for in the
 scene. I don't have that with these people. They just immediately react
 to whatever is happening in the moment. They are all about the present,
 not about the future."

Friday's performance is the tour's only 
Kansas date and Mecci is excited about bringing the one of a kind style 
to the Sunflower State.

"How many more plays are you going to see?
 How many more musicals are you going to see?," Mecci said. "You will 
never, ever, and I guarantee this, see a show like Hyprov in your life, 
because it is completely unique. It is made up every single night. Our 
cast members are people from the audience, random volunteers from the 
audience who come up on stage, get hypnotized and then improvise with 
Colin Mochrie from Whose Line. It is like nothing you've ever seen 
before."

Being hypnotized is not the same for all who go under, but Mochrie and Mecci have ways of involving the subjects.

"We've
 tried to come up with games, that even the ones who may be under 
different types of hypnosis, sometimes they get very sluggish and their 
reactions are very slow," Mochrie said. "We've found ways that we can 
use everyone that ended up as part of the improv troupe, so everybody 
gets the chance to do something."

<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35908/pr/1127661/pe/11102589?deepLink=true&amp;overlay=true">Tickets are still available and you can book online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678142383592.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — "HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis" is coming to the Fox in Hutchinson on Friday night.The
 evening begins with hypnotist Asad Mecci welcoming 20 volunteers on 
stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Colin 
Mochrie, improv comedian from TV's "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" to improvise 
the rest of the show, while hypnotized."It's a totally different 
experience," Mochrie said. "When I worked with the guys from Whose Line,
 even though we're making it up, I can usually tell what joke they are 
going to head for, what kind of ending they are going to head for in the
 scene. I don't have that with these people. They just immediately react
 to whatever is happening in the moment. They are all about the present,
 not about the future."Friday's performance is the tour's only 
Kansas date and Mecci is excited about bringing the one of a kind style 
to the Sunflower State."How many more plays are you going to see?
 How many more musicals are you going to see?," Mecci said. "You will 
never, ever, and I guarantee this, see a show like Hyprov in your life, 
because it is completely unique. It is made up every single night. Our 
cast members are people from the audience, random volunteers from the 
audience who come up on stage, get hypnotized and then improvise with 
Colin Mochrie from Whose Line. It is like nothing you've ever seen 
before."Being hypnotized is not the same for all who go under, but Mochrie and Mecci have ways of involving the subjects."We've
 tried to come up with games, that even the ones who may be under 
different types of hypnosis, sometimes they get very sluggish and their 
reactions are very slow," Mochrie said. "We've found ways that we can 
use everyone that ended up as part of the improv troupe, so everybody 
gets the chance to do something."<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35908/pr/1127661/pe/11102589?deepLink=true&amp;overlay=true">Tickets are still available and you can book online</a>.