By Catherine Miller
Ad Astra Music Festival
RUSSELL—Ad Astra Music Festival presents the world premiere of Prince Hat Underground, a new musical from the Hays, Kansas based writing duo Catherine Trieschmann and Alex Underwood on June 26, 27 & 28 at the Elks Lodge in Russell, Kansas.
Adapted from a short story by Pulitzer finalist Kelly Link, Prince Hat Underground tells the story of a man named Gary and his husband Prince Hat, whose marriage is thrown into chaos when Prince Hat is abducted by the Queen of Hell. What follows is a wildly imaginative journey through multiple magical realms in pursuit of love, hope and home.
Blending professionals with local artists, Prince Hat Underground stars Steven Strafford who has appeared in HBO’s Somebody, Somewhere, NBC’s Chicago Fire, as well as the Broadway national tours of Spamalot, Grease and Cinderella. Strafford says, “Prince Hat Underground is truly funny, and although I’ve been in actor in musical theater or 30 years, this is the first time I’ve felt someone like me was centered in a story.”
After appearing in Ad Astra’s 2023 production of Next to Normal, Broadway artist Trey Ellett (Rent, If/Then, Tick Tick Boom) returns to direct the world premiere. “What I love about coming to Kansas to work with Catherine and Alex is the high quality of work being done in a small, rural community. It reminds you that great art can happen anywhere,” says Ellett.
The design team turning the Elk’s Lodge into multiple fantastical locations includes Fort Hays State University assistant professor of motion graphics and animation Thomas Giebler, costume designer Sasha Hildebrand and scenic designer Terrance Volden. Music Director and orchestrator Angela Steiner (Rattlestick Kate) leads a band of seven musicians.
The cast is round off by festival favorite and NYC based Adrian Rifat (Ellen’s Stardust Diner) in the titular role of Prince Hat. Local students from FHSU and Sterling College make-up the ensemble: Mary Little, Allie Straub, McKynlee Stecklein , Noah Svaty, Seth Tripp, Lillyan Kimberlin and Michael Jund.
Tickets for Prince Hat Underground can be purchased at www.adastramusicfestival.org/tickets.
Founded by Russell native Alex Underwood, Ad Astra Music Festival is dedicated to bringing classic and new musical works to Western Kansas every summer by