Zetta Schultz, left, and Zach Gass audition for parts in "Pollyanna." She was cast as Janey, and he was chosen for Rev. Ford.
GREENEVILLE– Leaders of “Pollyanna” have selected a 35-person cast to turn the lively musical’s script into a production that will delight audiences in the spring atTusculum University.
Cast members, which include Tusculum students, alumni and community members, are embarking on rehearsals. They will pull all of the pieces together for the next three months before launching the Theatre-at-Tusculum show in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre.
“These are talented actors who will present an outstanding run of performances,” said Steve Schultz, who is directing the musical. “All of us who were involved in watching them audition for parts were impressed with the energy they brought and know they will blend cohesively as a team to deliver shows our audiences will thoroughly enjoy. We are excited to move into the rehearsal stage.”
The cast features three Tusculum students – Michael Bumgarner, Sam McCamey and James Sams – and alumni, such as Angela Bride, Zack Gass and Dr. Melissa Koehler. Other cast members come from various parts of East Tennessee. Many are veterans of Tusculum’s theater productions and have performed in other local theater companies, but there are some newcomers in the show as well. The cast list is available athttps://www3.tusculum.edu/news/tusc-family/2026/cast-for-pollyanna/.
The part of Pollyanna is split between Maggie Hall and Zanna Parker.
Set in the 1920s, “Pollyanna” is based on the novel of the same name that was written by Eleanor H. Porter. It tells the story of 10-year-old Pollyanna, who moves to Vermont after her parents pass away. The town where she settles initially greets her with suspicion mainly because of her reclusive and bitter aunt, Polly Harrington.
Pollyanna, in turn, responds with kindness and friendship, and that changes the town’s mindset. A spirit of community begins to emerge. But a tragic accident could unravel all of her good work, and it challenges her resilience more than ever.
“Pollyanna” has been portrayed on film many times. The music, lyrics and libretto for Tusculum’s version of the musical were written by David Gipson. He collaborated with Faith Rader, the show’s music director, and Erin Hensley Schultz, Tusculum’s costume director, to evaluate the musical elements of the Tusculum auditions.
Gipson moved to Greeneville from Pensacola, Florida, a couple of years ago to serve in music ministry. He played Pulitzer in Tusculum’s production of “Newsies” in 2024. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and has written several original musicals that have been produced in the United States. He has four daughters among his six children, and they have inspired and been sources for material in “Pollyanna.”
Erin Schultz will create the costumes for this production. The stage manager is Tusculum student Izzy Wilson, who has performed in many Tusculum productions.
Wilson, a sophomore communication major with a concentration in theater, is thrilled to work with a local playwright and the strong cast. She said her previous experience as an actor will make it easier for her to assume her duties in this production.
“It’s exciting to serve as the stage manager,” she said. “It’s new for me, and there are a lot of expectations. Reaching those expectations is going to be very satisfying.”
Performances of “Pollyanna” are held April 17, April 18, April 24 and April 25 at 7 p.m. and April 19 and April 26 at 2 p.m. in the duBrisk Theatre, which is located on Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Art Center’s main level. Tickets are available for purchase soon.
Theatre-at-Tusculum is part ofTusculum Arts Outreachand Tusculum’sCenter for the Artsand is supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission and many generous donors. To learn more about the Center for the Arts and Arts Outreach, visithttps://site.tusculum.edu/center-for-the-arts/. Additional information about the university is available atwww.tusculum.edu.
