McKendree University Students to Perform "Hearts Like Planets" March 27-29
Lebanon, IL (03/11/2026) — McKendree University's students will bring the comic book world to life onstage with Hearts Like Planets from March 27-29 at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. Evening performances on Friday and Saturday begin at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee starts at 2:30 p.m.
Admission is free for McKendree students, faculty, and staff. General admission tickets are $5, and reservations are recommended. Seats can be reserved by contacting the Hett box office at 618-537-6863.
Hearts Like Planets follows the New Crimefighters, who are enjoying a fragile sense of normalcy with Doctor X behind bars-until a giant moon-sized rock hurtles toward Earth. Magpie juggles romance with reporter Henry Hardnose while the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. However, our heroes must face life-changing decisions as Doctor X masterminds a daring prison escape amidst the cosmic chaos. The New Crimefighters race to save the world, all while Hardnose documents every thrilling moment. Adam Szymkowicz, a prolific contemporary playwright, is known for his sharp comedic voice and inventive takes on everyday absurdities. He has a reputation for blending humor with social insight, often exploring human relationships through unconventional and high-energy scenarios.
"This show is a comic book brought to life onstage," said Michelle Magnussen, director of the Hett. "We're having a blast in rehearsal seeing how far we can go with the characters and the situations. It's going to be a lot of fun for the audience, too!"
The cast includes Brenden Meyer as Henry Hardnose, Marin Jalinsky as Magpie, Bryce Stanley as Doctor X, Madison Bonner as Orphan Drillnose, Gabriella Heinrich as Butterfly, Denaysha Jackson as Hummingbird, C. Houck as Darkness/Stardust, Nevaeh Papp as Nurse/Magpie understudy, Coleman Cummins as Gene/Poet, Lauren Magnussen as Taxi Driver/Harriet, Hayley Bland as Verna, Leo Fowler as Shrieker/Rocket, Kyle Dailor as Bystander, and Zack Roeck as Professor Dace/Abbot/Henry Hardnose understudy. Stage managers are Gabi Cuba and Eli Franklin, with sound design by Sidney Williams and run crew by Melayna File.
The Hett opens for general admission seating 30 minutes before each performance. For more information, please contact Michelle Magnussen at 618-537-6586 or visit www.mckendree.edu/the_hett.com.
McKendree University
Tina Napper, Public Relations and Communications Specialist, 618-537-6865, cmnapper@mckendree.eduShare this Story
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