’King in the Community’ an Eagle Media Podcast
Join Salina Post News Director Nate King for engaging conversations with local and regional leaders, including government officials, first responders, non-profit organizers, and individuals with compelling stories from Saline County and beyond. Discover how local community organizations collaborate to build stronger connections that create a more united community.
Episodes

Friday Jul 21, 2023
Head Over Heels the Musical, Maggie Spicer Brown, Center For Theatre Arts
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Conceived by the original book by Jeff Whitty, based on the "Arcadia" by Sir Philip Sidney, this laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, including the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You."
Adapted by James Magruder, Head Over Heels is the bold new musical comedy from the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q, and Spring Awakening.
A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction—only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.
The Cast of Head Over Heels
PAMELA – Chloe Highsmith
MOPSA – Kaydence Dickson*
PHILOCLEA – Brynn Shaft
MUSIDORUS – Zander Flener*
BASILIUS – Blaise Alderson
GYNECIA – Audrey Jagodzinske
PYTHIO/ORACLE – Carley Pierce
DAMETAS – Jaxson Rutz*
ENSEMBLE/OWL/Pythio Understudy – Wyatt Angell
ENSEMBLE/Mopsa Understudy – Sloan Homelvig
ENSEMBLE/Gynecia Understudy – Mara Mondt
ENSEMBLE/Dametas Understudy – Joseph Zepeda*
ENSEMBLE/Musidorus Understudy – Gabriel Freeland
ENSEMBLE/Basilius Understudy – Elias Torres
ENSEMBLE/Dance Captain – Andrew Graber
ENSEMBLE/Philoclea Understudy – Mari Brown-Mereles
ENSEMBLE/Pamela Understudy – Katie Morgan
ENSEMBLE – Mackenzie Martinez*
ENSEMBLE – Addilyn Jagodzinske
ENSEMBLE – Isabelle Christensen*
* Making their Theatre Salina / CTA performance debut.
NEXT TIME IT COULD BE YOU!
Visit our Audition Page for more information!
Narrative by BroadwayLicensing.com

Friday Jul 07, 2023
Salina Center for Theatre Arts presents Finding Nemo Jr.
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
On this episode of King in the Community I'm joined via phone by Center for Theatre Arts Education Director, Maggie Spicer- Brown to talk about a fin-tastic show that is swimming to the stage this weekend- Finding Nemo Jr.
Maggie, with the help of summer stage cast members Sloan and Sam, share their favorite songs from the show, talk about their fish costumes and more.
To buy your tickets to see Finding Nemo Jr. click here.

Friday Jul 07, 2023
Leslie Bishop, Salina Downtown Inc.
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
On this episode I sit down with Salina Downtown Inc. Executive Director Leslie Bishop to hear about July's First Friday concert featuring local talented twirlers from Taylor's Twirlers and dancers from Revolution Dance, Tamara Howe School of Dance and Ballet and Della's Dance Studio.
We also spoke about the ongoing replacement of trash corals in downtown Salina, reflecting on Fourth of July celebrations in Salina, The July Dog Days of Summer Concert, Zookeeper Appreciation Week ESCAPE and more.
Salina Downtown is a destination location being conveniently located at the crossroads of I-135 and I-70. It is also home to the beautiful 1931 historical Stiefel Theatre, Smoky Hill Museum, the Salina Art Center, The Garage and the Salina Fieldhouse. Salina Downtown is a place where you can not only dine and shop with friends, but gather for historic car cruises, parades and family fun runs. The pedestrian friendly atmosphere encourages you to explore, experience, and enjoy, what Salina Downtown has to offer!
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
Misty Serene, Salina Art Center Cinema Project Update
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
On this episode I sit down with Salina Art Center Executive Director Misty Serene to hear an update on the ongoing renovation of the Art Center Cinema, the "POV" exhibition that is on display at the art center, art classes available to the public and upcoming events.

Monday Jul 03, 2023
Salina City Manager Chat, Mike Schrage
Monday Jul 03, 2023
Monday Jul 03, 2023
On this episode, Salina City Manager Mike Schrage shares an update with us regarding the 2024 Budget, Tennis ball courts being renovated to be pickleball courts, Salina311 being named the "official county newspaper," and reflections on the successful Smoky Hill River Festival.

Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Steve Smethers, Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
On this episode of "King in the Community" I sit down with Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad (A&SVR) volunteer, Steve Smethers, to discuss volunteer opportunities, the history of the Abilene Smoky Valley and Rock Island Railroad, upcoming dinner train events and information about the famous A&SVR Santa Fe 3415 steam engine.

Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Renee Duxler, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
On this episode of "King in the Community" I speak with Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Renee Duxler, about the following topics:
●Duxler's Smoky River Festival reflections●An update on the Chamber's legislative priorities from the most recent legislative session●Information about LEAD Salina coming in August●Upcoming Chamber after hours events and ribbon cuttings

Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Salina Screenwriter, Ed Harlowe
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
On this episode I sit down with screenwriter and Salina local, Ed Harlowe about a screenplay he has written that could possibly be filmed right here in Salina.
The heartfelt and hilarious movie, "FRED", is the story of an older gentleman whose name is, you guessed it, Fred. The film spins a compelling tale of love, laughter, and later years of life.
FRED, a refreshingly unique comedy, explores the journey of a former class clown, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he suffers a heart attack. As he recuperates in a nursing home, he meets the love of his life, Mary, and the two embark on an unforgettable adventure. According to Ed the story is punctuated by sharp wit and unforgettable one-liners, as it shines a light on the struggles and triumphs in the twilight years
The movie's familiar backdrop is expected to feature several Salina locations including, the Walmart, a nursing home, the downtown area and more.
Excitingly, Ed told Salina Post that there will be a casting call for the film, giving locals a chance to be part of this incredible project.
Directed by the accomplished Shedrack Anderson Ill, FRED promises a heartwarming, hilarious, and poignant cinematic experience. However, due to the current writers' strike and subsequent delays, the movie's production is on hold for now. In this episode we'll uncover the inspiration behind this captivating story, and explore the vibrant characters that make FRED a must-watch movie.

Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Smoky Hill River Festival, Salina Arts and Humanities
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
🌟 With only a little over 24 hours left until kickoff of the 47th Smoky Hill River Festival, the excitement and energy surrounding this beloved annual event is reaching new heights.
On this episode of King in the Community, dive into the Salina Smoky Hill River Festival schedule of events with Salina Arts and Humanities' Anna Pauscher Morawitz and Crystal Hammerschmidt.
Get ready to be inspired by the talented artisans as they showcase their creative process and share the secrets behind their masterpieces.
🖌️ Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the festival, with over 35 food trucks dishing out mouth-watering treats and meal options and a rocking lineup of live music acts that'll have you tapping your feet and dancing the night away! 🎵Don't forget the little ones – we're exploring all the kid-friendly activities that will keep them entertained and engaged, sparking their curiosity and creativity. Be sure to check out Artyopolis- a wonderful outlet for toddlers through ‘tween Festival-goers, to release their energy in a creative and positive way.
Be sure to check out the festival's website: https://www.riverfestival.com/

Monday Jun 05, 2023
Mike Schrage, Salina City Manager
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
On this episode of King in the Community I meet up with Salina City Manager Mike Schrage to talk about a range of topics.
City budget season
The City's financial standing and the ways the commission is saving money on how it acquires city vehicles
What he sees as the greatest challenges facing the city
The tennis courts in Kenwood Park that have causes some contention and the ways they are becoming more accessible
Arts and humanities investments
Schrage's professional relationship with the city commission
Throughout our conversation, we gain insight into the role of Salina's City Manager and the inner workings of city government. Join us each month for an update from City Manager Mike Schrage right here on "King in the Community."







