Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Tickets are now available for the upcoming S.T.A.G.E. student theatre winter musical, "The Custodian of Art," scheduled to run from January 2-5, 2025. The performances will take place at St. Teresa’s Kaczmarek Hall in Lincoln.

Lee Ann Hotovy, founder of S.T.A.G.E., has written and directed the production with her musical team comprising Felicity Suelter and Joie Meador. The musical delves into the significance and purpose of art.

"In 1999, St. John Paul II wrote a letter to artists throughout the world," Hotovy explained. "Much of what we examine in this new S.T.A.G.E. production is based on the late pope’s writing, as well as works by other contemporary writers on the topic of truth, goodness, and beauty."

Set within an art gallery, the story follows an art director and curator preparing for a new exhibit titled "A Void." The arrival of this new work leaves patrons puzzled until other paintings come to life to help uncover its true purpose. Ultimately, truth, goodness, and beauty prevail as "A Void" transforms into "A Voice."

The cast includes young performers aged 9 to 15 who will present original songs and dances alongside large recreations of famous paintings crafted by Hotovy and her daughter Maria Pate.

An accompanying art show will feature works by both child participants from S.T.A.G.E. and local adult artists at Kaczmarek Hall. These pieces will be available for purchase to support S.T.A.G.E.'s mission in line with St. John Paul II's call to artists.

"We are all custodians of art," stated Hotovy, emphasizing their responsibility "to uplift the human spirit to the Creator of all things!"

S.T.A.G.E., founded by Hotovy in 1999 as Student Theater and Godly Evangelization, celebrates its 25th year by offering creative opportunities for children across Lincoln and nearby rural areas through three annual productions.

Tickets can be purchased online at stage4kids.com or at the door before each performance if seating permits; however, online reservations are recommended due to limited availability. Showtimes are set for 7 p.m. from January 2-4 and a matinee at 2 p.m. on January 5 with ticket prices ranging from $8-$10 depending on age group while children under three may attend free if seated on a lap.