A 1961 Centennial Musical: "The Kansas Story"
Sixty years ago Kansas was finishing up its yearlong Centennial celebration. During 1961 there had been events around the state remembering our state's past, promoting its accomplishments and looking forward to its future.
Among the many pageants, parades and programs was a musical, "The Kansas Story." With music composed by Meredith Willson and Frank Allen Hubbell, produced by Wayne Dillard, written and directed by Vladimir Rosing, the play included many Kansans in starring roles, the chorus, and backstage. It debuted June 13, 1961 in Topeka and ran until June 25th.
You can view the Official Program of "The Kansas Story" online at the State Library of Kansas' KGI Online Library. The 23 page booklet contains a synopsis of the play, the program (Acts with scene descriptions), many photos of those involved, and a list of participants. It looks like it was one heckuva show!
You can view the booklet here: