Twenty-five years ago, Marisa Callan and Travis Nesbitt sang, danced, and flirted their way through the leading roles of Rosie Alvarez and Albert Peterson in their high-school production of “Bye Bye Birdie” in Norco, Calif.

This fall, the longtime friends are bringing that same show to life again—now as Music Director and Choreographer for Sterling College Musical Theatre’s Homecoming production, running October 17-19 in Culbertson Auditorium.

“It’s wild to think we’ve come full circle,” Callan said. “Back then we were high-school kids who loved every minute of that show - and now we get to recreate it together with a new generation of students.”

Their partnership stretches back to childhood, when both appeared in “Singin’ in the Rain” directed by Callan’s father. He turned the comic sidekick Cosmo into a brother-and-sister act, and their duet “Make ’Em Laugh” stole the show—eventually winning first place in the Norco Talent Show.

“Marisa and I have worked together since we were kids,” Nesbitt recalled. “It’s second nature now.”

Callan and Nesbitt went on to perform in 15–20 shows together before heading in different directions—she to a career in music education that led back to her alma mater, Sterling College, and he to New York City as a professional performer and producer with The Boy Band Project. Since 2019, Nesbitt has flown in regularly to choreograph Sterling’s musicals, beginning with “Little Shop of Horrors.”

His choreography process combines intensive on-site rehearsals with remote coaching sessions, allowing Sterling students to continue refining dances with the help of a student Dance Captain.

That Dance Captain this year is senior Mary Little, who also stars as Rosie opposite her real-life boyfriend, senior Noah Svaty, as Albert. “Playing opposite each other is easy because we know each other so well,” Little said. “The most fun parts of Rosie are all the dancing she does—I’ve loved learning from Travis and taking on those high-energy numbers.”

“Bye Bye Birdie was a perfect fit for our students,” Callan said. “It has catchy songs, fun characters, and lively choreography. Travis proposed it to challenge our students with new dance styles and big ensemble energy.”

This year’s cast of 35 includes Sterling College students, community members, and local elementary and junior-high performers—continuing the college’s Homecoming tradition of bringing campus and community together on stage. The production is directed by Lesa Brown, with scenic design by Stephen English.

“Working with Travis is always a joy,” Callan added. “We trust each other completely, and that allows for creativity without fear. He sets high expectations, and our students always rise to meet them.”

Performances are Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and may be reserved at sterling.edu/arts or purchased at the door.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.