FPU alum brings original show In Color to the stage

The stage in the Warkentine Culture and Arts Center (WCAC) will come to life this October and November with an original production from an FPU alum.

Joy Ndombeson (BA '17) is bringing his original production In Color to the Elizabeth V. Lyles Theater, located in the WCAC at the Fresno Main Campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. Ndombeson Productions and Near Far Theater are partnering with the Fine Arts and Humanities Department at Fresno Pacific University to bring this production to the stage.

In Color is described as "a story about the wounds we carry-and the love that heals them." The production features original music and a story set in the city of Fresno.

Performances will be held on select dates from October 30 through November 9.

FPU Connections

The production involves a current FPU staff member as well as five FPU alumni. If you attend select performances, you may even notice a cameo from FPU President André Stephens.

• Melinda Gunning: Current FPU staff member and performer in past FPU theater productions, Gunning will play the role of the grandmother, Vivian.
• Joy Ndombeson (BA '17): Ndombeson is the composer and director of In Color and plays the role of Stefan, the father character in the production. A former Mr. FPU and current owner of his own media and production company, Ndombeson Productions.
• Heidi Hodges (BA '20): Hodges plays the mother character, Amy. While at FPU, she took the stage in a production of Guys and Dolls, as well as multiple opera performances. She is currently an elementary school music teacher in Sanger and has her own private music studio.
• Gracie Vigilia (BA '18): Vigilia was involved in several mainstage productions while at FPU. She also performed in a shorter version of In Color a year ago while the production was being workshopped with test audiences. In this current production, she is part of the ensemble and serves as an understudy for the character of Amy. Vigilia is currently a substitute teacher, after previously serving as a math teacher at San Joaquin Memorial.
• Karina Guzman (BA '14): Guzman was a communication major while at FPU. She was involved in choreography for In Color and is currently a dance instructor at Break the Barriers.
• Julia Reimer (BA, '90): Reimer was part of the FPU Theater Department faculty from 2002-2018 and later served as communication faculty at LCC International University from 2021-2025. She founded Near Far Theater in 2019. Ndombeson initially knew Reimer as a professor and brought his script to her for advice at various times along the way.

Of special note, this is the first fully mounted musical in the Elizabeth V. Lyles Theater.

For more information about In Color and to purchase tickets click here.

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