If you’re looking for things to do in Topeka this weekend, here’s one I didn’t expect—but absolutely love.
Shawnee County Emergency Management Director Dusty Nichols—yes, the guy you hear from during storms and emergencies—is stepping into a very different role: he’s in a live stage production at Topeka Civic Theatre.
And not just any production.
“Hold On!” — A Powerful Drama With Real Weight
“Hold On!” tells the story of the 1965 Selma voting rights movement, focusing on the complex relationship between Martin Luther King Jr. and Lyndon B. Johnson.
It’s intense, dialogue-driven, and rooted in one of the most consequential moments in American history—where moral urgency collided with political reality.
This isn’t background noise theater. It’s the kind of show you sit with.
Showtimes (Plan Ahead)
- Thursday: Doors 6:00 PM | Curtain 7:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: Doors 6:00 PM | Curtain 7:30 PM
- Sunday: Doors 1:00 PM | Curtain 2:00 PM
Pro tip: get there early if you want food or drinks—this is a full experience venue, not a last-minute walk-in situation.
Content Warning
The production includes adult language and racial slurs consistent with the historical setting. It doesn’t soften the reality of the time period—and that’s part of what gives it impact.
Why This Is Worth Your Weekend
Let’s be honest—there’s always something going on around Topeka. But this one hits different:
- A local leader you recognize stepping onto the stage
- A first-time local production of this play
- A story that still feels uncomfortably relevant
And there’s something uniquely Topeka about it—where the same person helping coordinate emergency responses is also part of the arts community telling important stories.
Bottom Line
If you’re searching:
- what to do near Topeka this weekend
- live theater Topeka KS
- Topeka events this weekend
Start here.
This isn’t just a show—it’s a moment where local meets national history, and where a familiar face shows up in a way you probably didn’t expect.
