Story By: Cypris Wilkinson

MONTEVALLO, Ala. — The University of Montevallo’s College Night is more than just a tradition. It is a defining element of the university’s culture, a legacy that has been passed down through generations of students since its inception in 1919.

This homecoming tradition has been a defining part of UM’s identity, bringing students together in a special competition unlike any other. College Night is an entirely student-led theater competition, where creativity, collaboration and community take center stage. 

Students split into two teams, the Gold Side and the Purple Side, and dedicate months to crafting original musicals, writing scripts, composing music, designing costumes, choreographing routines, and building elaborate sets, all while keeping their work a closely guarded secret until homecoming week in February.

The excitement that builds throughout the academic year reaches its peak when both sides finally take the stage to unveil their productions. For Montevallo students and alumni, College Night is more than just an extracurricular activity. It is an emotional and transformative experience that fosters friendships, personal growth, and a deep sense of belonging.

Gold Side Takes the Stage

This year, Gold Side was the first to perform. Stepping onto the stage, their energy was electric and radiated confidence as they presented their production, Masterpiece: The Art of the Clandestine and Confidential, a high-stakes espionage thriller.

The storyline followed a group of intelligence agents entangled in a dangerous web of deception in this whodunit story. It was a tale of trust, resilience and the importance of relying on those around you, ultimately uncovering the truth that even the most skilled individuals need help sometimes. 

After the curtain fell, Gold Side members and alumni reflected on the performance with a mix of nostalgia and pride, giving rave reviews and expressing a little confusion about the performance. But the Gold Side rallied behind the production, and more importantly, rallied behind the people. 

College Night is unlike anything else you’ll ever do. Watching it is more like watching a sporting event than watching, you know, a normal musical.

Steven Hammond

Abby Truitt, a recent graduate and former Gold Side performer, shared her thoughts on watching the show as an audience member for the first time.

“It was super weird to see it for the first time as an audience member and not be part of the show,” Truitt said. “With every year, mics and sound are always the biggest obstacle. But once you overcome it, it’s so fun to watch, pick up on the show, and cheer for your favorite people.”

Steven Hammond, a 2024 graduate and past College Night participant, emphasized the unique nature of the event.

“College Night is unlike anything else you’ll ever do. Watching it is more like watching a sporting event than watching, you know, a normal musical,” Hammond said. “It’s fun to be a part of that energy and be a part of that sporting event, you know, and scream and all.”

Purple Side Takes the Stage

After the short intermission, Purple Side took the stage, bringing with them an entirely different energy. Their production, The Legacy of the Iron Witch, was a dark fantasy that wove together magic, sisterhood and the weight of family burdens. The story followed three sisters who are descendants of a powerful witch named Cora. As they grapple with their mother’s darkness, the sisters are drawn into a journey filled with self-discovery and ultimate sacrifice.

The stage was transformed into a mystical world, with stunning visual effects and a hauntingly beautiful score that added depth to the production. The audience was swept away by the emotional intensity of the story, with moments of humor and heartache blending seamlessly to create a truly immersive experience.

Walking around talking to people after Purple Sides play, the energy in Palmer was intense. Everyone was louder. The energy and excitement poured off of everyone, Purple and Gold alike. As I spoke to Purple side, they were not only confident in the performance, but I picked up on the idea that they were just truly excited to be there. As I spoke to Anastasia Ferrell, a Purple Side alumni who’s been coming to the shows for 30 plus years, she shared about her participation in college night when she was a student, and her vibes were just very fun. Her passionate and deep connection to College Night were evident.

“I was a director, I was a costume mistress, I was Spirit cabinet, I was in the cast. I live, breathe and love College Night.” Ferrell said. “I even have it tattooed on my body.”

As Anastasia and her friends were walking away from me, one of her friends who I didn’t catch the name of said, “There is no one with more College Night spirit than Anastasia.” 

I live, breath and love College Night. I even have it tattooed on my body.

Anastasia Ferrell

Speaking to a past Purple Side leader from 2022, she reflected on the production, praising this year’s team for their dedication and artistry.

“I think really just seeing the side get together the leaders did an amazing job,” she said. “I saw the hard work, and I heard the hard work. The cast, the pit chorus was amazing. And the set changes were definitely part of my favorite part of the show.”

The Moment of Truth

As both sides called the names of everyone involved to the stage, the energy grew even more. Both sides were anxious, exhausted, excited and eager for the winner to be announced. After all the dedication both sides put into the performance, pre-production, and other competitions, the moment that they had all been waiting for had arrived.

The energy in the auditorium was intense, a mix of nervous excitement and unwavering school spirit.

Throughout College Night’s history, deliberations have sometimes stretched late into the night, keeping students on the edge of their seats well past midnight. This year, however, the results came earlier than expected. As Student Trustee Kendall Miller stepped forward to deliver the final monologue, every person in the auditorium held their breath, waiting for their phrase to be read — for the winner to be announced.

And as she read the phrase “It was an honor to watch them unite the family we love,” Purple Side erupted into screams.

College Night 2025 had officially ended in a Purple Victory.

More Than a Play, More Than a Competition

To outsiders, College Night may seem like an unusual tradition. It is difficult to explain what makes it so special to those who have never experienced it firsthand. At first glance, it appears to be a simple play competition, but it is so much more than that.

College Night is about passion. It is about commitment, resilience and the joy of creating something truly unique. It is about camaraderie, forming bonds that last a lifetime, and leaving behind a legacy that future generations will carry forward.

The spirit of competition exists, but at its core, College Night is an expression of unity.

The University of Montevallo’s motto is You belong at Montevallo, and College Night is a testament to that belief. It is a place where students of all backgrounds come together, where lifelong friendships are forged, and where creativity thrives.

As the lights dimmed on another unforgettable College Night, one thing remained certain: whether Purple or Gold, every student who took part had been part of something extraordinary. And that, more than anything, is what College Night is truly about.

For those interested in learning more about College Night or getting involved, the University of Montevallo offers numerous resources on its website. 

And you can watch a full recap of this year’s productions, as well as interviews with the student leaders behind the winning play, on our Youtube Vallo Vision News. Or to rewatch this year’s College Night Show, visit the MontevalloForYou YouTube channel.