RSS 2.0 FeedFEATURE: Community collage
Tue, Oct 26, 2010
Entering its 57th eclectic season, The Barn Players creates community theatre, in the best sense of the term
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Major funding for KCMetropolis.org
is provided, in part, by:
Victor Wishna
Senior Editor, Theatre; Theatre and Features Contributor
Victor Wishna is a writer, editor, and author, among other things. A graduate of Stanford University and the New School's creative writing MFA program, he has written for the Wall Street Journal, the Baltimore Sun, the Miami Herald, the Kansas City Star, Humanities, and other major magazines and newspapers. He contributes a weekly real estate feature to the New York Post and his column “Letter from New York” is syndicated nationally.
With photographer Ken Collins, he published In Their Company: Portraits of American Playwrights (Umbrage Editions, 2006), for which he conducted and edited interviews with 61 prominent stage writers including Edward Albee, August Wilson, Tony Kushner, Wendy Wasserstein, and many others. The book won a 2007 Independent Publisher Book Awards Silver Medal (www.intheircompany.com).
He has always maintained a love for theatre, as a writer, an audience member, and even an actor, appearing in several community and semi-professional productions. As an undergraduate, he studied acting and playwriting with Anna Deavere Smith, in addition to journalism and psychology (and not engineering or medicine).
After nearly 12 years in New York City, Victor recently returned to his hometown with his wife, Annie, also a K.C. native. When not writing for publication or pleasure, Victor is honing his stand-up routine, which he has performed at numerous clubs and special events around New York, the Midwest, and elsewhere. In June 2010, he was named New York’s second-funniest amateur Jewish comedian by The Jewish Week. Seriously.
Putting the "mock" in democracy
Tue, Oct 26, 2010
Red, Blue, Purple, or Tea-stained, the Capitol Steps are equal-opportunity skewers of the absurdities and innate humor that abound in politics.
Of human bondage
Tue, Nov 02, 2010
Is it ever possible to encapsulate the brutality of an institution like American slavery with mere words? Is the task any more realizable on a bare stage?
Of human bondage
Mon, Nov 01, 2010
Is it ever possible to encapsulate the brutality of an institution like American slavery with mere words? Is the task any more realizable on a bare stage?
Viva la vie "Rent"
Tue, Nov 09, 2010
The Barn Players tackle Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning, era-defining musical, "Rent" with tongue-in-cheek staging and tight ensemble numbers.
"How many megatons are moral?”
Tue, Nov 16, 2010
With its intriguing radio-play production, "The Real Dr. Strangelove," L.A. Theatre Works, as presented by the Lied Center of Kansas, explores an interpersonal conflict with international implications in the semi-staged performance. Moral implications and ambiguity abound in this engaging play.
Theatre through mid-December
Tue, Nov 23, 2010
“Awake and Sing” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Sentimental Journey” at Chestnut Fine Arts Center; “Plaid Tidings” at American Heartland Theatre; “A Christmas Carol“ at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; “Christmas in Song” at Quality Hill Playhouse. And coming in December—“A Spectacular Christmas” at Musical Theatre Heritage; One Night Only: “Legally Blonde, The Musical” at Lied Center of Kansas; “A Very Joan Crawford Christmas” at the Unicorn Theatre
A tale worth repeating
Tue, Dec 07, 2010
Kansas City Repertory Theatre and UMKC Theatre’s 30th-anniversary presentation of "A Christmas Carol" delivers some sublimely spooky moments, a dose of holiday cheer, and a message of redemption and social justice that’s valid any time of year
Theatre through late December
Tue, Dec 07, 2010
“Sentimental Journey” at Chestnut Fine Arts Center; “Plaid Tidings” at American Heartland Theatre; “A Christmas Carol“ at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; “Christmas in Song” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “A Spectacular Christmas” at Musical Theatre Heritage; “A Very Joan Crawford Christmas” at the Unicorn Theatre
Theatre through mid-January
Tue, Dec 14, 2010
“Plaid Tidings” at American Heartland Theatre; “A Christmas Carol” at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; “A Very Joan Crawford Christmas” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day – The Musical” at the Coterie Theatre. And coming in January—“Blues in the Night: The Lyrics of Johnny Mercer” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Another American: Asking and Telling” at Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
PREVIEW: Kansas City theatre hits 2011 in full stride
Tue, Jan 04, 2011
As the new year gets underway, here is a preview of what’s coming up on stages around town for spring 2011.
Theatre through mid-February
Tue, Jan 18, 2011
“One Flea Spare” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Maybe, Baby, It’s You” at the American Heartland Theatre; “Another American: Asking and Telling” at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; “Blues in the Night: The Lyrics of Johnny Mercer” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Bridge to Terabithia” at the Coterie Theatre. And coming in February—“Oh What A Lovely War” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; “A Night with Martin Short” at Johnson County Community College; “Musical Monday” at Musical Theatre Heritage.
Kansas City Symphony announces 2011–12 season
Tue, Jan 18, 2011
The Kansas City Symphony announced its 2011–12 Season on Friday—“with an unprecedented collection of distinguished guest artists”—but the true starring attraction needed no introduction or even unveiling: Visible in all its glory through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the South Lobby Atrium of the Bartle Hall Grand Ballroom, where the KCS held its press conference, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts dominated the backdrop and the conversation.
Lyric Opera of Kansas City announces 2011–12 season
Tue, Jan 25, 2011
The Lyric Opera of Kansas City announced its 2011–12 Season on Tuesday that will "present opera in ways that Kansas City has never before experienced." Steel yourself for Samuel Ramey's Lyric debut in the new production of "Turandot," the KC debut of "Nixon in China," the return of Sandra Piques Eddy in "Barber of Seville," and opera-goers' perennial favorite "Così fan tutte."
Do tell
Fri, Jan 28, 2011
In Kansas City Rep’s production of his one-man tour de force, "Another American: Asking and Telling," writer/performer Marc Wolf dissects the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy with passionate and seamless portrayals of those who lived—and were silenced—by it.
Theatre through mid-February
Tue, Feb 01, 2011
“Maybe, Baby, It’s You” at the American Heartland Theatre; “Another American: Asking and Telling” at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; “Blues in the Night: The Lyrics of Johnny Mercer” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Bridge to Terabithia” at the Coterie Theatre. “Oh What A Lovely War” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; “A Night with Martin Short” at Johnson County Community College; “Musical Monday” at Musical Theatre Heritage.
Do tell
Wed, Jan 26, 2011
In Kansas City Rep’s production of his one-man tour de force, "Another American: Asking and Telling," writer/performer Marc Wolf dissects the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy with passionate and seamless portrayals of those who lived—and were silenced—by it.
Theatre through late February
Tue, Feb 08, 2011
“Maybe, Baby, It’s You” at the American Heartland Theatre; “Blues in the Night: The Lyrics of Johnny Mercer” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Bridge to Terabithia” at the Coterie Theatre; “In the Next Room or the vibrator play” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Oh What A Lovely War” at Kansas City Actors Theatre. And coming later this month—“Circle Mirror Transformation” at Kansas City Rep; “A Night with Martin Short” at Johnson County Community College; “Bus Stop” at the Lied Center of Kansas.
Theatre through late February
Tue, Feb 15, 2011
“Maybe, Baby, It’s You” at the American Heartland Theatre; “Bridge to Terabithia” at the Coterie Theatre; “Oh What A Lovely War” at Kansas City Actors Theatre. And coming later this month—“Circle Mirror Transformation” at Kansas City Rep; “Bus Stop” at the Lied Center of Kansas.
All excited on the Western Front
Mon, Feb 21, 2011
"Oh What a Lovely War," a joint production of Kansas City Actors Theatre, UMKC Theatre, and the National World War I Museum, is a high-energy evocation of the senseless horrors of the Great War.
Theatre through early March
Tue, Feb 22, 2011
“Bridge to Terabithia” at the Coterie Theatre; “Oh What A Lovely War” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; "The Piano Lesson" at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Circle Mirror Transformation” at Kansas City Rep
All excited on the Western Front
Tue, Mar 01, 2011
"Oh What a Lovely War," a joint production of Kansas City Actors Theatre, UMKC Theatre, and the National World War I Museum, is a high-energy evocation of the senseless horrors of the Great War.
Circle of life
Wed, Mar 02, 2011
At the Kansas City Rep, Annie Baker’s compact and captivating play, "Circle Mirror Transformation," is a highly rewarding reminder—on more than one level—of what good theatre is all about.
Theatre through mid-March
Tue, Mar 01, 2011
“The Piano Lesson” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Circle Mirror Transformation” at Kansas City Rep; “The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza” at the Coterie Theatre; “Two Jews Walk into a War…” at the Unicorn Theatre. And coming later this month—“Look to the Rainbow: The Lyrics of Yip Harburg” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “A Night with Garrison Keillor” at Johnson County Community College; “Puppets for the Planet” at StoneLion Puppet Theatre; “Carnival of the Animals/Peter and the Wolf” at the Lied Center of Kansas.
Theatre through mid-March
Tue, Mar 08, 2011
“Circle Mirror Transformation” at Kansas City Rep; “Two Jews Walk into a War…” at the Unicorn Theatre. And coming later this month—“Look to the Rainbow: The Lyrics of Yip Harburg” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “A Night with Garrison Keillor” at Johnson County Community College; “Carnival of the Animals/Peter and the Wolf” at the Lied Center of Kansas.
Hear the one about the “Two Jews?”
Mon, Mar 14, 2011
In the Unicorn Theatre's "Two Jews Walk into a War," playwright Seth Rozin finds comic inspiration in a dismal situation, with plenty of punch lines and even a poignant moment or two.
Theatre through March
Tue, Mar 15, 2011
“Circle Mirror Transformation” at Kansas City Rep; “Two Jews Walk into a War…” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Look to the Rainbow: The Lyrics of Yip Harburg” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “In Trousers” by Egads! Theatre Company at Off Center Theatre. And coming later this month—“Cabaret” at Kansas City Rep; “Musical Monday” at Musical Theatre Heritage.
Theatre through March
Tue, Mar 22, 2011
“Two Jews Walk into a War…” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Look to the Rainbow: The Lyrics of Yip Harburg” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “In Trousers” by Egads! Theatre Company at Off Center Theatre; “Cabaret” at Kansas City Rep
Theatre through mid-April
Tue, Mar 29, 2011
“No Way To Treat A Lady” at American Heartland Theatre; “Look to the Rainbow: The Lyrics of Yip Harburg” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Cabaret” at Kansas City Rep. And coming in April—“Make Me A Song: The Music of William Finn” by Spinning Tree Theatre at Off Center Theatre; “Ben Franklin’s Apprentice” at the Coterie Theatre; “Enchanted April” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Ruined” at the Unicorn Theatre.
A new “Cabaret,” old chum
Tue, Mar 29, 2011
In Kansas City Rep’s vibrant and innovative production, Kander and Ebb’s classic "Cabaret" comes to life in three dimensions and 360 degrees.
A new “Cabaret,” old chum
Tue, Apr 05, 2011
In Kansas City Rep’s vibrant and innovative production, Kander and Ebb’s classic "Cabaret" comes to life in three dimensions and 360 degrees.
Theatre through April
Tue, Apr 12, 2011
“No Way To Treat A Lady” at American Heartland Theatre; “Ben Franklin’s Apprentice” at the Coterie Theatre; “Enchanted April” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Ruined” at the Unicorn Theatre. And coming later this month—“Peer Gynt” at Kansas City Rep; “Let’s Do It: The Lyrics of Cole Porter” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “A Moon for the Misbegotten” at William Jewell College.
Theatre through April
Tue, Apr 19, 2011
“Ben Franklin’s Apprentice” at the Coterie Theatre; “Enchanted April” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Ruined” at the Unicorn Theatre. And coming later this month—“Peer Gynt” at Kansas City Rep; “Let’s Do It: The Lyrics of Cole Porter” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “A Moon for the Misbegotten” at William Jewell College.
Mother Courage in the Congo
Wed, Apr 20, 2011
The Unicorn and UMKC Theatre bring the brutality of war in central Africa to the Midwest with an ambitious and affecting production of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Ruined.”
Theatre through early May
Tue, Apr 26, 2011
“Ben Franklin’s Apprentice” at the Coterie Theatre; “Ruined” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Peer Gynt” at Kansas City Rep; “Let’s Do It: The Lyrics of Cole Porter” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “A Moon for the Misbegotten” at William Jewell College.
Mother Courage in the Congo
Tue, Apr 26, 2011
The Unicorn and UMKC Theatre bring the brutality of war in central Africa to the Midwest with an ambitious and affecting production of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Ruined.”
Mr. “Gynt’s” wild ride
Tue, May 03, 2011
With a modern adaptation worthy of a classic, Kansas City Rep stages Henrik Ibsen’s “unstageable” early epic, “Peer Gynt.” Instead of a five-hour runtime and cast of thousands, this was a streamlined, whip-fast extravaganza carried out by five players.
Theatre through mid-May
Wed, May 04, 2011
“Peer Gynt” at Kansas City Rep; “Let’s Do It: The Lyrics of Cole Porter” at Quality Hill Playhouse. And coming soon this month—“The 39 Steps” at American Heartland Theatre; “The Young Playwrights’ Festival 2011” at the Coterie Theatre; “Gypsy” at Musical Theatre Heritage.
Theatre through mid-May
Tue, May 10, 2011
“Peer Gynt” at Kansas City Rep; “Let’s Do It: The Lyrics of Cole Porter” at Quality Hill Playhouse. And coming soon this month—“The 39 Steps” at American Heartland Theatre; “The Young Playwrights’ Festival 2011” at the Coterie Theatre; “Gypsy” at Musical Theatre Heritage.
Mr. “Gynt’s” wild ride
Thu, May 05, 2011
With a modern adaptation worthy of a classic, Kansas City Rep stages Henrik Ibsen’s “unstageable” early epic, “Peer Gynt.” Instead of a five-hour runtime and cast of thousands, this was a streamlined, whip-fast extravaganza carried out by five players.
Theatre through mid-June
Tue, May 24, 2011
“Let’s Do It: The Lyrics of Cole Porter” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “The 39 Steps” at American Heartland Theatre; “Gypsy” at Musical Theatre Heritage; “The Who’s TOMMY” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre.
Theatre through mid-June
Tue, May 31, 2011
“The 39 Steps” at American Heartland Theatre and "The King and I" opens Starlight's season.
Theatre through June
Tue, Jun 14, 2011
“The 39 Steps” at American Heartland Theatre; "Snoopy!!!" at Theatre for young America; "Closer than Ever" at Quality Hill Playhouse; "The Wiz" at the Coterie; and "9 to 5" at Starlight.
Theatre through July
Tue, Jun 28, 2011
"Snoopy!!!" at Theatre for young America; "Closer than Ever" at Quality Hill Playhouse; "The Wiz" at the Coterie; “Driving Miss Daisy” and “The Event” at Central Standard Theatre. And coming in July: “The Honky Tonk Angels” at American Heartland Theatre; “Guys and Dolls” at Starlight Theatre; “The 7th Annual KC Fringe Festival” and more.
Fringe Festival 2011
Tue, Jun 28, 2011
The 7th Annual KC Fringe Festival is an unfiltered, uncensored sampling of Kansas City’s cultural arts and runs July 21–31st, 2011. The 11-day festival is jam-packed with live theater, dance, performance art, visual art, spoken word, puppetry, storytelling, film and fashion.
Theatre through July
Tue, Jul 12, 2011
"Closer than Ever" at Quality Hill Playhouse; "The Wiz" at the Coterie; “Driving Miss Daisy”; And coming in July: “The Honky Tonk Angels” at American Heartland Theatre; “Guys and Dolls” and "Cinderella" at Starlight Theatre; “The 7th Annual KC Fringe Festival” and more.
Theatre through August
Wed, Jul 27, 2011
"The Wiz" at the Coterie; “The Honky Tonk Angels” at American Heartland Theatre; “The 7th Annual KC Fringe Festival;” “Cinderella” and “Mamma Mia!” at Starlight Theatre. And coming in August: “Evita” at Musical Theater Heritage; “The Pinter Project” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; and more.
Zombie, or not zombie: that is the question
Tue, Jul 26, 2011
The Bard meets the brain-eaters in “Hamlet vs. Zombies,” the Skinny Improv’s intelligent and delightfully gory one-act entry at the Kansas City Fringe Festival.
Theatre through August
Tue, Aug 09, 2011
“The Honky Tonk Angels” at American Heartland Theatre; “Evita” at Musical Theater Heritage; “The Pinter Project” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; "Xanadu" at Starlight Theatre.
Editor’s Choice: Victor's Picks
Tue, Aug 16, 2011
Senior Editor Victor Wishna believes the Kansas City theatre scene is entering a golden age. With so many local groups staging impressive works and national tours pouring through town, perhaps he's on to something. Here are five of his favorites from this past season.
Fall 2011 preview: Theatre
Tue, Aug 23, 2011
It’s almost fall: the days get shorter, the evenings get cooler, and, of course, the house lights begin to dim on dozens of new productions as another theatre season gets underway. Introduced here are the non-musical highlights of several of Kansas City’s major professional companies and presenters—but come back often to KCMetropolis for more previews of the musical, community, and off-beat theatre our area has to offer.
Theatre through August
Wed, Aug 24, 2011
“Evita” at Musical Theater Heritage; “The Pinter Project” at Kansas City Actors Theatre
Theatre through mid-September
Wed, Aug 31, 2011
“The Pinter Project” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; “Rules for Widows” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Nobody Lonesome for Me” at American Heartland Theatre; “The Outsiders” at the Coterie Theatre; “August: Osage County” at Kansas City Rep; and “Musical Monday” at Musical Theater Heritage.
Theatre through September
Wed, Sep 14, 2011
“Rules for Widows” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Nobody Lonesome for Me” at American Heartland Theatre; “The Outsiders” at the Coterie Theatre; “Red” at the Unicorn Theatre; “August: Osage County” at Kansas City Rep; and “Noël and Gertie” at Quality Hill Playhouse.
KCRep goes local and reaps the rewards
Tue, Sep 27, 2011
Thanks to a remarkable collection of all-local talent, Kansas City Repertory Theatre opens its 2011–12 season with style and substance, debuting “August: Osage County,” the Tony-winning family drama that bursts with hilarity and heartbreak.
Theatre through mid-October
Wed, Sep 28, 2011
“Rules for Widows” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Nobody Lonesome for Me” at American Heartland Theatre; “The Outsiders” at the Coterie Theatre; “Red” at the Unicorn Theatre; “August: Osage County” at Kansas City Rep; and “Noël and Gertie” at Quality Hill Playhouse. And coming in October: “A Steady Rain” at Central Standard Theatre; “Evil Dead: The Musical” at Egads Theatre Company; “The Year of Magical Thinking” at Spinning Tree Theatre/The Living Room; and more.
KCRep goes local and reaps the rewards
Tue, Oct 04, 2011
Thanks to a remarkable collection of all-local talent, Kansas City Repertory Theatre opens its 2011–12 season with style and substance, debuting “August: Osage County,” the Tony-winning family drama that bursts with hilarity and heartbreak.
Theatre through mid-October
Wed, Oct 05, 2011
“Nobody Lonesome for Me” at American Heartland Theatre; “The Outsiders” at the Coterie Theatre; “August: Osage County” at Kansas City Rep; and “Noël and Gertie” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “A Steady Rain” at Central Standard Theatre; “Evil Dead: The Musical” at Egads Theatre Company; “The Year of Magical Thinking” at Spinning Tree Theatre/The Living Room; and more.
Theatre through October
Tue, Oct 11, 2011
“Nobody Lonesome for Me” at American Heartland Theatre; “The Outsiders” at the Coterie Theatre; “Noël and Gertie” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “A Steady Rain” at Central Standard Theatre; “Evil Dead: The Musical” at Egads Theatre Company; “The Year of Magical Thinking” at Spinning Tree Theatre/The Living Room. And later this month: “The History of Kisses” at Kansas City Rep; “Comedy of Asses” at UMKC Theatre; “Four One-Act Plays” at Leawood Stage Co.; “The Darwin Project” at Friends of Chamber Music; and more.
PREVIEW: A homecoming for all to see
Sun, Oct 16, 2011
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with Kansas City Public Television, presents “Homecoming: An Evening with Virgil T;” the musical tribute to legendary composer and native son Virgil Thomson by a diverse, all-Kansas City company will be recorded live and included in an upcoming national PBS documentary.
Theatre through October
Tue, Oct 18, 2011
“Nobody Lonesome for Me” at American Heartland Theatre; “Noël and Gertie” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “A Steady Rain” at Central Standard Theatre; “Evil Dead: The Musical” at Egads Theatre Company; “The Year of Magical Thinking” at Spinning Tree Theatre/The Living Room. And later this month: “The History of Kisses” at Kansas City Rep; “Comedy of Asses” at UMKC Theatre; “Four One-Act Plays” at Leawood Stage Co. and more.
Theatre through mid-November
Wed, Oct 26, 2011
“Evil Dead: The Musical” at Egads Theatre Company; “The History of Kisses” at Kansas City Rep; “Comedy of Asses” at UMKC Theatre; “Almost, Maine” at Park University Players; “God of Carnage” at the Unicorn Theatre. And coming in November: “Seussical” at the Coterier Theatre; “Go, Dog, Go” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at American Heartland Theatre; “Avenue Q” at The White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center; and more.
Theatre through November
Tue, Nov 08, 2011
“The History of Kisses” at Kansas City Rep; “God of Carnage” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Seussical” at the Coterier Theatre; “Go, Dog, Go” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at American Heartland Theatre; “Avenue Q” at The White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center. And coming later this month: “A Man for All Seasons” at Jewell Theatre; “Almost, Maine” at UCM; “All My Sons” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; "Burlesque Classique" at the Uptown; and more.
Theatre through November
Tue, Nov 15, 2011
“The History of Kisses” at Kansas City Rep; “Seussical” at the Coterier Theatre; “Go, Dog, Go” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at American Heartland Theatre; “Avenue Q” at The White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center; “Almost, Maine” at UCM; “All My Sons” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; "Burlesque Classique" at the Uptown; and more.
Theatre through November
Tue, Nov 22, 2011
“The History of Kisses” and "Christmas Carol" at Kansas City Rep; “Seussical” at the Coterier Theatre; “Go, Dog, Go” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at American Heartland Theatre; “All My Sons” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; "Mother Goose’s Christmas Crimes!" at Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co.
Theatre through mid-December
Tue, Nov 29, 2011
“Seussical” at the Coterie Theatre; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at American Heartland Theatre; ““All My Sons” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Christmas in Song” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Mother Goose’s Christmas Crimes!” at Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co.; “A Christmas Carol” at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. And coming in December: “A Spectacular Christmas, in Concert” at Musical Theatre Heritage; “White Christmas” at Theatre Lawrence; “Beau Jest” at The White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center; and more.
This Christmas, many “Carols”
Mon, Nov 28, 2011
As the holiday season arrives, Kansas City theatergoers can choose from a variety of staged interpretations of Charles Dickens’s classic, from full-blown to bare-bones, from dark to light, for—and by—all ages.
Theatre through mid-December
Tue, Dec 06, 2011
“Seussical” at the Coterie Theatre; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at American Heartland Theatre; “Christmas in Song” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Mother Goose’s Christmas Crimes!” at Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co.; “A Christmas Carol” at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; “A Spectacular Christmas, in Concert” at Musical Theatre Heritage; “White Christmas” at Theatre Lawrence; “Beau Jest” at The White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center; and more.
The return of Scrooge
Wed, Dec 07, 2011
As Kansas City Rep’s “A Christmas Carol” tradition enters its fourth decade, a talented, veteran cast and crew offers a newly urgent production—extravagant as ever—that reexamines the human story behind all the “humbugs.”
Theatre through December
Wed, Dec 14, 2011
“Seussical” at the Coterie Theatre; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at American Heartland Theatre; “Christmas in Song” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Mother Goose’s Christmas Crimes!” at Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co.; “A Christmas Carol” at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; “A Spectacular Christmas, in Concert” at Musical Theatre Heritage; “White Christmas” at Theatre Lawrence
Theatre through December
Tue, Dec 20, 2011
“Seussical” at the Coterie Theatre; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at American Heartland Theatre; “Christmas in Song” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Mother Goose’s Christmas Crimes!” at Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co.; “A Christmas Carol” at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; Theatre Gym's "The Fox On The Fairway"
Theatre through December
Tue, Dec 27, 2011
“Seussical” at the Coterie Theatre; “Mother Goose’s Christmas Crimes!” at Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co.; Theatre Gym's "The Fox On The Fairway"
Spring 2011 preview: Theatre
Tue, Dec 27, 2011
And as January and February temperatures dip, the stages of area theatres—many in mid-season—are warming up. What follows are some highlights to look for this winter and spring from Kansas City’s adult professional companies and presenters—but come back often to KCMetropolis for more listings, previews, and reviews of the musical, family, community, and off-beat theatre our area has to offer.
Theatre through January
Tue, Jan 03, 2012
“The Seagull” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at Kansas City Rep; “My Romance” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “The Wrestling Season” at the Coterie Theatre; “Strega Nona” at Paul Mesner Puppets; and more.
Theatre through January
Wed, Jan 25, 2012
“The Seagull” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at Kansas City Rep; “My Romance” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “The Wrestling Season” at the Coterie Theatre; “Strega Nona” at Paul Mesner Puppets.
Movers, Shakers, Stalwarts: Emily Behrmann
Tue, Jan 24, 2012
Now in its 21st season, the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College has built a reputation for high quality, diverse programming, with a schedule of visiting artists ranging from chamber ensembles and jazz quartets to international orchestras, and from one-person comedy showcases and avant-garde dance companies to grandly staged Broadway musicals. Since assuming the role of general manager in 2009, Emily Behrmann has endeavored to broaden the Series’ target audience and further expand its offerings on the stages of the JCCC’s Carlsen Center. This week, Behrmann sat down with Victor Wishna to discuss the state of the Performing Arts Series—its successes, challenges, and plans for the future—and what it means to be both “a Johnson County alternative” and an integral part of Kansas City’s growing and glowing performing-arts scene.
Theatre through mid-February
Tue, Jan 31, 2012
“Beer for Breakfast” at American Heartland Theatre; “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at Kansas City Rep; “My Romance” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “The Wrestling Season” at the Coterie Theatre; “Strega Nona” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “Next Fall” at the Unicorn Theatre. And coming this month: “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” at UMKC Theatre; “Billy Bishop Goes to War” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; “The Who’s Tommy” at the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City; and more.
A merry band of marionettes
Tue, Jan 31, 2012
The Paul Mesner Puppets’ presentation of “Strega Nona” is 46 minutes of fun for the family, strings attached.
A merry band of marionettes
Tue, Feb 07, 2012
The Paul Mesner Puppets’ presentation of “Strega Nona” is 46 minutes of fun for the family, strings attached.
Theatre through mid-February
Tue, Feb 07, 2012
“Beer for Breakfast” at American Heartland Theatre; “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at Kansas City Rep; “My Romance” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “The Wrestling Season” at the Coterie Theatre; “Strega Nona” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “Next Fall” at the Unicorn Theatre. And coming this month: “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” at UMKC Theatre; “Billy Bishop Goes to War” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; “The Who’s Tommy” at the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City; and more.
What is love, if not faith?
Wed, Feb 08, 2012
With its polished production of Geoffrey Nauffts’ Tony-nominated play “Next Fall,” the Unicorn Theatre offers entertainment of the thought-provoking kind with a talented cast aided by crisp direction and technical panache.
Theatre through February
Tue, Feb 14, 2012
“Beer for Breakfast” at American Heartland Theatre; “My Romance” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “The Wrestling Season” at the Coterie Theatre; “Strega Nona” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” at UMKC Theatre; “Billy Bishop Goes to War” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; “The Who’s Tommy” at the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City. And coming later this month: “How I Learned To Drive,” at University of Central Missouri; “The Great Immensity” at Kansas City Rep; “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at Egads! Theatre Company; “Hungry” at the Unicorn Theatre; and more.
Movers, Shakers, Stalwarts: Ellen McDonald
Wed, Feb 22, 2012
Since 1997, Ellen McDonald and business partner Tracey Mershon have carved out a niche by offering their PR, marketing, and “capacity-building” consulting services to Kansas City’s philanthropic sector—nonprofits and the foundations and corporations that serve and support them. From the beginning, performing-arts groups have been an integral segment of Mershon & McDonald’s client list, including the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Rep, Kansas City Actors Theatre, UMKC Theatre Department, and others. As such, McDonald has had an inside perspective (and significant influence) on the surging arts scene over the last decade and a half. This week, she sat down with Victor Wishna to talk about what she does, why she loves it, what she’s seen, and what she’s anticipating for the artists and arts patrons of Kansas City.
Theatre through February
Tue, Feb 21, 2012
“Freedom Sisters” at the Coterie Theatre; “Billy Bishop Goes to War” at Kansas City Actors Theatre; “The Who’s Tommy” at the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City; “The Great Immensity” at Kansas City Rep; “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at Egads! Theatre Company; “Hungry” at the Unicorn Theatre; and more.
When boys go off to war
Wed, Feb 22, 2012
In “Billy Bishop Goes to War,” impressively produced by Kansas City Actors Theatre and UMKC Theatre at the National WWI Memorial, the unlikely hero of the Great War tells his own story for another generation.
Theatre through mid-March
Mon, Feb 27, 2012
“The Great Immensity” at Kansas City Rep; “Freedom Sisters” at the Coterie Theatre; “Becky’s New Car” at Theatre Lawrence; “You Can’t Take It With You” at MidAmerica Nazarene University; “Hungry” at the Unicorn Theatre. And coming in March: “Make Someone Happy” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Completely Hollywood (abridged)” at Martin City Melodrama; “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Rapunzel” at Paul Mesner Puppets; and more.
Intense "Immensity"
Tue, Feb 28, 2012
Making its world premiere at Kansas City Rep, "The Great Immensity" is an entertaining, educational, and agitating multimedia musical mystery/adventure about our endangered planet.
Theatre through mid-March
Tue, Mar 06, 2012
“The Great Immensity” at Kansas City Rep; “Hungry” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Make Someone Happy” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Completely Hollywood (abridged)” at Martin City Melodrama; “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Rapunzel” at Paul Mesner Puppets; and more.
Intense "Immensity"
Mon, Mar 05, 2012
Making its world premiere at Kansas City Rep, "The Great Immensity" is an entertaining, educational, and agitating multimedia musical mystery/adventure about our endangered planet.
Theatre through March
Tue, Mar 13, 2012
“The Great Immensity” at Kansas City Rep; “Hungry” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Make Someone Happy” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Completely Hollywood (abridged)” at Martin City Melodrama; “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Rapunzel” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “Zombie Prom: The Musical” at Egads! Theatre. And coming later this month: “The Whipping Man” at Kansas City Rep; “It’s a Puppet Carnivale!” at StoneLion Puppet Theatre;” and more.
Theatre through March
Wed, Mar 21, 2012
“Make Someone Happy” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Completely Hollywood (abridged)” at Martin City Melodrama; “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “Rapunzel” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “Zombie Prom: The Musical” at Egads! Theatre; “The Whipping Man” at Kansas City Rep; “It’s a Puppet Carnivale!” at StoneLion Puppet Theatre;” and more.
Theatre through mid-April
Mon, Mar 26, 2012
“Make Someone Happy” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “The Importance of Being Earnest” at American Heartland Theatre; “Completely Hollywood (abridged)” at Martin City Melodrama; “Rapunzel” at Paul Mesner Puppets; “Zombie Prom: The Musical” at Egads! Theatre; “The Whipping Man” at Kansas City Rep. And coming in April: “Farfalle” at Lied Center of Kansas; “James and the Giant Peach” at the Coterie Theatre; “The Tempest” at University of Central Missouri Theatre; “Sweeney Todd” at Musical Theater Heritage; and more.
We were once slaves
Tue, Mar 27, 2012
Fresh off the New York stage, Matthew Lopez's "The Whipping Man" arrives at Kansas City Repertory Theatre in a production directed by Eric Rosen. With a great premise and promise, the work is substantial and rewarding in the capable hands of players Josh Breckenridge, Michael Genet, and Kyle Hatley.
Theatre through mid-April
Tue, Apr 03, 2012
“The Importance of Being Earnest” at American Heartland Theatre; “Completely Hollywood (abridged)” at Martin City Melodrama; “The Whipping Man” at Kansas City Rep; “Farfalle” at Lied Center of Kansas; “James and the Giant Peach” at the Coterie Theatre; “The Tempest” at University of Central Missouri Theatre; “Sweeney Todd” at Musical Theater Heritage; and more.
Theatre through April
Wed, Apr 11, 2012
“The Importance of Being Earnest” at American Heartland Theatre; “Completely Hollywood (abridged)” at Martin City Melodrama; “Farfalle” at Lied Center of Kansas; “James and the Giant Peach” at the Coterie Theatre; “The Tempest” at University of Central Missouri Theatre; “Sweeney Todd” at Musical Theater Heritage. And coming later this month: “Titanic: The Musical” at Leawood Stage Company; “Time Stands Still” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Little Shop of Horrors” at Kansas City Rep; “Pride and Prejudice” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “The Laramie Project” and “The Laramie Project – Ten Years Later” at the White Theater at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City; and more.
Theatre through April
Mon, Apr 16, 2012
“Completely Hollywood (abridged)” at Martin City Melodrama; “James and the Giant Peach” at the Coterie Theatre; “The Tempest” at University of Central Missouri Theatre; “Sweeney Todd” at Musical Theater Heritage. “Time Stands Still” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Little Shop of Horrors” at Kansas City Rep; “Pride and Prejudice” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “The Laramie Project” and “The Laramie Project – Ten Years Later” at the White Theater at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City; and more
Theatre through mid-May
Wed, Apr 25, 2012
“Completely Hollywood (abridged)” at Martin City Melodrama; “James and the Giant Peach” at the Coterie Theatre; “Sweeney Todd” at Musical Theatre Heritage; “Time Stands Still” at the Unicorn Theatre; “Little Shop of Horrors” at Kansas City Rep; “Pride and Prejudice” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; The Winter’s Tale” at UMKC Theatre; “The Laramie Project” and “The Laramie Project – Ten Years Later” at the White Theater at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City; “Life is a Cabaret” at Quality Hill Playhouse. And coming in May: “Pinocchio Commedia” at Theatre for Young America; “As Long As We Both Shall Live” at American Heartland Theatre; and more.
Don't feed the plants!
Tue, May 01, 2012
Kansas City Repertory Theatre caps off its season with a fun and all-but-flawless production of the cult musical favorite “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Theatre through mid-May
Tue, May 01, 2012
“James and the Giant Peach” at the Coterie Theatre; “Little Shop of Horrors” at Kansas City Rep; “Pride and Prejudice” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; “The Laramie Project” and “The Laramie Project – Ten Years Later” at the White Theater at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City; “Life is a Cabaret” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Pinocchio Commedia” at Theatre for Young America; “As Long As We Both Shall Live” at American Heartland Theatre; and more.
Theatre through May
Tue, May 08, 2012
“James and the Giant Peach” at the Coterie Theatre; “Little Shop of Horrors” at Kansas City Rep; “Life is a Cabaret” at Quality Hill Playhouse; “Pinocchio Commedia” at Theatre for Young America; “As Long As We Both Shall Live” at American Heartland Theatre; and more.