RSS 2.0 FeedNovember 18, 2009, Featured Articles, Theatre
Chestnut Fine Arts Center 2009-2010 Season
The Chestnut Fine Arts Center is doing something new this year. For the first time in their 11 years of operation, they are doing an entire season of musical revue shows.
The Chestnut Fine Arts Center is doing something new this year. For the first time in their 11 years of operation, they are doing an entire season of musical revue shows. Brad Zimmerman, director, explains. "This is our first year ever not to include a play. We're doing it as a test to see if we can have a blockbuster season."
Over the years, the Chestnut has been known for quality family entertainment. They have especially appealed to older patrons by focusing on music from the past. This season is no exception. Currently running, "A Taffeta Christmas" highlights music from the 50s and early 60s with familiar Christmas tunes.
In February, "Moon River: Johnny Mercer's American Songbook" covers popular music from the big band era to the age of classic Hollywood film scores. This is only the second time this piece has ever been produced, and the Chestnut is working closely with the author to bring the show to Kansas City. "The title 'Moon River' is perfect for our audiences," says Zimmerman, explaining that the old-time music is exactly what the Chestnut crowd loves.
Going even further back in time, "Ain't She Sweet" is all about the truly American musical genres of Dixieland and ragtime. The show opens in April. Zimmerman was especially excited to bring in a six-piece Dixieland band for this show. Normally the Chestnut has simply a piano, or at most three or four instruments, so this show will be quite new for the small theatre. You can expect to hear cakewalks, rags, two-steps, marches and gospel music, to name a few.
At the end of May, "Leading Men of Broadway" will be produced. Zimmerman elucidates, "We've done an awful lot of women's shows, so we wanted to try this." The show will feature some marvelous show tunes sung by leading men, including songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers & Hammerstein. When asked if he expected a largely female audience to attend, Zimmerman laughed and replied, "We always have more women."
Finally, "Let Freedom Ring" will play through July of 2010. This is another first for the Chestnut, their first all-patriotic show. Meant to inspire and unite audiences as Americans, this show will feature a wide range of patriotic songs. There are also plans to include some visual interest in the form of video for this production. Zimmerman stated that Branson, Missouri was a muse for this particular decision. "I traveled to Branson and have seen the appeal of patriotism. It is always very well received."
Apart from their regular season, the Chestnut Fine Arts Center will also reprise "Always... Patsy Cline" for seven days at the end of December. The theatre has produced this play six times before with great success. Bringing back Krista Eyler and Stasha Case to revisit their roles, this show is sure to be a hit.
The Chestnut Fine Arts Center is the home to professional Christmas singers, The Dickens Carolers, who are invited to sing in venues all over the metro area during the holidays. They will be performing at the Chestnut on December 19th and 21st. With all of these events, days at the theatre can become quite hectic. "Christmastime at the Chestnut, we just take it day by day, " Zimmerman states. "It'll be busy until January 3rd."
PREVIEW
Chestnut Fine Arts Center
2009-1010 Season
234 N. Chestnut, Olathe, KS 66061
For tickets call 913-764-2121 or online at www.chestnutfinearts.com
Top photo: Brad Zimmerman
More Featured Articles
KC Events this week and beyond
Looking for something to do this weekend? Click here for the KC Events calendar of theatre, classical music, dance and jazz events through 2011. Highlights of this week's classical music and dance offerings are in Don Dagenais' "City Classics." For current Theatre listings visit Victor Wishna's "City Stage." Enjoy!
Performing with precision
Percussion Group Kansas City (PGKC) ia made up of members of the Kansas Symphony percussion section, Chris McLaurin, Joseph Petrasek, Matthew Henderson and Lia DeRoin showcased the diverse sonic possibilities attainable with percussion instruments in their all-American program.
KC Events this week and beyond
“Toughest Kid in the World,” Little House on the Prairie,” and “The Graduate” continue in Theatre, while “The Time of Your Life,” Christmas in Song,” “Almost Maine” and the much anticipated “Christmas Story. The Musical!" all begin this week. Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, the fall Opera offering from UMKC, Te Deum, Stern Conducts Sibelius and a new premiere work “Lost Souls.” Dance brings Jukebox by Bill Evans at KU. Various and sundry offerings are Roger Rees’ What You Will and Kung Fu Masters of China… and much, much more. Check it out!
Taffeta for the Holidays
The Chestnut Fine Arts Center is presenting "A Taffeta Christmas." a musical revue that features Christmas songs and golden oldies.
Flog the dog
The 1997 Barry Levinson film "Wag the Dog" took the idea that politics is 1% decision-making and 99% show biz, and turned it into a satire of Shavian, if not Shakespearean, proportions. In Beau Willimon's savage comedy "Farragut North," the spin-doctor gets spun--it is a case of the dog getting flogged.
"Pirate Radio" offers a rockin' good time
Long live rock n'roll! That sums up the theme for the new British offbeat comedy "Pirate Radio," an irreverent look back at a period in time when anyone who listened to rock was labeled as a degenerate.
Avner Dorman on "Lost Souls" premiere with KC Symphony
"There is something about a great piece of music - whether you love it or you don't - you want to hear it again. Whether you love it or not, that isn't important. If you want to hear it again, that's the important thing."
All material contained in KCMetropolis.org is the property of or licensed for use by KCMetropolis.org. Any use, duplication, or reproduction of any or all content of this publication is prohibited except with the express written permission of KCMetropolis.org or the original copyright holders.