COUNTERCLOCKWISE COMEDY B KCSTAGE AUGUST 2006 1 the Trail Goes West! by Jason P

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COUNTERCLOCKWISE COMEDY B KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 1 The Trail Goes West! by Jason P. Hunt • [email protected] “Allied Arts’ mission is to bring operate each year. Fankhauser people and arts together. In says, “We basically fill the gap a nutshell, that is what we’re of what other arts organizations charged to do.” So says Teresa are unable to provide or don’t Fankhauser, executive director provide. So we complement the of the Allied Arts Council of St. other arts organizations in this Joseph, an umbrella organiza- community very nicely.” tion for seventeen performing Besides funding other agen- and visual arts agencies – from cies, Allied Arts has its own COVER: Bess Wallerstein, Keith Curtis, community theater to museums. program, mainly as an advocacy and Wade Meredith make up Counter Since 1964, the Allied Arts organization for arts education. Clockwise Comedy, debuting Aug 19 ...... 2 Council has served the St. Joseph The Artists in the Schools pro- arts community in several ways, gram brings local performers Features The Trail Goes West ...... 1 most notably as an advocate and artists into classrooms to With Strings Attached ...... 3 with public officials, “making demonstrate or perform for stu- More Career Tips for Beginners...... 6 sure that our senators and rep- dents. And in the summer, AAC resentatives recognize the fact operates a one-week arts camp Notes that we need state and national known as Artscape. Located on Playwriting Intensive with Arthur Koppit...... 4 funding for the arts to survive the campus of Missouri West- in any community, particularly ern State University, Artscape Spotlight in St. Joseph.” Fankhauser says provides students with up to David Fritts...... 5 they spend time tracking na- six different arts-related activi- tional trends in arts support, ties per day. Fankhauser says Stand-Ins Auditions ...... 20 coordinate publicity for the area each year there are a large num- Calendar...... 10 arts organizations on a national ber of applications, many from Click!...... 19 Film Clips...... 14 and regional level, and allocat- the Kansas City area, to fill the Performances ...... 8 ing money for the various agen- 180 positions. cies that apply for it. Allied Arts is also a partner Cast List Out of the seventeen agen- with the St. Joseph school dis- Scott Bowling...... Webmaster Richard Buswell...... Managing Editor cies tied to AAC, seven (includ- trict and the Albrecht-Kemper Bryan Colley ...... Graphic Designer ing AAC itself) receive funding Museum of Art in the Kennedy Angie Fiedler Sutton ...... Marketing through the ArtsFund program, Center’s Partners in Education Tricia Kyler Bowling...... Subscriber Rep an annual fundraising drive program, which brings commu- Letters to the Editor...... [email protected] geared to generate the financial nity artists together with teach- support requested by the apply- ers to help them “art up” the ing agencies. Arts organizations curricula. Fankhauser says it’s apply to Allied Arts, the goal a great way for teachers to learn for ArtsFund is set – the 2006 new artistic and creative ways KCVolume 09 STAGE• No. 8 • Issue 83 • August 2006 goal was $180,000 – and an al- to present their material. [email protected] • 816-361-2325 locations committee determines Another educational program PO Box 410492 • Kansas City, MO 64141-0492 how much each agency gets is the Art for the Health of It pro- September Submission Deadline: August 10 based on the final total of money gram. A juried competition ev- www.kcstage.com raised. Through a grant process, ery spring and fall, the program © Copyright 2006 by KC Stage. All material contained in this publication Allied Arts disburses money to features seventy to eighty pieces is the property of KC Stage. Any use, duplication, or reproduction of any or all content of this publication is prohibited except with the express arts organizations to help them Continued on page 14 written permission of KC Stage. Printing by Alphagraphics. R

B KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 1 CounterClockwise Comedy: Reverse Your Thinking by Kate Egan • [email protected] “Comedy is the use of humor; sometimes, but three performers hop in and out of scenes at mo- not always, in the form of theater, in contrast to a ments that leave the audience dying for more. tragedy. A recognized characteristic of comedy is Once rehearsal was complete, I sat down for an that it is an intensely personal enjoyment. People interview with CCC’s founding members - Keith frequently don’t find the same things amusing, Curtis, Wade Meredith, and Bess Wallerstein. but when they do, it can help to create powerful And after drying my eyes from the laughter, I bonds.” – Wikipedia.com started asking questions. Powerful bonds and finding the same things Egan: It seems everyone in Kansas City has started amusing are what started Kansas City’s newest some sort of performing arts troupe. New theater up and coming comedy troupe, CounterClock- companies are popping up all over, and it appears wise Comedy. Bess Wallerstein, a local director that Kansas City has a plethora of comedy troupes, and founder of One Time Productions as well as one of which you are all members of. What made a regularly performing member of the comedy you decide to start a troupe of your own? gang Improv-Abilities, began the new troupe in Curtis: We’ve all sort of come together in the last February with Improv-Abilities founding mem- year, specifically through Improv-Abilities. I’m a ber Keith Curtis and local comedian and fellow founding member of that troupe, and I’m proud I-A member Wade Meredith. The synergy of of what we’ve done. None of us are leaving I-A thought and humor between these three light- anytime soon, but as we started collaborating, ning-fast performers is matched only by their we realized that we wanted an outlet to explore goal to make Kansas City a true comedy city. more than short-form improv. We’ve seen other CounterClockwise Comedy will be making groups do longer form comedy and a few other their public debut on August 19th with two things, and we wanted to explore what might be shows at the Westport Coffeehouse. I was invited out there. We’ve seen a lot of other people move to a recent rehearsal to see their thoughts on a to Chicago to become famous for comedy, but new direction for comedy in Kansas City and see leaving Kansas City doesn’t help to further the how they’re making it happen. cause here. We wanted to keep a Chicago-style Rehearsal was first. This is a troupe that works comedy revue here. And we found the possibility for their laughs. The improvisational games when we met each other. We all have the same are fresh, hip, creative, and hysterically funny, sense of humor. though it appears that CCC will not be limit- Meredith: We definitely all have the same sense ing themselves to being only an improv troupe. of humor. We started this troupe after all seeing Wallerstein’s theatre background has led to co- Second City, and we got really excited about the medic interludes that the troupe is referring to as possibilities for a new troupe that could explore “standalogues,” a specifically directed combina- more than just stand-up or improv. tion of both stand-up comedy and theatre mono- Curtis: I also went to the Dallas Comedy Festival logues that break up the unrehearsed feel of the with I-A and came back really inspired by what improv. And while it may not appear in their first some troupes are doing. We’ve made contact show, the troupe is also working on perfecting with a lot of them and started sharing ideas. We long form improv, an ambitious feat especially really wanted to do something new. given the troupe’s small size. One long form that Wallerstein: Most of the local troupes here de- will appear is the one they’re calling specifically, fine themselves by a single style. There’s- noth “CounterClockwise Comedy.” In this daring of ing wrong with that; it plays to their strengths all games, the troupe has three long-form inter- and that’s great. But CounterClockwise Comedy active pieces moving at the same time, leaving doesn’t want to be limited to one style of comedy. audiences hungry for what happens next as these Continued on page 18

“All you need in the world is love and laughter. That’s all anybody needs. 2 KCSTAGE To have love in one hand and laughter in the other.” ~ August Wilson www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 3 With Strings Attached by Jack L. McCord • [email protected] Worldwide, puppets are very popular - and we’re

not talking about the political arena but, actual MCCORD

puppets. Nancy Clark, President of the Puppetry JACK Arts Institute (PAI), explained, “The U.S. just does not realize and appreciate puppetry the way Europe and Asia do; as an art form.” Clark added, “Puppetry is growing in the U.S.; they are opening more and more centers, we have some outstanding puppeteers, but so many people view puppets as being only for little children. In Europe and Asia they recognize that it is for all ages and they have a deeper appreciation for it.” Local puppeteer (and magician) Harris Deutsch echoed that thought. “I would say that many Americans still see puppets as being only for children, although they can bring out the kid in all of us. Puppetry can be used on all levels, from gospel to the bizarre.” The PAI’s mission is to preserve and promote puppetry through education and entertainment for all ages. They accomplish this through performance and by way of a museum located at the Institute. Clark said, “The museum is dedicated to Hazelle Hedges Rollins, [she had a puppet fac- One of Philip Huber’s marionettes is ready for a production at the Roger T. tory here in Kansas City for 34 years]. We want to Sermon Center. preserve the fact that she was a woman who started a factory during the depression era. It became strings on his violin. Huber said, “It takes about a success and was at one time the only factory in 300 hours to build one character. They’re hand the world exclusively making puppets.” Deutsch carved out of wood; parts of them are stuffed said, “We are very lucky to have the wonderful cloth, and parts are made out of plastic. To create people at the Puppetry Arts Institute. They bring each one of the heads, I create a clay model and a in talented people and their puppets from all plaster of Paris negative mold.” He added, “They around the world.” average about 16 strings. The opera singer that I They also schedule other types of events, such have has, I believe, 23 strings.” as bringing in world-renowned puppeteer Phillip Huber explained that to become an accomplished Huber and the Huber Marionettes for a one night puppeteer it takes lots of practice. “I rehearse con- performance of their show Suspended Animation stantly. It’s like a classical musician: you have to in early July. keep your fingers very limber and in good shape, Huber’s marionettes are astounding - excep- and you have to keep your responses very quick. tional works of art crafted with the finest of detail. My brain is working kind of like a computer because Examples include a dog marionette, Taffy, whose I’m thinking three or four moves ahead. It has to ears perked up, tail wagged and tongue panted; look effortless on stage. The audience shouldn’t be an accordion player whose Adam’s apple slid up aware of the mechanics.” Huber studied dance from and down as he yodeled; and the violinist whose the age of six and was always interested in theatre. fingers were actually jointed so he could pluck the Continued on page 7

2 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 3 Playwrighting Intensive Workshop with Arthur Kopit

Before a stick of scenery is built, a light focused, an actor cast or a ticket sold, someone enters a ENSEMBLE room and creates a story. This bold act of story making, the heart of the theatrical form, is accom- THEATRE plished by the playwright, the frequently unsung hero of the theatre. Encouraging the growth of this kind of theatrical heroism is one of the core components of METROPOLITAN Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, hosting Kansas City’s third annual Playwrighting Intensive this Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 1-3. This year’s featured master playwright lead- ing the Intensive is two time Tony Winner and double Pulitzer nominee, Arthur Kopit, author of Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feeling So Sad, Wings, Indians, Nine, and several other plays. The Playwright’s Intensive is part of MET’s Ma- gellan Project, an ongoing new play development program actively searching for and developing the work of new playwrights. Since it’s inception in 2004, 36 emerging professional playwrights from across the nation (and from Germany and Canada) Playwright Arthur Kopit. have joined writers from Missouri and Kansas to Evening with Arthur Kopit. This event, at Liberty Me- create original short plays during an exciting cre- morial J.C. Nichols Auditorium, features a staged ative weekend held annually in Kansas City. reading of Kopit’s new play, Discovery of America, The MET Intensive provides an extraordi- based on the journals of the Spanish conquista- nary opportunity for emerging professional dor Cabeza de Vaca; and a discussion of Kopit’s playwrights to work with master writers of sig- work and life in the theatre. On Sunday at 7pm, nificant caliber. Few workshops of this kind are the public is invited to join Kopit and the twelve available and fewer still that are affordable and playwrights at the Arts Incubator at 115 W. 18th St. offer this level of individualized attention. This in the Crossroads District for Snapshots: Readings of year, twelve professional playwrights will join New Works Fresh from the Playwright’s Pen. All of the the MET Core Company, guest artists and partici- weekend’s script-in-hand performances feature lo- pants from event Co-sponsor KU Dept. of Theatre cal professional actors. and Film, to encourage ongoing excellence in the Audiences are invited to enjoy post show recep- craft of playwriting and to nurture the creation of tions following both Saturday and Sunday events. new theatrical works. The workshop will begin at Given the size of the venues and limited ticket The Writer’s Place on Friday, Sept. 1. At the close availability, audiences are encouraged to reserve of the weekend on Sunday evening, twelve new tickets early. Tickets for Saturday night are $35. short plays will have been born. Sunday’s are $15. Tickets go on sale on August 7. Two public events during the exciting Labor Day For more information on the Metropolitan En- weekend are planned for the Kansas City commu- semble Theatre Playwright’s Intensive, visit the nity. The first is a Signature Series Event on Satur- MET website at www.metroensemble.org or call day, Sept. 2, is A Conversation with a Playwright: An the MET office at (816) 536-9464. R

4 KCSTAGE “If literature isn’t everything, it’s not worth a single hour of someone’s trouble.” ~Jean Paul Sartre www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 5 Spotlight on David Fritts by Michelle Cotton • [email protected] I had the great pleasure to catch a matinee of Talley’s Folly at Union Station by the KC Actor’s THEATRE

theatre on June 11. In the play, David Fritts does ACTORS a wonderful job playing Matt Friedman, a funny, CITY charismatic character that is desperate to win Sally Talley. Unfortunately, near the end of the KANSAS show, during the big emotional climax, an elderly woman’s cell phone in front of me went off. Lack- ing weaponry, I could do nothing but sit there and cringe; then, instead of just turning it off, she fumbled with it, then left it on, only to have it ring again a minute later. The entire audience had to listen to a woman’s voice coming through the speaker phone. Inconceivably, the woman’s friend whispered to her to take it outside, so we then all had to endure this interruption for another 45 sec- onds as the woman slowly made her way out of the darkened theatre down the stairs as the voice in the phone kept screaming “HELLO?!” I was mortified for the actors onstage as they admirably struggled David Fritts appears in the Kansas City Actors Theatre productions of to maintain the mood, pace, and emotional cathar- Lanford Wilson’s Tally Trilogy. sis. I didn’t even have to ask the question I had in mind, when meeting David for this interview, as David: I think it’s great for the play. I think it’s he was already chuckling about the incident upon sort of a way of welcoming everybody in and sort hearing I had been there the past Sunday. of setting up what’s going on. You get to know David: I’ve certainly had a lot of worse things Matt a little bit, his digressions, and the way his happen onstage. mind works. ME: So do you have a favorite theatre horror ME: Is it disconcerting to then go right into the story? play? David: Years ago, I was doing a show where David: No - it’s actually fun, it can be disconcert- we had this flash-pot go off upstage of a couch. ing sometimes to the audience. I can’t even remember what play it was - I was ME: I liked it; I thought it set a really lighthearted in grad school. At intermission, they would slide tone. the flash-pot out from underneath the couch for a David: I think that’s part of it. It’s such a wonder- ghost that was going to come out or something, fully written play. Lots of times you’ll go back and for some reason it went off early, the couch to plays that won the Pulitzer, and think it must started smoking, someone grabbed a drink off have been a product of the times or whatever, or the bar, tossed it under there and got it put out, think, what was the big deal about this? But defi- so then we didn’t have the flash-pot for the effect nitely this one you read it and you think this is a later on. brilliantly written play. Me: The first thing that struck me about Talley’s ME: What do you think makes his plays special? Folly is at the beginning when you break down David: He’s so great with the language and the the fourth wall. Now how does that device affect situation. He has said in interviews that Talley’s you? Do you think it’s effective for the play? Folly is his masterpiece. It’s a valentine, like Matt Continued on page 13

4 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 5 www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 7 u With Strings Attached continued from page 3

Deutsch agrees. “A good onettes and started collecting hit and was nominated for three puppeteer like other entertain- those. By the time I was 15 I had Academy Awards.” ers must connect with his/her turned professional and was So what does make a good audience through use of the building my own marionettes”. puppeteer? Huber explained. puppet, light, sound, props, and Huber found out how pup- “A good puppeteer is a very most importantly emotion.” He petry can be rewarding profes- good actor but one who can added, “One never knows how sionally when he was cast to cre- put himself in the background. he/she will affect an audience ate and perform the puppetry in He doesn’t have an overriding member. Over the years I have the movie Being John Malkovich. ego and doesn’t force himself had interesting comments such “My publicity manager had into the foreground; he has to as, ‘Thanks for teaching me sent some material to Francis let the puppet take over and be about puppets and reading,’ or Ford Copolla, for a film that was the focus.” ‘I don’t know how you did it, going to be Pinocchio, which he Deutsch said, “A good pup- but for some reason, I am going wound up not doing. I think he peteer, like other entertainers, out and getting a puppet,’ or, passed the material on to Spike must connect with his or her au- in tears, a lady shared with me, Jones, the director of Being John dience through use of the pup- ‘It was good to laugh; I haven’t Malkovich. [Jones] called and pet, lights, sound, props, and laughed like this since I lost my wanted to come over and see - most importantly - emotion.” husband to cancer.’ my workshop. They came out And how does one get “My latest puppet was left and saw what I did and they re- started? Huber had this advice: to me in a will three months ally liked it and offered me the “Contact the organization ‘The ago. His owner had seen one job right on the spot. Puppeteers of America’, which of my programs and decided “I was an advisor to begin can be found on the Internet, to become a puppeteer. In his with, and they found other and join them. They have all short career as an entertainer, puppeteers to build the puppets sorts of professional puppe- he made a lot of people smile.” and perform them. Six months teers offering advice and you “It is my passion and my later they called me and wanted can write to them there. You joy,” Huber said. “When I was me to come in and do some can also learn about festivals 15, I took a look at what I was work with the puppets. I spent and performances where you doing and I loved it so much . . three months modifying them can meet them. Otherwise, you . I can’t imagine doing anything and rehearsing with them. They can find a local organization; else or anything I would enjoy rented a studio and I went in there are local guilds and the doing more.” and they just shot the material. I Puppetry Arts Institute.” Huber said that when he was think they were going to use my Deutsch added, “With my three he was very shy, so his material and intermingle it with apologies to Mason Williams. mother gave him a hand pup- the material they had shot ear- ‘Look at those puppeteers, ain’t pet in hopes that it would draw lier, but they found out that just they neat. Some use their hands him out of his shell. “I loved wouldn’t work, the quality was some use their feet. How to be it so much that I would hide too different. So, they threw out a puppeteer? Nothin’ to it. Pick behind the sofa and do puppet all the earlier material and had up a sock or a bagel and go to shows over the back of the sofa. me perform everything. They it.’ You can go out and buy a People then started giving me were so happy about my work puppet for $1000 or more or hand puppets constantly. By that they wrote a brand new one could use a paper bag, po- the time I was around 8 or 10, I scene for the film. When the tato chip bag clip.” R became fascinated by the mari- film came out, it was a surprise www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 7 Performances

American Heartland Theatre The Coterie Theatre* nie Nolan, professional actor, director and Menopause The Musical by Jeanie Disney’s Geppetto & Son by Stephen choreographer. Musical direction by C. Linders: Jun 16-Oct 29: 8pm Tue-Sat; Schwartz and David Stern: Jun 27-Aug Ray Ettinger. Directed by Ernie Nolan. All 1pm Wed; 4pm Sat; 2pm, 7pm Sun. 6: 11am Tue-Fri; 2pm Sat-Sun; 7pm Fri; tickets are $5 regardless of age. The Cote- Four women at a lingerie sale with noth- 1:30pm Wed-Fri. rie Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 144, ing in common but a black-lace bra Once the Blue Fairy grants Geppetto his (816) 474-6552, www.coterietheatre.org AND memory loss, hot flashes, night wish for a new son, the new father finds (Intended for Children) sweats, not enough sex, too much sex his parenting skills are a bit rough. The and more! This joyful musical parody set light-hearted musical is based on the CounterClockwise Comedy to 25 classic baby-boomer songs from classic story of Pinocchio told through The Debut Show!: Aug 19: 7:30pm, Puff, My God I’m Draggin to the disco the eyes of the loving, but challenged 10pm Sat. favorite Stayin’ Awake, Stayin’ Awake Geppetto. Academy Award-winning CounterClockwise Comedy is a new ex- will have you cheering and dancing in composer Stephen Schwartz creates an perimental comedy group that works in the aisles! It’s definitely not The Silent original score paired with songs from Dis- all forms of sketch comedy, short-form Passage anymore! Featuring Teri Ad- ney’s original Pinocchio and Geppetto and long-form improvisation, stand-up ams (Iowa Housewife), Debra Bluford movies and book by David Stern. Di- comedy, improv theatre and dance. (Earth Mother), Licia Watson (Soap Star), rected by Jeff Church. Featuring Caroline CCC’s mission is to explore, invent Fredena J Williams (Power Woman), Adams, Damron Armstrong (Buonraga- and produce live comedy shows which Julie O’Rourke (Understudy). Crew: zzo), Brian Duncan (Routabout/Youth combine a unique blend of performance Patty Bender (Director), Anthony T Ed- Ensemble), Charles Fugate (Geppetto), styles while providing audiences with wards (Musical Direction), Shane Rowse Elizabeth Griffith (Mrs. Giovanni/Maria), an entertaining experience. Directed by (Lighting Design), Jesse Poleschuck (Sce- Ben Gulley (Stromboli), Evan Michael Bess Wallerstein, Wade Meredith and nic Design), Paul Hough (Costume De- Haas, Sam Hall, Tyler Horseman, Mad- Keith Curtis. $10 General Admission, sign), Alex Perry (Scenic Construction), die Jurden, Jessalyn Kincaid (Blue Fairy), $8 Student with I.D., Westport Coffee William J Christie (Properties Design), Daria LeGrand, Ron Megee (Bernardo), House, 4010 Pennsylvania, www.count Steven Eubank (Asst. Choreographer), Alex Petersen (Pinocchio), Whitney Sut- erclockwisecomedy.com (Adult Fare) David Kiehl (Sound Design), Tod Bar- ton (Routabout), Brandin Tolbert, Justin nard (Percussion), Theodore Wilson Van Pelt (Ringleader), Bill Solomon (Key- E.M.U. Theatre (Bass), William J Christie (Production board, Accousic piano), Sam Wisman 10 Minute Play Festival: Aug 18-27: Stage Manager), Jan Kohl (Production (Percussion). Crew: Jeff Church (Direc- 8pm Fri-Sat; 2:30pm Sun. Stage Manager), Karianne Wagner (Stage tor), Molly Jessup (Musical Direction), Catch this season’s exciting offerings of Management Intern), Leah Bigley (Elec- Ernie Nolan (Dance Choreography), new 10-minute plays! $6 - at the door trician), Amy Brandis (Electrician), Nick Jon Cupit (Properties), Matt Hill (Proper- only, E.M.U. Theatre, Lawrence Arts Mosher (Electrician), Lee Saylor (Electri- ties), Gary Wichansky (Scenic Design), Center, [email protected] cian), Tyrone Wilson (Electrician), Den- Jen Myers Ecton (Costume Designer), (Adult Fare) nis Coffman (Sound Board Operator), Art Kent (Lighting Design), David Kiehl Ashley Beckham (Production Assistant), (Sound Designer), Jessica Secrest (Scenic Elizabeth Otto (Production Assistant), Artist), Amy Abels Owen (Production Farris Theatre Ray County Community Arts Assoc. Cecilia Rog (Production Assistant), Stage Manager), Laura Clauss (Production Li’l Abner by Norman Panama and Steven Eubank (Lighting), Diane Bulan Assistant), Cody Ross (House Manager), Melvin Frank: Aug 18-20: 7:30pm Fri- (Lighting). $34.50 every seat, every Scott Hobart (Technical Director). Adult Sat; 2pm Sun. performance, American Heartland The- tickets are $12. Youth/Student/Senior Dogpatch, USA, is in trouble! The atre, 2450 Grand Blvd, (816) 842-9999, tickets (18 or younger, full-time students, government has decided to use it as www.ahtkc.com (Adult Fare) or seniors 60 or over) are $8. Group a site to test nuclear weapons unless tickets $4.50 per person weekdays; $6 its citizens can find something neces- weekends; TARGET 2-for-1 Saturdays The Barn Players* sary about the town. This appears to during the 2005-2006 season, The Cote- The Miser by Moliere: Aug 25-Sep 3: be found when Mammy Yokum brings rie Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 144, 7:30pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. out her Yokumberry Tonic. Meanwhile, (816) 474-6552, www.coterietheatre.org Classic French Restoration Comedy about Daisy Mae’s often thwarted ambitions to (Suitable for Everyone) a cheap widower, his children and the ro- become Li’l Abner’s wife seem doomed mantic entanglements of the household. Phantom of the Musical by Ernie No- by his forced engagement. Now it is up Directed by Art Suskin. $10 for adults; lan: Aug 11-12: 7pm Fri; 2pm Sat. to Daisy Mae, Mammy and Pappy Yo- $9 for seniors and students, The Barn A Coterie Theatre Performance Class kum, and Marryin’ Sam to discover the Players, 6219 Martway, (913) 432-9100, Showcase: Students perform this original plot. Directed by Bonnie George. $10 www.thebarnplayers.org (Adult Fare) funny, musical written and directed by Er- Adults, $8 SR Students & Kids, Farris

“The reason I write, is my need to find out what I think and feel. Writing what I see, 8 KCSTAGE in a way that incorporates my reaction to what I see, helps me to live life.” ~ Amlin Gray www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 9 u Performances

Theatre, 301 West Main, (816) 776- came of age in the ‘60s gather for a Jeffrey Cady (Lighting Design), Tom 6684, www.farristheatre.com (Suitable reunion at the old Talley estate. The Mardikes (Sound Designer), Greg for Everyone) friends and family, including Sally Tal- Mackender (Composer). Fri. & Sat. per- ley, expose the shattered hopes of their formances are $32 adults, $27 seniors/ Hype7 lives including college days and the students & $25 for groups of 10+. Sum- Improv Night with Hype7: Aug 12: unhealed trauma of the Vietnam War. mer season tickets start at $64.50 for the 8pm Sat. Directed by Mark Robbins. Featur- preview run and $79.50 for the regular The Hypothetical 7 returns to West- ing David Fritts (Ken Talley, Jr.), Scott run. H&R Block City Stage, Union Sta- port for a night of improv and sketch Cordes (John Landis), Cathy Barnett tion, (816) 235-6222, www.kcactors.org comedy. $7 ($5 for students), Westport (Gwen Landis), David Jones (Jed Jen- (Suitable for Everyone) kins), Melinda McCrary (June Talley), Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania, (816) Talley’s Folly by Lanford Wilson: Jun 2- Cinnamon Schultz (June Talley), Mag- 756-3221, www.hypotheticalseven. Sep 2: 7:30pm Tue-Sat; 1pm Sat; 2pm dalene Vick (Shirley Talley), Kathleen com (Suitable for Everyone) Sun. Warfel (Sally Friedman), Ben Newman Kansas City Actors Theatre (KCAT) will (Weston Hurley). Crew: J.F. Mitchell Imago Dei* begin the trilogy with Talley’s Folly, a (Production Stage Manager), Felicia Godspell by Stephen Schwartz: Aug 24- romantic comedy set on July 4, 1944. Hardison Londre (Dramaturg), Russell 26: 7pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Sat. It has won both the 1980 Pulitzer Prize Matheny (Scenic Designer), Lindsay Broadway Musical based on the Gospel for Drama and the New York Drama W. Davis (Costume Designer), Jeffrey of Matthew Directed by Lori Lee Triplett, Critics Circle Award for Best Play. The Cady (Lighting Design), Tom Mardikes Musical Director: Michelle Reed. $12.50, play dances through one evening in the (Sound Designer), Greg Mackender $10 for groups of 4 or more, Knox Pres- courtship of two unlikely lovers, Sally (Composer). Fri. & Sat. performances byterian Church, 9595 W. 95th St., Talley and Matt Friedman. Sally is from are $32 adults, $27 seniors/students & (913) 648-2363, www.churcharts.org a conservative, small-town, wealthy fam- $25 for groups of 10+. Summer season (Suitable for Everyone) ily of bigoted Protestants, and Matt is a tickets start at $64.50 for the preview Jewish accountant, 12 years her senior. run and $79.50 for the regular run. H&R Directed by Theodore Swetz. Featuring Improv-Abilities Block City Stage, Union Station, (816) David Fritts (Matt Friedman), Jessiee Improv/Comedy Showcase: Aug 26: 235-6222, www.kcactors.org (Suitable Datino (Sally Talley). Crew: J.F. Mitch- 8pm Sat. for Everyone) Improv-Abilities, a Kansas City profes- ell (Production Stage Manager), Felicia sional comedy troupe, bases its shows on Talley and Son by Lanford Wilson: Jul Hardison Londre (Dramaturg), Russell audience suggestions, as seen on “Whose 28-Sep 1: 7:30pm Tue-Sat; 3:30pm Sat; Metheny (Scenic Designer), Lindsay Line Is It Anyway?” and shows at Second 2pm Sun. W. Davis (Costume Designer), Jeffrey City. The troupe performs all-ages shows Talley and Son occurs concurrently with Cady (Lighting Design), Tom Mardikes in addition to adults-only performances. Talley’s Folly taking a trenchant look at (Sound Designer), Greg Mackender $10, Back2Life, 7807 N. Oak Trafficway, what the rest of the Talleys are doing at (Composer). Fri. & Sat. performances (913) 871-6242, [email protected] (In- the main house while Matt and Sally are - $32 adults, $27 seniors/students & $25 tended for Children) courting in the boathouse on that fate- for groups of 10+. Summer season tick- ful July 4, 1944. The family copes with ets start at $64.50 for the preview run Superhero Showdown: Aug 5: 7:30pm the death of a son in World War II and and $79.50 for the regular run. H&R Sat. the probable dissolution of the family Block City Stage, Union Station, (816) Improv-Abilities, a Kansas City profes- business. Directed by Risa Brainin. Fea- 235-6222, www.kcactors.org (Suitable sional comedy troupe, bases its shows turing Gary Holcombe (Calvin Talley), for Everyone) on audience suggestions, as seen on Mark Robbins (Eldon Talley), Melinda “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and shows McCrary (Netta Talley), Kathleen Warfel Martin City Melodrama at Second City. The Superhero Show- (Lottie Talley), Brian Paulette (Buddy down will be a battle of the titans--capes, Tag! You’re It! by Jeanne Beechwood, Talley), David Jones (Timmy Talley), Dan Hall, and Jon Copeland: Jun 29- masks, and bulletproof hair! $10, The Jessiee Datino (Sally Talley), Cinnamon Lucky Brewgrille, 5401 Johnson Drive, Aug 3: 10am Mon-Tue, Thr; 1pm Wed. Schultz (Olive), Cathy Barnett (Viola The Video Kid is video game Champion, (913) 871-6242, [email protected] Platt), Magdalene Vick (Avalaine Platt), (Intended for Children) but on his way to setting a new-all time Scott Cordes (Harley Campbell), Ben record score, when Glenda the Fairy- Newman (Emmet Young). Crew: J.F. Game-Mother appears on the scene Kansas City Actors Theatre Mitchell (Production Stage Manager), to take the Video Kid on an adventure 5th of July by Lanford Wilson: Jun 23- Felicia Hardison Londre (Dramaturg), through the games of yesteryear! Filled Sep 3: 7:30pm Tue-Sat; 2pm Sun. Russell Metheny (Scenic Designer), with wacky Martin City Melodrama hu- 5th of July jumps more than 30 years Lindsay W. Davis (Costume Designer), to 1977 where a group of friends who Continued on page 12

8 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 9 *Affiliate Theatre KCSTAGE AUGUST 2006 31 01 04 05 06 Tag! You’re It! • Martin City Melodrama Disney’s Geppetto & Son • The Coterie Theatre* Bye Bye Birdie • The Theatre in the Park Bye Bye Birdie • The Theatre in the Park Bye Bye Birdie • The Theatre in the Park Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Disney’s Geppetto & Son • The Coterie Theatre* Disney’s Geppetto & Son • The Coterie Theatre* Disney’s Geppetto & Son • The Coterie Theatre* Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Tag! You’re It! • Martin City Melodrama Hold Up on Dead Man’s Creek • The Mystery Train 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Hold Up on Dead Man’s Creek • The Mystery Train The Shape of Things • Wyandotte Players The Prince and the Pauper • Union Station Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Talley and Son • Kansas City Actors Theatre The Shape of Things • Wyandotte Players The Prince and the Pauper • Union Station 02 03 Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre The Shape of Things • Wyandotte Players Disney’s Geppetto & Son • The Coterie Theatre* Bye Bye Birdie • The Theatre in the Park Superhero Showdown • Improv-Abilities Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Disney’s Geppetto & Son • The Coterie Theatre* 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Hold Up on Dead Man’s Creek • The Mystery Train Tag! You’re It! • Martin City Melodrama Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre The Prince and the Pauper • Union Station Tag! You’re It! • Martin City Melodrama Talley and Son • Kansas City Actors Theatre

07 08 11 12 13 No Performances Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Hold Up on Dead Man’s Creek • The Mystery Train Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre Hold Up on Dead Man’s Creek • The Mystery Train Improv Night with Hype7 • Hype7 Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Phantom of the Musical • The Coterie Theatre* Phantom of the Musical • The Coterie Theatre* 09 10 South Pacific • River City Community Players South Pacific • River City Community Players Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Talley and Son • Kansas City Actors Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre Hold Up on Dead Man’s Creek • The Mystery Train Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre

14 15 18 19 20 No Performances Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant The Debut Show! • CounterClockwise Comedy Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Hold Up on Dead Man’s Creek • The Mystery Train Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Li’l Abner • Farris Theatre Hold Up on Dead Man’s Creek • The Mystery Train Li’l Abner • Farris Theatre Rent • Starlight Theatre Association Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Li’l Abner • Farris Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Rent • Starlight Theatre Association Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Rent • Starlight Theatre Association South Pacific • River City Community Players Rent • Starlight Theatre Association South Pacific • River City Community Players Talley and Son • Kansas City Actors Theatre South Pacific • River City Community Players 10 Minute Play Festival • E.M.U. Theatre 10 Minute Play Festival • E.M.U. Theatre Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre 10 Minute Play Festival • E.M.U. Theatre

16 17 Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Hold Up on Dead Man’s Creek • The Mystery Train Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Rent • Starlight Theatre Association Rent • Starlight Theatre Association Talley and Son • Kansas City Actors Theatre *Affiliate Theatre KCSTAGE AUGUST 2006

21 22 25 26 27 Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant 10 Minute Play Festival • E.M.U. Theatre Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Ghost Train • The Mystery Train Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Talley and Son • Kansas City Actors Theatre Godspell • Imago Dei* Ghost Train • The Mystery Train Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre I Do! I Do! • The Super Group Godspell • Imago Dei* The Miser • The Barn Players* Iphyemya • Rockhurst High School I Do! I Do! • The Super Group 10 Minute Play Festival • E.M.U. Theatre 23 24 Jason Robert Brown In Revue • Thin Air Theatrics* Improv/Comedy Showcase • Improv-Abilities Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Fiddler on the Roof • New Theatre Restaurant Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Iphyemya • Rockhurst High School Iphyemya • Rockhurst High School Godspell • Imago Dei* The Miser • The Barn Players* Jason Robert Brown In Revue • Thin Air Theatrics* Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Iphyemya • Rockhurst High School South Pacific • River City Community Players Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Talley and Son • Kansas City Actors Theatre Jason Robert Brown In Revue • Thin Air Theatrics* Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre The Miser • The Barn Players* Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre 10 Minute Play Festival • E.M.U. Theatre South Pacific • River City Community Players Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre

AUDITIONS 29 01 02 03 Jun 11-Aug 6 • CenterStage Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Ghost Train • The Mystery Train Ghost Train • The Mystery Train 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Aug 5-6 • Olathe Community Theatre Association Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre I Do! I Do! • The Super Group I Do! I Do! • The Super Group I Do! I Do! • The Super Group Aug 7-8 • Lawrence Community Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Aug 12 • Rainbow’s End Theatre Talley and Son • Kansas City Actors Theatre Talley’s Folly • Kansas City Actors Theatre The Miser • The Barn Players* Aug 18 • Improv-Abilities The Miser • The Barn Players* The Miser • The Barn Players* Aug 23 • Park University Aug 23-26 • Rockhurst High School Aug 26-27 • Eubank Productions Sep 9 • Leavenwroth Players Sep 9 • Wordsinger Productions Sep 11-12 • River City Community Players 30 31 5th of July • Kansas City Actors Theatre Ghost Train • The Mystery Train Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre I Do! I Do! • The Super Group Menopause The Musical • American Heartland Theatre Talley and Son • Kansas City Actors Theatre

*Affiliate Theatres offer discount tickets to members of KC Stage. Display your membership card at the box office or mention it when ordering tickets over the phone. For a list of discounts and other offers, visit www.kcstage.com. Don’t forget to rate the show you see online! u Performances continued from page 9 mor and catchy songs, this original tale ish village in Russia. The story revolves home.kc.rr.com/oneactor/rccp.htm teaches the Video Kid, along with his around the dairyman Tevye and his at- (Suitable for Everyone) best friend Charles and little sister Kasey tempts to preserve his family’s traditions a lesson about teamwork when they in the face of a changing world. It’s a Rockhurst HS must work together to get home! Res- story rich in faith, love and family. With Iphyemya: Aug 23-26: 7:30pm Wed-Sat. ervations essential! Directed by Jeanne show-stopping tunes such as If I Were a This true Greek tragedy will kick Beechwood. Featuring Clint Griffey Rich Man, Matchmaker, Matchmaker, off our Rockhurst Theatre Season. (The Video Kid), Jeanne Beechwood Sunrise, Sunset, To Life. Fiddler on the Directed by Mr. Bill Murphy. $6/ (Mother, Glenda the Game-Fairy), Cas- Roof is guaranteed to be a joyful, sell- students; $8/adults, Rockhurst HS, sandra Palmer Beechwood-Hall (Kasey), out success! Directed by Richard Car- 9301 State Line Road, (816) 363-2036, Jon Copeland (Charles). $3.99, Martin rothers. Featuring Neal Benari (Tevye). rockhursthighschool.edu. Click on City Melodrama & Vaudeville Com- $24.95-$47.95, New Theatre Restau- sports and events, click on theatre web pany, 9601 Metcalf, (913) 642-7576, rant, 9229 Foster, (913) 649-SHOW, page (Suitable for Everyone) martincitymelodrama.org (Intended for www.newtheatre.com (Adult Fare) Children) Starlight Theatre Assoc. Rent: Aug 15-Aug 20: The Mystery Train 8:30pm Tue-Sun. JOHNSON Ghost Train by Wendy Rent celebrates a communi-

Thompson: Aug 25-Oct 28: KENNY ty of young artists struggling 7pm Thr-Sat. with the soaring hopes and A coincidental meeting on tough realities of today’s the train reveals a mysteri- world. Take a journey ous, unsolved murder from with a group of New York the past. Will the passengers City East Villagers, grap- on the train help the victim’s pling with everything from ghost reveal the killer before paying the rent on time to he strikes again? $49-$59, being ripped apart by love, The Mystery Train, Hereford drugs, AIDS and death. House, (816) 813-9654, Rent shows that even in the (Adult Fare) midst of adversity, love and Hold Up on Dead Man’s hope can thrive. Rent con- Creek by Wendy Thomp- tains mature themes and son: Jun 16-Aug 19: 7pm adult language. For tickets, Thr-Sat. visit www.kcstarlight.com Hold Up on Dead Man’s or call (816) 363-STAR Creek Nearly-famous train Laurie Arbore and Nathan Granner star in The Super Group’s I Do! I Do! at The (7827). $9 - $70, Starlight Carlsen Center Aug 25-Sep 10. Photo by Kenny Johnson. robbers conspire to stop Theatre, 4600 Starlight the westbound train, but a Road, (816) 363-7827, double-cross and a murder throw the River City Community Players www.kcstarlight.com (Adult Fare) plans off track! Is it a case of mistaken South Pacific by Richard Rogers & identity? When a rich merchant dies, he Oscar Hammerstein II: Aug 11-26: 8pm The Super Group, LLC takes an important secret with him. Will Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. I Do! I Do! -- A Musical About Mar- the killer be discovered and the truth Classic American Musical about Nel- riage by Harvey Schmidt and Tom revealed when the train stops... on the lie Forbush in the South Pacific dur- Jones: Aug 25-Sep 10: 8pm Fri-Sat; edge of Dead Man’s Creek? Directed ing World War Two. Great songs like 7:30pm Thr; 2pm Sun. by Wendy Thompson. $49-$59, The Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Join the party at this FUN show the Mystery Train, Hereford House, (816) Hair, Bali Hai, There is Nothing Like A FAMILY can enjoy! I Do! I Do! is a two- 813-9654, (Adult Fare) Dame, and Some Enchanted Evening. person musical, beginning with Michael Directed by Richard Bayse. Adults $8, and Agnes on their wedding day and New Theatre Restaurant Children 12 and under $4, $7 for sr. tracing their life together over 50 years— Fiddler On The Roof by Joseph Stein, citizens (60 & older), students (with through wedding night jitters, raising a music by Jerry Block, lyrics by Sheldon ID) and groups of 10 or more. Leaven- family, mid-life crises and growing old. Harnick: Jun 22-Aug 27: 6pm Sun-Sat, . worth Performing Arts Center, Historic I Do! I Do! is cleverly written, with a Set in 1905, Fiddler On The Roof Hollywood Theater, (913) 682-7557, delightful score! Michael and Agnes takes place in Anatevka, a small Jew- are played by ‘American Tenor’ Nathan

12 KCSTAGE “Is there a good argument going on? It all starts with a fight... a disagreement.” ~ John Guare www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 13 u Performances u Spotlight on David Fritts continued from page 5 Granner and Irene Ryan nominee Laurie New World”, “Parade”, and “The Last says a couple of times. It’s so Arbore, performers who met in school Five Years”. The cast of six will also different for him because it’s so and are married in real life. Directed by feature some new favorites from his Scott Stackhouse; Musical Direction by recent albums, Lauren Kennedy: Songs sweet and there’s usually some Wayne Hawkins. Yardley performances of Jason Robert Brown and Wearing dark element in his plays. And $23--$50; Polsky performances $28 and Someone Else’s Clothes. Directed by this one of course has World $32. The Carlsen Center [1st two shows Rick Truman. Featuring Lauren Braton, War Two in the background, in Yardley Hall; all others in Polsky The- Sarah Mae McElroy, Robert McNich- atre], 12345 College Blvd., (913) 469- ols, Kelly McNichols, Travis Murray, there are all these terrible things 4445, www.idoidoKC.com (Suitable for Justin Van Pelt. Crew: Daniel A. Doss that have happened to people, Everyone) (Piano). $20 (Adults) ; $15 (Students but they deal with that, they and Equity Discount) Reserve tickets purge that in a sense. What online at www.thinairtheatrics.com or The Theatre in the Park does Sally do? She cares for Bye Bye Birdie by Lee Adams, Michael call 816-421-1700 to purchase over Stewart, and Charles Strouse: Jul 28- the phone., Quality Hill Playhouse, the wounded, and Matt is one Aug 6: 8:30pm Thr-Sun. 303 W. 10th Street, (816) 421-1700, of Sally’s wounded. It’s such a The plot revolves around rock and roll www.thinairtheatrics.com (Adult Fare) positive message, it’s a bit at superstar Conrad Birdie and the compli- odds with some of his other cations that arise when his agent stages Union Station a publicity stunt on The Ed Sullivan Theatre for Young America students plays that, like I said, have a bit Show in which he will kiss one lucky The Prince and the Pauper: Aug 3-5: of a darker element. girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio before be- 10am, 12pm Thr-Fri; 2pm Sat. ME: Have you sat in on the ing drafted into the army Directed by $5, H & R Block City Stage, Union Station, other rehearsals for the other Jay Coombes. $6 Adults, $4 Children, (816) 460-2020, www.unionstation.org age 3 and under free, The Theatre in the (Intended for Children) two plays? Park, 7710 Renner Rd, (913) 312-8841, David: I have not, just because www.theatreinthepark.org (Suitable for Wyandotte Players of our schedule; I haven’t been Everyone) The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute: Jul able to. I actually thought about 28-Aug 6: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2:30pm Sun. this week going in and sitting Thin Air Theatrics* Directed by Matthew Hentges. $10 gen- Jason Robert Brown In Revue: Aug 24- eral admission, $8 for Seniors and Stu- in on Fifth of July, but they’re in 26: 8pm Thr-Sat. dents, Performing Arts Center, Kansas the process of making the sau- An evening in tribute to musical the- City Kansas Community College, (913) sage as it were. atre composer, Jason Robert Brown, 449-2301, www.wyandotteplayers.com Have they seen your pro- featuring songs from his shows of the (Adult Fare) R ME: last decade including “Songs for a duction? David: I think most of them have seen it, yeah; a lot of them came opening night. ME: Do you think that will affect what they do with their parts? David: Well it might, I don’t know. Kathleen, who’s playing the older Sally in Fifth of July, came in to see a couple rehearsals; she’s also playing Aunt Lottie in Tally in Son. One of the great things about this whole process has been having all three of those plays. Continued on page 16

12 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 13 Film Clips u The Trail Goes West by Larry F. Levenson • [email protected] continued from page 1 Tara Veneruso, Flaming Angel Films on display at Heartland Regional On August 18-20, the festival in Los Angeles, directed a commer- Medical Center. Past winners of spreads out over the entire Civic cial in St. Joseph for Missouri West- the contest have their art on dis- Center Park in downtown St. ern State University. St. Joesph and play in local businesses in the Art Joseph, and is an all-volunteer KC cast and crews were used. for Business’ Sake program. operation. “The big thing is,” Linda Wiedmaier, Babes in Boyland And then there’s Trails West! Fankhauser says, “that this is Productions, held auditions for the In its fourteenth year, the free truly volunteer driven. We have short movie, Trio to be shot in KC. annual arts festival is the chief a steering committee of thirty- CrossWalk America came through calling card of the Allied Arts plus people who each have Kansas and into Missouri. Creatista, Council, and easily the largest their own area of responsibility. from Tuscon, AZ, spent a few days in festival in northwest Missouri. Without that, this festival simply KC shooting footage for a documen- tary about the Christian walkers. Last year’s estimate had the wouldn’t happen.” Committees crowd at 85,000. Fankhauser de- of volunteers are formed, with Shannan Keenan’s script, Trail scribes it in broad strokes: “It’s an the chairs of each committee End won the Spirit of Moondance award at the Moondance Film arts festival, where we celebrate forming a steering committee Festival in Hollywood. Shannan the visual, performance, literary, that keeps things organized. directed the movie shot in western and – I like to say – culinary arts, Each chair is responsible for Kansas earlier this summer. Visit because we have lots of good gathering volunteers to help www.justhank.com for details. food.” Vendors, artists, crafters, with the festival – from securing The Horror Channel will release and performers come from all performers to stage crew to the online series and DVD of over the country to participate decorations to clean-up. Many Shadow Falls directed by Kend- after having passed an adjudica- of the volunteers return year af- all Sinn and produced by Sally tion process. This year’s theme is ter year to support the festival, Cummings. The series was shot in “Crossroads of a Nation”, com- which has the added bonus of various locations around the state memorating St. Joseph’s role as keeping costs down. of Kansas with local cast and crew. Go to www.horrorchannel.com or stepping-off point on the Cali- Paying for the festival is done www.gunnpark.com for information. fornia-Oregon Trail. with money from two sources: We mourn the death of Roland Schlotzhauer, Lenexa cinematogra- pher and 1st assistant cameraman. Roland was shooting aerial footage for the movie The Final Season when the helicopter in which he was riding crashed. Unknown Films is looking for a male and female actor for a hotel Internet virtual tour in Springfield. Contact Nathan at unknownfilms@sbcglobal. net for details. Locations were secured in Lawrence and KC for a Toyota Yaris promotion this fall. The feature Rigged resumed shooting in the KC area. Extras were needed for the crowds in large fight scenes. R

“Never an idea, never, never, never has an idea led to a play. Every inspiration, every seminal image for a play has been something I’ve 14 KCSTAGE seen on the streets, something I’ve read in a newspaper, a story that was told to me, always an event external to myself.” ~ Athol Fugard www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 15 u The Trail Goes West

sponsors and donations. It’s always a struggle Performances on the main stage are divided to keep the festival affordable, Fankhauser says, by genre: jazz on Friday, rock on Saturday, and mainly depending on the economy. Sponsors for country on Sunday. This year’s performers in- the festival are usually local businesses. “It varies clude St. Louis native jazz drummer Dave Weckl, from year to year. It’s really a matter of what’s go- who will also be conducting a clinic at 1pm Fri- ing on with the economy. Obviously, we took some day afternoon at Missouri Western. It’s the first hits a few years back when we had several busi- time a headliner has been available for an edu- nesses close. We’ve had some other things come in cational appearance as well, and Fankhauser is that have helped out. Last year was a great year. We very excited about it. “Dave, besides being an were able to get a lot of sponsorships. Hopefully, incredible musician, is also a teacher, and loves we’ll have a good year again this year.” encouraging students.” The other funding—from donations—comes in Saturday’s rock headliners are Gary Puckett the form of revenue generated by selling five-dol- (from the Union Gap Band) and B.J. Thomas, with lar commemorative buttons. Fankhauser says, “We country artists Trent Tomlinson and Keith An- want people to come to the festival. We want to derson taking the stage Sunday. Along with vari- make it affordable for everyone. And that’s why we ous performers on each of three other side stages, strongly suggest that everyone purchase a button. there’s always something going on. Featured per- At some point, it may be that we will have to charge formances will include the Missoula Children’s for the festival, because expenses keep rising.” But Theater performing “Beauty Lou and the County for the foreseeable future, the festival stays free. Beast”, Kansas City’s Fair Based Productions de- livering a melodrama, and several bands from around the region. “It is a wonderful experience, to have all of the different arts in one area, and a lot of great food,” enthuses Fankhauser. This year’s performances will also be one for the history books, as the festival revives an early feature: the “Living Legends”, which will feature prominent elder statesmen and public figures discussing the history of St. Joseph. All of these discussions will be recorded for posterity, pre- serving a piece of history for future generations. With so much to do, what’s the favorite? “It really depends on where your interests lie,” Fankhauser muses. “We have incredible visual artists that come every year. This year, we have around thirty visual artists from all over the country. We do have some out of the Kansas City area coming up.” Add to that the twenty-eight or so crafters, all the artists, the stage performers, re-enactors, musicians, roaming characters, and the hundreds of volunteers, and you get a festival like no other in the entire region. R For more information on the Trails West! festival, check out the Allied Arts Council’s web site: www.stjoearts.org.

14 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 15 uSpotlight on David Fritts Continued from page 13

We had so much fun, in journey would have been like very logical mind. But I think rehearsals reading the other around Europe. you look for a good story, in- plays on our own. They talk One of the great things about teresting people, where they’re about Matt a lot in Fifth of July, the rehearsal process is that we coming from, what happens. so it just gives you some great would all go off and do our own All is conflict, I want something stuff in there about him. Older research and then bring it in the from you, you don’t want to Sally says, “I don’t know why next day and all sit around and give it to me, how do we clash? he came back down, here ev- talk about it. I’ve always been a How I try to get what I want, erybody hated him,” but when pretty strong believer that the how do you try not to give me they came back down every playwright gives you what you what I want, how do try to get summer and he would go fish- need. I’ve never been a real big what you want from me? ing, he didn’t fish, he didn’t one for going back and mak- ME: This role is a dream for that want the responsibility of catch- ing up what I had for breakfast because you are so relentlessly ing a fish, he didn’t even bait every morning before I came pursuing her. his hook. He’d just go down to the boathouse, because if David: Yes, and he has so many there and sit in the rain and the playwright wanted you to different ways to do that - he laugh, and everybody thought know, he would have told you. clowns, he tells stories, he tries he was crazy. But everybody Sometimes you need to make to remind her about last sum- in the family talks about how up some prior action. One of mer when they first met, what much they loved him, the the great things about this play a great time they had together, younger generation more than and also having the other two how much they meant to each the older generation, because in plays is that he did the research other, he has so many different Tally & Son, of course, they all for you, he tells you what hap- tactics to get her to break down hate him. pened a year before that, he that wall, because he knows ME: This character is a Lithua- tells you what happens up at there’s some secret. nian Jewish accountant; do you the house right before Sally ME: I had seen the play a long have anything at all in common comes down, and at the end of time ago, but I had forgotten with this character? Tally & Son, of course she comes some things, and when the end David: No. I hate accounting, I back in to pack her bags to go comes, I was glad I kind of forgot, took it in college and I hated it. away with Matt. because it was such a great emo- One side of my family is Swiss, ME: When you first read the tional moment, a great payoff. and the other side we never re- play, or when you read any David: Once he tells his story, ally found out. play, what do you look for in and once she tells her story, ME: How did you research the the play as an actor to get you then there’s nothing to stand up role? Did you look at history, started, or what do you look for between them. the Holocaust? in a character that makes you ME: In Talley’s Folly, I was root- David: Well I had in the past. want to play that role? ing for your characters to get I’m kind of a history buff, so David: I think it’s so much fun together. You made us really I had read a lot about the Ho- to play such intelligent people, care about what happened in locaust and about World War they have a better vocabulary; the end. One and World War Two, so he chooses his words very care- David: That’s great! That’s good I knew a lot of that stuff. I did fully, for someone with English to hear, as far as the structure of go back and do some research being a second of third language the plays goes that may be why on where the cities were that for him. He’s someone who is he has Matt come out at the be- he talks about and what their very rational, someone with a ginning and enlist the audience

“A play can feel too long because of three lines. You try and hold things to a point of maximum tension, 16 KCSTAGE if you miscalculate you lose the tension in a moment, as though a piece of elastic has snapped.” ~ Tom Stoppard www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 17 uSpotlight on David Fritts

to help, he says, “this is a waltz, much anything. Some actors how disgusting can we make I need all the help I can get.” limit themselves by saying these people. There was no real ME: What’s you’re favorite type “well, I’m not really that type” story to it, and I had to say I of role to play? You’ve played a or “I don’t know if I can really don’t want to go there. lot of different types, play that” or “well, I can’t play ME: How did you get into the- David: Well, when they talked that character because that’s atre in the first place? to me about doing Matt, I actual- a nasty character and people David: I started a little bit when ly felt like that after I had reread will think that is me” which I I was a kid. The church that I the play a couple of times. Cer- think is nonsense. That’s one went to, they used to do pro- tain roles come to you at certain of the joys of being an actor. ductions, and when I was about times in your life, and this role I mean, the year I played Roy five or six years old, I was one of is a perfect time for me, where Cohn in Angels in America at the the guys in the band for The Mu- I am as an actor and where I am Unicorn, who’s about as evil a sic Man. Then I did some stuff as a person, it just spoke to me. character as you can get, and in grade school, and then when I’ve had the opportunity over that fall then I did Bob Cratchit I got to junior high I started do- the years to play various roles at in A Christmas Carol, so I got to ing plays, and then high school times in my life that have been go from playing the Devil to I did plays and forensics tour- very meaningful for me. I have playing pretty much an angel, naments - and I always loved gotten to do a wide range; I it was great, I loved it! doing it, and I never wanted to don’t know how people think of ME: Do you have a specific be one of those people who said, me when I go in for auditions or dream role that someday you’re “oh yes I’m an actor” and then anything. I don’t know that they planning on either playing, or not be very good at it. think I can do or what I can’t do. producing, or finding someone It took me a long time to I have to feel like as an actor that to direct you in? come to grips with. “Could I I can do pretty much anything David: I have a few; actu- do this, am I good enough to do because you can’t close yourself ally I’ve always wanted to play this?”, so I did a lot of theatre in off to things that may come up. George in Who’s Afraid of Vir- college, but I wasn’t a major. I I think the term ‘character actor’ ginia Woolf? I’m not quite old majored in English Lit. has been used in a way that is enough for it yet. I’ve always ME: Do you write? pejorative, it sounds like “well wanted to play Iago in Othello, David: I haven’t written any- he can play the funny roles” or another great evil role. Brick in thing in a long time. I used to. “he can play the sidekicks,” but Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, but I think Again, I was so critical of what I to me a character actor is just an I’m a little old for that. You wrote that it was like, “if I can’t actor. I love that some people have to be realistic about what write better than that, I don’t come up to you at the grocery you can do, too. know if I want to do it.” store or whatever and say “are ME: Have you ever turned I’ve always liked to read, I’ve you so & so?” down a role? always loved history, and so a ME: The guy in the Price Chop- David: Rarely, but I have. There lot of that stuff plays into being per commercial! Why isn’t he was a play years ago, I won’t an actor. shopping at Price Chopper? name the theatre, I read the ME: What are your favorite au- David: Yeah, well, I get that all play and I just hated it, it was so thors? Classical, modern? the time, they ran that commer- dark. It was about this junkie, I David: Both. I love Earnest cial forever! That’s a good day didn’t see any kind of redeem- Hemingway; he’s one of my gig, but I think as an actor you ing value in it. It didn’t have favorites. The thing I always should be able to play pretty anything to say, it was just like Continued on page 18

16 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 17 u Spotlight on David Fritts u CounterClockwise Comedy continued from page 17 continued from page 2 loved about him is he says so up onstage and be a part of this We’re exploring what’s funny much with so little. We always community? with our audiences in a vari- talk about in the theatre - less is David: Yeah, I think it would be ety of ways. We’re doing ev- more. I was particularly struck really hard for me if I didn’t do erything from improv to short by some of his short stories, it anymore. form to long form, a little stand- how much is there, and I know ME: What would be your sec- up, and maybe eventually some he worked and worked to pare ond choice? performance art. it down. He’s got a short story David: Probably teaching or Egan: And you have your first called “A Very Short Story” directing. real show coming up when? which is about a page and a ME: What would you like to Wallerstein: We’re really look- half long and it’s just brilliant, direct? ing forward to getting in front it’s like this huge whole story David: I don’t think that I of an audience and seeing what in about a page and a half. I like have anything specifically in they think of our show. It’s a John Updike a lot. I haven’t been mind that I’m dying to direct, test piece for now to see how able to read that much lately but I love classic plays. I think people will react, but we’re with my schedule, and I have a there’s a reason that they’re pretty confident it’s funny. five-year-old son now, too. classic - Arthur Miller, Tennes- Egan: So you’re going to do ME: Do you think you’ll encour- see Williams, Eugene O’Neill, your first show, run it up the age him to get into theatre? Shakespeare - there is a reason flagpole and see who salutes it, David: NO. I mean if he wants people still do those plays. if you will. What happens then? to do it, yeah I will. They’re universal; they speak to Will you look toward expand- ME: If he wants to, what will something universal in all of us ing the troupe beyond the three you say to him? that still resonates. I had such a founding members? David: I’ll try to tell him how great time doing Much Ado out Curtis: The three of us work real- hard it is to do, and what it’s in the park last summer. It’s ly well together, and we like that all about. It’s an old cliché, but basically a love story, but it’s the troupe is small. I think we’ll when I talk to high schools, four hundred some years old; eventually open it up a little and I always tell the students if people laugh, people follow it, invite a guest artist or two to per- there’s anything else you have people want these people to get form with us. Given what we do, to do then do that. You have together. R though, we have to keep it small. to be snake-bit, in a sense, you The Talley Trilogy runs through And we want it to stay really in- have to be sort of touched in the Sep 3 at Union Station. There are a timate for our audiences. head. few festival days where you can see Egan: You’ve said that you’re ME: Do you have to act or you’ll all three. Check www.kcactors.org looking to change the face of just be miserable if you can’t get for more details. comedy in Kansas City, that you want to ‘come at them from a different direction.’ What is that direction? Where would you like to see comedy in Kan- sas City go? Curtis: Right now, people go to Chicago to do improv or sketch comedy. We want people to come here to do improv. There are great performers here and a

“Movies are basically about plot. They’re about the structure of incidents, one incident causing the next to happen. A play doesn’t have to be 18 KCSTAGE that. It has to have a plot as some sort of spine, but the spine can be very simple: two guys waiting for Godot to show up.” ~ David Mamet www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 19 u CounterClockwise Comedy

lot of potential. We share the vision with The City Curtis: It’s true. A lot of groups have their specific 3 Project that Kansas City can be an improv com- audiences and don’t want to share. munity as opposed to having fragmented troupes. Meredith: Everyone wants to do something small Making a community is a big deal and a lot of for 60 people this weekend rather than something work. CCC sees itself inside a comedy commu- big for the community. That’s what we want to nity, working with guest players, directors, and do, make it a great place for talent to come here to people from both the theatre and comedy arenas. perform rather than constantly exporting our best But first we have to get through this show. people to Chicago. Wallerstein: I guess what we’re saying is that Egan: So how do you go about that? right now there is a performing arts community Wallerstein: As we’re getting CCC on its feet, but there isn’t really a comedy community. It’s a we’re all working on the Kansas City Improv bunch of troupes doing their own thing all over Festival, which is produced by The City 3 Proj- the city, which is great for getting in front of audi- ect. We’re all on the board. It’s been going on ences and introducing different forms of comedy for seven years, and we’re really excited to be and making people laugh, which is what it’s all working with them. This year’s festival will be a about. But no one is sharing. There isn’t a com- three-weekend progression of high school work- mon vision for how great Kansas City could be if shops and performances, then a weekend of local we worked together. It’s interesting because a lot troupes performing and doing workshops, then of troupes share players, but not a real want or culminating in a weekend with national acts. It’s need to create a Kansas City improv community. really exciting for Kansas City, and we’re really happy to be invited to be part of it. This festival gives Kansas City an improv identity that a lot of other places don’t have. R CounterClockwise Comedy makes its public de- but on August 19, 7:30 and 10pm at the Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania. Tickets are available at the door: $10 for adults and $8 for students with valid ID. For more information, see www. counterclockwisecomedy.com.

Click! www.theauditiondatabase.com

If you’re ready to head out into the world to make a name for yourself in the land of theatre, your first step will be hunt- ing down those pesky auditions so you can get yourself cast for greatness. Not all cities have something as handy as KC Stage for finding acting opportunities, which is why you might want to start your journey with the Audition Database. It lets you search for auditions all over the country by state, age, or gender. It’s not just for up-and-coming Olivier’s either, offering search categories such as dancer, model, musician, singer, or even cheerleader. Want to break into reality TV? It could happen here too. Even though the Audition Database is only a few months old, there are already thousands of audition list- ings posted, including a few here in the Kansas City area. So brush up on those audition monologues and show the world what you’re made of. – Bryan Colley

18 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 19 Auditions

CenterStage Theatre (816) 224-3004 for an appointment. Lawrence Community Theatre West Side Story by Arthur Laurents, lyrics Callbacks will be held Monday, Aug Chaps! by Jahnna Beecham and by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard 28 at 7pm. Rehearsals begin Sep 4. Malcolm Hillgartner: Aug 7-8: 7pm Bernstein: Jun 11-Aug 6: 6:30pm Sun. Previews begin Oct 10. The show runs Mon-Tue. The world’s greatest love story takes to Oct 13-31 (with a possible extension Join us at a 1944 BBC radio studio pre- the streets in this landmark Broadway through Nov 4) at the Late Night The- paring to welcome “America’s Singing musical that is one of the theatre’s fin- atre. Performers will be paid a stipend Cowboys.” How will the proper British est accomplishments. Shakespeare’s for rehearsals and performances. Di- cope with the no-shows? “Cool Water,” Romeo and Juliet is transported to mod- rected by Steven Eubank and Jeff Mace. “Tumblin’ Tumbleweed” and “Sioux city ern-day New York City, as two young Please prepare a brief, stylized comedic Sue” will never sound the same again as idealistic lovers find themselves caught monologue and 32 bars of an up-tempo we enjoy classic cowboy music - with a between warring street gangs. Their rock song. Bring sheet music in your hilarious British twist! Directed by Mary struggle to survive in a world of hate, key or an accompaniment CD. Bring Doveton, Director and Judy Heller, Mu- violence and prejudice is one of the picture/résumé stapled together. Send sic Director. Five men and one woman most innovative, heart-wrenching and an email to [email protected] for needed. Variety of voice ranges. Please relevant musical dramas of our time. a detailed character breakdown. (816) prepare a short song. Scripts available at Directed by Mark Swezey. The roles of 224-3004, www.planetkc.com/eubank front office weekdays from 9am-Noon Tony and Maria have already been cast. and 1-5 p.m. A $10 refundable deposit Looking for actors that can sing and Improv-Abilities (PROFESSIONAL) is required. Auditions will take place dance. There are also 4 Adult Character Improv-Abilities Troupe Members: Aug at the LCT from 7-9pm. Please enter roles. Please prepare 16 measures of 18: 2pm Fri. through the side entrance facing the music from a musical theatre selection. The audition will consist primarily of school. Rehearsals are generally from All should be prepared to go through learning and playing improv games, 7-10pm Sun-Thu. Performance dates are a dance audition. Callbacks take place and performing in improv scenes. No September 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, Oct. Aug 13, Sun at 2pm. Performances preparation is necessary. Auditions 1, 5, 6, 7, 8. Lawrence Community The- take place Oct 28, 29, Nov 1, 2, 4, 5, will take place on Saturday, Aug 18 atre, 1501 New Hampshire St., (785) and 12. The Lewis and Shirley White at 2 p.m. at the troupe’s most regular 843-7469, theatre.lawrence.com Theatre, on the campus of The JCC of performance space, The Lucky Brew- Greater Kansas City, (913) 327-8074, grille, 5401 Johnson Drive in Mission, Leavenworth Players (PROFESSIONAL) www.jcckc.org/arts.html Kansas. Please reserve a space by Murder at Madam Conundrum’s or emailing [email protected] and/or Ghost Who’s Coming to Dinner by Eubank Productions (PROFESSIONAL) [email protected], or by calling Gregory J. Marino: Sep 9: 1pm Sat. Dancer Call - The Rocky Horror Show (913) 871-6242. Diversity is welcomed. We are seeking talented actors with im- by Richard O’Brien: Aug 26-27: 12pm Directed by Aron Carlson, Tim Marks, prov chops. You should have an ability Sat; 7:30pm Sun. guest director Trish Berrong. Featuring to get off-book quickly and work inde- Seeking 2 male and 2 female dancers. Improv-Abilities, a professional improv pendently. In addition, you should have Please call (816) 224-3004 to indicate comedy troupe since 2000, is holding the ability to function in accordance an interest. Callbacks will be held auditions for new members. Impro- with professional standards. Auditions Monday, Aug 28 at 7pm. Rehearsals visation experience is not necessary, will consist of cold readings of sides. begin Sep 4. Previews begin Oct 10. but a fun attitude is. The group holds No monologues will be heard. Please The show runs Oct 13-31 (with a pos- its rehearsals/workshops on weekday be in the space prior to 1 p.m., as the sible extension through Nov 4) at the evenings five to six times a month. We director has some remarks he wishes to Late Night Theatre. Performers will be currently perform 2-4 times per month, share with all auditioners. Directed by paid a stipend for rehearsals and per- in public and private shows, in groups Gregory J. Marino. Leavenworth Public formances. Directed by Steven Eubank of 3 to 7. We do all-ages and adults- Library, 417 Spruce, (913) 758-0805, and Jeff Mace. Please come warmed up only shows, and occasionally perform [email protected] and prepared to learn a dance combina- sketches in addition to improvising. The tion. You may be asked to sing. Bring Lucky Brewgrille, 5401 Johnson Drive, The Mystery Train (PROFESSIONAL) picture/résumé stapled together. (816) (913) 871-6242, [email protected] Ghost Train by Wendy Thompson: Aug 224-3004, www.planetkc.com/eubank 6-7: 5pm Mon; 1pm Sun. Principal Auditions - The Rocky Horror A coincidental meeting on the train Show by Richard O’Brien: Aug 27-28: reveals a mysterious, unsolved murder 5pm Mon; 5:30pm Sun. from the past. Will the victim’s ghost Seeking 5 male and 3 female actors/ reveal the killer before he strikes again? singers who move well. Please call Auditions for The Mystery Train will be

“The point comes when the ship has a bow and the stern and sides and a deck. 20 KCSTAGE So you launch it. And it either sinks without a trace, or it floats.” ~ Arthur Miller www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 21 u Auditions

held Aug 6 from 1 to 5 pm; and Aug 7 underpants to fall to the ground at a pa- Rockhurst HS from 5 to 9 pm by appointment only. rade for the king. Theo frets that he and Iphyemya: Aug 23-26: 7:30pm Wed- Seeking three actors (2 female, 1 male) Louise will be financially ruined and Sat. for interactive murder mystery comedy. become social outcasts from the inevi- This true Greek tragedy will kick off Show opens Aug 25 and runs through table scandal. But before long, besotted our Rockhurst Theatre Season. Di- Oct 28, with performances Thurs, men appear at Maske’s door to rent a rected by Mr. Bill Murphy. Rockhurst Fri, and Sat. There is pay. For more room and, unnoticed by the proprietor, HS, 9301 State Line Road, (816) 363- information and to make an appoint- to seduce his wife. Directed by mar- 2036, rockhursthighschool.edu. Click ment, call 816-813-9654. The Mystery sha m. morgan. Featuring two female on sports and events, click on theatre Train, Union Cafe, (816) 813-9654, roles, Louise: Very Pretty, mid-twenties, web page [email protected] Theo’s wife, Gertrude Deuter: forty

two, and a busybody, five males, Theo The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 by John Bishop: Aug 29-30: 3:30pm Maske: a burly, muscular fireplug with Olathe Community Theater* Tue-Wed. a buzz cut, Frank Versati: an elegant Incorruptible by Michael Hollinger: Directed by Kathy Kane. Auditions for gentleman, Benjamin Cohen: sickly, Aug 5-6: 1pm Sat-Sun. this five female, six male cast will be thin asthmatic, Klinglehoff: an elderly Saint Foy, the patron of the local monas- held Tue, Aug 29th in the Rose Theatre gentleman, King of Germany Jenkin & tery in Priseaux, France, hasn’t worked from 3:30-6pm. They will consist of cold Barbara David Theater, Alumni Hall, a miracle in 13 years. All eyes are turn- readings. Callbacks will be held Aug Park University Home Campus, (816) ing to the Pope, whose promised visit 30th...same place...same time. The play 584-6450, www.park.edu/theatre will encourage other pilgrims to make does require a German and Irish dialect the trek and restore the abbey to its for- by both a female and male. Rockhurst mer glory. That is, until a rival church Rainbow’s End Theatre* (PROFESSIONAL) HS, 9301 State Line Road, (816) 363- claims to possess the relics of Saint Foy 2006-07 Season Auditions: Aug 12: 2036, rockhursthighschool.edu. Click and “their” bones are working miracles. 10am Sat. on sports and events, click on theatre And then, the monks take a lesson from Rainbow’s End Theatre is auditioning web page a one-eyed minstrel, who teaches them actors, singers, story tellers and dancers a new way to pay old debts. Directed for our 2006-07 season of shows. Please by Geff Moyer. Featuring five men 20’s call the theatre for Audition time. Ages Wordsinger Productions (PROFESSIONAL) to 60’s, three women 20’s to 60’s, Cold 10 and up. Bring picture and resume. Kansas City Singers by R E Grove: Sep 9: readings from the script will be used to Union and non-union talent. Directed New-Fallen Snow 1pm Sat. audition. For further information call by Vernon Quinzy. American Jazz Mu- Sing 16-bars a cappella. Music should the director at (913) 829-1171, Olathe seum, 1616 East 18th Street, (816) 474- be memorized. Auditions are by ap- Community Theater, 500 East Loula, 0888, www.RainbowsEndTheatre.com pointment. Details provided with audi- (816) 932-9146, www.olathetheatre.org tion time. Visit www.KCSingers.org to River City Community Players schedule an audition or call 816-361- Park University Theatre* Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kes- 0431. Directed by R E Grove. Featur- The Underpants by Carl Sternheim, selring: Sep 11-12: 7pm Mon-Tue. ing 12 women, 8 men. A cappella adapted by Steve Martin: Aug 23: Directed by Donna Elmer. Leaven- vocal experience. Director’s Studio, 6:30pm Wed. worth Performing Arts Center, Historic call for appointment, (816) 361-0431, As the play opens, Theo Maske, an of- Hollywood Theater, (913) 758-1509, [email protected] R ficious, puritanical bureaucrat, berates home.kc.rr.com/oneactor/rccp.htm his wife Louise, for allowing her titular

20 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com AUGUST 2006 21 KCSTAGE U.S. Postage Paid PO Box 410492 Kansas City, MO 641 Kansas City, MO Permit No. 2117 64141-0492

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