Courtesy Dr . Julie Rae Pratt

COURTESY DR. JULIE RAE PRATT www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 1 Kansas City Repertory Exceeds Campaign Goal

William C. Nelson and Jim Blair, board of directors. “When we re- co-chairmen of Kansas City Reper- ceived the challenge opportunity tory Theatre’s capital campaign, from Kresge, we knew we were announced that the Rep has ex- up to the task of raising more than ceeded its goal to raise $7 million a half million dollars in additional to build Copaken Stage, its satellite funds in only six months. Thanks to theatre, and increase the Rep’s en- the generosity of so many, we met COVER: Dr. Julie Rae Pratt. dowment. As of Oct 10, $7,283,495 that challenge and with the Kresge has been raised. More than 1,000 award of $330,000, we will have Top Billing people and organizations contrib- surpassed our original $7 million Spotlight on Dr. Julie Rae Pratt...... 2 uted to the campaign and over 300 target. Thank you, Kansas City.” Starring of those are first time donors. “As we came down the home Riding the Mystery Train Pt 2...... 4 The Rep had already raised stretch of this campaign, we were Neil LaBute Talks at Kansas University...... 6 more than $5 million by April 2007 very fortunate to have several ma- Notes when The Kresge Foundation’s jor gifts come in and we are very KC Repertory Exceeds Campaign Goal .....1 Capital Challenge Grants program grateful that they did,” said Wil- Poet Laureate for Missouri ...... 7 issued an “all or nothing” chal- liam P. Prenevost, managing Camera Giveaway ...... 7 lenge: raise an additional $520,000 director of the theatre. “And we Sight Gag in cash and pledges before Sep- are thankful that so many donors Sheldon...... 6 tember 30 to qualify for a $330,000 were able to make a commitment grant from The Foundation. The in time for our Kresge deadline. Stage Savvy Tips for Better Volunteer Management ...... 3 Rep far surpassed the Kresge goal They pushed us over the top to- by raising $1,402,956. ward our $7 million goal.” Stand-Ins “We could not be more pleased Although the campaign goal Auditions ...... 21 Calendar ...... 10 with the support we have received has been met, the Rep is still ac- Film Clips ...... 7 to build Copaken Stage,” said Blair tively accepting donations to its Performances ...... 8 Showbiz...... 5 who is also a member of the Rep’s Continued on page 17 Cast of Characters Scott Bowling ...... Webmaster Richard Buswell ...... Managing Editor Bryan Colley ...... Graphic Designer Angie Fiedler Sutton...... Associate Editor Tricia Kyler Bowling...... Subscriber Rep

Letters to the Editor ...... [email protected]

Vol.KC 10 • No. 11STAGE • Issue 99 • November 2007 [email protected] • 816-361-2325 PO Box 410492 • Kansas City, MO 64141-0492 December Submission Deadline: November 10 www.kcstage.com © Copyright 2007 by KCStage. All material contained in this publication is the property of or licensed for use by KCStage. Any use, duplication, or reproduction of any or all content of this publication is prohibited except with the express written permission of KCStage or the original copyright holders. Printing by AlphaGraphics. R

www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 1 Spotlight on Dr. Julie Rae Pratt by Angie Fiedler

“I think theatre provides the best vehicle for opening PRATT difficult and uncomfortable dialogues; I strive tobe RAE

an artist who does that.” So writes Dr. Julie Rae Pratt, JULIE . DR associate professor of theatre (and the graduate coor- dinator) at the University of Central Missouri. Even in an e-mail interview, Pratt (or “Dr. J”, as she is known COURTESY to her students) has an obvious sparkle of energy about her work, whether it’s as a teacher, director, actor, or playwright. Born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chi- cago, Pratt’s travels to her current location of War- rensburg is a travelogue of various organizations throughout the Midwest, from teaching English, speech, theatre, and journalism at Leigh High School in Nebraska to being the assistant professor of theatre at the University of Minnesota in Morris. She’s been with UCM since 2001. “I loved my teaching position at U of Minnesota”, she writes, “but found it a very difficult place to live—winter 10 months of the year! UCM seemed a program on the verge of a growth spurt. I knew it was a place where I could bring my gifts to the table, learn a lot, and thrive.” Pratt’s teaching is as varied as her career history, both in classes and in style. “I employ a variety of methods in my teaching – lecture, demonstration, multi-media, but mostly I shoot for practical application of ideas. I firmly believe that what happens in the Dr. Julie Rae Pratt classroom must have relevance for the student as s/he leaves the classroom. She also has helped out a variety of theatres, from “I’m told I’m tough and that my expectations are developing two theatre companies in Chicago, to high. I guess that’s true: set the bar high, and students working with Kansas City groups, to having served rise to the occasion. I want to help students achieve as the company manager for Central Missouri Reper- their goals, so it’s not terribly important to me that tory, a professional summer stock company on UCM’s they like me in that process – it’s far more important campus. She writes, “This is all very helpful when it that they learn.” come to teaching theatre management class: I can Of course, her high expectations go for her own speak from experience!” work as well. Pratt’s published one play, The Wishing When all is said and done, however, Pratt says her Stone, which she co-authored with a student from the first love is directing. “My metaphor for directing is University of Minnesota. And in 2006, she saw the twofold: I like creating the frame for the work and premiere of the one-woman performance art piece putting the brushes in the other artist’s hands, to paint In Conclusive Woman at the KC Fringe Festival, which the text to the stage. I also like to think of my directing received enough attention where two songs have been style as planting seeds that grow together in a well-or- optioned and available on iTunes and she has been ganized garden. And I get to be the gardener – it’s the pursued for a record contact. greatest job ever.” Continued on page 17

2 KCSTAGE “There are two kinds of people in this world: Those who know absolutely everything, and those who know absolutely nothing.” ~ Oscar Wilde www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 3 Tips for Better Volunteer Management by Angie Fiedler

Chances are if you’re working in the arts, you’re instruction or training, make sure the training is under- working with volunteers. Whether it’s board mem- standable, available, and maybe even something they bers or ushers, volunteers usually are the ones that can take with them (or get beforehand—maybe even make the organization flow from day to day. Volun- have it available on your website). Make sure they feel teer management is a much under-appreciated aspect comfortable with their tasks, and make sure they have of almost any organization, but a vital one. Keeping a way to ask questions if they are confused. Let them your volunteers happy (and returning) is as impor- take ownership of the tasks they are doing. At the same tant, if not more so, as having an audience. After all, time, make sure the training involves any ground rules they are walking and talking promotions for your and ‘jargon’ about the organization (you never know organization. Here are some tips for managing and how familiar—or unfamiliar—a volunteer is with maintaining your volunteers. your organization, especially if using a source such The two most important words to a volunteer’s ear: as VolunteerMatch.org). After all, they need to know free stuff. Seriously, the most important thing for a vol- answers to any basic questions about the organization unteer is to feel appreciated, so thank them often—and they may be asked while volunteering, or while talking mean it. And hey, a little swag now and then—whether to their friends and family after volunteering. it’s a T-shirt, pen, button (all, of course, with your or- Keep them interested. Nothing’s worse to someone ganization’s name and/or logo on it, turning your vol- donating their time than feeling like the time was wast- unteers into walking and talking billboards), or other ed. Make sure you have enough projects for your volun- freebies—would make them feel extra appreciated. teers to keep them happy and busy. At the same time, Make them feel wanted. This is more than thanking don’t feel like they have to be productive every minute them. Treat them as you would any financial donor, of the time they are volunteering. After all, talking with for while they may not be contributing money, they their friends or taking a break can help revitalize a vol- are contributing time—which is sometimes more valu- unteer and make them more willing to promote your able. Besides: after donating time, they may fall so in organization. At the same time, try to match skills to the love with your organization to donate money as well as tasks. One of your volunteers has clerical skills? Maybe time. Feeling wanted covers everything from a simple have them help input information into your mailing list. thank you to making them feel their time is valuable. Another has public speaking skills? See if they’d be will- Be sure to keep connected with them year-round, even ing to be an ambassador for your organization and give if you only need volunteers once a year; but at the same talks about it to other community groups. time, don’t be overly familiar to where they get tired of Evaluate and regroup. Not only should you make hearing your name, either. Make sure communication sure your current and past volunteers are giving you is a two-way street, for they may be interested in other input (about the time they volunteered, about the vol- volunteering areas or have ideas for your organization. unteer sign-up process, or about the organization as Give them specific times, and make sure they know a whole), but you should also follow up with people that you’d be happy with as little (or as much) time as you asked to volunteer and didn’t. Why didn’t they? they can spare. There is only so much time in the day, Was it just a lack of time, or was there some confusion and people are becoming busier and busier. You’ll get regarding the volunteer opportunity or your organi- more people willing to help out if they know it’s go- zation? If you’re shown as an organization willing to ing to take so much time out of their day or week, or listen (and even change, if need be), your volunteers if they know they can ‘negotiate’ the time needed for will be instant recruiting tools for other volunteers. the project. After all, we’re all busy people, and we all Volunteer management is a vital part of any or- like to have better time management. ganization. If you’re interested in more tips, look Have a good training system in place. Make sure for management books as well as resources such as you know what your volunteers are going to be doing VolunteerMatch.org, fundraiser.com, and the Non- before they show up, and if it’s something that involves profit FAQ on idealist.org. R

2 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 3 Ridin’ the Mystery Train Pt. 2 by Michelle Cotton

Interactive theatre. This is a form of acting I hadn’t really after being spoiled rotten at Hereford House. It was a tried until I did the Mystery Train show Whistle Stop tough gig. There were about 30 old people there, lots Homicide this past summer playing Penny Preston, an of hearing aids, and it was difficult to be heard and Assistant in the Truman Campaign in 1948. The Mystery understood. We had to scream our guts out. We found Train is an interactive dinner theatre which has been in exit hard to move down the center aisle and interact istence since May of 2005, and is run by Wendy Thompson. with people not sitting down, and one server trying to I enjoy keeping a show Journal that I can refer to over the get all their stuff to them, it was a confused mess un- years. The following is culled from that Journal and offered til things were settled. It was godawful hot up there. as a resource to any actors considering branching out into With all the layers we have to wear including gloves another type of theatre. and hats, we are all dripping by the end. The audience seemed to have a blast, though. Editor’s Note: Part one of this article appeared in Only trouble is, when the people are so old they the October 2007 issue, and is availabe online at remember the era of 1948 and know it better than we www.kcstage.com do, it can be quite disconcerting! Saturday night, we all got to take home a meal July 9 from Hereford House because we were undersold, so Well, we are all veterans now, and I think almost I got the polenta and it was delicious. The food and all everything that could go wrong has, and we made the tips have spoiled me. But I sure can’t even think it through. We had four shows over the weekend, about working for free these days. including a special engagement last night. It was scorching hot all weekend, so perhaps this exhaustion July 23 is the worst it will ever be. I am looking at seven more I can’t believe we are not even halfway through the weekends of this. When it is over, it will feel strange to run yet; we still have five weekends to go. I am truly reclaim my time back. That is always an adjustment, enjoying this and right now I don’t want it to end, but especially with a long run. in a few weeks I might. I have kind of gotten used I guess we are all starting to trust each other in the to the routine of having something fun to do every show, and it is turning out to be very fun. weekend, which makes me feel I have actually had a I figured out that the best thing to do when interact- weekend and have not been bored and sitting around ing with the audience is just to go around accusing the wasting my time watching Netflix and feeling useless. other characters. It says in the program the suspects It has also been great to have cash in my pocket to use won’t tell you the truth, so they have had advance for gas & groceries. warning. The trick is to make the lying as entertaining I have started making up all kinds of clues though, as possible. as long as they make sense, and finding new stuff to We have had great ‘Jack the secret service agents’ say every night, but it is kind of getting old to talk to across the board, including one guy who was a musi- the audience between acts, especially if they refuse to cian and actually took the stage getting up and mov- participate. Also last week we had this old couple that ing around and giving Richard a run for his money. was about the same age as my grandma and grandpa. It’s hard not to smirk and get a big kick out of it when The old man was in the Pacific on some ship and kept that happens. talking about WW II like it was in the distant past. The Bess Trumans have all been badass, and they We tried and tried but could not get them to go along get a great laugh on “you’re damn right I am.” None with it being 1948. They kept laughing about it and are ever as good as Jan Connor though. not playing along, but they were old so we had to be Last night was our private party which was a 70th respectful. That dude had me greatly vexed. birthday party for this lady, and we were at Union I once went up to a table that had an adolescent girl. Cafe. It was so hard to adapt to the cramped space She bribed me to see in my purse, then noticing all my

4 KCSTAGE “Art hath an enemy called Ignorance.” ~ Ben Jonson www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 5 u Ridin’ the Mystery Train Showbiz

bribing bucks in there proceeded to Weston’s 2nd Saturday day workshop or $125 if attending take them out and not want to give November 10 and December 8 will one day only. Please specify which them back to me! Then the little see the “2nd Saturday” event in day. The workshop is limited to blighter, sensing my consternation historic downtown Weston, MO, 24 people. To reserve your spot as I tried to stay in character and get from 10 am until midnight. Sam- or for more information, contact my money back, doled them out ple “A Taste of Weston” from 5 Robyn Downing, (816) 453-5414, one at a time after I asked, tortur- pm until 8 pm at local restaurants, [email protected]. ing me, not wanting to let go and wineries, brewery and shops. her mom sat there and thought it Stores will stay open until 8 pm. Attention High School Teachers was funny, this while another table Dining and entertainment will Missouri Department of Elemen- was trying to get my attention to go continue at various restaurants tary and Secondary Education and over to them offering a bribe and and entertainment venues until Missouri Arts Council have part- then the act started and I couldn’t midnight. For more information nered to bring the national Poetry get their money. call (816) 640-2909. Out Loud program to Missouri. My costume is so stinky. I hope Last year over 3,000 students from they get them all dry cleaned for Orlando International Fringe 43 Missouri schools participated. us at the end of this week like they Theatre Festival Teachers can implement Poetry promised. I have to wash my shirt The Orlando Fringe Festival is Out Loud in 2-3 weeks with partial every night. accepting applications until No- class periods, depending on inter- And my shoes kill my feet. vember 15 for their 2008 festival est and schedule. Speech coaches When I wake up in the morning, to be held May 15-26. Applications and teachers may choose to run my feet have sparklies like there are available on their website at the contest as an after-school are pinched nerves. It takes me orlandofringe.org/apply. program. To learn more about Po- until Wednesday for my body to etry Out Loud, request a teacher’s recover fully from a weekend of Broadway Workshop Intensive packet by sending your name, shows. Was I like this in my 20’s? Jodie Langel will be holding a school, and mailing address to vir I can’t remember. I feel like a tired workshop focusing on audition [email protected]. Addi- old acting ho. and vocal techniques for those in- tional information can be found at terested in pursuing a theatrical ca- www.poetryoutloud.org. Schools August 7 reer or who want to improve their must register by November 30. Thursday and Friday were at skills and chances at landing a role. Union Cafe again. Too small! We Langel holds an M.F.A in Acting KC Jubilee 2008 Call for Entries got all kinds of free food there from U.C.L.A. where she teaches The KC Jubilee is looking for en- though, cheesecake, pasta, snack- as well as being a faculty member tries for their 2008 festival sched- ies. Always a good night when at The New School for Drama. She uled for April 9-13, 2008. All work there’s free food. is the head of Musical Theater at must be completed and submitted Saturday night at Hereford the Seth Rigg’s Vocal Camp in Los no later than December 1. There are House we had 38 people. I said Angeles as well as having been the three divisions. For the Heartland “Oh My God we are gonna make Audition Workshop Coach this Open & Student division, which so much money!” We ended up past summer at the American Idol includes shorts and features, the with $5 tips each. I don’t know Camp. The intensive will be held writer, director or producer must what went wrong! We usually December 1-2, 1-5 pm, at the North reside in Missouri or Kansas. make a lot more than that with Kansas City Public Library and is Students may attend school any- less people. I did win the Bribing open to anyone age 12 through where, but must have immediate Continued on page 18 adult. The cost is $200 for the two- Continued on page 6

4 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 5 u Showbiz Neil LaBute Talks at Kansas University continued from page 5 by Mechele Leon family in Missouri or Kansas. The Playwright, screenwriter, and film directed to all sorts of found per- other divisions are U.S. and Inter- director Neil LaBute spoke to an formances spaces—under a stair- national Shorts of 30 minutes or audience of faculty and students well, for example, or an old supply less, and CinemaJAZZ shorts and at the University of Kansas on Oc- closet. Directing, he said, was the features. All screeners must be in tober 12. LaBute appeared as key- art of adapting to circumstances. NTSC format, VHS or DVD (region note speaker for the Literature and Drama is also about adaptation, 1 or 0). All genres accepted: drama, Film Association’s annual confer- about the characters’ struggles to comedy, documentary, animation, ence hosted by Kansas University. adapt to conflict--or their failure experimental. More information In the course of his two-hour talk, to adapt. on www.kcjubilee.org. he spoke about his film work on On the specific question of The Company of Men, Your Friends adapting stage to screen, LaBute Artists Needed for Kansas City and Neighbors, Nurse Betty, Posses- spoke of how he approached film- Young Audiences Program Roster sion, and The Shape of Things. ing his plays and described this Kansas City Young Audiences The organizers could not have form of adaptation as a process of recruits new programs and talent made a better choice for a con- adjusting to the film medium, but for its roster every year. These ference whose theme was “Ad- also allowing film to alter his ideas programs include performances, aptation from Stage and Page to about the theatre piece. He de- workshops, and professional de- Screen”. LaBute brings great writ- scribed some of the ways in which velopment seminars for teachers. ing and theatrical sensibility to all he tries to bring theatrical aesthet- To apply, go to www.kcya.org his film work. Both In the Company ics to his filmmaking. In some and find the “Call for Teaching of Men, his critically acclaimed first cases that means longer rehearsal Artists” information, and click on picture, and The Shape of Things be- periods than film shoots usually “apply now”. This will take you to gan as stage productions. Through- allow, extended takes requiring a webpage where you can down- out his talk, LaBute returned to the actors to sustain scenes, and us- load the “2008-2009 YA Program idea of adaptation, turning and ing music between scenes in a film Application” Word document. spinning the term in different ways rather than as a through score. While KCYA does give full consid- but always suggesting that having For stage or screen, he said, di- eration to all programs submitted, to adapt can be a source for inspi- recting is about providing a good they are looking to create a more ration and creativity. environment, a “safe bubble” for diverse roster of artists and are He recalled how, when he was actors and then “getting out of the in particular need of literature or an M.A. student in theatre and way.” We hope he will be coming Continued on page 17 film at KU, he adapted the plays he out this way again. R

WWW.SHELDONCOMICS.COM SHELDON © DAVE KELLETT

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight 6 KCSTAGE to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” ~ Plato www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 7 Film Clips Poet Laureate for MO Camera Giveaway by Larry F. Levenson

The latest movie from Jeneric Films, Re- Gov. Matt Blunt announced that Pure Digital’s Flip Video Spotlight venge, A Love Story, is in production. They were looking for extras for shots at Springhill he will name an official Missouri program aims to give up to one Suites in Lawrence and Jardin’s Restaurant Poet Laureate. million of the camcorders to non- in K.C. For information on the movie, go to www.jenericfilms.com/revenge.htm. “Missouri has a rich cultural profits and other non-governmen- heritage of men and women in the tal organizations over the next five Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure has made its world debut. The 3-Dimensional arts,” said Governor Blunt. “By years. The initiative, set to get un- IMAX movie was mostly shot in northwest naming a poet laureate, we will derway this December, will operate Kansas. Locations were Castle Rock, Monu- ment Rocks, Russell Springs, Lake Wilson, and help continue this tradition for fu- as a donor matching program, with a canyon in Trego County. ture generations of Missourians.” donors or the organizations them- BicMedia in Leawood is looking for a full- The Missouri Poet Laureate will selves able to purchase so-called time producer/director to work on com- be responsible to help promote the Flip Video Spotlight Kits, which mercials, corporate videos, etc. Contact [email protected]. arts in Missouri by making appear- Flip Video will match one-to-one. Bill Brown, director of a short movie entitled ances at public libraries and schools Much like the OLPC program, Flip Woman in Chains, is looking for a male lead across the state. The poet will also Video sees virtually no end to the in the 35- to 50-year-old age group. Shoot- ing is in Wichita in November. Contact Bill at be called upon to compose an origi- benefits of its camcorders, with www.requiempictures.com/projects.php. nal poem in honor of Missouri and Pure Digital CEO Jonathan Kaplan Encompass Outdoor was looking for a to perform the poem at an event saying the company believes “vid- videographer/photographer to help with a commemorating the new position. eo can help change the world.” promotion in K.C. for Latteland and Sprint. Gov. Blunt will accept nomina- Starting in December 2007, The Food Network visited YJ’s Restaurant just south of downtown K.C. for a segment to be tions through December 1. Nomi- qualified nonprofits and NGOs broadcast in February. R nees must be a current resident of can sign up to purchase Flip Video the state. The governor encourages Spotlight Kits at www.FlipVideo Missourians to think of poetry in Spotlight.com and will receive all its broadest sense when consider- the necessary tools to begin using potential candidates for this ing video technology effectively. new position. Additionally, donors can visit the The governor will work with same site and make purchases or the Missouri Center for the Book to donations on behalf of their affili- select the Missouri Poet Laureate. ated nonprofit organizations and He plans to announce the honoree NGOs. Pure Digital Technologies in mid-December. will match one-for-one each kit Missourians interested in the purchased with an additional Flip position or who would like to Video Spotlight Kit. nominate a candidate should visit Flip Video camcorders are the governor’s Internet site at http: easy-to-use and affordable devices //gov.missouri.gov/MPL.htm for with on-board software to enable more information. Submissions editing, organizing, and video must include the poet’s name, city publishing through AOL, You- of residence, contact information Tube, MySpace, and other popular and writing samples. R video sharing sites. Earlier this month Pure Digital introduced the Flip Video™ Ultra Series, its next-generation line of compact, high quality, slim-sized digital camcorders. R

6 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 7 Performances www.kcstage.com/performances

Directed by Barb Nichols; musical direction *Affiliate Organizations offer discount Chestnut Fine Arts Center by Martha Risser. Featuring Shea Coffman Sanders Family Christmas by Connie Ray, tickets to members of KC Stage. Display (Bat Boy), Kipp Simmons (Dr. Parker), Stasha John Foley and Gary Fagin: Nov 1-Dec 9: your membership card at the box office or Case (Meredith), Shelby Floyd (Shelley), Jake 8 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sun mention it when ordering tickets over the Borowski (Sheriff), Darin Parker, Justin Van In Sanders Family Christmas, the family returns phone. For a list of discounts and other of- Pelt, Kristin Leathers, Julia Moriarty, Victor to Mount Pleasant on Christmas Eve, 1941, fers, visit www.kcstage.com. Don’t forget to Gossage, David Thompson (Bud), Rebecca to get the congregation into the holiday spirit rate or review the shows you see online! Brungardt, Linda Durell, Graham Fairleigh, before the boys are shipped off to World War Content Guide: Unless otherwise noted, Alyson Golladay, Ron McKeown, Megan II. You will enjoy Christmas carols, vintage the subject matter of performances should Pasley, and Melinda Whitman. $12, Seniors hymns, and hilarious yuletide stories from the be suitable for general audiences. Shows $10, Students $5, 10 or more $8. The Barn more or less devout Sanders family members. marked with A contain adult material that Players, 6219 Martway St. (913) 432-9100, Directed by Brad Zimmerman. Featuring Curt may not be appropriate for children under www.thebarnplayers.org A Crespino (Dennis), Jon Daugharthy (Stanley), the age of 18. Shows marked C contain Vicky DeLaughder (Vera), Joe Nuzum (Burl), material that is specifically intended for Shelly Stewart (June), and Eric Magnus (Rev. children. Please note that these content Bishop Ward High School A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court: Oglethorpe). Crew: Brad Zimmerman (Direc- markings are designated by the individual Nov 8-10: 7 pm Thr-Sat tor), Terri Babbitt (Stage Manager), Ann Perry arts organizations, not by KC Stage. Directed by Kelly Lipovitz. Adults $6; Students (Spotlight), Libby Bradley (Costume Design), $4; All others Free. Willard Phillips Memorial Kathleen Helming (Shop Assistant), Marvin Auditorium, 708 N 18th St. (913) 371-1201, Zimmerman (Set Construction), Carolyn AIM Inc.* [email protected]. Robinson (Keyboard), and Harold Steinhardt Curse You Otis Crummy by Jim Kelly: (Clarinet). Adults $16. Chestnut Fine Arts Nov 30: 5:30 pm Tue, Thr-Fri Center, 234 N Chestnut St. (913) 764-2121, Directed by Joyce Williams. $35. Riverfront CenterStage Theatre chestnutfinearts.com Community Center, 123 S Esplanade St, Children of Eden by John Caird and [email protected]. Stephen Schwartz: Oct 27-Nov 11: 7 pm Sun; 7:30 pm Sat CinnamonEye TOD—thetrueasyoucangetadventuresoftod- Children of Eden is a joyous and inspirational American Heartland Theatre musical about families and faith. Freely based browning by Jason Vivone: Nov 1-3: 8 pm Another Night Before Christmas by Sean on the story of Genesis, it is a frank, heartfelt Thr-Sat; 10 pm Fri; 4 pm Sat Grennan and Leah Okimoto: Nov 2-Dec 30: and often humorous examination of the age- The work and personal life of horror film au- 8 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sat-Sun; 7:30 pm Sun, old conflict between parents and children. The teur Tod Browning intertwine in this premiere Tue-Thr; 1 pm Wed; 4 pm Sat music is by Stephen Schwartz, from Broad- piece. See the nightmares that haunted and ‘Twas the night before Christmas … and way’s Wicked and the book is by John Caird, inspired generations. Special appearances there’s a burglar in the house. Or is it from Les Miserables fame. This beautiful gem by Joan Crawford, Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney, someone with an unusual attachment to of a show ultimately delivers a bittersweet but Irving Thalberg, Anna May Wong, and D.W. reindeer!!? From the writers of Married Alive! inspiring message: that “the hardest part of Griffith as the Racist Film Legend. Directed and A Dog’s Life comes a new family holiday love... is letting go.” Directed by Director: by Jason Vivone. Westport Coffee House, musical about a disillusioned woman with a Mark Swezey, Music Director: Dwayne Dunn, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave. (816) 454-4566, A lack of holiday spirit and an intruder claiming Choreographer: Ann McCroskey. Featur- www.myspace.com/cinnamoneye to be Santa Claus. Either he’s really the “right ing Cary Mock (The Father), Chris Gleeson jolly old elf” or this is just an unwanted guest! (Adam/Noah), Kristi Mitchell (Eve/Mama), City Theatre of Independence* Find the true meaning of Christmas (or maybe Joel Morrison (Cain/Japheth), Julie O’Rourke A Shot in the Dark by Marcel Achard. just come to laugh like a bowlful of jelly!) (Yonah), James Reeves (Abel/Ham), Cristina Adapted by Harry Kurnitz.: Nov 1-11: 8 pm $18.50—$34.50 depending on day and Martinez (Aphra), Laura VanLeeuwen (Ay- Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sun time of performance. American Heartland sha), Trevor French, Martha Jensen, Vanessa A woman is charged with murder, having Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd. (816) 842-9999, Harper, Mark Murphy, Jennifer Scofield, Sam been found unconscious, nude, and clutching www.ahtkc.com A Hall, Corrine Bakker, Ted Collins, Tyler Horse- a gun, with her lover dead beside her. Shock- man, Ruth Bigus, Debbie Blinn, Bruce Efron, ing is the complete frankness with which she Tom O’Rourke, Jessica Bly, Alexandra Espos- describes her life as a parlor maid and her The Barn Players* ita, Nelson Costello, Curt Knupp, Stephanie Bat Boy: The Musical by Keythe Farley, Brian affairs. She is so ingenious that the magistrate Cain, Emily Levinson, Alana Henderson, Flemming, and Laurence O’Keefe: Oct 26- can’t determine if she committed the murder. Sarah Bezek, Katie Hunter, Ashtyn Hutchins, The investigation expands to include both her Nov 11: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sun Lauren Collins, Stephanie Cain, Mayme Mar- Bat Boy: The Musical is a musical comedy/ aristocratic employer and his “Attila the Hun” shall, Laura Kaufman, Jordan Holt, Mario Bo- like wife. Guilty or not guilty? The suspects horror show about a half boy/half bat crea- nilla, Eric Tedder, A.J. Pflumm, Evan Lovelace, ture who is discovered in a cave near Hope continue to multiply in this comedic mystery. Dakota Hoar (Young Cain), and Sam Kulikov Directed by Art Suskin. Featuring Dean Meh- Falls, West Virginia. He is brought to the (Young Abel). $20 for non-members, $15 home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, ling (Paul Sevigne), Stephen Howard (Mores- for members, $10 for students. The Lewis tan), Denny Dey (Lablache), Christine Schafer who secretly despises him. He is eventu- and Shirley White Theatre, on the campus of ally accepted as a member of the family by (Antoinette Sevigne), Rachel Ommerman The JCC of Greater Kansas City. (913) 327- (Josefa Lantenay), Brady Robert Kickhaefer Parker’s wife Meredith and daughter Shelly, 8000, www.jcckc.org/arts.html and taught to act like a “normal” boy. The (Guard), Leslie Baker-Mehling (Dominique narrow-minded people of town turn on him. Beaurevers), and Mac Kettner (Benjamin

8 KCSTAGE “Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.” ~ William Butler Yeats www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 9 u Performances

Beaurevers). Crew: Art Suskin (Director), Return”, “Christopsomos”, “Introducing Ire- Full Frontal Comedy April Hall (Asst. Stage Manager), R.J. Parish na”, “Stuck” and “The Man Who Shot Santa This Just In: Nov 9-17: 8 pm Fri-Sat (Scenic Designer), Joyce Walsh (Costumes), Claus”. Try to guess which description applies Full Frontal Comedy presents This Just In. Jack McCord (Lighting Design), Ros Percy to which title. A twelve-year old boy finds out The show will feature short-form improvisa- (Production Consultant), and Sharon Propst that his step-father is not a wimp. A twelve tional games based on audience suggestions (Publicity). $8. Dinner Theatre tickets are: $21 year old boy gets reacquainted with his army along with comedy sketches based on current & $15 w/season ticket. $1 discount for senior veteran father on Christmas Eve. The story of events and pop culture. Full Frontal Comedy citizens or groups of 10 or more if picked a jealous pet. Directed by Dave Malone, Judy is not intended for children or uptight adults. up 24 hours in advance. Roger T. Sermon Clause, and Melissa Whitaker. $12 advance, Directed by Tina Morrison, Dave Martin. Center, 201 N Dodgion St. (816) 325-7367, $15 door. Just Off Broadway, 3051 Central Featuring Bill Case, Joyce Halford, James www.citytheatreofindependence.org A St. (816) 517-4503, crosscurrentsculture.org Hilburn, Carolyn Lay, Dave Martin, Tina Mor- Something to Hide by Leslie Sands: Nov rison, and Reed Uthe. Crew: D.K. Evenson 2-10: 7:45 pm Fri-Sat Eubank Productions* (Stage Manager). $10. Olathe Community The setting is a charming house in the English Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Theatre, 500 E Loula St. (816) 623-3557, www.fullfrontalcomedy.org A countryside, where Howard Holt, a writer, is Blockhead by Bert V. Royal: Nov 2-17: 8 pm visited each weekend by his wife. As the ac- Fri-Sat, Mon; 7 pm Sun tion begins Howard’s mistress is Grandview High School* run over and killed. Thereafter Footloose: Nov 15-17: 7 pm begins a sequence of events Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sat

in which one unexpected turn ROWSE

Everybody cut loose with this follows another, as a seemingly fantastic 80’s musical. Based gullible police inspector accepts SHANE on the film of the same name the story cooked up by Howard starring Kevin Bacon, Footloose to cover his tracks. But his relief is the story of a big city boy try- is short-lived as blackmail, an- ing to find his way in the small other murder, and questions as town society. With classic songs to the fate of the mistress enter like: “Footloose”, “Let’s Hear the picture. Directed by Jason it for the Boy”, and “Holding Rauch and Tom Corporon. Out for a Hero”, Footloose is $8. Dinner Theatre tickets are sure to have you dancing all $18 & $12 /children (10 and the way home. This toe tapping under). Lexington Municipal musical is not to be missed! Auditorium, 11th and Franklin Directed by Brad Rackers and Ave. (816) 325-7367, www.city Nathan Rudolph. In advance: theatreofindependence.org $5 for students/$6 for adults; at the door: $6 for students/$7 The Coterie Theatre* for adults. Grandview High The Happy Elf by Jeff Church: School Auditorium, 2300 High Nov 13-Dec 30: 10 am Sun- Grove Rd. (816) 316-5838, Sat; 2 pm Fri-Sun; 4 pm Fri-Sat www.csd4.k12.mo.us Tony nominated composer and Grammy-winner Harry Con- Don Forston [LEFT] and Carey Van Driest star in Another Night Before Christmas at the American Heartland Theatre through Heartland Men’s Chorus* nick, Jr. creates a toe-tapping December 30. Christmas Down Home: Nov original score based on his 30-Dec 2: 8 pm Fri-Sat; original song “The Happy Elf” 4 pm Sun Good grief! Just look at what happened to from his best selling 2003 Harry for the Holi- It’s Walton’s Mountain meets Brokeback Good Ol’ C.B. and the gang in this darkly days Christmas album for this charming new Mountain in HMC’s annual holiday spec- comic, “unauthorized parody”. These “un- holiday live-jazz musical. Meet Eubie, a North tacular. Get a little bit country and a little bit shelled peanuts” must cope with the grow- Pole elf whose constant exuberance wears oth- outrageous this season with Kansas City’s ing pains of high school, hormones and ers down. Directed by Scott Landis, HC Pro- 140-voice gay men’s chorus. It will be a hoot teenage temptations. Artful and poignant ductions, and the Coterie Theatre. $8 season n’ holler as the men of HMC slide on their in its humorous send-ups as well as in its tickets, adults $9, group rates available. The boots and slip on their Stetsons for a one-of- dramatic twists, Dog Sees God is for mature Coterie Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd, Ste 144. a-kind holiday hoedown. Tickets are avail- audiences only. Directed by Steven Eubank. (816) 474-6552, www.coterietheatre.org able online. Directed by Dr. Joseph Nadeau. Featuring Matthew Koenen (C.B.), Jessica $15—$30. Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. Franz (C.B.’s Sister), Alex Espy (Van), Alex (816) 931-3338, www.hmckc.org CrossCurrents Theater Council* Saxon (Matt), Bryan LaFave (Beethoven), Kelly Foolkiller Holidays by Dave Malone, Robert Jo Blake (Tricia), Mandy Mook (Marcy), and Kinast, Bill Clause, Gary Stubbs, Harold Vanessa Severo (Van’s Sister). Crew: Tara Keairnes, and Carl Williams: Nov 30-Dec 8: Varney (Stage Manager). $15 for Adults; $10 8 pm Fri; 3 pm Sun for Students. XS Lighting, Sound & Visualiza- Foolkiller Holidays features six serio-comic tion, 1632 Broadway Blvd. (816) 235-6222, pieces: “Santa Claus Has Gotta Go”, “The www.eubankproductions.com A Continued on page 12

8 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 9 *Affiliate Theatre KCSTAGE NOVEMBER 2007 AUDITIONS TUE 30 FRI 2 SAT 3 SUN 4 Oct 28-Nov 4 • Music Theatre for Young People Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Nov 10 • The Barn Players, Inc. Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Bat Boy: The Musical • The Barn Players, Inc.* Bat Boy: The Musical • The Barn Players, Inc.* Bat Boy: The Musical • The Barn Players, Inc.* Nov 12-13 • CenterStage Theatre The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Children of Eden • CenterStage Theatre Children of Eden • CenterStage Theatre Nov 19 • Park University Curse You Otis Crummy • AIM Inc.* Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Nov 26-28 • City Theatre of Independence Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Nov 27-28 • Lawrence Community Theatre Eubank Productions Eubank Productions The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre Dec 3-5 • Johnson County Community College Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Dec 9-10 • CenterStage Theatre The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre Strega Nona • Paul Mesner Puppets* Lucky Stiff • Players 58* Lucky Stiff • Players 58* Quay to a Crime • The Mystery Train On The Spot! Improv Comedy Game Show • KC Improv Events Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center The Pearl Fishers • Lyric Opera of Kansas City WED 31 THU 1 Shadow Gets A Black Eye: A Karagoz Play • University Playwrights-in-Residence Readings • William Inge Center* Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant of Central Missouri Theatre* Quay to a Crime • The Mystery Train Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Curse You Otis Crummy • AIM Inc.* A Shot in the Dark • City Theatre of Independence* Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical • Thin Air Theatrics Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Something to Hide • River City Players Shadow Gets A Black Eye: A Karagoz Play • University The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre Strega Nona • Paul Mesner Puppets* of Central Missouri Theatre* Lucky Stiff • Players 58* TOD - thetrueasyoucangetadventuresoftodbrowning • A Shot in the Dark • City Theatre of Independence* Quay to a Crime • The Mystery Train CinnamonEye Something to Hide • River City Players Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Strega Nona • Paul Mesner Puppets* Shadow Gets A Black Eye: A Karagoz Play • University TOD - thetrueasyoucangetadventuresoftodbrowning • of Central Missouri Theatre* CinnamonEye Shaolin Warriors • Lied Center of Kansas A Shot in the Dark • City Theatre of Independence* Strega Nona • Paul Mesner Puppets* TOD - thetrueasyoucangetadventuresoftodbrowning • CinnamonEye

MON 5 TUE 6 FRI 9 SAT 10 SUN 11 Being a Clown • Park University Theatre* Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre The Pearl Fishers • Lyric Opera of Kansas City Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Bat Boy: The Musical • The Barn Players, Inc.* Bat Boy: The Musical • The Barn Players, Inc.* Bat Boy: The Musical • The Barn Players, Inc.* The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* Curse You Otis Crummy • AIM Inc.* Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Children of Eden • CenterStage Theatre Children of Eden • CenterStage Theatre Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court • Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre Bishop Ward High School Claremont Trio • Lied Center of Kansas A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court • Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama Bishop Ward High School Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy Eubank Productions Eubank Productions Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre WED 7 THU 8 Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Guys and Dolls • Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Eubank Productions The Music Man • University of Kansas Theatre Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre The Pearl Fishers • Lyric Opera of Kansas City Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court • The Music Man • University of Kansas Theatre Guys and Dolls • Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre Bishop Ward High School The Pearl Fishers • Lyric Opera of Kansas City The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre A Shot in the Dark • City Theatre of Independence* The Pearl Fishers • Lyric Opera of Kansas City Doubt • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center The Music Man • University of Kansas Theatre Strega Nona • Paul Mesner Puppets* The Second City • Lied Center of Kansas The Friends and Family Plan • Improv-Abilities A Shot in the Dark • City Theatre of Independence* Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center A View From the Bridge • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Strega Nona • Paul Mesner Puppets* Guys and Dolls • Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Something to Hide • River City Players A Shot in the Dark • City Theatre of Independence* Working • Rockhurst University* The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* The Lieutenant of Inishmore • Unicorn Theatre Strega Nona • Paul Mesner Puppets* Something to Hide • River City Players Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center This Just In • Full Frontal Comedy Strega Nona • Paul Mesner Puppets* Strega Nona • Paul Mesner Puppets* The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* This Just In • Full Frontal Comedy The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* A View From the Bridge • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* A View From the Bridge • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Working • Rockhurst University* A View From the Bridge • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Working • Rockhurst University* Working • Rockhurst University*

MON 12 TUE 13 FRI 16 17 18 Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Eubank Productions Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* Curse You Otis Crummy • AIM Inc.* A Christmas Stalking • The Mystery Train Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Christmas Stalking • The Mystery Train Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Eubank Productions Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre Fiddler on the Roof • Olathe South High School* Eubank Productions Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Footloose • Grandview High School Fiddler on the Roof • Olathe South High School* Side By Side By Sondheim • University of Central Missouri*

The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Footloose • Grandview High School Urinetown • Johnson County Community College Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* A View From the Bridge • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre WED 14 THU 15 Ripped • Rockhurst University* The Music Man • University of Kansas Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center The Merry Widow • Lied Center of Kansas Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Side By Side By Sondheim • University of Central Missouri* Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Fiddler on the Roof • Olathe South High School* Tape • Park University Theatre* Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Side By Side By Sondheim • University of Central Missouri* Footloose • Grandview High School The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* Side By Side By Sondheim • University of Central Missouri* The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* This Just In • Full Frontal Comedy Tape • Park University Theatre* The Music Man • University of Kansas Theatre Urinetown • Johnson County Community College This Just In • Full Frontal Comedy Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center A View From the Bridge • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Urinetown • Johnson County Community College Side By Side By Sondheim • University of Central Missouri* A View From the Bridge • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Tape • Park University Theatre* The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* Urinetown • Johnson County Community College A View From the Bridge • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre MON 12 TUE 13 FRI 16 17 18 Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Eubank Productions Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* Curse You Otis Crummy • AIM Inc.* A Christmas Stalking • The Mystery Train Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Christmas Stalking • The Mystery Train Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant The Toughest Kid in the World • Theatre for Young America* A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Eubank Productions Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead • Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre Fiddler on the Roof • Olathe South High School* Eubank Productions Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Footloose • Grandview High School Fiddler on the Roof • Olathe South High School* Side By Side By Sondheim • University of Central Missouri*

MON 19 TUE 20 FRI 23 SAT 24 SUN 25 Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Animal Stories • Puppetry Arts Institute Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Christmas Stalking • The Mystery Train Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Christmas Stalking • The Mystery Train A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre WED 21 THU 22 Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Right Between the Ears • Right Between the Ears Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Church Basement Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant

MON 26 TUE 27 FRI 30 SAT 1 SUN 2 Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Hansel and Gretel • Theatre for Young America* A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Christmas Down Home • Heartland Men’s Chorus* Christmas Down Home • Heartland Men’s Chorus* Christmas Down Home • Heartland Men’s Chorus* A John Denver Holiday Concert • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse A Christmas Stalking • The Mystery Train A Christmas Stalking • The Mystery Train A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy A Country Western Christmas Carol, or Bah, Humbug & a Boy Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama Named Scrooge! • Martin City Melodrama The Death of Romance • University of Kansas Theatre WED 28 THU 29 Curse You Otis Crummy • AIM Inc.* The Death of Romance • University of Kansas Theatre Foolkiller Holidays • CrossCurrents Theater Council* Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre Another Night Before Christmas • American Heartland Theatre The Death of Romance • University of Kansas Theatre Goodnight Children Everywhere • UMKC Theatre Goodnight Children Everywhere • UMKC Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Foolkiller Holidays • CrossCurrents Theater Council* Hansel and Gretel • Theatre for Young America* The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Goodnight Children Everywhere • UMKC Theatre The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* The Nativity • Paul Mesner Puppets* Hansel and Gretel • Theatre for Young America* A Christmas Stalking • The Mystery Train Hansel and Gretel • Theatre for Young America* The Nativity • Paul Mesner Puppets* The Nutcracker • Kansas City Ballet The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Chemistry & Comedy • Improv-Abilities The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* The Nutcracker • Kansas City Ballet Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre Peter Pan • Lied Center of Kansas Curse You Otis Crummy • AIM Inc.* The Nativity • Paul Mesner Puppets* On The Spot! Improv Comedy Game Show • KC Improv Events rightnextto me • Unicorn Theatre rightnextto me • Unicorn Theatre The Death of Romance • University of Kansas Theatre Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Hansel and Gretel • Theatre for Young America* rightnextto me • Unicorn Theatre rightnextto me • Unicorn Theatre The Happy Elf • The Coterie Theatre* Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Plaid Tidings • Lawrence Community Theatre rightnextto me • Unicorn Theatre Sanders Family Christmas • Chestnut Fine Arts Center

*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 Improv-Abilities Music Hall, 301 W 13th St. (816) 931-2232, Doubt by John Patrick Shanley: Oct 19-Nov Chemistry & Comedy: Nov 29: 7:30 pm Thr www.kcballet.org 11: 8 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sat-Sun, Wed; 7 pm Part game show, part improv comedy show, Tue-Thr; 3 pm Sat all funny. Based in part on The Newlywed Directed by Stephen Rothman. Call for ticket Kansas City Repertory Theatre prices. Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Spencer Game, couples compete for prizes by match- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; ing their answers to questions written by some Theatre in the UMKC Performing Arts Center. adapted by Barbara Field: Nov 17-Dec 24: of Kansas City’s best improv comedians. (816) 235-2700, www.KCRep.org A 2 pm, 8 pm Fri-Sat; 1 pm, 5 pm Sun; 7 pm Between rounds and after the game, the Tue-Thr improvisers re-enact and extrapolate, invent- Once again the Rep will stage this glorious ing a short play inspired by real-life Kansas KC Improv Events production which has been a Kansas City On The Spot! The Improv Comedy Game City couples. Rated PG-14. Excellent drink holiday favorite for twenty-seven seasons. Show: Sep 8-Dec 1: 7 pm Sat specials. Featuring Bes Wallerstein, Caroline Ghostly apparitions, festive dancing and It’s the only game show where the contestants Donnelly, James Nelson, Joe Henley, Keith traditional carol-singing will make you feel make up the answers as they go along--and Curtis, Magie Hogan, and Timmy Marks. $5. the warmth and spirit as you follow Ebenezer the audience wins the prizes! See four of KC’s The Mission Theatre, 5909 Johnson Dr. (913) Scrooge on his ageless journey from miser to best improvisers square off in fast-paced, 871-6242, www.kcimprov.com munificent, kind citizen. Directed by Linda Ade family-friendly, super-funny games, scenes The Friends and Family Plan: Nov 8: Brand. Call for ticket prices. Kansas City Rep- and songs. It’s just $5. Stick around and see 7:30 pm Thr ertory Theatre, Spencer Theatre in the UMKC Fakers for just $3 more. $5. Corbin Theatre, Five improvisers explore the dynamics be- Performing Arts Center. (816) 235-2700, 15 N Water St. (816) 678-8886, city3.org tween friends, family, and any www.KCRep.org other relationship the audience throws at them. All games and Lawrence Community scenes are improvised on the Theatre MEINERS spot, similar to improv seen on Plaid Tidings by Stuart Ross:

Whose Line Is It Anyway? or in BOB Nov 16-Dec 9: 8 pm Fri-Sat; Second City shows. In honor 7:30 pm Thr; 2:30 pm Sun of Big Brothers Big Sisters, any The Plaid Quartet return to “Little” gets in free with paid earth in a delightful sequel to admission of a “Big.” Directed the 50’s and 60’s music of by Aron Carlson, Timmy Marks. Forever Plaid. This time they $5 special Thursday rate! tune their heavenly harmonies The Mission Theatre, 5909 on holiday songs along with a Johnson Dr. (913) 871-6242, hilarious tribute to The Ed Sul- www.kcimprov.com livan Christmas Spectaculars featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks, and The Vienna Johnson County Com- Boys Choir. Great fun! Mary munity College Doveton, Director; Richard Urinetown by Mark Hollman Walker, Music Director. Range and Greg Kotis: Nov 15-18: from $17-$20 depending 8 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sun on day. Lawrence Commu- Directed by Jerry Jay Cranford; The cast of Eubank Productions’ Dog Sees God: Confessions of a nity Theatre, 1501 New Hamp- musical direction by Barb Puck- Teenage Blockhead playing at XS Lighting November 2-17. shire St. (785) 843-7469, ett. Free admission; first come, theatrelawrence.com first seated. Polsky Theatre, A John Denver Holiday Concert by Randal Carlsen Center, 12345 College Blvd. (913) Myler and Dan Wheetman: Nov 24-Dec 2: 469-4445, www.jccc.edu/theatredept Lied Center of Kansas 8 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sat-Sun; 7 pm Sun, Claremont Trio: Nov 10: 7:30 pm Sat Tue-Thr Evoking sensations that are not simply au- Kansas City Ballet Launch the holiday season with the perfect ral, but integrative, evocative and moving, The Nutcracker by Todd Bolender: Dec 1-23: entertainment for the entire family. A nos- this young, creative trio is a fresh breath of 2 pm Sat-Sun; 7:30 pm Sat talgic musical event in the style of Denver’s air in the world of chamber music. Hailed The newly renovated Music Hall will be trans- popular Christmas specials. This holiday mu- a “deft, exhilarating, and imaginative” by formed into a winter wonderland as Kansas sical revue features modern and traditional Strings magazine, Emily Bruskin (violin), Julia City Ballet’s annual production of The Nut- Christmas carols, and some of John Denver’s Bruskin (cello), and Donna Kwong (piano) cracker opens, casting its spell over Kansas most memorable hits including “Thank God generate enthusiastic acclaim wherever they City throughout the month of December. I’m a Country Boy”, “Take Me Home Country perform. The program will include works by Featuring elaborate scenery, stunning chore- Roads”, and “Grandma’s Feather Bed”. Di- Schumann, Beethoven and Frank Martin. ography, dazzling costumes and full orchestra rected by Randal Myler. Call for ticket prices. Tickets $28, local student/child $14. Lied music, visions of sugar plum fairies and toy Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Copaken Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr. (785) soldiers come to life as the curtain rises on Stage at H&R Block Center. (816) 235-2700, 864-2787, lied.ku.edu this enchanting holiday classic by ETA Hoff- www.KCRep.org man. Directed by Todd Bolender. $25-$80.

12 KCSTAGE “Men die but an idea does not.” ~ Alan Jay Lerner www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 13 u Performances

Peter Pan: Nov 28: 7:30 pm Wed Martin City Melodrama Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre “I’m flying!” Children and adults all fall under A Country Western Christmas Carol, or A View From the Bridge by Arthur Miller: the spell of Neverland, a mystical place where Bah, Humbug and a Boy Named Scrooge! Nov 8-18: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 7:30 pm Sun children fly and every day is a new adventure. by Jeanne Beechwood, Dan Hall and Jon Miller’s modern tragedy reveals the downfall All of the tale’s favorite characters—Peter Copeland: Nov 9-Jan 1: 3:30 pm Fri-Sun; of Eddie, a longshoreman, who generously Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys and, of 7:30 pm Fri-Sat makes room in his home for two of his wife’s course, the dastardly Captain Hook—join in Kick off your shoes and sit a spell as you see Italian cousins smuggled into this country. the fun of this magical musical. Tickets $49, Charles Dickens’ holiday classic set to tunes Gratefully they move in among his wife, his local student/child $24.50. Lied Center of with a country twang! Runs with a brand new children and his teen-age niece, Catherine. Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr. (785) 864-2787, musical holiday vaudeville revue. And back One, Marco, has a wife and family in Italy but lied.ku.edu by popular demand, Martin City Melodrama the other, Rodolfo—young and extraordinarily Shaolin Warriors: Nov 1: 7:30 pm Thr reprises its much beloved, widely renowned handsome—is single. When Rodolfo and Tanking “high energy” to a new level, Shaolin Water Glass Symphony. Reservations es- Catherine fall in love a monstrous change be- Warriors is a fascinating performance that sential! Directed by Jeanne Beechwood. gins to creep up on the kind and loving Eddie. mixes kung fu with the ancient philosophy Featuring Jeanne Beechwood (Charlene Directed by Karen Paisley. Single $20. Student and traditions of the original Shaolin mon- Pickens, Ghosts), Lisa Mullinger (Mrs. Fez- $10. Group rates available. MET, 1824 Wal- astery. Performed by the Buddhist monks of ziwig, Mrs. Crachit), Sarah Nickerson (Belle, nut. (816) 536-9464, www.metkc.org A the Shaolin Temple, this amazing display Martha Crachit), Clint Griffey (Scrooge), of extraordinary physical feats, gravity-defy- Logan Smalley (Fred, Peter Crachit), Jon Copeland (Bob Crachit, Marley), and Cat The Mystery Train ing gymnastics, superhuman strength and A Christmas Stalking by Wendy Thompson: otherworldly discipline also gives insight into Palmer Beechwood-Hall. $10.99—$12.99. Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Com- Nov 16-Jan 5: 7 pm Thr-Sat the daily temple life of the monks. Tickets Caught on a train in the Christmas blizzard $38, local student/child $19. Lied Center of pany, 9601 Metcalf Ave. (913) 642-7576, martincitymelodrama.org of 1918, three women reminisce about the Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr. (785) 864-2787, Christmas that almost never was, but some- lied.ku.edu one doesn’t want them stirring up memories. The Merry Widow: Nov 17: 7:30 pm Sat Paul Mesner Puppets* Before their stockings are filled, a murder is The Dom Perignon of Champagne operettas! Strega Nona: Oct 24-Nov 11: 2 pm Sat- afoot! Directed by Wendy Thompson. $49- A combination of regal ladies, attractive suit- Sun; 10 am, 1 pm Wed-Fri $59. The Mystery Train, Finnigan’s Hall. (816) ors, sexual intrigue, and effervescent cham- In this hilarious Italian folk tale, Big Anthony 813-9654. A is left alone with Strega Nona’s magic bub- pagne, The Merry Widow delights audiences Quay to a Crime by Wendy Thompson: bling pasta pot. He is warned not to touch it, with a funny, romantic tale of suitors compet- Sep 7-Nov 3: 7 pm Thr-Sat but he can’t resist. Pasta is pouring out of the ing for the hand of a wealthy Parisian widow. The River Quay is going through a face-lift in pot into the entire village! Holy Cannoli! To Spoiler warning: nobody dies, the dancing is the 1970’s, in an effort to attract the family restore order before Strega Nona returns, Big divine, and the ending couldn’t be happier. business. But it is more like a face-off when Anthony tries to eat his way through town and Tickets $48, local student/child $24. Lied a killing happens, and The Family Business is winds up with a belly-full of problems. Strega Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr. (785) called to task. Directed by Wendy Thompson. Nona is performed with marionettes designed 864-2787, lied.ku.edu $49-$59. The Mystery Train, Hereford House. in the Sicilian style with wire rods to the pup- (816) 813-9654. A The Second City: Nov 7: 7:30 pm Wed pets’ heads as well as strings. Directed by Paul The Comedy theatre that served as a proving Mesner. $7 for children; $8.50 for adults. ground for some of the country’s funniest and Unity on the Plaza, 47th & Jefferson. (816) most famous comedians takes the stage with New Theatre Restaurant 235-6222, www.paulmesnerpuppets.org C Church Basement Ladies by Jim Stowell, Jes- satirical, irreverent and wildly funny standup. sica Zuehlke & Drew Jansen: Sep 5-Nov 25: The Second City’s National Touring Co. is The Nativity: Nov 30-Dec 2: 3 pm Sat-Sun; 6 pm Sun-Sat always original, daring and hilarious. “One 7 pm Fri-Sat; 10 am Fri Church Basement Ladies is a celebration of Nation, Under Blog” incorporates candid Between the twelfth and fourteenth centu- the church basement kitchens everywhere audience participation. Meet the comedy ries, miracle plays began in the churches of and the wonderful, unsung women who work stars of tomorrow as they rock the house. England and France. These pageants began there. It that mixes the silliness of Nunsense Tickets $24, local student $12. Lied Center of with the nativity and grew to other Bible with the home spun humor of Prairie Home Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr. (785) 864-2787, stories. First performed by priests, eventu- Companion. The script is dead-on, the music lied.ku.edu A ally the guilds took over their performances and were moved outside of the church and is toe tapping, the humor is delicious and the became more secular. Some early references cast is some of the funniest people we have Lyric Opera of Kansas City to the figures called them motions, an early ever assembled on our stage. To top it off, it The Pearl Fishers by Georges Bizet: Nov 3-11: word for puppet. In France, the dramas were stars William Christopher who played Father 7:30 pm Mon, Wed; 8 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sun known as little Marys or marionettes. Directed Mulcahy on M*A*S*H! Directed by Curt Wol- The Pearl Fishers will be performed in French by Paul Mesner. $7 for children; $8.50 for len. Featuring William Christopher (Pastor E.L. with English electronic text translations adults. Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, 13th Gunderson), Deb Bluford (Mrs. Lars Snustad), above the stage. Tickets may be purchased & Broadway. (816) 235-6222, www.paul Cathy Barnett (Mrs. Elroy Engelson), Greta by calling the ticket office or online with no mesnerpuppets.org Grosch (Mrs. Gilmer Gilmerson), and Julie additional fee. Call for ticket prices. Lyric Taylor (Signe Engelson). Call for information. Theatre, 11th and Central. (816) 471-7344, www.kcopera.org Continued on page 14

12 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 13 u Performances continued from page 13

New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster St. petry Arts Institute, 11025 E Winner Rd. (816) Working by Nina Faso and Stephen Schwartz: (913) 649-SHOW, www.newtheatre.com 833-9777, www.hazelle.org C Nov 8-11: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sun Based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with American workers, Working Olathe South High School* Quality Hill Playhouse paints a vivid portrait of the men and women Fiddler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, Sheldon Christmas in Song: Nov 16-Dec 24: 8 pm the world so often takes for granted: the Harnick, and Jerry Bock: Nov 15-17: 7:30 Sun-Sat; 1 pm Thr; 3 pm Sun school teacher, the parking lost attendant, the pm Thr-Sat Our annual musical cabaret review in cel- waitress, the mill worker, the mason, the truck- Directed by David Hastings. $7. Olathe South ebration of the season. Directed by J. Kent er, the fireman, the housewife, just to name a High School, 1640 E 151st St. (913) 780- Barnhart. Featuring Victoria Botero, Amy few. It is a highly original look at the American 7160, teachers.olathe.k12.ks.us/~dhastingsos Coady, Seth Golay, and J. Kent Barnhart (Pia- landscape that is simply impossible to forget. nist and emcee). $24-adults; $22-students/ Directed by Nathan Norcross. $10. Rockhurst seniors/groups. Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 Park University Theatre* University Mabee Theater, 1100 Rockhurst W 10th St. (816) 421-1700, www.Quality Rd. (816) 501-4877, www.rockhurst.edu/ Being a Clown by Heidi Stubblefield: Nov 5: HillPlayhouse.com 7 pm Mon academic/cfa/theatre/index.asp “The smallest mask in the world that helps one to disclose their naiveté and fragility”. In Right Between the Ears Shawnee Mission Northwest case you missed her successful two woman Right Between the Ears by Darrell Brogdon, Guys and Dolls by Frank Loesser, Jo Swer- show Hybrid at Just Off Broadway last year, David Greusel, Rick Tamblyn: Sep 15-Nov ling, and Abe Burrows: Nov 8-10: 7 pm local actress Heidi Stubblefield will perform 24: 5 pm, 8 pm Sat Thr-Sat an original one woman clown performance Live performances of the radio comedy series Notorious 1940’s New York gamblers Sky in the David Theater at Park University. Free. Right Between the Ears, featuring topical take- and Nathan make a bet over whether or not Jenkin & Barbara David Theater, Alumni Hall, offs and put-ons. Special guest appearance by Sky can take goody-goody Miss Sarah on to Park University Home Campus. (816) 584- Jayni Carey, host of TV series Jayni’s Kitchen. Cuba. Sky promises Sarah to fill her not-so- 6450, www.park.edu/theatre Performances at 5 pm and 8 pm, Liberty Hall. popular mission with sinners if she will have Directed by Darrell Brogdon. Featuring David Tape by Stephen Belber: Nov 15-17: 8 pm dinner with him. Meanwhile, Adelaide tries Greusel, John Jessup, Kip Niven, Roberta to convince Nathan that after 14 years of Thr-Sat; 10 pm Fri-Sat Solomon, and Rick Tamblyn. $15.50-$19.50. Three friends unite after 10 years and each engagement, it is time to give up his under- Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St. (816) ground crap game and settle down. Will he one has a different view of the events that took 931-3330, www.rightbetweentheears.org place one night during their senior year. Di- become a married man? Will Sarah sacrifice rected by Andrew Cudzilo. $5 general admis- her morals? See Guys & Dolls at Shawnee sion. Jenkin & Barbara David Theater, Alumni River City Players Mission Northwest to find out. Directed by Hall, Park University Home Campus. (816) Something to Hide by Leslie Sands: Keli Rodgers. Featuring Andrew Shaw (Nicely- 584-6450, www.park.edu/theatre A Nov 2-10: 7:45 pm Fri-Sat Nicely Johnson), Andrew Luzania (Benny The setting is a charming house in the English Southstreet), Mickey Baltzley (Rusty Charlie), countryside, where Howard Holt, a writer, Caitlin Carver (Miss Sarah Brown), Stepha- Players 58* is visited each weekend by his wife. As the nie Berg (Arvella Abernathy), Monica Hart Lucky Stiff by Ahrens and Flaherty: Nov 1-3: action begins Howard’s mistress is run over (Agatha), Hannah Rosell, Miles Wirth, Mike 7 pm Thr-Sat and killed. Thereafter begins a sequence of Allen, Josh Hall, Jon Joman, Dan Epperson What happens when a dead man leaves 6 events in which one unexpected turn follows (Harry the Horse), Neal Doolin (Lieutenant million dollars to a nephew he’s never met another, as a seemingly gullible police inspec- Brannigan), Sean Hinckle (Nathan Detroit), on the stipulation that he takes his taxider- tor accepts the story cooked up by Howard to Spencer Stonestreet (Angie the Ox), Shannon mied body on vacation in Monte Carlo, or it cover his tracks. But his relief is short-lived as Buhler (Miss Adelaide), Doug Wooldridge all goes to a dog home? And what happens blackmail, another murder, and questions as (Sky Masterson), Danny Rossbach (Joey Bilt- when that money was stolen from his lover’s to the fate of the mistress enter the picture. more / MC), Allie Brown (General Matilda B. husband’s casino and it gets blamed on her Directed by Jason Rauch and Tom Corporon. Cartwright), Derek Boettcher (Big Jule), Luke brother? Come and find out in this hilarious Show only: $8; dinner theatre: $18/adults Meyer (Brandy Bottle Bates), Josiah Rosell musical by the same people who wrote Seus- and $12/children 10 and under. Lexington (Liver Lips Louie), John Kaleekal (The Greek), sical: The Musical! Directed by Beth Bloom Municipal Auditorium, 11th and Franklin. Alex Franklin (Society Max), Vik Govindarajan Ocheskey. Featuring Vonteay Harrison (Harry (816) 259-2819, www.rcplayers.org (Snake Eyes Sanders), Krishna Kumar (Waiter Witherspoon), Shelby Williams (Annabel / Scranton Slim), Bryan Wheat (Drunk), Ka- Glick), Hannah Ridley (Rita La Porta), Devin tie Bowman (Mimi), Marley Miller (Betsy), Ersey (Vinnie Di Ruzzio), Gabe Goodman (Lu- Rockhurst University* Jessi Ray (Pansy), Alyssa Stormes (Ruby), igi Gaudi), and Claire Standridge (Dominique Ripped by J Q Sirls: Nov 16: 8 pm Fri Katherine Dokko (Suzie), Mary Vesel (Lucy), Du Monaco). $6 adult, $4 student. Center A student-written piece that examines a mind Maggie Hartman (Eve), Madeline Cummings High School Theater, 8715 Holmes Rd. (816) shaken by guilt and its tentative hold on reality. (Frankie), Julie Bird (Vivian), Annie Lewis- 349-3356, www.center.k12.mo.us Directed by Timothy J. Willett. Free. Rockhurst Jones (Rosie), Hailey Esch (Sylvia), Catherine University Mabee Theater, 1100 Rockhurst Barrett (Flo), Elena Harvey (Mabel), Whitney Rd. (816) 501-4877, www.rockhurst.edu/ Jones (Kiki), Lesli Amos (Hatty), Kaitlin Carl Puppetry Arts Institute academic/cfa/theatre/index.asp A (Opal), Matt Harrison, Katie Bowman, Annie Animal Stories: Nov 24: 2 pm, 11 am Sat Lewis-Jones, Whitney Jones, Alex Franklin, Puppeteer is Lisa Jorgensen of Piccadilly Pup- Mike Allen, Hailey Esch, Dan Epperson, pets. $5 per person regardless of age. Pup- Josiah Rosell, Andrew Luzania, Katherine

“I might repeat to myself slowly and soothingly, a list of quotations beautiful from 14 KCSTAGE minds profound - if I can remember any of the damn things.” ~ Dorothy Parker www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 15 u Performances

Dokko, Catherine Barrett, Neal Doolin, Mar- UMKC Theatre Theatre, 3828 Main St. (816) 531-7529, ley Miller, Christina Rodriguez, Geta Bedasso, Goodnight Children Everywhere by Richard www.unicorntheatre.org A Cat Hummel, Claire Martin, Megan Ganse- Nelson: Nov 30-Dec 9: 7:30 pm Fri-Sun bom, Lauren Carver, Holly Thomas, Christina Goodnight Children Everywhere involves the University of Central Missouri* Strauss, Kelly Iverson, Ryan Doughty, Francis displacement of a family and the reunion in Toellner, Lauren Scarboro, Momoko Shoizaki, Shadow Gets A Black Eye: A Karagoz Play 1945 of 17-year-old Peter, who spent World by Enver Sayan: Nov 1-3: 9:30 am Thr-Fri; Ronnie Chandra, Caleb Hall, Kait Meinert, War II in Canada, with his three sisters, who 12:30 am, 7:30 pm Fri; 12:30 pm Thr; Sarah Werle, Matt Harrison, Lauren Bock, stayed in England. With the children’s mother 10 am Sat and Chad Whiting. Crew: Keli Rodgers (Di- and father killed as a result of the war, the Shadow Gets a Black Eye: A Karagoz Play, rector), Emily Misenor (Asst. Director), Cassie children must reinvent their relationship. It is the Performing Arts Series children’s play Slocum (Asst. Director), Judy Tuckness (Tech- raw, touching, and a bit shocking. This is a produced by the Department of Theatre, is nical Director), Bryan Wheat (Asst. Technical play that has adult themes and scenes, and a modern interpretation of the traditional Director), Cat Hummel (Asst. Technical Direc- is not for children. Children under 16 will Turkish Karagoz shadow puppet play. Young tor), Lauren Carver (Asst. Technical Director), not be admitted. Directed by Ron Schaeffer. audiences learn about respect for other cul- Christin LaMourie (Box Office), Sam Kendrick Adult $15, senior $10, student $6. Studio tures and the importance of friendship in a (Stage Manager), April Okken (Dance Cho- 116, 4949 Cherry St. (816) 235-6222, fast-paced, humorous format. Directed by reography), Katie Bowman (Dance Captain), www.umkc.edu/theatre A Annie Lewis-Jones (Dance Captain), Sean Julie Rae Pratt. Featuring Christopher J Taylor Hinckle (Asst. Voice/Dialect Coach), Scot (Karagoz), Joshua Minnis (Hadjeivat), Jacob Schwartz (Musical Direction), Nancy Hewlet Unicorn Theatre Coleman (Sam), Jessica Prochnow (Maysa), (Accompanist), Tim McCray (Lighting Design), rightnextto me by Gregg Coffin: Nov 28- Rebecca Casselman (Zenne), Ryan Fortney Morgan Rainey (Master Electrician), Morgan Dec 30: 8 pm Fri-Sat; 7:30 pm Wed-Thr; (Mandrali), Frank McGraw (Arnaut), Kyle Rainey (Crew: Lighting), Stephen Rowell 3 pm Sun Shelley (Puppet Karagoz), Nathan Gearke (Sound Design), Cassie Slocum (Costume/ Gregg Coffin, whose earlier works include (Puppet Hadjeivat), Kristen Janke (Puppet Ze- Wardrobe Manager), Ann Manly (Properties), Convenience (produced at Unicorn in 2004) nne), and Kyle Lackey (Puppet Arnaut). Crew: Allie Brown (Make-up), Katie Davis (Publicity), and Five Course Love (produced in New York Emily Dean (Asst. Director), Jennifer Fugate and Alyson Golladay (Publicity). $7. Shawnee in 2005), premiers his latest musical about (Stage Manager), Heather Skowronski (Asst. Mission Northwest High School Parker Audi- how closely we’re all connected. Two ac- Stage Manager), Justin Lane (Technical Direc- torium, 12701 W 67th St. (913) 993-7285, tors sing a story of love, loss, proximity, and tor), Heather Tucker (Scenic Design), William thespiantroupe888.com distance as they discover the answer you are Jeselnick (Scenic Design), Gregory Owen looking for could be right next to you. Di- (Faculty Mentor), Maggie Nevins (Costume rected by Cynthia Levin with musical direction Design), Zadi Khalsa (Sound Design), Nicole Theatre for Young America* by Anthony T. Edwards. $25-$30. Unicorn Langness (Make-up), Ronnie Chamberlain Hansel and Gretel by Gene Mackey: Nov Theatre, 3828 Main St. (816) 531-7529, (Faculty Mentor), Justin Hays (Lighting Design), 27-Dec 29: 12 pm Thr-Fri; 10 am Tue-Fri; www.unicorntheatre.org A Jeff Peltz (Faculty Mentor), Kathleen Reid (Pup- 2 pm Sat pet Construction), Cheryl Barker (Dramaturg), The classic Grimm Brothers fairytale comes to The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin Hassan Hussian (Puppet Consultant), and life with a new book and music adapted from McDonagh: Oct 17-Nov 11: 8 pm Fri-Sat; Aydin Sanli (Technical Consultant). Tickets the Humperdinck opera, plus the enchanting 3 pm Sun; 7:30 pm Tue-Thr $3-$5, available by calling 660-543-8607. spectacle of a magical gingerbread house in “Mad Padraic”, deemed to reckless for the Hendricks Hall, University of Central Missouri. the lush German forest. First performed as a Irish Republican Army, has only one real (660) 543-8811, www.ucmo.edu/theatre holiday “fairy opera” in 1893, this co-produc- friend in the world-a scraggly black feline tion with Avila College is filled with song, hu- lovingly called Wee Thomas. In Martin Side By Side By Sondheim by Stephen Sond- mor, and magic. Directed by Gene Mackey. McDonagh’s latest comedy noir, friends and heim: Nov 14-18: 7:30 pm Wed-Sat; 2 pm $8 per ticket with group discounts available. family become foes and the only person you Sun Theatre for Young America, City Stage at can trust is pointing a gun at your head. Di- Join the Departments of Theatre and Music Union Station. (816) 460-2083, www.tya.org rected by Joseph Price. Featuring Theodore for an evening of song and dance as we Swetz (Donny), Darren Kennedy (Padraic), celebrate a dazzling array of musical num- The Toughest Kid in the World by Gene Mack- David Jones (Davey), Bruce Roach (Christy), bers from some of Sondheim’s best-known ey: Nov 5-16: 10 am Sun-Sat; 2 pm Sat TJ Chasteen (James), Patrick DuLaney (Bren- musicals including Gypsy, West Side Story, The adventures of TK, a modern youngster dan), Anthony Merchant (Joey), and Elana Company, A Funny Thing Happened on the dealing with real problems of anger, conflict, Kepner (Mairead). Crew: Mitch Critel (Tech- Way to the Forum, and A Little Night Music. and violence. TK redefines “tough” for himself nical Director), Rocco D’Santi (Lighting De- Directed by Richard Herman. Featuring Jamie and learns personal skills that empower him sign), Ryan J Zirngibl (Scenic Designer), Tim Veltre, Stephanie Gaston, Callie Ott, Nicole to reject violence in this musical play full of Brandsted (Sound Designer), Pheobe Boynton Hall, Rebecca Ray, Brian Sauer, Seth Bowl- humor and heart. $8 per ticket with group dis- (Costume Designer), Paula Pearson (Proper- ing, Megan McLain, Candy Tuttle, Liz Allen, counts available. Theatre for Young America, ties Design), Glenn Lewis (Set Construction), Skye Palmer, Trevor Belt, Brandon Case, Nick City Stage at Union Station. (816) 460-2083, PJ Barnett (Properties Design), Ashley Beck- Mast, Michelene Khalid, Mary Rogers, Angela www.tya.org ham (Production Stage Manager), Mathias Schaefer, Laurel Dueuer, Aaron Markarian, Langford (Production Assistant), Victoria Frank Matthew Pedersen, Brent Martin, Malorie (Production Assistant), David Coley (Drama- Pitchford, Matt Anderson, and Dawn Malts- turg), and Erika Bailey (Voice/Dialect Coach). barger. Crew: Dr. Kenneth Wood (Musical Previews: $20, Tuesday-Thursday: $25, Fri- Direction), Dr. Carla Maltas (Accompanist), day-Saturday: $30, Sunday: $25. Unicorn Continued on page 16

14 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 15 u Performances continued from page 15

Emily Argo (Dance Choreography), Nick Mast (Mrs Squires), Julie Bayliff, Jacquelyn Venetia Paul Mesner Puppets* (Asst. Choreographer), Nicole Hall (Asst. Kelly, Bobbi Rising, Sylvia Niccum, Mary Mc- True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf by Choreographer), Gregory Owen (Scenic Nulty, Kirby Anderson, Leslie Hodges, Joshua Jon Scieszka: Dec 5-16: 2 pm Sat-Sun; Designer), Jeff Peltz (Lighting Design), Ron- Cuffe, Samantha Lentz (River City Child), Kyle 7 pm Fri; 10 am, 1 pm Wed-Fri nie Chamberlain (Costume Design), Rebecca Tichenor, and Anson Ornery. $20 public, $10 Olathe South High School* Scrivener (Make-up), Zach Thonen (Asst. all students, $19 senior citizens. Crafton-Prey- Director), Tiana Starke (Asst. Director), Chris er Theatre, Murphy Hall-University of Kansas. Audition Showcase: Dec 3: 7 pm Mon Notestine (Stage Manager), and Ashley Ay- (785) 864-3982, www.kutheatre.com University of Central Missouri* ers (Asst. Stage Manager). $12 general, $10 A Gaggle of Saints by Neil LaBute: Dec 7-8: faculty and seniors, $6 students. Highlander 7:30 pm Fri-Sat Theatre, University of Central Missouri. (660) William Inge Center for the Arts* Crazy Eights by David Lindsay-Abaire: Dec Playwrights-in-Residence Readings by Juli- 543-8811, www.ucmo.edu/theatre 7-8: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat anne Homokay and Robert Koon: Nov 3: Sticks and Stones by Drew McWeeny and 2 pm, 7:30 pm Sat Scott Swan: Dec 7-8: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat University of Kansas Theatre Readings of new plays by Inge Center Play- The Death of Romance by Adam R. Burnett: wrights-in-Residence Julianne Homokay and University of Kansas Theatre Nov 29-Dec 2: 7:30 pm Thr-Fri; 5 pm Sat; Robert Koon. Featuring guest professional Fool For Love by Sam Shepard: Dec 4-8: 2:30 pm Sun actors. Free. William Inge Theatre, 58 Road. 5 pm Sat; 7:30 pm Tue-Thr R The premiere production of this new drama (800) 842-6063, bpeterson@ingefestival. by KU senior Adam Burnett tells of flamboyant org. A pill popping, alcoholic binging, drug friendly romance novelist Linda Wood, who could potentially be a genius. As Linda nears the completion of the final novel in her lucra- Coming in December tively successful series, she is faced with an The Barn Players, Inc.* onslaught of major life alterations. Directed Inspecting Carol by Daniel Sullivan and by Susanne Kepley. Featuring Meg Saricks The Seattle Repertory Theatre: Dec 7-16: (Linda), Lara Thomas (Julie), Jenna Bleecker 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sun (Pam), Matt Crooks (Matthew), Amy Virginia Christian Youth Theater Buchanan (Sofia), Nate Totten (Jacques), and Ronald A. Willis (The Old Man). $12 public, Les Miserables School Edition: Dec 7-16: $10 all students, $11 senior citizens. Inge 7 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sat-Sun; 9:30 am Fri Theatre, Murphy Hall-University of Kansas. Full Frontal Comedy (785) 864-3982, www.kutheatre.com A How the Grinch Stole Full Frontal: Dec 7-8: 8 pm Fri-Sat The Music Man by Meredith Willson: Nov 9-17: 7:30 pm Thr-Sat; 2:30 pm Sun Lied Center of Kansas In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Eileen Ivers: Dec 8: 7:30 pm Sat the opening of Murphy Hall, the University Theatre and the KU Department of Music & Dance are staging this award-winning musical. Set in fictional River City, Iowa, the story focuses on Professor Harold Hill, a con man whose scam is to convince parents he can teach their musically disinclined children to play musical instruments. Directed by John Staniunas. Featuring David MacKay, Spencer Lott, Alex Nichols, Sam Beasley, Garrett Kelly, Spencer Holdren, Christopher McGillvray (Charlie Cowell/), Ryan Klamen (Conductor/Constable Locke), Jeffrey Da- vid Sears (Harold Hill), Dave Beals (Mayor Shinn), David Stogsdill (Ewart Dunlop), Gar- rett Lawson (Oliver Hix), Lucas Walker (Jacey Squires), Logan Walker (0lin Britt), Tosin Mo- rohunfolu (Marcellus Washburn), Ben Cook (Tommy Djilas), Andi Porter (Marian Paroo), Meaghan Deiter (Mrs. Paroo), Katie Dohler (Amaryllis), Mary Helen Guastello (Amaryl- lis), Emory Sadler (Winthrop Paroo), Alyson Cripps (Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn), Cassan- dra Hollman (Zaneeta Shinn), Felicia Helena Fairley (Gracie Shinn), Brittany Barney (Alma Hix), Whitney Juneau (Maud Dunlop), Cassidi Stuckman (Ethel Toffelmier), Callie Schlegel

16 KCSTAGE “A guilty conscience needs to confess. A work of art is a confession.” ~ Albert Camus www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 17 u Spotlight on Dr. Julie Rae Pratt u Kansas City Repertory Exceeds Campaign Goal continued from page 2 continued from page 1

When asked what show is her favorite, Pratt gives endowment fund which provides critical operational the standard, “the one I’m currently working on de- stability for Kansas City’s flagship not-for-profit veloping.” She explains further, however. “I like all theatre. The endowment also supports the theatre’s kinds of plays: from ancient Greek tragedy to Japanese comprehensive education outreach programs which kabuki to American musicals and contemporary iden- last year benefited more than 11,000 students from 20 tity-driven vehicles. Luckily, I’ve had the privilege of counties in Missouri and Kansas. exploring a huge variety of genres. Each presents its In the spring of 2005, the Rep’s board approved a own challenges.” capital campaign to raise $7 million to build the 12,860 Her current production is a world premiere The- square foot downtown theatre ($5 million for incre- atre for Young Audience production: Shadow Gets mental construction and furnishings of the theatre a Black Eye: A Karagoz Play, by Enver Sayan. UCM space and $2 million to increase the Rep’s endowment does a national playwriting contest every year, then fund to help support the additional operating costs for produces the winner, and this is Pratt’s fifth time di- the new theatre and expand educational programs). recting the winning show. “It’s fantastic fun to build Through a unique partnership agreement with Kan- a production from the ground up,” she writes. The sas City-based H&R Block, the Rep’s construction production is about a Christian and a Muslim touring costs were less than half of what they would have Istanbul, Turkey, who run into Karagoz and Hajievat, been had the theatre built Copaken Stage alone. The “two very familiar and traditional Turkish charac- facility is at Block’s new world headquarters located ters,” Pratt writes, “much like American’s Laurel and one block west of the new Sprint Arena, in the heart of Hardy. The four find adventure, including attending a downtown Kansas City’s new entertainment district. Karagoz shadow puppet show where we see the pup- For information about donating to the Rep, please pet origins of Karagoz and Hajievat. The play within contact Carrie Lenahan, Copaken Stage campaign a play format allows our students to research, build, manager, at 816-235-5420 or [email protected]. R and learn to use traditional Turkish shadow puppets as well as learn about a Muslim country. Our teachers in the BSE program develop an education packet Showbiz that goes to all area elementary schools, providing the u continued from page 6 groundwork and building bridges about Turkey, Is- lam, shadow puppets, and other cultural aspects. literacy themed programs, visual arts workshops, and Continued on page 20 programs for pre-school and early education children. You may call (816) 531-4022, x1011 to request an application. All applications for new programs must be postmarked by November 16.

City Market Documentary Short Competition The City Market 150th Anniversary Documentary Short Film Competition is giving documentarians and filmmakers the opportunity to capture history and win some great prizes. The competition is open to both amateur and professional filmmakers. There will be a separate category for high school partici- pants. Documentaries must be from 10 to 35 minutes in length with a trailer of up to two minutes. All films must be received by November 30. More information at www.citymarketshort.com.R

16 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 17 u Riding the Mystery Train continued from page 5

Bucks though. That situation is getting very cut- bit. They really put me on the spot because of several throat. outbursts I have to make and how my gloves come off It is all starting to get very routine, and I don’t think at one point, and various other suspicions. I haven’t any of us fear the unknown anymore. We pretty much yet figured out the right tact to take with that. Here we know what the audience is going to throw at us, and are in the homestretch and I still don’t know if it is bet- that is a good feeling. So many lines are sticking in my ter to play the utmost sincerity that I could never ever head now, my favorites and my cast mate’s. I don’t kill ANYONE, or just continue to act a bit dodgy. It is think I’ll ever get this script out of my head now. satisfying however to find that my accusations of the others made enough sense to the audience when they August 13 put those people down as the murderer later on. I can Saturday we had the biggest house yet, 44 people. sometimes see their wheels turning when I am talking The room was very full! It felt like a real audience. to them and know that I am influencing their thinking. Out of all those people, we had trouble casting the Especially if they had gone from totally accusing me thing. Twice I was turned down by potential Senator to being convinced it was someone else. Very satisfy- Barkleys; I finally got irritated and handed that off ing to play with peoples heads indeed. to Richard. He picked a big guy that looked right for I am especially proud of one little coup I pulled. it. So I went over to another table and got this black One table asked me very pointedly why I left the Re- lady to play Bess Truman. When Finch gave her the publican Campaign to work for the Democrats. Damn, line, “You look much different in person”, it got a I hadn’t come up with a good enough answer for that huge laugh. The guy playing Jack the almost secret service agent was this big handsome muscular kid. He did a great job, his black hat looked miniscule on his huge nog- gin, and I had no trouble flirting with him on this one line. Also when he said, “I used to be taller” that got a big laugh as well. Sometimes it’s great to cast against type for some roles and other times depending on the character not so much. But it’s always great when they have fun with it. I guess some people are just too intro- verted to take on a role. I feel bad when they decline though; makes me feel like I put them on the spot and exposed all their weaknesses, especially since they have to decline in front of the others at the table. When there are that many tables, it is really hard to get to all of them and set up what I need to for my character, get their nametags to them, and have time to assign characters on top of it all. I need to estab- lish that I have a thing for Bob, that I am ambitious, energetic, and would do anything to help out the campaign, but sometimes I found myself doing a very perfunctory spiel. It was a lot of pressure. So many tables also altered our blocking since we could never slip between them and stand up against the wall. As the evening progressed, people were accusing me point blank of the murder and this rattled me a

18 KCSTAGE “A bad beginning makes a bad ending.” ~ Euripides www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 19 u Riding the Mystery Train

yet. Suddenly the answer appeared like a shining into the part where the uptight British guy goes into beacon in my mind, which perfectly coalesced with the rant about Americans and our obsessions with bo- my divorce from Finch. Of course I wouldn’t answer soms. I could swear it was word for word. I told Tim without a bribe, then I said, “I can sum it up in one he should totally do that for an audition monologue word. THE MOUSTACHE!” Their faces turned quiz- sometime. He said he needed to get the voice down a zical, and so I said “Dewey’s moustache! It reminded bit better, but Richard said “NO! Don’t imitate! Make me too much of Finch’s! I just couldn’t work for it your own!” somebody with that weasely little moustache.” They HOWLED. I got all their money. August 22 Thursday was a bit uneventful. The room had half It is all becoming a blur, but there are a few highlights. the people we had Saturday night, so in some ways This past weekend, we had our best Cindy the bubble- it was easier but not as exciting. Backstage, we made headed secretary EVER. This little girl stood up and was things fun. We started talking about geeky subjects mostly off book for her first bit. She had a high squeaky like Star Trek. So Tim started doing the “PFFFFT” voice and the right ditzy energy to make it all work. She sound the doors on there make, but was lamenting was wearing a skimpy dress that part of her bra was that he couldn’t quite get the little squeak sound at hanging out of, and stringy Goth black hair. Even with- the end. I did not know that the effect was made from out being a blonde, the line about that was changed and playing an air gun backwards! The things you learn! it still worked anyway. Needless to say she got the best He then regaled us with a monologue culled from actor award that night. When we went out in the hall It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. He suddenly launched for the exit she told me she had gone to some acting camps and had done theatre before. We all told her to get back into it. She was fun. She really set the bar high, as the first character to get up and read. I do not think anybody else did that well, including a Senator Barkley that read sooooo slooooow that it really took the wind out of us. It is very hard to stay in character and keep the right tone when somebody drops the ball. There is just no way to tell sometimes if that is going to happen. I do think we have honestly done the best we can with casting this show each night. Saturday night, Billy Bob Thornton was in the restaurant! Not at our show, but eating with a bunch of colorful looking folks. I have not heard about anything shooting in town. But it was definitely him. People were being discouraged by the staff from approaching him or trying to get a picture. He was in some T-shirt and ball cap, but it was him all right. Of course this prompted all the Sling Blade imita- tions from Tim. I still can’t get Bad Santa out of my mind. That is the second funniest movie of all time next to Team America. Of course you would come to Hereford House for a Kansas City steak if you were a famous actor in town for a shoot. Makes sense. I later learned he was touring with a band. Continued on page 20

18 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 19 u Spotlight on Dr. Julie Rae Pratt u Riding the Mystery Train continued from page 17 continued from page 19

“The play foregrounds the mes- This next weekend is our last. After Saturday’s show, we went sage that getting to know someone I am feeling very ambivalent. The to the bar to drink and say good- before you judge them is the best thing I will not miss is dealing bye, let each other know what we way,” Pratt writes. She did quite a with customers sometimes when were doing next. Tim gave me a bit to prepare to direct the produc- they are being non-participatory Captain Kirk action figure. Rich- tion as well, spending three weeks or difficult. I will miss the pay- ard goes off to teach Music History in Istanbul learning about Kara- check and the camaraderie. It is at a college in Michigan, Ric starts goz from a scholar and a puppet nice to be in the trenches with the work on the next Mystery Train master. others, but I am tired. show, and I go back to co-writing This type of play is right up her a new show and working on some alley, as she writes, “I am always August 27: Final Weekend songs and my house. inspired by a need to shed light on We were in a different room Today I feel relieved, but an issue important to a commu- Friday, and in addition to a few pretty satisfied with the experi- nity. I think that’s what the job of tables of normal people, there ence. Sometimes an ending is too an artist is: to reflect and comment was a busload of approximately emotional. Not so much for an on society.” 32 kids bussed in from a college interactive show as opposed to In fact, this belief is involved in prep program I think. We were a gut wrenching drama. I real- how she sees her future. “My ul- told they were college age, but ize I haven’t had one of those in timate dream is to open a theatre I think they were no more than years—probably not since The where the voice of the community 15. They were, for the most part, Clearing or Proof. I guess I was get- is heard through producing both very immature and had no idea ting pretty comfortable with pro- identity-driven traditional plays as how to behave in that setting and scenium-style theatre and feeling well as devised work. At the heart the adults with them were largely pretty separate from the audience. of the mission would be striving to ineffectual at getting them to calm It’s good to shake yourself up once open hearts and minds to respect- down, be quiet, and participate in a while. I definitely learned to ing what connects human beings in the game. Debra Glagola was think on my feet a bit more. Maybe and working to understand how Conductor that night and kept ev- what I will take away from the ex- we are different based on our cul- eryone on the same page, actually perience is to learn to adapt on the tures.” R had to very politely tell a group of spot to whatever comes. I do not teenage girls, “May I have your think I could ever make a big deal Shadow Gets a Black Eye: A attention PLEASE ladies!” when out of a slight change in blocking, Karagoz Play will be playing at the they would not be quiet during dropped lines or some unexpected University of Central Missouri from her opening monologue. It was audience reaction in a traditional Nov. 1–3. For more information, visit hard to stay in character, get all theatre show again. R www.ucmo.edu/x26474.xml or call the information to those audience (660) 543-8811. For more information members who were interested in The next Mystery Train show, Quay on Dr. Pratt, including information solving the mystery, and be gra- to a Crime, runs Sep 7 through Nov 3. about her music available on iTunes, cious but firm with the obnoxious For more information check out the visit www.myspace.com/julieraerocks. teenagers all at the same time. website at www.kcmysterytrain.com.

“If a man has talent and can’t use it, he’s failed. If he uses only half of it, he has partly failed. If he uses the 20 KCSTAGE whole of it, he has succeeded, and won a satisfaction and triumph few men ever know.” ~ Thomas Wolfe www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 21 Auditions www.kcstage.com/auditions The Barn Players, Inc.* ercise. Callbacks will take place at 6:30 pm, Johnson County Comm. College You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown by on Dec 12. All roles are available. The Lewis A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen, adapted by Clark Gesner and Andrew Lippa: Nov 10: and Shirley White Theatre, on the campus of Wm. Missouri Downs: Dec 3-5: 7:30 pm 1 pm Sat The JCC of Greater Kansas City, (913) 327- Mon-Wed It’s a day in the life of Charles Schulz’s famous 8074, www.jcckc.org/arts.html Directed by Sheilah Philip. Be prepared to comic strip character Charlie Brown. With all Falsettos by William Finn, James Lapine, and perform a 1-2 minute monologue from a of your favorite characters on hand, Sally, William Finn: Nov 12-13: 6:30 pm Mon-Tue play of your choice at the open call. Choose Snoopy, Linus, Schroeder & Lucy, this revised A seamless pairing of March of the Falsettos material that suits you and that shows you at version of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and Falsettoland, acclaimed off Broadway your best. Black Box Theatre, Carlsen Cen- includes all of your favorite songs, including musicals written nearly a decade apart, Fal- ter, 12345 College Blvd, (913) 469-8500, the title song, “My Blanket and Me”, “Sup- settos won 1992 Tony Awards for best book www.jccc.edu/theatredept pertime”, “Little Known Facts” & “Happiness”, and musical score. Directed by Mark Swezey. plus new songs written by Andrew Lippa, Please prepare 32 measures from a musical including “My New Philosophy”. Directed Music Theatre for Young People* theatre selection. Also, be prepared to partici- On Your Toes by Rodgers & Hart: Oct 28- by Jason Coats. Auditions: From 1 pm to pate in a movement exercise. Callbacks will 4 pm, at Colonial Church. (If necessary, audi- Nov 4: 1 pm Sun take place on Nov 18 at 6:30 pm. The Lewis Junior Dolan, the son of old vaudevillians, tions can be scheduled by appointment only and Shirley White Theatre, on the campus of for Sunday afternoon, Nov 11, by contact- becomes a music professor and helps a strug- The JCC of Greater Kansas City, (913) 327- gling Russian ballet company. But complica- ing Jason Coates at [email protected]), Go 8074, www.jcckc.org/arts.html to website for more information. For actors tions force him to go on in place of the lead age 12-18. Colonial Church of Prairie Vil- dancer and perform opposite the Russian pri- lage, 7039 Mission Rd, (913) 432-9100, City Theatre of Independence* ma ballerina Vera Barnova. Gangsters try to www.thebarnplayers.org Kiss Me, Kate by Cole Porter and Bella and shoot him during the ballet, but they are ap- Samuel Spewack: Nov 26-28: 7 pm Mon- prehended in time for a happy ending, which Wed includes his proposal of marriage to sweet CenterStage Theatre Combine Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew songwriter Frankie Frayne. Directed by Cary 1776 by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards: with Porter’s music and lyrics to get Kiss Me, Danielson Pandzik. Auditions for performers Dec 9-10: 5:30 pm Sun-Mon Kate. This is a play-within-a-play where each ages 13-18. Auditions will be split as follows: The seminal event in American history blazes cast member’s on-stage life is complicated by Oct 28, 7:30 pm - Dance/Ballet; Nov 4, 1 to vivid life in this unconventional of Broad- what is happening offstage. Directed by James pm - Vocals (required), 5:30 pm - Jazz dance way hits. 1776 puts a human face on the Stamburger. Featured singing parts for several (required), 7:30 pm - Dance/Tap; A participa- pages of history, showing proud, frightened, men and women. Chorus. Open auditions for tion fee applies. Held at the Carlsen Center. uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty, and all parts will include singing, dancing, and Prepare a 16 bar audition piece with sheet ultimately noble figures determined to do the readings from the script. Performance dates music for the accompanist, and be prepared right thing for a fledging nation. Directed by are: Jan 17-19 & 25-27, 2008. Roger T. Ser- to dance. Carlsen Center, Jo Co Comm Col- Mark Swezey. Please prepare 32 measures of mon Center, 201 N Dodgion St, (816) 325- lege, (913) 341-8156, www.mtyp.org/ music from a musical theatre selection. Also, 7367, www.citytheatreofindependence.org be prepared to participate in a movement ex- Park University Theatre* Lawrence Community Theatre The Shape of Things by Neil Labute: Nov 19: Greater Tuna by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, 6:30 pm Mon and Ed Howard: Nov 27-28: 7 pm Tue-Wed How far would you go for love? For art? What Is your account Welcome to Tuna, Texas, where the Lion’s concessions would you make? After a chance Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies! meeting in a museum, Evelyn, a sexy, aggres- up-to-date? Two performers bring all the citizens of Texas’ sive artist and Adam, a shy insecure student, third smallest town to life as they depict men, become embroiled in an intense affair. Before Log into your account at women, children and animals in this hilarious long, it veers into the kind of dangerous, www.kcstage.com comedy. Directed by Doug Weaver. Two men seductive territory that Labute does best, as Adam, under Evelyn’s steady influence goes to to keep your e-mail and are needed and will perform all roles. Audi- tions will consist of readings from the script. unimaginable lengths to improve his appear- contact information current Scripts are available for check out from the ance and character. (Faber and Faber, inc.) theatre office with a $10 deposit which is Directed by Scott Stackhouse. 2 males and 2 Check your e-mail for refunded upon return of the script. For more females. All characters are students of a liberal arts college in a conservative Midwestern offers to win tickets to local information, call the theatre. Lawrence Com- munity Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire St, town. Jenkin & Barbara David Theater, Alumni events and other prizes. (785) 843-7469, theatrelawrence.com Hall, Park University Home Campus, (816) 584-6451, www.park.edu/theatre R For help with accessing your account, e-mail [email protected] www.kcstage.com

20 www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2007 21 KCSTAGE Presorted Standard PO Box 410492 U.S. Postage Paid Kansas City, MO Kansas City, MO 641 64141-0492 Permit No. 2117

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