JENNIFER MAYS B KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 1 Cappies Launch Fifth Year by Beth Ocheskey • [email protected] The Kansas City Cappies are bringing back new ideas for now launching their fifth year their own shows, and voting of celebrating high school the- on what they truly felt was the ater in the metropolitan area. very best they’ve seen all year, Many area schools are reaping that the idea of competition just the benefits of being involved in doesn’t fit. a program that promotes critical The Cappies critics love that analysis, writing, performance they get to see a lot of great and technical skills, and public- theater for free, getting to make Top Billing ity for their theater programs. friends from other schools that Spotlight on Jennifer Mays...... 4 Cappies takes a small team they already have something in COVER: Jennifer Mays appears this month in Over of theatrical critics from each common with, the fact that only the River and Through the Woods and Leading Ladies at the New Theatre Restaurant. participating high school, trains the things done by students them how to write theatrical count for awards, and that the Starring critiques, then sends the critics awards are determined by their National Alliance of Musical Theatre Festival of New Works ...... 2 out to other area high schools votes, not adults. Watch Out: Nonprofit Organizations’s to see and write about their per- Joining the Kansas City Cap- Desire to Mobilize Voters...... 3 Cappies Launch Fifth Year...... 1 formances. The best written cri- pies is easy: all a teacher needs tiques are published each week to do is go to www.cappies.com Book-in-Hand in the Kansas City Star as well as and click on the “rules and Acting is a Job...... 6 several other local newspapers. forms” link. There they will Notes The student critics view both find the link to register their Unicorn Receives Challenge Grant...... 6 plays and musicals, and are the own schools to be a part of a ones who vote on the awards great new tradition in high Stand-Ins Auditions ...... 24 that are given out at the Cappies school theaters all over the Calendar...... 12 Gala event in the spring. nation. For more details about Callbord...... 24 Click!...... 24 New schools are joining ev- the program, or to find out Film Clips...... 5 ery year and are finding that how to support the Cappies Performances ...... 8 they have students learning financially, simply e-mail: beth. Cast of Characters more about theater, writing, [email protected]. Scott Bowling...... Webmaster and teamwork though a fun and Come out this year and sup- Richard Buswell...... Managing Editor Bryan Colley ...... Graphic Designer simple process. They also love port your local high school the- Angie Fiedler Sutton ...... Marketing all the publicity the Cappies gets ater programs. Schedules of all Tricia Kyler Bowling...... Subscriber Rep for their theater departments. show dates and locations for the Letters to the Editor...... [email protected] Some of the Cappies men- year are at www.cappies.com. tors say that their favorite thing Kansas City’s Cappies are the about the program is that it is designers, actors, technicians, non-competitive. The students playwrights, and directors of are so excited about seeing the future: let’s show them we KCVolume 09 • No.STAGE 11 • Issue 86 • November 2006 the shows, getting published, support their dreams. R [email protected] • 816-361-2325 PO Box 410492 • Kansas City, MO 64141-0492 December Submission Deadline: November 10 www.kcstage.com © Copyright 2006 by KC Stage. All material contained in this publication is the property of KC Stage. Any use, duplication, or reproduction of any or all content of this publication is prohibited except with the express written permission of KC Stage. Printing by AlphaGraphics. R

B KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 1 National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival of New Works by Chris McCoy • [email protected] This year marks the 16th annual Festival of New future at Quality Hill Playhouse, the Unicorn, or Works sponsored by the National Alliance for New Theatre Restaurant. Musical Theatre (NAMT)—a national service or- The stand-out surprise of the festival was a ganization with the mission to foster new work piece simply titled Piece. This unique and complex in musical theatre. In their 16 years, NAMT has work by rookies Tara Smith and Scott Alan chron- a prestigious list of musicals which they helped icles the life of one woman as she reflects on her launch to stardom including Thoroughly Modern life and relationship with her mother. Returning Millie, Children of Eden, Honk!, Ruthless!, and most home after her mother’s death from breast cancer, recently, The Drowsy Chaperone. As artistic direc- the protagonist faces the ghosts of her former self tor of the Kansas City Crossroads Musical The- at ages 17, 26, and 35. What is unique about the ater Festival, I had the opportunity to attend this piece is that four different actresses all play the year’s festival in New York City which attracts same character at the different points of her life, musical theatre writers and producers from all while the eldest version of the heroine plays both over the country. Eight musicals were given 45- herself and her mother. The dynamic created by minute readings of excerpts from the piece with this device forces reflection upon how we all turn some of Broadway’s top talent. into our parents with age while learning and try- Although trends in theatre are usually easy to ing to overcome their faults and mistakes. The identify, the NAMT festival spans the gamut of work can best be described as a chamber musical contemporary and traditional idioms of the musi- that brings to mind Jason Robert Brown’s Songs cal theatre genre. Selected by a committee drawn for a New World or the by-gone favorite Quilters. from constituent members from around the coun- Although, the show is early in its development, try, the festival presented a well-balanced and it shows much promise especially in the dynamic varied selection of musical theatre pieces from the score which utilizes musical idioms from the most traditional to the cutting-edge. Eight shows varying decades of the woman’s life. The show is were selected for staged readings while another slated for a workshop production in Akron, Ohio twenty promising entries were highlighted in a for February of next year and it will be exciting to special pre-festival workshop. Below are some of see how the piece matures. my perceptions of the highlights of the festival. One of the most traditional musicals presented Certainly, the gem of this year’s festival was was an adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, the musicalization of the off-Broadway success Emma. Written by Tony-nominated artist Paul Gor- Vanities by Jack Heifner. Chronicling the lives don (Jane Eyre), the story revolves around the aris- of three Texas women as they mature during tocratic Emma Woodhouse who serves as match- the turbulent eras of the 60s and 70s, the musical maker for her comely and ill-fated friend Harriet. utilized a contemporary pop score that lifted the The work plays like a Hello Dolly set in 19th-century work from its somewhat dated theme to bring England. The talent for the reading was exceptional it to a new century. A new, happier ending also including Broadway leading man Brian d’Arcy breathes new life into work making it more up- James; however, the work overall seemed to lack to-date and giving it a musical-style ending that the panache of today’s musical theatre fare. The will uplift even the dourest audience members. show is slated for future production at a major The work is sure to become a favorite at regional, regional theatre whose representatives highlighted community, and dinner theatres, much like the the educational advantage to works based on clas- original. The work currently has producers linked sic literature. Most festival attendees agreed that to it who are, in their words, “keeping their op- this piece would be ideal for college settings where tions open.” Keep your eyes out for this one, for the curricular connections could be best utilized. it is sure to have a local production in the near Continued on page 20

2 KCSTAGE “It’s not the voting that’s democracy; it’s the counting.” ~ Tom Stoppard www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 3 Watch Out: Nonprofit Organizations’ Desire to Mobilize Voters by Kito B. Robinson • [email protected] The purpose of this article is to provide readers, timing of any election or whether the statement is in particular tax-exempt nonprofit organizations related to a non-electoral event or purpose. (NPO), with general information about the laws More About Lobbying. There is no limit on lob- and regulations pertaining to nonprofit lobbying bying that does not require expenditures, i.e. bona and election activity. In connection with the 2004 fide volunteer activity. Under Code Section 501(h), electoral cycle, July 30 through November 30, NPOs can elect to fall under the lobbying-expen- the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examined 82 diture test by filling in Form 5768, a one-page form NPOs pursuant to complaints about the NPO’s (“Lobby Expenditure Test”); otherwise the NPO respective political activities. The IRS determined is covered by the substantial lobbying test (“Sub- that approximately three-quar- stantial Lobbying Test”). Under ters of those NPOs participated Lobbying and Election Resources the Lobby Expenditure Test, in prohibited campaign activ- a NPO is allowed to devote a ity. Only three of the cases re- Project Vote: http://projectvote.org/ specific total amount of exempt sulted in the IRS proposing that clearinghouse.html expenditures towards lobbying, Election Law Blog: the NPOs’ tax-exempt status be www.electionlawblog.org i.e. 20% of its first $500,000, 15% revoked. If the IRS determines Center for Lobbying and Public of the next $500,000, and up that the NPO has engaged in Interest: www.clpi.org to a $1 million cap. Under the prohibited activity following Alliance for Justice—Nonprofit Ad- Substantial Lobbying Test, no vocacy: www.afj.org/nonprofit are other possible sanctions: Independent Sector: http:// ‘substantial’ part of the NPO’s written advisory or excise tax independentsector.org exempt expenditures can be de- assessed. The Internal Revenue IRS—Political Compliance: voted to lobbying. Code (“Code”) does not provide www.irs.gov/charities/article/ Lobbying Under the Lobby 0,,id=154622,00.html any “bright line test” for deter- IRS—Fact Sheet 2006-17: Expenditure Test. Certain mining if a NPO has engaged in www.ors.gov/newsroom/article/ communications with legisla- prohibited political activities. 0,,id=154712.00.html tive bodies do not qualify as The IRS will consider all facts Elizabeth Kingsley, Gail Harmon, lobbying. Such activities that John Pomeranz, Kay Guinane. and circumstances related to E-Advocacy for Nonprofits: The might not be considered lob- the alleged political activity. Law of Lobbying and Election bying include communications: Related Activity on the Net, The (1) that will impact the NPO’s Permitted Activities Alliance for Justice. existence, etc.; (2) that respond Erika Lunder. Tax-Exempt Orga- NPOs are permitted to engage nizations: Political Activity in writing to a governmental in the following activities: Restrictions and Disclosure body request for technical ad- Requirements, CRS Report for vise; (3) nonpartisan analysis Issue Advocacy Congress, 2006. or research; (4) with the NPO’s Lobbying is any attempt to in- own members which is of direct fluence specific legislation. A interest to the NPO, as long NPO is permitted to take positions on legislation as, specific legislation is not addressed and no or public policy issues. However, NPOs should call to action is proposed; and (5) that address refrain from issue advocacy that, for example, dis- regulatory or administrative issues with govern- tinguish candidates for a particular political office, mental bodies. Direct lobbying occurs when the make statements that approve or disapprove of a NPO states its position, with respect to specific political candidate’s positions or actions, or makes legislators or other government employees who reference to voting or an election. The IRS will also participate in the creation of legislation, and urge consider, in respect to the timing of the statement, its members to do the same. Grass-root lobbying whether the statement is made independent of the Continued on page 7

2 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 3 Spotlight on Jennifer Mays by Bryan Colley • [email protected] Jennifer Mays specializes in playing strawberry blonde goes, but that’s the market in this city right now. ingénues at the New Theatre Restaurant, American It would be good to be in a bigger city where there Heartland Theatre, and Kansas City Repertory The- are more on-camera options, but I don’t know if atre. I got a chance to chat with her before a perfor- I would have as consistent regular theatre work. mance of Over the River and Through the Woods, I went to New York for a couple of years. I loved which she is currently doing at the New Theatre Res- the city and I had a good time. For the amount of taurant. Later this month she can be seen at the New time I was there, I did pretty good. I didn’t get Theatre Restauarnt in Leading Ladies. anything huge, but I was actually working. I had BC: I’m curious about your life before college at a temp job that was mostly paying the bills, but UMKC. I did some bit player stuff on a soap opera and JM: I grew up in Carl Junction, which is a tiny town some stand-in work on a movie. just outside of Joplin. I had dance lessons when I I came back to Kansas City to visit and got was five, and as soon as there was choir I did choir, a show, and another show, and then 9/11 hap- and as soon as there was theatre in school I did pened. I talked to my friends in New York and theatre. It helped that my mom’s a music teacher not only were there no acting jobs, but they and my dad, although he is a computer professor couldn’t even do their day jobs anymore because at the college in Joplin, was really active in theatre we were all temping and there were so many in college and high school. When I was growing people in office buildings that were out of work up he was doing shows with the college still. I was that they were doing all the temp work. So it got around that kind of stuff all the time. really hard for people doing what I was doing, BC: There was nothing else for you? and I got steady work here, so why go and kill JM: I always knew I could fall back on something myself when I’ve got it pretty good. else if I needed to, but I haven’t had to yet. I have a few little side things that I do, but most BC: How’s theater in Carl Junction? of them are theatre related. I teach sometimes for JM: There is no theatre in Carl Junction. The pop- the Rep or the Shakespeare Festival, and I do the ulation is about 2,000, but it’s a suburb of Joplin. standardized patient thing where we pretend to There’s no theatre in Joplin, either. They have a be sick for student doctors. community theatre, but I never did anything BC: How did you end up in Roanoke, Virginia there. I just always did high school shows. I look doing The Laramie Project? at the kids now that get to go in and do shows at JM: Doug Zschiegner played Petruccio in the the Kansas City Rep and the Coterie and all these first production of Taming of the Shrew at the programs - the Young Playwrights Series - and Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, and he all these things they get to do here, and I’m so was the artistic director of the theatre that did incredibly jealous because I never got any of that. Laramie Project. He just called me up out of the My drama coach in high school was just the Span- blue. That was the show I was doing during ish teacher who had a spare hour or two and she 9/11. It was hard because we were still in rehears- wanted to be the drama coach. She didn’t really als, and most of the cast was from New York. They know anything at all about drama. It was very were doing Laramie Project here too at the Unicorn. frustrating, and we just did anything we wanted We had similar experiences of trying to deal with to do. We did some really bad shows. a show that has so much emotional power. BC: Let’s go in the other direction and talk about BC: What did you think of the undergrad pro- your future. What are your ambitions? What gram at UMKC? would you like to do? JM: I thought I was going in to get a dual major JM: I’m doing it. I have consistent stage work and with the music and theatre program. I looked camera work that comes and goes; lately more Continued on page 22

4 KCSTAGE “A play is fiction-and fiction is fact distilled into truth.” ~ Edward Albee www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 5 Unicorn Receives Challenge Grant

Unicorn Theatre is happy to in the fall of 2004 to renovate “We have now given our- announce the award of a chal- an additional 4,500 square feet selves a deadline. This is why lenge grant from The Kresge of space attached to the cur- support from individuals is Foundation for $220,000 to- rent facility. This campaign so important now. We need wards the Next Stage Capital will also allow Unicorn to add $350,000 in cash immediately Campaign. The challenge: raise seats to the current theatre and in order to finish the project an additional $800,000 by June purchase the entire building. on time. If everyone that came 1, 2007 through individual, cor- The new space, donned the to Unicorn shows gave at least porate and foundation support. Norge Jerome Stage, after local $25, we can easily do that,” Grant recipients raise initial philanthropist and founder of Levin says. R funds toward their respec- nutritional anthropology, Dr. tive projects before requesting Norge W. Jerome, will be used Foundation support. Kresge for rehearsals and staged read- grants are then made on a chal- ings, in addition to a classroom Film Clips by Larry F. Levenson • [email protected] lenge basis, requesting the rais- where Unicorn staff will teach ing of the remaining balance, students from Park University’s Recruitment advertisements for the U.S. Army were being shot in Kansas by a deadline. It is an “all or newly reinstated Theatre Major and Missouri. Parts of Poyntz Avenue, nothing” challenge. degree program. the main street in Manhattan, KS, were Producing artistic direc- Producing Artistic Director closed for a day as they shot. McCann- tor Cynthia Levin was elated Cynthia Levin comments, “We Erickson of New York City was the ad- vertising agency. with the announcement. “On have lofty dreams. This project a national scale this confirms is monumental for Unicorn. A production company from London was in Hutchinson shooting a documen- our presence in the theatrical The 1.2 million is more than we tary about the space shuttle for National world. Our community already have ever raised and we still Geographic Explorer. A KC actor was knows we are good for Kansas have 1 million to go. I believe contacted about playing the part of late- City, we are good for midtown, what we are doing is very im- astronaut Gregory Jarvis. but this kind of recognition lets portant, not only for the artistic Cast and crew are needed for Gaston people inside and outside KC and educational communities, Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera. Contact Lawrence-based director John Woosley at know the artistic impact we but it will also help develop [email protected]. With have and that the art we do is and beautify the 39th and Main regard to actors, he is looking for males in good for the nation.” Street corridor. By purchasing their 20’s and in their 60’s to 70’s. At the time of the September the building we can insure that The producers of the feature film Still 2006 grant announcements, The the space will not be turned into Waters opened a production office in Kresge Foundation had award- another rental center or check Clayton just outside St. Louis. They ex- pect to start shooting in late October. ed a total of 155 grants for a cashing place.” total of $96,645,114. The Foun- In true Unicorn style, all of Jason P. Hunt is putting together a trailer for his next movie project. He dation will continue to make the work has been done on a is seeking funding as well as cast grants throughout the year. The cash-in-hand basis, no loan and crew. Visit www.myspace.com/ announcement comes just as was taken out. Since much of devinshirejamestown or email djpics@ Unicorn enters an intensive 60 the money raised is pledged ccp.com for information. days of fundraising in order to dollars, construction has been Royce Williams, Sr. is producing a mov- complete the Jerome Stage by slow. The renovation of the ie in the St. Louis area and is looking for cast and crew. Contact him at broken its scheduled opening in April new space must be completed [email protected]. The 2007. the 2.2 million dollar Next by April of 2007 for the opening budget is $350,000.00 for this action/ Stage Capital Campaign began of Iron Kisses by James Still. drama/horror/comedy. R

4 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 5 Book-in-Hand: Acting is a Job by Richard Buswell • [email protected] Acting is a Job: Real-Life Lessons about the Act- Kansas City actors. You want to work in film (as ing Business by Jason Pugatch. Published March more than an extra)? Go to L.A. 2006, by Allworth Press. 225 pages. $19.95. ISBN That is the beauty of this particular book. It 1-58115-438-0. doesn’t tell you how to beat the system. It reveals If you are just starting out, if you are related to how the system works. This is the first time I’ve or close friends with an actor, or if you still have seen, as an actor trying to make a living, a book stars in your eyes about making it big in Show telling me in specific terms what to expect. Ev- Business, then Acting is a Job: Real-Life Lessons eryone has heard the generalities, that you can’t about the Acting Business by Jason Pugatch is a make a living as an actor, that it’s hard to break book you should read. If, like me, you have spent into show business, that it takes years to be dis- considerable time trying to make a career out of covered. But no one has heard specific figures on acting, you probably already know over 98% of how much you can expect to earn, or what the what this book covers. It may be worth the read specific odds are to success. just to find out about the other 2%. This book explores a brief history of acting, Written from Pugatch’s New York perspec- followed by stories from personal experience and tive, this book still applies to our little corner of interviews that explain what actually happens the Midwest. Although the realities of profes- when you become a successful actor and how to sional theatre in the Midwest lack the cynicism define that success. It explains in simple terms of the larger markets, it is interesting to note that what you can expect if you get work on stage, in a the problems faced in making a career in acting commercial, on a soap opera, on a television show, are universally felt. For example, community or on a film set. This exposes the pros and cons of theatre (known as Off-Off-Broadway if you live unions, agents, managers, casting directors, and in New York) has a much more active role as a production companies. This book does not pro- stepping-stone to more professional work than vide a simple get-rich-quick formula for success. it does in our fair hamlet, but the overall level of It simply tells you what to expect, and leaves it for quality available is pretty much the same. When you to decide how best to deal with it. you think of New York theatre, think this: it’s just Jason Pugatch points out the rules, the excep- as good here, only there’s more of it. The only tions to the rules, and the exceptions to the excep- real difference between New York and here is the tions. Best of all, he lays out in reasonable terms level of prestige you get. New York has a reputa- just how much a successful actor can expect to tion as the place to be for theatre, and as an actor, make and how hard they have to work to earn it. it is where professionals go looking for a cast. Financial and emotional pitfalls to this business Here is one of the revelations I took from this are examined and explained. book as a Kansas City actor. LORT (League of All of this and more is covered in simple Resident Theatres) theatres cast in New York. If layman’s terms. For example, the frustration gen- you want to work in Dallas, go to New York for erated by the question, “What kind of actor are the audition. If you want to work at the Cincin- you?” My response differs slightly from the au- nati Rep, go to New York for the audition. If you thor’s. When I get that question, I usually answer, want to work at the Steppenwolf theatre, audition “A damn good one.” I’ll let you read the book to in New York. If you want to work at the Kansas see the author’s response. City Rep, audition in New York. Is this fair? Of The book reads very quickly (I finished it in course not. But it is the way the system works, two days during breaks and lunch). Jason Pugatch because New York has both the prestige and the writes with a personable wit and sense of humor. numbers. On the other hand, if you want to work What is more, he doesn’t try to tell you how to in film, New York actors are no better off than be a great actor. He just lays out for you what the

“Each of us, face to face with other men, is clothed with some sort of dignity, but we 6 KCSTAGE know only too well all the unspeakable things that go on in the heart.” ~ Luigi Pirandello www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 7 u Book-in-Hand: Acting is a Job u Watch Out continued from page 3

business expects from you, so you just want to understand the occurs when a NPO states its you can handle the business. In mystery of what it means to be position regarding legislation a nutshell, this book does not an actor, or be able to commu- to the general public and asks complain about the system, nor nicate with your acting friends the general public to contact does it explain how to beat the on a meaningful level, this book legislators or other government system; it simply tells you what will help as well. For all these employees who participate in the system is. reasons, you should buy and the creation of legislation. If If your desire is to change the read this book. an informational campaign is system, this book will help you I encourage you to buy the designed to educate the general understand what you are up book because, as an actor, Ja- public about certain public pol- against and why. If you want to son Pugatch will probably earn icy and does not include a “call know how to use the system to more from the sales of this book to action,” then the activity will your advantage, this book will than he can from all his appear- likely not be considered grass- help you understand how it ances on Law & Order combined. root lobbying. works, but the way you manip- That’s the reality, because that’s Lobbying Under the Insub- ulate the system is up to you. If the way the system works. R stantial Lobbying Test. The IRS could consider the following in determining whether a substan- tial amount of the NPO’s expen- ditures was used for lobbying: amount of funds expended, time devoted to influencing legislation, public prominence, success, or the legislation’s im- portance to the NPO.

Voter Education Nonpartisan voter education, including the presentation of public forums and public voter education guides are permitted activities. A NPO may also con- duct voter registration or get- out the vote drives. However, if while conducting a voter registration drive, a NPO must not demonstrate partisan bias. Another type of exempt educa- tional activity that is permitted occurs when the NPO orga- nizes a public forum involving several candidates running for the same office. The NPO should ensure that that forum Continued on page 18

6 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 7 Performances

American Heartland Theatre Dorothy). $5 at the door, Bar Natasha, students. The Barn Players, 6219 Mar- Every Christmas Story Ever Told by Mi- 1911 Main Street, (816) 472-5300, tway, (913) 432-9100, www.thebarn chael Carleton, Jim Fitzgerald and John www.barnatasha.com (Adult Fare) players.org (Adult Fare) Alvarez: Nov 3-Dec 31: 8 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sat-Sun; 7:30 pm Sun, Tue-Thr; The Barn Players BoBette’s at Longview Dinner Theatre 1 pm Wed; 4 pm Sat. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee A madcap retelling of your favorite sea- music and lyrics by Carol Hall, book by Williams: Oct 27-Nov 11: 6:30 pm Fri- sonal stories like Rudolf the Red-Nosed Larry L. King and Peter Masterson: Nov Sat; 2 pm Sat. Reindeer (Reingoat, due to copyright 3-19: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sun. The mood is somber as a family gathers issues), Frosty the Snowman, The Based on a true story of a legendary to celebrate the birthday of its patriarch, Grinch and Charlie Brown. Big Daddy, who is dying. By If that wasn’t enough, you’ll evening’s end things are set howl to a tale that mixes up right and the favorite son ROWSE A Christmas Carol and It’s a confesses his never before Wonderful Life. Holiday tra- expressed love for his father SHANE ditions sweet & strange are and returns to the loving interwoven throughout, and arms of his wife, Maggie. Di- the hilarity crescendos with a rected by Joyce Kuhn. Fea- rendition of all your favorite turing Mia Dale (Margaret), carols. A holiday knockout Nathan Neff (Brick), Rebecca that will put a smile on your Hacker (Mae), Arlene Clark face and light up the season. (Big Mama), Bill VanBuskirk PG-13. Directed by Paul (Big Daddy), Charles Evans Hough and Steven Eubank. (Reverend Tooker), Chris Featuring Martin English, Palmer (Gooper), Ryan Wil- Ken Remmert, Ron Magee. son (Doctor Baugh), Heather $18 to $33.50 depending on Cowels (Lacey). $15-show day and time of performance, only/$10-matinee/$30-din- American Heartland Theatre, ner theatre/Special group 2450 Grand Blvd, (816) and combination rates. 842-9999, www.ahtkc.com Backstage At BoBette’s, 500 (Adult Fare) SW Longview Rd, (816) 672- 2299, www.expage.com/ Bar Natasha backstageatbobettes (Suit- The Girly Show by Justin able for Everyone) Van Pelt, Spencer Brown, Period of Adjustment by Chris Holbrook and Jessica Tennessee Williams: Oct Dressler: Oct 2-30: 9 pm, 28-Nov 11: 6:30 pm Fri-Sat; 11 pm Mon. 2 pm Sat. It’s the next big thing to hit Two marriages are at points the Midwest! No where else of acute crisis. One couple can you find three beautiful has broken up after five men playing three beautiful Top to bottom: Ken Remmert, Martin English, and Ron Megee star in Every years together and the other women all singing live caba- Christmas Story Ever Told at the American Heartland Theatre through Dec 31. couple is estranged after one ret! That’s right it traditional day of marriage. The end is New York style live drag cabaret right Texas brothel known as the Chicken happy, as comedy requires, and our here in Kansas City. No bad lip sync- Ranch which operated from the 1840s hearts are wonderfully protected from ing to some Cher mega-mix. It’s live to 1973. Protected by a friendly sheriff, sadness by the humor. Directed by Joyce cabaret and these girls are spectacular! the Chicken Ranch thrived in the small Kuhn. Featuring Brian Engle (Ralph Plus Dirty Dorothy hosts the show, and town of Gilbert, TX. Girls come from all Bates), Stephanie Friend (Isabel Haver- if you’ve not seen her since she got back over to work at the ranch and make a stick), Matt McCoy (George Haverstick), from Oz, you’re missing out! Directed little extra cash. A crusading Houston ra- Heather Cowels (Susie), Joan Smith by Missy Koonce & Tony Bernal. Featur- dio host and his conservative audience (Mrs. McGillicuddy), Mark Weddle (Mr. ing Justin Van Pelt (Harleux), Spencer expose the Chicken Ranch forcing it to McGillicuddy), Eppie O’Neal (Police Brown (Daisy Bucket), Chris Holbrook shut its doors forever. Directed by Nino Officer), Stephanie Cox (Dorthea Bates). (Paige Turner), Jessica Dressler (Dirty Casisi. $10 for adults; $9 for seniors and

8 KCSTAGE “Along with success comes a reputation for wisdom.” ~ Euripides www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 9 u Performances

$15-show only/$10-matinee/$30 dinner Chestnut Fine Arts Center Cause we’re awesome! Hah, no, be- theatre/group and combination dis- Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to cause we wanted to do a seasonal piece counts. Backstage At BoBette’s, 500 SW the Holidays: Nov 2-Dec 3: 8 pm Thr- that was just as twisted and warped as Longview Rd, (816) 672-2299, www. Sat; 2 pm Sun. something we usually do. So this fits the expage.com/backstageatbobettes (Suit- The Chestnut has gift-wrapped a special niche quite nicely! How? Reader’s The- able for Everyone) musical revue for the season. Chestnuts ater style. Very German-monster-movie- Toasting will help you celebrate the esque. Right? Riiiight. Directed by Jason CenterStage Theatre holidays in song and spirit with your Vivone. Call for Ticket Prices, Westport A Celebration in Song: The Music of favorites ... “Silent Night”, “O Holy Coffee House, 4010 Pennsylvania, George Gershwin: Dec 2-3: 7:30 pm Night”, “Winter Wonderland”, “I’ll Be (816) 454-4566, Jason_Vivone@msn. Sat; 2 pm Sun. Home for Christmas”, and more. Di- com. (Adult Fare) A Cabaret style performance, featuring rected by Brad Zimmerman. Featuring the music of George Gersh- City Theatre of win, performed by five tal- Independence ented musicians. Directed Sleuth by Anthony Shaffer: by Kristi Mitchell. Featuring Nov 2-12: 8 pm Thr-Sat; Kristi Mitchell, Joel Mor- 2 pm Sun. rison, Darin Parker, Julie Sleuth has all the ingredi- Shaw, Pam Williamson. ents of a top-class thriller: $19, $13, $10, The Lewis a plot that twists and turns and Shirley White Theatre, with fiendish cunning, an on the campus of The JCC atmosphere of extreme of Greater Kansas City, suspense and a staggering (913) 327-8000, www. ending. It’s also a brilliant jcckc.org/arts.html (Suitable parody of the Agatha Chris- for Everyone) tie country-house thriller West Side Story by Arthur which mercilessly satirizes Laurents, lyrics by Stephen the genre whilst employing Sondheim, music by Leon- its technical devices to the ard Bernstein: Oct 28-Nov full. A dramatic study of 12: 7:30 pm Sat-Sun, Wed- jealousy between an older and younger man. Directed LABRADOR

Thr; 2 pm Sun. The world’s greatest love by Jamie Close. Featuring

DIGITAL Dean Mehling, Jack Coffey. story takes to the streets in / this landmark Broadway $8. Dinner theatre: $21, $15 KILROY musical that is one of the w/season ticket. $1 discount theatre’s finest accom- senior citizens or groups of 10 or more if picked up plishments. Shakespeare’s MARIANNE 24 hours in advance. Roger Romeo and Juliet is trans- Steven Eubank (center) stars with (clockwise from top left) Alex Espy, Vince ported to modern-day New Monachino, Aurelie Roque, and Damron Armstrong in Tales of a Fourth Grade T. Sermon Center, 201 N York City, as two young Nothing at the Coterie Theatre Nov 14-Dec 29. Dodgion, (816) 325-7367, idealistic lovers find them- www.citytheatreofindepen selves caught between warring street Cheryl Clark. Adults $16, Seniors $15, dence.org (Adult Fare) gangs. Their struggle to survive in a Children $11, Chestnut Fine Arts Cen- world of hate, violence and prejudice ter, 234 N. Chestnut Street, (913) 764- The Coterie Theatre is one of the most innovative, heart- 2121, chestnutfinearts.com (Suitable for Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing wrenching and relevant musical dramas Everyone) adapted for stage by Bruce Mason: of our time. Directed by Mark Swezey. Nov 14-Dec 29: 2 pm Fri-Sun; 7 pm $23, $17, $10. The Lewis and Shirley CinnamonEye Fri; 10 am, 12 pm Mon-Fri; 4 pm Sat. White Theatre, on the campus of The Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti: To Peter, Fudge is a holy terror. If he’s JCC of Greater Kansas City, (913) 327- Oct 31: 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm Tue. not sticking green food stamps to suitcas- 8000, www.jcckc.org/arts.html (Suit- Who? CinnamonEye. What? Goblin es or refusing to eat until Peter stands on able for Everyone) Market by Christina Rossetti. When? his head, he’s leaping from large rocks Halloween ONE NIGHT ONLY. Where? (in order to fly) and throwing tantrums The Westport Coffee House. Why? Continued on page 10

8 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 9 u Performances continued from page 9 in shoe stores. Peter is understandably Raff), Nina Murphy (Magenta), Vanessa Phillip Warren (Jack Scott, the PA an- jealous of the amount of attention Fudge Severo (Columbia), Scott Cox (Frank), nouncer, a.k.a. the Velvet Fog of East attracts but at least he has his pet turtle Brian Shortess (Rocky), Chris Holbrook High), Chelsea Hook, Jourdun Weber, Dribble to comfort him. All of these in- (Eddie/Dr. Scott), Ashley Otis (Phantom), Ali Rickart, Holly Anderson, Ashley cidents are presented with the unfailing Bonnie Johnson (Phantom), Eric Harbin Layman, Ashley Dodson, Becky Dan- ear and big-hearted humor of the mas- (Phantom), Tyler Parsons (Phantom). iels. $6 for Adults $5 for Children and terful Judy Blume. Directed by Missy Crew: Vance Baldwin (Dance Choreog- Seniors, Farris Theatre, 301 West Main, Koonce. Adult tickets are $14. Youth/ raphy), Jayson Chandley (Lighting De- (816) 776-6684, www.farristheatre.com Student/Senior tickets (18 or younger, sign), Justin Van Pelt (Costume Design), (Suitable for Everyone) full-time students, or seniors 60 or over) Daniel Doss (Musical Arrangements), Ray County Community Arts Assoc. are $8. Group tickets $4.50 per person Vance Baldwin (Dance Choreography), Scrooge, the Musical by Leslie Bricusse: weekdays; $6 weekends. The Coterie Jayson Chandley (Lighting Design), Jus- Dec 1-3: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sun. Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 144, tin Van Pelt (Costume Design), Daniel Ebenezer Scrooge repents his past (816) 474-6552, www.coterietheatre.org Doss (Musical Arrangements), Vance life when visited by three successive (Intended for Children) Baldwin (Dance Choreography), Jay- Christmas spirits. Baa Humbug!! Run- son Chandley (Lighting Design), Justin ning time approx 2 hrs 35 mins includ- Van Pelt (Costume Design), Daniel The Culture House ing intermission. Directed by Philip Doss (Musical Arrangements), Vance Fall Concert: Nov 25: 2 pm, 7pm Sat. Popejoy. Call for Ticket Prices, Farris Baldwin (Dance Choreography), Jayson Storling’s Fall Concert includes two Theatre, 301 West Main, (816) 776- Chandley (Lighting Design), Justin Van significant premieres: Houston chore- 6684, www.farristheatre.com (Suitable Pelt (Costume Design), Daniel Doss ographer, Randall Flinn’s “Still My Soul” for Everyone) and Mona Storling-Enna’s “Suspended (Musical Arrangements). $18 Adults; $12 Students, Late Night Theatre, 1531 Grace”. Don’t miss the company that Full Frontal Comedy The Kansas City Star said is “totally Grand Blvd, www.eubankproductions. Lincoln Blogs: Nov 3-4: 8 pm Fri-Sat. successful dance theater”. Directed by com (Adult Fare) Full Frontal Comedy, professional im- Mona Storling-Enna. Featuring Amber provisational comedy troupe, is proud to Voss, Tobin James, Marc Wayne, Court- Farris Theatre announce its “Lincoln Blogs” show. Per- ney Kierl-Bourman, Elizabeth Rudd, Richmond HS Drama Department formers will play improvisational games Tawny Gentry, Danielle Stubbs, Crys- Disney’s High School Musical by based on audience suggestions. “Lincoln talyn Moulden, Alexandra Keys. $25, David Simpatico: Nov 10-12: 7:30 pm Blogs” will also feature unscripted com- $20. The Carlsen Center, 12345 College Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. edy sketches. The show will contain Blvd., (913) 393-3141, jeremiah@culture High School Musical is about two kids adult language and is not intended for house.com (Suitable for Everyone) who meet and through this chance children or uptight adults. For tickets, meeting realize that they have a pas- call the Quality Hill Box office at (816) sion for singing. There is mystery, ro- Eubank Productions 421-1700. Directed by Tina Morrison. mance, and all around good times in The Rocky Horror Show by Richard Featuring Tina Morrison, Jerry Nevins, this show. Directed by Patrick Hupp. O’Brien: Oct 13-Nov 4: 7 pm Mon; Reed Uthe, Shelly Stewart, Stasha Case, Featuring Quentin Stevenson (Troy 11 pm Fri-Sat; 8 pm Fri-Sat, Tue. Shawn Bowers, Tim Jumps. $12 at the Bolton, captain of the basketball team), This madcap send-up of ‘B’ horror mov- door, $10 in advance, Quality Hill Lindsay Hook (Gabriella Montez, the ies, sci-fi flicks & 50s/60s rock’n’roll has Playhouse, 303 W. 10th Street, (913) shy new girl at school), Britni West- been thrilling audiences for 30+ years. 403-4340, www.fullfrontalcomedy.org brook (Sharpay Evans, president of the Need plans this Halloween? Why not (Adult Fare) spend an evening with Dr. Frank-N-Furt- Drama Club), Samuel Bowman (Ryan Evans, vice-president of the Drama er, a sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Grandview HS Transylvania? We see you shiver with Club), Daniel Green (Taylor McKessie, West Side Story: Nov 16-18: 7 pm antici…pation. Why wait ‘til Halloween president of the Science Club), Gus Thr-Sat. when you can see the show opening Hockemeier (Chad Danforth, number Directed by Brad Rackers and Nathan night, Friday the 13th (ooo…spooky)? two on the basketball team, Troy’s best Rudolph. Featuring Alex Herrera (Tony), Revel in the madness, don a frivolous friend), Jessica Phillips (Kelsi Neilson, Rachael Rogers (Maria), Ben Schoffstall frock, scream out ‘til it drives you insane, the mousey composer of Juliet and Ro- (Riff), Megan Herrera (Anita), Frankie then do the TIME WARP again!!! Di- meo), Josh Schnelle (Zeke Baylor, has a Shin (Bernardo), Hannah Jalkanen (Ro- rected by Steven Eubank and Jeff Mace. secret passion for baking), Kiley Pierson salia), Rachel Kunce (Consuela), Shadi Featuring Blythe Renay Gumminger (Ms. Darbus, drama teacher), Jon Rig- Nemati (Francisca), Shawn Nemati (Ac- (Janet), Nathanael Card (Brad), Bill Pel- gert (Coach Bolton, basketball coach, tion), Ron Curtis (A-rab), Ebony Ealy litier (Narrator), Spencer Brown (Riff- Troy’s dad), Michelle Oyler (Martha Cox, has a secret passion for hip-hop), (Anybodys), and Kris Crowl (Deisel).

“What used to be called liberal is now called radical, what used to be called radical is now called insane, what used to be called 10 KCSTAGE reactionary is now called moderate, and what used to be called insane is now called solid conservative thinking.” ~ Tony Kushner www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 11 u Performances

Crew: Jessica Black (Stage Manager), ebration of truly awful theatre, a back- Kansas City Ballet Valerie Gerhards (Asst. Stage Manager), stage explanation of how things got that The Nutcracker by Todd Bolender: Dec Lindsay Reeter (Asst. Stage Manager), Ty- way, and a magnificent coda of how 2-24: 1 pm Sun; 2 pm Sat. ler Fallon (Sound Designer), Tyler Nissen they just got worse!” Directed by Scott The newly renovated Music Hall will be (Lighting Designer, Lighting Technician, Stackhouse. Free Admission! Polsky transformed into a winter wonderland Light Board Operator), Susi Krulewich Theatre, Carlsen Center, 12345 College as Kansas City Ballet’s annual produc- (Props Mistress), Jamie Bartlett (Make- Blvd, (913) 469-4445, www.jccc.edu/ tion of The Nutcracker opens, casting up). $7 for Adults and $5 for Students at theatredept (Adult Fare) its spell over Kansas City throughout the the Door, Advanced Tickets are $6 for month of December. Featuring elaborate Adults and $4 for Students, Grandview Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. scenery, stunning choreography, daz- HS Auditorium, 2300 High Grove Road, Lolla-Poe-Looza by Edgar Allen Poe: zling costumes and full orchestra music, (816) 316-5838, www.csd4.k12.mo.us Oct 30-31: 5 pm Mon; 12 am Tue. visions of sugar plum fairies and toy sol- (Suitable for Everyone) A 24 hour marathon reading of Edgar diers come to life as the curtain rises on Allen Poe’s Works from 7 pm October this enchanting holiday classic by ETA Improv-Abilities 30th till 7 pm October 31st. Including a Hoffman. Directed by Todd Bolender. Improv Comedy Showcase: Nov 11: special children’s party from 5 pm to 7 $25-$80, Music Hall, 301 W 13th Street, 10pm Sat. pm on both October 30th and 31st, with (816) 931-2232, www.kcballet.org (Suit- Improv-Abilities specializes in impro- apple dunking, cake walks and other able for Everyone) vised comedy -- comedy that’s invented activities. Come celebrate with us as a on the spot, based on audience sugges- reader, audience member, or volunteer. Kansas City Repertory Theatre tions. We even pull volunteers from the Also featured Greater Kansas City high A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: audience up on stage and involve them school students Poe inspired Art Show. Nov 18-Dec 24: 2 pm, 8 pm Fri-Sat; in the show. If you like “Who’s Line Is It, Costume party to follow on Halloween! 1 pm, 5 pm Sun; 7 pm Tue-Thr. Anyway?” and Second City, you’ll love Just Off Broadway, 3051 Central in Penn You are transported into the world of our shows. $8 tickets, $5 with a student Valley Park, (816) 784-5020, www.just Victorian London, materialized straight ID. Vermont Street BBQ, 728 Mas- offbroadway.org (Suitable for Everyone) from the pages of Dickens’ immortal sachusetts St., (913) 871-6242, tim@ story, and follow Ebenezer Scrooge on Putting It Together Productions kcimprov.com (Adult Fare) his ageless journey as he transforms The Fantasticks by Tom Jones & Harvey from miser to munificent, kind citizen. November Rain: Nov 18: 7:30pm Sat. Schmidt: Nov 10-19: 8 pm Fri-Sat; Ghostly apparitions, festive dancing and Improv-Abilities presents a fast-paced 2:30 pm Sun. beautiful traditional carol-singing will improv comedy show based on audi- It’s about young love and old love and make you feel the warmth and spirit of ence suggestions. The November Rain in-between love. It’s the longest run- this timeless family holiday tradition. Di- show is our tribute to glam and ballad ning musical in world history, with over rected by Linda Ade Brand. Single ticket rock. Mullets and bandannas will reign 17,000 performances at The Sullivan prices are $10-$50; subject to show time, supreme. Improv-Abilities, a Kansas Street Theater in New York. It opened seat location, and availability. Kansas City professional comedy troupe, bases in 1960, and closed in 2002. Recently, City Repertory Theatre, Spencer Theatre its shows on audience suggestions, as it has just re-opened off Broadway, and in the UMKC Performing Arts Center, seen on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and now it’s playing at the Just Off Broadway (816) 235-2700, www.KCRep.org (Suit- shows at Second City. This is an all-ages Theater! Presented by Putting It Together able for Everyone) show. $10, The Lucky Brewgrille, 5401 Productions, sponsored by Thin Air The- Johnson Drive, (913) 871-6242, tim@ atrics. Directed by Jonathan Andrews. kcimprov.com (Suitable for Everyone) Featuring Jonathan Andrews (El Gallo), Lawrence Community Theatre Lena Andrews (Luisa), Jim Lewis (Matt), Seussical, the Musical by Stephen Johnson County Community College Phil Eatherton (Hucklebee), Chip Buck- Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty: Noises Off by Michael Frayn: Nov 16- ner (Bellomy), Jeremy Lobaugh (Mortim- Nov 17-Dec 10: 8 pm Fri-Sat; 7:30 pm 19: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sun. er), Don Carlton (Henry), Anna Stastny Thr; 2:30 pm Sun. Called the funniest farce ever written, (The Mute). $15 at the door, $13 with Travel from the Jungle of Nool to McEli- this is a backstage comedy about… a advance reservation, and $10 group rate gott’s Pool to Palm Beach, as Dr. Seuss’ comedy! A group of British actors is at (10 or more tickets), Just Off Broadway, characters fall in love, have desperate work on a new production. In act one, 3051 Central in Penn Valley Park, (816) adventures, and save the world, in this we see the rehearsal in progress (and 784-5020, www.justoffbroadway.org imaginative and witty new musical for hear the mayhem going on backstage). (Suitable for Everyone) young and old alike. Doug Weaver In act two, we watch it all again, but (Director), Mary Baker (Music Director), from the backstage perspective! The New York Post called it “A veritable cel- Continued on page 14

10 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 11 *Affiliate Theatre KCSTAGE NOVEMBER 2006 MON 30 TUE 31 FRI 3 SAT 4 SUN 5 The Girly Show • Bar Natasha Darkness: An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe • Minds Arsenic and Old Lace • River City Community Players Arsenic and Old Lace • River City Community Players Arsenic and Old Lace • River City Community Players Lolla-Poe-Looza • Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. Eye Theatre The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players The Rocky Horror Show • Eubank Productions Ghost Train • The Mystery Train Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Cat on a Hot Tin Roof • BoBette’s at Longview Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Goblin Market • CinnamonEye Chestnut Fine Arts Center Dinner Theatre Chestnut Fine Arts Center Lolla-Poe-Looza • Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. Death So Delicious • Murder Mystery Players Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Disney’s High School Musical • Union Station Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre Design for Murder • River City Players Chestnut Fine Arts Center Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Over the River and Through the Woods • New Disney’s High School Musical • Union Station Design for Murder • River City Players Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre Theatre Restaurant Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Disney’s High School Musical • Union Station Over the River and Through the Woods • New The Rocky Horror Show • Eubank Productions A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Theatre Restaurant City Melodrama Hamlet • Lyric Opera of Kansas City Three Sisters • UMKC Theatre Lincoln Blogs • Full Frontal Comedy Lincoln Blogs • Full Frontal Comedy West Side Story • CenterStage Theatre WED 1 THU 2 Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Over the River and Through the Woods • New Over the River and Through the Woods • New Over the River and Through the Woods • New Chestnut Fine Arts Center Theatre Restaurant Theatre Restaurant Theatre Restaurant A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin Period of Adjustment • BoBette’s at Longview The Rocky Horror Show • Eubank Productions West Side Story • CenterStage Theatre City Melodrama Dinner Theatre The Skin of Our Teeth • University of Kansas Theatre Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre The Rocky Horror Show • Eubank Productions Sleuth • City Theatre of Independence Over the River and Through the Woods • New Sleuth • City Theatre of Independence Spitfire Grill • Olathe Community Theater Theatre Restaurant The Skin of Our Teeth • University of Kansas Theatre A Tale of Two Heroes: El Matador and Flynn the Swashbuck- Sleuth • City Theatre of Independence Spitfire Grill • Olathe Community Theater ler • University of Central Missouri The Skin of Our Teeth • University of Kansas Theatre A Tale of Two Heroes: El Matador and Flynn the Swashbuck- Three Sisters • UMKC Theatre A Tale of Two Heroes: El Matador and Flynn the Swashbuck- ler • University of Central Missouri West Side Story • CenterStage Theatre ler • University of Central Missouri West Side Story • CenterStage Theatre MON 6 TUE 7 FRI 10 SAT 11 SUN 12 Hamlet • Lyric Opera of Kansas City Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Arsenic and Old Lace • River City Community Players Arsenic and Old Lace • River City Community Players The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Over the River and Through the Woods • New Theatre Cat on a Hot Tin Roof • BoBette’s at Longview Cat on a Hot Tin Roof • BoBette’s at Longview Chestnut Fine Arts Center Restaurant Dinner Theatre Dinner Theatre Disney’s High School Musical • Farris Theatre Three Sisters • UMKC Theatre Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Chestnut Fine Arts Center Chestnut Fine Arts Center A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin Design for Murder • River City Players Design for Murder • River City Players City Melodrama Disney’s High School Musical • Farris Theatre Disney’s High School Musical • Farris Theatre The Fantasticks • Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. WED 8 THU 9 Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Hamlet • Lyric Opera of Kansas City Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin The Fantasticks • Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin Chestnut Fine Arts Center City Melodrama Improv Comedy Showcase • Improv-Abilities Over the River and Through the Woods • New City Melodrama Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland The Fantasticks • Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 • Rockhurst HS Theatre Restaurant Hamlet • Lyric Opera of Kansas City A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin Hamlet • Lyric Opera of Kansas City Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 • Rockhurst HS City Melodrama The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 • Rockhurst HS Over the River and Through the Woods • New Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 • Rockhurst HS Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre Theatre Restaurant Sleuth • City Theatre of Independence Over the River and Through the Woods • New Theatre Orson’s Shadow • Unicorn Theatre Over the River and Through the Woods • New The Rover • William Jewell College Spitfire Grill • Olathe Community Theater Restaurant Over the River and Through the Woods • New Theatre Theatre Restaurant Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Three Sisters • UMKC Theatre The Rover • William Jewell College Restaurant The Rover • William Jewell College Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre West Side Story • CenterStage Theatre Three Sisters • UMKC Theatre The Rover • William Jewell College Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Sleuth • City Theatre of Independence Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Three Sisters • UMKC Theatre Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Spitfire Grill • Olathe Community Theater Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Sleuth • City Theatre of Independence Three Sisters • UMKC Theatre Spitfire Grill • Olathe Community Theater Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Three Sisters • UMKC Theatre The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station AUDITIONS TUE 14 FRI 17 SAT 18 SUN 19 OCT 29-30 • Tara Land Productions Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players NOV 11-12 • Olathe Community Theatre Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Bye Bye Birdie • Shawnee Mission Northwest HS Bye Bye Birdie • Shawnee Mission Northwest HS Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • NOV 20-27 • The Barn Players Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Chestnut Fine Arts Center NOV 21 • Park University Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Chestnut Fine Arts Center Chestnut Fine Arts Center A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre DEC 4-5 • City Theatre of Independence Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse DEC 4-6 • Johnson County Community College Death So Delicious • Murder Mystery Players Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland DEC 5-6 • Rockhurst High School Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin DEC 13-14 • CenterStage Theatre The Fantasticks • Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant City Melodrama

A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin Noises Off • Johnson County Community College The Fantasticks • Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. WED 15 THU 16 City Melodrama November Rain • Improv-Abilities Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin Bye Bye Birdie • Shawnee Mission Northwest HS Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Once on This Island • Shawnee Mission South Noises Off • Johnson County Community College City Melodrama Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Noises Off • Johnson County Community College Retail Hell • Park University Theatre Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Chestnut Fine Arts Center Once on This Island • Shawnee Mission South Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Retail Hell • Park University Theatre Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Once on This Island • Shawnee Mission South Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Noises Off • Johnson County Community College Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Songs for a New World • Union Station Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Retail Hell • Park University Theatre Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Spitfire Grill • Olathe Community Theater Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Spitfire Grill • Olathe Community Theater The Stinky Cheese Man • State Fair Community College Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre The Stinky Cheese Man • State Fair Community College Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station West Side Story • Grandview High School West Side Story • Grandview High School West Side Story • Grandview High School AUDITIONS TUE 14 FRI 17 SAT 18 SUN 19 OCT 29-30 • Tara Land Productions Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas • The Barn Players NOV 11-12 • Olathe Community Theatre Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Bye Bye Birdie • Shawnee Mission Northwest HS Bye Bye Birdie • Shawnee Mission Northwest HS Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • NOV 20-27 • The Barn Players Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Chestnut Fine Arts Center NOV 21 • Park University Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Chestnut Fine Arts Center Chestnut Fine Arts Center A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre DEC 4-5 • City Theatre of Independence Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse DEC 4-6 • Johnson County Community College Death So Delicious • Murder Mystery Players Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland DEC 5-6 • Rockhurst High School Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin DEC 13-14 • CenterStage Theatre The Fantasticks • Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant City Melodrama

A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin Noises Off • Johnson County Community College The Fantasticks • Just Off Broadway Theatre Assoc. WED 15 THU 16 City Melodrama November Rain • Improv-Abilities Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, Fairy-tale Life! • Martin Bye Bye Birdie • Shawnee Mission Northwest HS Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Once on This Island • Shawnee Mission South Noises Off • Johnson County Community College City Melodrama Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Noises Off • Johnson County Community College Retail Hell • Park University Theatre Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Chestnut Fine Arts Center Once on This Island • Shawnee Mission South Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Retail Hell • Park University Theatre Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Once on This Island • Shawnee Mission South Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Noises Off • Johnson County Community College Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Songs for a New World • Union Station Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Retail Hell • Park University Theatre Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre Spitfire Grill • Olathe Community Theater Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and The Santa- Spitfire Grill • Olathe Community Theater The Stinky Cheese Man • State Fair Community College Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Land Diaries • University of Kansas Theatre The Stinky Cheese Man • State Fair Community College Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station Toughest Kid in the World • Union Station West Side Story • Grandview High School West Side Story • Grandview High School West Side Story • Grandview High School MON 20 TUE 21 FRI 24 SAT 25 SUN 26 Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Boesman and Lena • UMKC Theatre Boesman and Lena • UMKC Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Fall Concert • The Culture House Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Songs for a New World • Union Station Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre WED 22 THU 23 Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland THANKSGIVING The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama Songs for a New World • Union Station The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant

MON 27 TUE 28 FRI 01 SAT 02 SUN 03 Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Boesman and Lena • UMKC Theatre Boesman and Lena • UMKC Theatre Boesman and Lena • UMKC Theatre Boesman and Lena • UMKC Theatre Christmas All Over the Place • Union Station Christmas All Over the Place • Union Station A Celebration in Song: The Music of George Gershwin • A Celebration in Song: The Music of George Gershwin • Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre CenterStage Theatre CenterStage Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Chestnut Fine Arts Center Chestnut Fine Arts Center Hay Fever • University of Kansas Theatre Christmas All Over the Place • Union Station A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse WED 29 THU 30 The Mercy Seat • William Jewell College Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Boesman and Lena • UMKC Theatre Boesman and Lena • UMKC Theatre Scrooge The Musical • Farris Theatre Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Hay Fever • University of Kansas Theatre Christmas All Over the Place • Union Station Chestnuts Toasting: A Musical Salute to the Holidays • Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre Hay Fever • University of Kansas Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Chestnut Fine Arts Center Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant The Nutcracker • Kansas City Ballet Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas All Over the Place • Union Station The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama The Mercy Seat • William Jewell College Scrooge The Musical • Farris Theatre Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland A Christmas Carol • Kansas City Repertory Theatre The Nutcracker • Kansas City Ballet Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Christmas in Song • Quality Hill Playhouse Scrooge The Musical • Farris Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Every Christmas Story Ever Told • American Heartland Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama Leading Ladies • New Theatre Restaurant Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre Seussical, the Musical • Lawrence Community Theatre The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing • The Coterie Theatre The 12 Days of Schtickmas! • Martin City Melodrama

*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 11

Barbara Wasson (Choreographer). Fea- signature wacky comedy! Reservations Minds Eye Theatre turing Amanda Thomas (The Cat in the essential! Call (913) 642-7576! Directed Darkness: An Evening with Edgar Allen Hat), Jayke Workman (JoJo), Knute Pit- by Jeanne Beechwood & Jon Copeland. Poe adapted by Kevin Eib: Oct 13-31: tenger (Horton), Sarah Shaffer (Mayzie), Featuring Jeanne Beechwood, Jon Co- 8 pm Tue. Clara Kundin (Gertrude), Amy Reinert peland. $3.99 - $11.99, Martin City Given Poe’s propensity for the darker (Sour Kangaroo), Quinn Wasson (Wick- Melodrama & Vaudeville Company, side of human nature, we scripted some ershams), Mario Bonilla (Wickershams), 9601 Metcalf, (913) 642-7576, www. of his short stories and poems for a bit of Carrie Burkhead (Wickershams), Som- martincitymelodrama.org (Intended for Halloween fun. The production includes mer Brecheisen (Bird Girls), Emma Children) the following writings in order of perfor- Cook (Bird Girls), Maggie Gremminger mance: “Alone”, “The Cask of Amon- The 12 Days of Schtickmas! by Jeanne (Bird Girls), Jeff Blair (Mr. Mayor), Ann tillado”, “The Raven”, “The Tell-Tale Beechwood, Dan Hall, Jon Copeland: LaPoint (Mrs. Mayor), Barry Landon Heart”, “Annabel Lee”, “The Masque of Nov 10-Jan 1: 3:30 pm Fri-Sun; (General Schmitz), Pete Mapes (Grin- the Red Death”, and “A Dream Within 7:30 pm Thr-Sun. ch), Abigail Schmidtberger (Young a Dream”. Directed by Kevin Eib. $10 Get into the seasonal silliness with our Kangaroo), Sally Spurgeon, Brianna adults/$8 students and seniors, Alcott Arts slapschtick salute to the holidays! In- Landon, Blair Landon, David Petr. $14 Center, 180 S 18th St, (913) 897-2348, for Children and ranging [email protected] from $17 - $20 for adults, (Adult Fare) Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hamp- The Mystery Train shire St., (785) 843-7469, Ghost Train by Wendy theatre.lawrence.com (In- Thompson: Aug 25-Oct tended for Children) 31: 7 pm Tue. A coincidental meeting on Lyric Opera of Kansas City the train reveals a myste- Hamlet by Ambroise rious, unsolved murder Thomas: Nov 4-12: from the past. Will the 7:30 pm Mon, Wed; passengers on the train 8 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sun. help the victim’s ghost An opera is irrefut- reveal the killer before HALL ably Elizabethan when - he strikes again? $49-$59, Shakespeare’s tormented Hereford House, 2 East protagonist, Prince Ham- 20th Street, (816) 813- BEECHWOOD let, commands the stage. 9654 (Adult Fare) This opera is chock-full of CAT phantom kings, a drowned Murder Mystery Players beauty, conjured-up insan- Jon Copeland (left) and Jeanne Beechwood star in A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantasti- cal, Fairy-Tale Life at the Martin City Melodrama through Nov 19. Death So Delicious: Oct ity and murderous royalty 20-Nov 17: 7 pm Fri. usurping the throne. All that Murder Mystery Play- mayhem, and wow, what cluding the world famous “Waterglass ers’ new comedy Death So Delicious a soundtrack! Tickets start at $15, Lyric Symphony”, this smorgasbord of music, is opening at Ari’s Greek Restaurant. Theatre, 11th and Central, (816) 471- mirth, & mayhem is sure to put you in Show includes dinner as well as the 7344, www.kcopera.org (Adult Fare) a merry mood! Reservations essential! performance. Performances are selected Directed by Jeanne Beechwood, Jon Friday evenings at 7 pm. Reservations Martin City Melodrama Copeland. Featuring Jeanne Beech- are strongly recommended. Directed by A Fanciful, Frolicking, Fantastical, wood, Jennifer Maienza, Clint Griffey, Kelly Michale. Featuring Jamie Linde- Fairy-tale Life! by Dan Hall, Jeanne Jeff Hershberger, Laura Gilpin, Mark mann (Stormy Weathers), Dave Reyes Beechwood, Jon Copeland: Sep 29- Murphy, Jon Copeland, Cassandra (Benny Moo Shoo), Patty Peden (Anna Nov 19: 1:30 pm Sun; 10 am Wed-Fri. Palmer Beechwood-Hall. $8.99-$11.99, Maria), Tim Phillips (Henri Le Boucher), An original musical that re-invents some Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Dennis Porter (Tex Lexington), Holly of the Hans Christian Andersen stories Company, 9601 Metcalf, (913) 642- White (Julia Wilde). $34.95, Ari’s Greek you probably already know and maybe 7576, www.martincitymelodrama.org Restaurant, 2049 East Sante Fe, (913) introduces you to some you’ve never (Suitable for Everyone) 393-3950, www.mysteryplayers.com heard of before! This fairy-tale about (Suitable for Everyone) fairy-tales is filled with Martin City, Jr.’s

“If you believe, as the Greeks did, that man is at the mercy of the gods, then you write tragedy. The end is inevitable from the beginning. 14 KCSTAGE But if you believe that man can solve his own problems and is at nobody’s mercy, then you will probably write melodrama.” ~ Lillian Hellman www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 15 u Performances

New Theatre Restaurant no takers in the depressed town, so new- citizens (60 & older), students (with Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig: Nov comer Percy suggests to Hannah that ID) and groups of 10 or more. Leaven- 15-Feb 10: 6 pm Sun-Sat. she raffle it off. Based on the film by Lee worth Performing Arts Center, Historic “Ludwig’s newest farce is so funny, it will David Zlotoff. Directed by Lucille Wind- Hollywood Theater, (913) 682-7557, make sophisticated and reasonable men sor. $12 for adults, $13 for seniors and home.kc.rr.com/oneactor/rccp.htm and women of the 21st century cackle till $12 for children 12 and under. Olathe (Suitable for Everyone) their faces hurt.” - Houston Press. Direct- Community Theater, 500 East Loula, ed by Richard Carrothers. Featuring Ber- (913) 782-2990, www.olathetheatre.org River City Players nie Kopell (Doc), Jennifer Mays (Meg), (Suitable for Everyone) Design for Murder by George Batson: Brian Paulette (Duncan), Nathan Darrow Nov 3-11: 7:45 pm Fri-Sat. (Leo), David Fritts (Jack), Natalie Hiatt Park University Theatre The story concerns Celia Granger, her (Audrey), Dylan Hilpman (Butch), Joicie Retail Hell by Bobby Hoops: Nov 16- son David and her efforts to maintain Appell (Florence). New Theatre Restau- 18: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 10 pm Sat. the traditions attached to her family and rant, 9229 Foster, (913) 649-SHOW, An original play written and directed by home on the Hudson River. Suddenly a www.newtheatre.com (Adult Fare) Park University student Bobby Hoops. $8, young maid is killed and Celia finds her- Over the River and Through the Woods Studio Theater, Alumni Hall, Park Uni- self living in a violent present. The de- by Joe Di Pietro: Aug 30-Nov 12: versity, (816) 584-6450, www.park.edu/ tective on the case, a rugged self made 12 pm Sun, Wed; theatre (Suitable for Everyone) man, is revealed to have admired Celia 6 pm Tue-Sun. and brings a touch of Love of family is at the romance to her life. heart of this wonder- Everyone becomes a NICKSON fully warm, exception- suspect but the play is

ally funny comedy. MATT full of twists and turns. Nick, a young, single Directed by Jeremy Italian-American has Gassen. Dinner theatre: dinner with both sets $16 & $12 (children of grandparents every under 11); Show Only: Sunday. When a big $6 in advance; $7 at promotion threatens to the door and $2 chil- send Nick far away and dren 7-12. Lexington break the family tradi- Municipal Auditorium, tion, the grandparents 11th and Franklin, conspire, cajole and (816) 259-2819, www. cook up a storm to win rcplayers.org (Suitable back their grandson. for Everyone) “Loaded with laughs every step of the way!” The cast of Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 at Rockhurst High School Nov 8-11. Rockhurst HS – NY Daily News. Di- The Musical Comedy rected by Dennis D. Murders of 1940 by Hennessy. Featuring Marion Ross (Aida Quality Hill Playhouse John Bishop: Nov 8-Nov 11: 7:30 pm : Nov 17-Dec 24: 3 Gianelli), Paul Michael (Frank Gianelli), Christmas in Song Wed-Sat. pm Sat-Sun; 1 pm Thr; 8 pm Wed-Mon. Craig Benton (Nick Cristano), Dodie What do you get when you put a creative Our annual musical cabaret revue in Brown (Emma Cristano), Jennifer Mays team responsible for a recent Broadway celebration of the season. Directed by J. (Caitlin O’Hare), Addison Myers (Nun- flop in which three chorus girls are Kent Barnhart. $23 adults; $21 students, zio Cristano). New Theatre Restaurant, murdered by the stage door slasher... seniors, groups, Quality Hill Playhouse, 9229 Foster, (913) 649-SHOW, www. put them in a very wealthy Westchester 303 West 10th St., (816) 421-1700, newtheatre.com (Adult Fare) estate with secret passageways and a www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com (Suit- German maid who is apparently four able for Everyone) Olathe Community Theater different people during the a snow- Spitfire Grill by James Valcq: Nov 3-18: storm? The November production will 8 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sun. River City Community Players be Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, by Joseph Kessel- A feisty parolee follows her dreams to Arsenic and Old Lace a wacky cross between a soap opera ring: Oct 27-Nov 11: 8 pm Fri-Sat; a small town in Wisconsin and finds a and a wartime farce. Directed by Kathy 2 pm Sun. place for herself working at Hannah’s Kane. $6/students; $8/adults, Rockhurst Directed by Donna Elmer. Adults $8, Spitfire Grill. It is for sale but there are Children 12 and under $4, $7 for Sr. Continued on page 16

14 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 15 u Performances continued from page 15

HS, 9301 State Line Road, (816) 363- Bowman (Gloria Rasputin), David Bow- must now re-make their lives. Will mar- 2036, rockhursthighschool.edu/ click man (Mr. Johnson), Taylor Brown (Old riage be the answer to their dreams, or on sports and events, click on theatre Geezer 1), Dan Epperson (Old Geezer can a move away from their rural home web page (Suitable for Everyone) 3), Robin Benedict (Old Geezer 2), near the Army base, back to their origins Derek Boettcher (Charles F. Maude), in the capital, deliver them their happi- State Fair Community College Shannon Buhler (Alice), Madeline Cum- ness? How will they handle the arrival of The Stinky Cheese Man by Kent mings (Penelope Ann), Andrew Luzania joys and the crushing of hopes in each Stephens: Nov 17-18: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; (Policeman), Emily Austin (Sad Girl), other’s lives? Directed by Barry Kyle. 2 pm Sat. Catherine Barrett (Sad Girl), Spencer $6 Students, $10 Seniors, $12 Adults. It’s happily ever laughter in these warped Stonestreet (Traveler). Crew: Keli Rod- Group rates available. Rates do not apply fairy tales. Based on the hit book, this gers (Director), Sam Kendrick (Assis- to Nov 9 performance. Spencer Theatre, show is a musical that promises a gaggle tant Director, Set & Props Crew), Ann 4949 Cherry, (816) 235-6222, www. and giggles for smart-alecks of all ages. Manly (Props Mistress), Laura Weaver umkc.edu/theatre (Adult Fare) Directed by Eric Yazell. Featuring Geoff (Costume Mistress). $7, Shawnee Mis- Pottorff, Trevor Belt, Damon Arnold, sion Northwest HS Parker Auditorium, Unicorn Theatre Sarah Galliher, Alexander Howell, Jacob 12701 W. 67th St., (913) 993-7224, Orson’s Shadow by Austin Pendleton: Payne, Asher Snook, Thomas Waller, thespiantroupe888.com (Suitable for Oct 18-Nov 12: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 7:30 pm June Buchanon, Jacob Busick, Catherine Everyone) Tue-Wed; 3 pm Sun. Bandeko, Jazmin Patino, Gabe Cassady, Welles. Olivier. Plowright. Leigh. Oh, Aaron Riley, Jesi Parker, Sarah Cox, Sar- Shawnee Mission South how the mighty fall. Imagine what ah Burns, Roxanne Griggs. Crew: Trevor Once on This Island by Flaherty and might have gone on backstage during Belt, Jesse Shelton, Emily Penrod, June Ahrens: Nov 15-18: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat, Ionesco’s Rhinoceros, a play Welles Buchanon, Dawn Maltsbarger, Kristen Wed. directed at London’s National Theatre Janke, Jesi Paker, Sarah Cox, Tommy Bur- Directed by Cathy Wood. $7, SM South in 1960. We see their tangled romances gess, Chis Hovde, Ty Cloud, Will Boyd, Theatre, 5800 W. 107th St., (913) 993- and fleeting fame lead to a hilarious and Jordan Snapp. $6, Stauffacher Center for 7524, reptheatre.tripod.com (Suitable powerful clash of the titans. Directed by the Fine Arts, 3201 W. 16th, Sedalia. for Everyone) Mark Robbins. Featuring Jim Birdsall (660) 530-5814, www.sfccmo.edu (In- (Orson), Jim Korinke (Lawrence), Bruce tended for Children) UMKC Theatre Roach (Ken), Melinda McCrary (Vivien), Boesman and Lena by Athol Fugard: Cinnamon Schultz (Joan), Doogin Shawnee Mission Northwest HS Nov 25-Dec 10: 7:30 pm Tue-Sun; Brown (Sean). $20-$28, Unicorn The- Bye Bye Birdie by Charles Strouse, 2pm Sun. atre, 3828 Main Street, (816) 531-7529, lyrics by Lee Adams, book by Michael Two ragged wanderers—the bearish www.unicorntheatre.org (Adult Fare) Stewart: Nov 16-18: 7 pm Thr-Sat. Boesman and the wilier Lena—meet on The classic 50’s musical, the infamous a riverbank, where they try to scavenge Union Station teenage swooning Conrad Birdie is sent food and firewood in order to survive Musical Theatrical Studios off to war, but before he leaves he will the night. Gradually, you realize that Disney’s High School Musical: give one last kiss. Featuring songs such they’ve been husband and wife in a Nov 3-5: 8 pm Fri-Sat; 3 pm Sun. as “Put On a Happy Face”. Directed relationship that has been plundered by Directed by Directed by Nick Padgett, by Keli Rodgers. Featuring Carl Hol- the poisonous influence of apartheid, Vocal Direction by Joel Ramsdell, Cho- lingsworth (Albert Peterson), Kaitlin reducing them to a level in which they reographed by Michael Joy and Nick Mesh (Rose Alvarez), Ashley O. Smith have to remind themselves of their own Padgett. $15 general, $12 groups (15+), (Mrs. Mae Peterson), Keryn Wouden humanity and their ability to make hu- USKC Members, Seniors, H & R Block (Kim MacAffe), Tony Strauss (Mr. Harry man connections. Directed by Joseph City Stage, Union Station, (816) 460- MacAffe), Allyson Golladay (Mrs. Doris Price. $6 Students, $10 Seniors, $12 2020, www.unionstation.org (Suitable MacAffe), Andrew Shaw (Randolph Adults, Group rates available, Studio for Everyone) MacAffe), Doug Wooldridge (Conrad 116, 4949 Cherry, (816) 235-6222, Shine Productions/Thin Air Theatrics Birdie), Danny Rossbach (Hugo Pea- www.umkc.edu/theatre (Adult Fare) Songs for a New World by Jason Robert body), Lydia Zacharias (Ursula Merkle), Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov: Nov Brown: Nov 17-Dec 9: 8 pm Thr-Sat. Allison Ralstin (Deborah Sue), Caitlin 4-12: 2 pm Sat-Sun; 7:30 pm Tue-Sun. With a small, passionate cast and a driv- Carver (Margie), Mickey Baltzley (Har- Imagine this family. A brother and his ing, exquisitely crafted score, Songs for vey Johnson), Aubrey Jones (Nancy), three sisters end the period of mourning a New World is about one moment, Katherine Dokko (Helen), Peter C. Soto for their beloved late father, an Army col- or rathe, isolated moments in the lives (Mayor), Julie Bird (Edna, Mayors wife), onel. With their mother gone too, they of many characters in a variety of eras. Alyssa Stormes (Mrs. Merkle), Katie

16 KCSTAGE “Self-knowledge comes from knowing other men.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 17 u Performances

Composer Jason Robert Brown transports sional Development workshops for teach- through the Performing Arts Series 660- his audience from the deck of a 1492 ers are also available. $8 general, $6 TYA 543-8607, Hendricks Hall, University Spanish sailing ship to a ledge 57 stories & USKC members, $5 groups (15+), of Central Missouri, (660) 543-8811, above Fifth Avenue to meet a startling H & R Block City Stage, Union Station, www.cmsu.edu/theatre (Suitable for array of characters. These are the stories (816) 460-2020, www.unionstation.org Everyone) and characters of today, the Songs for a (Intended for Children) New World. Directed by Daniel Doss. University of Kansas Theatre Featuring Sarah Mae McElroy, Lauren University of Central Missouri KU University Theatre Braton, Andrea Marie Boswell, Damron A Tale of Two Heroes: El Matador and Hay Fever by Noel Coward: Dec 1-9: Armstrong, Shea Coffman, Brandon Sol- Flynn the Swashbuckler by Sam Stokes: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; 2:30 pm Sun. lenberger. $15, $12 group (15+), USKC Nov 2-4: 9:30 am, 12:30 pm Thr-Fri; Starring KU theatre faculty Leslie Ben- Members, under 12 and Equity, $10 Equi- 7:30 pm Fri; 10 am Sat. nett and John Staniunas - Kennedy ty five min rush, H & R Block City Stage, El Matador, the hero from Spain, must Center American College Theatre Fes- Union Station, (816) 460-2020, www. team up with Flynn the Swashbuckler, tival entry. Directed by Jack B. Wright. unionstation.org (Suitable for Everyone) the hero from the land of England, to $16-$10-$15, Crafton-Preyer Theatre, Theatre for Young America rescue Princess Zinnia, captured by the Murphy Hall-University of Kansas, (785) Christmas All Over the Place: Nov villain El Toro. You’ll be on the edge of 864-3982, www.kutheatre.com (Suit- 28-Dec 30: 10 pm Tue; 10 am, 12 pm your seat and cheering for these two able for Everyone) heroes as they battle many foes, includ- Wed-Fri; 2 pm Sat. Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for ing the giant dog, giant frog and a crafty This show comes from the famed, award- You and The Santa Land Diaries by dwarf. Full of light-hearted music, ad- winning Paper Bag Players, a children’s Christopher Durang and David Sedaris: ventures and, of course, swashbuckling theatre company that has been perform- Nov 10-Nov 18: 7:30 pm Tue-Fri; 5 pm sword fighting. Directed by Richard Her- ing throughout the world since 1958. Sat; 2:30 pm Sun. man. Featuring Joshua Minnis (El Mata- TYA will be producing their version by Directed by Julia Curtis. $10-12, dor), Paul Rundle (Flynn the Swashbuck- Judith Martin in true Paper Bag Players Inge Theatre, Murphy Hall-Uni- ler), Natasha Petentler (Princess Zinnia), style, a fantastic world of paper bags, versity of Kansas, (785) 864-3982, Aaron Taylor (El Toro), John Cardurella craft paper, and cardboard boxes bright- www.kutheatre.com (Adult Fare) ened with poster paint and markers to (El Perro), Regina Brandt (El Rana), Gre- become set, props and costumes. Surpris- tel Aschenbrenner (Dwarf), Harlen Hin- University Theatre ing, fanciful and fun this musical features kle (Guard One), Jonathan Case (Guard The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton dancing fir trees, a wiggle worm and Two), Ashley Ayres (Boat Guard). Crew: Wilder: Oct 27-Nov 4: 7:30 pm Thr-Sat. runaway presents. $8 general, $6 TYA Jeffrey Peltz (Scenic Design), Daniel Directed by Karen Paisley. $16-$10- & USKC members, $5 groups (15+), Parks (Lighting Design), Rusty Terwelp $15, Crafton-Preyer Theatre, Murphy H & R Block City Stage, Union Station, (Costume Design), Emily Argo, Barbara Hall-University of Kansas, (785) 864- (816) 460-2020, www.unionstation.org Sherman (Asst. Stage Manager), Ryan 3982, www.kutheatre.com (Adult Fare) (Intended for Children) Drane (Musical Direction), Nathan Pot- ter (Make-up), Jim Bick (Sound Board William Jewell College Theatre Toughest Kid in the World: Nov 7-17: Operator), Emily Irwin (Properties De- The Mercy Seat: Dec 1-2: 8 pm Fri-Sat. 12 pm Tue-Fri; 10 am Tue-Sat. sign), Justin Geiser (Properties), Jennifer Directed by Elizabeth Hawkins. $5 for This play dramatizes the adventures of Fugate (Asst. Director), Maggie Nevins all, Peters Theater, Brown Hall, (816) TK, a modern youngster dealing with (Lighting Design), Pamela Long (Scenic 415-7590, [email protected]. problems of anger, conflict and violence. Artist), Justin Hays (Master Electrician), edu (Suitable for Everyone) TK redefines “tough” for himself and Rachel Lambert (Costume/Wardrobe learns personal skills that empower him Manager), Nicole Gregory (Educa- The Rover: Nov 8-11: 8 pm Wed-Sat. to reject violence. A special participatory tion Packet/Front of House Display), Directed by Kim B. Harris. $6, $5 Outreach Workshop teaching principles Christa Polnack (Photographer), John Students/Seniors, Peters Theater, Brown of conflict resolution and problem solv- Wilson (Fight Choreographer), Erica Hall, (816) 415-7590, wjctheatre@ ing may be conducted in the classroom. Sword (Costume/Wardrobe Manager), william.jewell.edu (Suitable for Every- Teachers are provided with a special Karen Page (Costumes), Emily Argo one) R manual of classroom activities. Profes- (Shop Assistant). Tickets available only

16 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 17 u Watch Out: Nonprofit Organizations’ Desire to Mobilize Voters continued from page 7 does not demonstrate a bias for former holder of a public office; of a general election (for which or against any candidate. the candidate is considered an that candidate is running for An Example of Prohibited expert in a specific non-politi- office). A nonprofit corporation Activity. The IRS may find cal field; or the candidate has a (NPC) is an entity organized partisan bias if a NPO, for distinguished military, legal, under Code 501(c)(4) and it is example, provides the public or public service career. If the primarily ideological in nature. education on environmental political candidate is invited to Currently, the law applies to issues. A candidate running speak or is publicly recognized NPC’s grass-root lobbying ac- for election supports many of by the NPO, the NPO must tivities. In general these rules the environmental policies that consider the following: (1) the affect the source of financing the NPO endorses, too. During candidate is chosen to speak for used to fund electioneering the NPO’s voter registration a reason other than their politi- communications. drive the NPO learns that X is cal candidacy; (2) the candidate familiar with environmental speaks in a non-candidate ca- Printed and Online Material policies and supports many of pacity; (3) while the candidate Distributing printed mate- the same environmental poli- is at the event, no political cam- rial that endorse or oppose a cies that the NPO and the can- paign activity occurs, including particular political candidate didate supports. NPO would be the candidate or the candidate’s is prohibited. A NPO post- engaging in prohibited activity representative mentioning the ing statements on its website, if the NPO encourages X to vote election; and (4) the NPO main- including maintaining hyper- or offer X transportation to the tains a nonpartisan atmosphere links that favor or oppose a polls on Election Day. while the candidate is present. candidate are also prohibited. In reference to determining if a NPO Leaders Prohibited Activities: NPO maintaining hyperlinks to A leader of a NPO must make it NPOs are prohibited from di- political candidates qualify as a clear that the leader’s statement rectly or indirectly engaging, prohibited activity, the IRS will or writing is their personal or intervening in, any political consider, among other things, comments and not intended campaign that opposes or fa- whether the NPO has published to represent the views of the vors a candidate for elective the hyperlink for a non-exempt NPO. However, the IRS will public office. NPOs are prohib- purpose, how the NPO cat- likely find the NPO engaged in ited from engaging in the fol- egorize or title the hyperlink, or prohibited if the leader makes lowing activities: whether a NPO has hyperlinks comments that favor or op- for all political candidates. Ad- pose a political candidate in the Electioneering ditionally, NPOs are prohibited NPOs official publication or at Communications from placing partisan signs on an official function of the NPO. Under the Bipartisan Campaign its property. Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA) Voter Guides or Candidate Candidates Speaking in Their electioneering communica- Ratings. Any document, in- Capacity as a Non-Candidate tions prohibits for-profit and cluding a newsletter, a chart, A political candidate may speak nonprofit corporations from or a church bulletin, that is or appear at a NPO’s event in a broadcasting, including radio, prepared or distributed by a non-candidate capacity. Ap- cable, or satellite, communica- NPO that identifies political propriate non-candidate capac- tions that refer to a candidate candidates and the candidates’ ity includes situation when the for federal office within 30 days political positions close to an candidate currently or is the of a primary election or 60 days election will likely be considered

“I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer, the beer stronger, 18 KCSTAGE the food cheaper and the old men and old women warmer in the winter and happier in the summer.” ~ Brendan Behan www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 19 u Watch Out: Nonprofit Organizations’ Desire to Mobilize Voters

prohibited activity. A NPO is responsible for all Cash Donations materials it distributes regardless if the NPO Donating cash contributions to a candidate’s po- prepared the materials. A voter guide is usually litical campaign is prohibited activity. information that is intended to compare politi- cal candidates’ positions on a set of issues and in Preferential Treatment to Candidates general constitute permitted activities. However, NPOs that give improper preferential treatment the IRS will likely determine that information to a political candidate or a non-candidate who is prohibited political intervention, if the voter endorses a candidate, usually speeches, are likely guide compares the political candidates’ with the engaging in prohibited activity. The NPO must NPOs positions. A voter guide does not have to give other political candidates seeking the same be an express endorsement of a political candi- office an equal opportunity to speak. Addition- date to classify as prohibited activity. The NPO ally, no political fundraising should be conducted is allowed to tell their members how elected of- at the event. During the event, the NPO should ficials have voted on key issues. However, the refrain from indicating any support or opposition NPO should distribute the information in the to a particular candidate. same manner as the NPO did outside of the elec- Questionnaires to Candidates. NPOs are also al- toral cycle, otherwise this could be considered lowed to ask all political candidates running for the political intervention. same office to fill out an unbiased questionnaire. Additionally, the questionnaire must be neutrally phrased, all responses, if reprinted, must be includ- ed in their entirety (no summary, editing, or analyz- ing), and any publication of the questionnaire must include the names of all the political candidates regardless if all candidates submitted a response. Membership Lists. The NPO may sell, rent, or oth- erwise provide its membership lists to political can- didates for a fair value. However, all political can- didates must be made aware of this and given an opportunity to acquire the NPOs’ membership lists. NPOs that give or lend its membership lists may be making an illegal political campaign contribution.

NPO Leaders Leaders of the NPO are prohibited from making partisan statements in official organization publica- tions, including their website, or at an official func- tion of the organization, including the pulpit. R

The information in this article is general information about the laws and regulations regarding non-profit lob- bying and election laws. None of this information can be used to form the basis of a client-attorney relationship nor can it be relied on as legal advice or opinion about specific matters, circumstances, or issues. If you have legal ques- tions, please consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction.

18 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 19 u National Alliance of Musical Theatre Festival of New Works continued from page 2

The final work that I was able to attend is tion of committing suicide. After a number of titled One Step Forward, a World War II era mu- the town’s most outrageous characters confide in sical loosely based upon A Midsummer Night’s the stranger, he decides not to kill himself which Dream. The show displays very little resem- causes a redoubt in the town’s population. With blance to its forebears with the exception of the a blue-grass score, the work sparked the interest stock characters and their relationships. The plot of many attendees who described it as the most begins at the end of the war when the “boys original work of this year’s festival. are coming home” and the women are forced Sunfish is a musical adaptation of a traditional to readjust to life with men again. For Helen, Korean folktale about a girl who travails a mythi- this means finally marrying her beau, Charlie, cal adventure to restore her blind father’s sight. though their relationship is tested after such a Most agreed that the piece might work best in long separation. Bea and Ben are reluctant lovers children’s theatre. whose Taming of the Shrew relationship finally A couple of musicals that did not make the cut forces them to realize their destiny in each other. but were highlighted in the pre-festival workshop Add into the mix an interracial love affair that seemed to be the talk of the festival at the cocktail all the protagonists try to keep a secret and the parties and meetings. One of these works had thickened plot is set. Although, the story sounds as its protagonist a one-armed man. Those who confusing on paper, it flowed very seamlessly read the piece described it as comically absurdist with swing-era melodies that were enjoyable, and totally unique. It sounded to me like a mu- particularly when utilizing the tight harmonies sicalization of David Lindsay-Abaire or Edward and female trios reminiscent of the Andrews Sis- Albee’s The Man Who Had Three Arms. Also of ters. The show had its premiere at Northwestern University whose representative informed us that Midwestern patrons were exceptionally enthusiastic about the piece. I wouldn’t say the New York contingent was as enthusiastic, but with a strong book and score I’m sure this musi- cal will have further productions. There were four shows I was unable to attend but received fairly unanimous verdicts by festival attendees: Jerry Christmas is a new work by Andrew Lippa (Wild Party) about a Jewish comedian who is charged with presenting a live televised Christ- mas special. According to reports, the work is a very funny pilot for a leading actor, but left much to be desired in terms of development. Dangerous Beauty, an adaptation of the film by the same name, is about courtesan of 16th cen- tury Venice. The work received much praise by patrons, especially for its music and sexual con- tent. The work is not currently slated for future productions. Julian Po is a mystifying script about a man who stumbles into a small town with the inten-

“Writing is an escape from a world that crowds me. I like being alone in a room. It’s almost a form of meditation— 20 KCSTAGE an investigation of my own life. It has nothing to do with ‘I’ve got to get another play’” ~ Neil Simon www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 21 u National Alliance of Musical Theatre Festival of New Works

mention was a one-man musical about the death of the most challenging and cutting-edge perfor- of the protagonist’s best friend. Based on word of mances I’ve ever seen on the Broadway musical mouth, both of these works were exceptionally stage. The first act applies traditional musical unique and may have futures in further festivals theatre forms to portraying the life of the Bou- or production. vier Beals as they once were: in a grand mansion, Rounding out my New York escapade, I at- with money to spare, planning a party for Little tended a performance of the new Broadway Edie’s engagement to Joseph Kennedy. Through show Grey Gardens currently in previews at the grand marches, sentimental ballads, and mildly Walter Kerr Theatre. This musical is based on the tempered production numbers, the demise of the 1975 documentary about Edith Bouvier Beal and Ediths is revealed. Little Edie Beal, the cousins of Jacqueline Ken- In the second act, we see the women as they nedy Onassis who achieved tabloid and cult-sta- are portrayed in the documentary: destitute, tus fame when it was revealed they were living alone, and living with raccoons in the attic, cats in flea-infested squalor in their East Hampton and fleas in the living area, and piles of waste estate. Their tale of the American Dream gone and wasted memories in every corner. The music wrong is brilliantly brought to the stage by Pulit- turns from rousing Broadway to introspective zer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright (I Am monologues cum song that invoke both the heart My Own Wife) with lyrics by Michael Korie and and the mind. I was reminded of the first time I music by Scott Frankel. The work is certainly one saw Sunday in the Park with George, both by the technique of the acts representing two very dif- ferent time periods and by the observations on American identity. This is not the type of musi- cal that will reap its investors’ profits doing the rounds of national tours, regional theatres, and stock performances. Therefore, I was thrilled to be able to attend the Broadway preview with the wonderful cast who will surely be garnering awards at next year’s Tony’s. The American musical is very much alive and well in our current arts culture. Many critics have theorized that musical trends reflect the Ameri- can economy and cultural climate of the times. To summarize this supposition: during times of economic and social hardship, the musical turns toward the escapist, happy-go-lucky fare such as the work that has been prominent on Broadway since 9/11 (Mamma Mia, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, or The Producers). Given that musicals are now returning to an avant-garde exploration in form and content, it is apparent that the American the- atre is ready for change. Perhaps this is endemic of American society as well. All things consid- ered, the American musical is at an exciting point and I believe and hope that Kansas City will be a part of this development. R

20 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 21 u Spotlight on Jennifer Mays continued from page 4 and thought the Conservatory they might have something, but ple and you see them monopo- and Missouri Rep theatre in the six months later I was working lize rehearsal time, create drama same building—what could be full time, so fine by me. Most where there is no drama, or just better? I also had a big schol- grad programs only pick two or be hard to work with and you arship if I went to a Missouri three women anyway, and none just want to take them off to the state school, so I thought that of them play ingénues. They’re side and say, “You know, if you would be perfect. I can’t really grooming their leading ladies. were easier to work with, you complain, but the conservatory Maybe someday I’ll grow up would work a lot more.” only did opera, and the theatre and be a leading lady. I think that has a lot to do with department only did straight BC: What are some things it - to be someone that they can theatre, and undergrads only you’re excited about locally? count on to not cause trouble, did spear carrier roles. JM: There’s a lot going on right to do the job every night, and I got really lucky that every now with the Unicorn getting a do it the same way every night. year I was there one first year second stage, the Rep getting a When you’re doing a show that grad student would leave. They second stage, and Kansas City has 80-115 performances, you would need three women, and Actors Theatre. There’s an op- have to have someone that you one would be gone, so I man- portunity for Kansas City to know isn’t going to start mess- aged to get almost every one of become really big. One show ing with it. those third spots, so I actually I enjoyed doing was Princess BC: You seem to have had a got some experience. Squid’s Miss Julie. I wish more fairly easy time of it as an actor. The classes were fine, and people got a chance to see that. JM: I have been very lucky. I working with the teachers was It was down in a little space that know that, and I am very thank- great, but getting a chance to not many people knew. They ful for that. I think the luck that have that experience on stage were kind of in a transitional I’ve had is also luck that I could was the one thing that made it time with marketing, but I think have screwed up. The door completely worthwhile for me. it was a really good show, and opened with a little bit of luck, I know a lot of people went an opportunity to do something but it stayed open because of through that program and never I hadn’t done before. hard work and respect for the got to do anything worthwhile. BC: You’ve been very success- job. If you have respect for the BC: Things have changed since ful in working rather steadily job and respect for the fact that then. at the New Theatre. someone is paying you to come JM: They do an undergrad show. JM: The relationships I have and play this role every single They do musical theatre. They with the guys at the New The- night of the week, then you’re have an association with Molly atre and the work that I’ve been gonna do it. Jessup and Linda Ade Brand, able to continue to do with them BC: What about film work? and that really helps a lot. - that’s something that I’m really JM: I wish there were more film BC: You never went to gradu- thankful for. I don’t know how work in Kansas City. There ate school? much I can attribute to luck and used to be, then the film com- JM: Every place I was interested how much to talent and how missions disappeared. A lot of in that was interested in me said much to being available and it had to do with the Screen Ac- I looked younger than an under- working out for them. I think a tors Guild strike and the mass grad. There weren’t any mature lot of it does have to do with not exodus to Canada. We had roles they could give me with so much working hard as work- so much film work in Kansas the grad students. So if I wanted ing hard not to be the problem. City because it was a cheap, to go back in a couple of years Sometimes you work with peo- convenient place to go, but then

22 KCSTAGE “The dream, alone, is of interest. What is life, without a dream?” ~ Edmond Rostand www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 23 u Spotlight on Jennifer Mays

Canada became even cheaper union talent is worth it, and that They know their business. and even more convenient, so takes commitment from every- There shouldn’t be a difference we lost a lot of it. It’s going to body involved. in your performance when it’s take the industry and the gov- BC: Tell me about being the a third of the house or a full ernment finding a way to make spokesperson for Chux Trux. house, but it makes a difference it worth their while. JM: I would wear tight jeans when you’ve got every one of BC: And independent film? and a tank top but I had a little those seats filled. It’s fun to go JM: A lot of independent film- more attitude than your typi- out there and know that if we makers don’t want the hassle cal trucker bimbo. It was a re- all do our job, by the time we of having to deal with union ally fun campaign. I was their get to the end of this segment, talent, but the ones that bite spokesperson for a whole year. they’re going to be laughing the bullet realize it’s not that BC: The New Theatre is one hysterically. And they do. hard. It doesn’t cost them much of the most profitable theatres BC: Casting television celebri- more. The unions know that it’s in the country. What’s it like ties helps. important to allow the opportu- working in that environment? JM: It takes you out of the show nities for the actors and the film- JM: The biggest part of theatre for a second when it’s a star makers. Our biggest problem is trying to get people in the doing it. It’s a novelty. Luckily here is trying to keep producers seats. It’s hard to cast and re- they’ve been able to find stars doing smaller films—training hearse and get the money for that have some talent. It would films, commercials. It used to be production and all of that, but be very easy to bring in a name huge, and it used to be all union. the biggest thing is to market it for the sake of a name, and sac- There used to be a respect factor. and get everybody here. How rifice some of the art. A lot of It used to be when a producer many places do you know that them are fabulous. was making a training film or every time you do a show, BC: Do they go see any shows commercial they wanted it to be there are 600 people guaran- when they’re here? union. They wanted to tell their teed every night, eight shows JM: They can’t. They’re work- clients they were doing it pro- a week, for ten weeks? They ing too much. That’s one of the fessionally, and now they just do it right. The food is really things that can be so frustrating want to save a lot. You have to good, and every time you go when I’m working so much. remind them why professional there the service is amazing. I know it’s a horrible thing to say and everyone would hate me for saying it—complaining about working. But I don’t get a chance to see much theatre. I can never see a Unicorn show. BC: Unless you do one. JM: Which I haven’t yet. BC: How come? JM: I don’t know. It just hasn’t worked out. BC: They never need ingénues? JM: Ingénues are boring. In- génues aren’t on the edge. We need to write a play called Ingé- nues on the Edge. R

22 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 23 Callboard Auditions

Actor/Tour Guide, The Barn Players City Theatre of Independence Dead Ringer Playhouse Once on This Island Jr. by Lynn Inventing Van Gogh by Steven Dietz: Actor needed to portray “Johnny Holi- Ahrens; music by Stephen Flaherty: Dec 4-5: 7 pm Mon-Tue. day”, a 1920’s era gangster. Your job Nov 20-27: 9 am Sun-Sat. A haunting and hallucinatory drama will be to entertain as well as educate Once On This Island tells the story of about the making of art, Inventing Van busloads of people on the history of a captivating romance between a peas- Gogh is the story of the final van Gogh Kansas City during the Tom Pendergast ant girl and a rich city boy whom she self-portrait, painted just before the era, circa 1900-1946.Children’s Drama saves from death. This calypso-flavored artist’s death, which has never been Teacher, Theatre of the Imagination. re-telling of “The Little Mermaid” opens seen…until now. Patrick Stone, a con- Must have excellent public speak- on a Caribbean island where villagers temporary painter, is hired to forge this ing skills, a love of history and good comfort a little girl with the story of final masterpiece - and finds himself improv skills. Ability to speak with an the orphan Ti Moune, destined to love squaring off, across the years, with van Italian/American accent preferred. Flex- too much for the human heart to bear. Gogh himself. The result is a compelling ible schedule, own transportation to and Once On This Island delivers melody, mystery about the obsession to create from tour pick up points(Almost all tours love and joy in tropical abundance. Go and the fine line that separates truth from begin at Union Station). Actor must have to www.thebarnplayers.org for a PDF of myth. Directed by Jack McCord. Audi- a very clear speaking voice and ability the registration form. For students ages tions open to all and consist of cold read- to project well. Actor must also provide 10-17, Registration Deadline: Nov 27. ings from the script. Resumes including his own gangster suit/costume. We can Workshop begins Dec 4, Class Limit: 20 previous experience welcomed. Be help with acquiring a costume. This students. Cost: $100, Performances are prepared to share any foreseen schedule is a sub-contract position. You will be Jan 12-13 at 7:30pm and Jan 14 at 2pm. conflicts during auditions. Scripts will be paid directly from Carey of Kansas City. We will accept the first 20 students who available for overnight checkout (w/$20 $50-$75 per tour + gratuity. Please call have paid the enrollment fee. The enroll- deposit) two weeks prior to auditions. Tim Phillips at Dead Ringer Dinner Play- ment fee is non-refundable after Nov 13. There are four male and one female house and leave your name and number The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, (913) roles available. Roger T. Sermon Center, and a brief message mentioning your 432-9100, www.thebarnplayers.org 201 North Dodgion, (816) 325-7367, interest in this position. (913) 789-7529, www.citytheatreofindependence.org [email protected], Dead Ringer CenterStage Theatre Dinner Playhouse, 12141 W 76th Street, Sweet Charity by Neil Simon, Music by Johnson County Community College Lenexa, KS 66216. Posted 09-29-06. Cy Coleman, Lyrics by Dorothy Fields: Registering Loss: The Long Goodbye Dec 13-14: 6:30 pm Wed-Thr. & Life Under Water by Tennessee Wil- Sweet Charity is a tender and consis- liams & Richard Greenberg: Dec 4-6: Click! tently funny look at the adventures, or 7:30 pm Mon-Wed. www.humanpingpongball.com rather, misadventures in the ways of Registering Loss will pair one-act plays love encountered by our central charac- by Tennessee Williams and Richard Despite the seemingly useless ter Charity Hope Valentine, who always Greenberg. Though written and set in name, this website is really the gives her heart and earnings, to the quite different eras, The Long Goodbye home of the Improv Encyclo- wrong man. Sweet Charity is a musical (Williams) and Life Under Water (Green- in every sense of the word: it features berg) both offer examinations of family pedia. Here you will find tons the songs “If They Could See Me Now!” life, relationships, and loss on several of stuff related to improvisa- and “Hey Big Spender” and show-stop- levels. Directed by Sheilah A. Philip & tion theatre. Look for improv ping dance numbers. Cy Coleman has Timothy Noble. For the open call, pre- games, handles, concentration captured the rhythms and sounds of 60’s pare a memorized monologue, no more New York in this memorable crowd than 2 mins. long, from a contemporary exercises, drama techniques, pleaser. Directed by Mark Swezey, mu- play. Open Call: Dec 4 & 5, 7:30 pm, character exercises, warm-ups, sic direction by Kristi Mitchell, choreo- Black Box Theatre at JCCC, Callbacks: long form improv formats, im- graphed by Ann McCroskey. Please pre- Dec 6 Black Box Theatre, Carlsen provised show formats, tips for pare 16 measures from a musical theatre Center, 12345 College Blvd, (913) 469- selection. Also, please come prepared 8500, www.jccc.edu/theatredept improv workshops and much to participate in a movement/dance more. While directing improv a audition. Callbacks will take place on Olathe Community Theater while back, I needed something Dec 17 at 4pm. The role of Charity has Enchanted April by Matthew Barber: to break out of the monotony of been cast! The Lewis and Shirley White Nov 11-12: 7 pm Sun; 1 pm Sat. Theatre, on the campus of The JCC of old warm up games. This site Two proper London housewives rent a Greater Kansas City, (913) 327-8074, villa in Italy for a holiday and recruit did the trick! ~ Bill Behrendt www.jcckc.org/arts.html

“A bedroom is better than a living room. An arrival is better that a departure. A birth is better than a death. A dog is better than a landscape. 24 KCSTAGE A kitten is better than a dog. A baby is better than a kitten. A kiss is better than a baby. A pratfall is better than anything.” ~ Preston Sturges www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 25 u Auditions

two other, very different English women (2 African American) of varying ages to share the cost.. During their month in and 13-15 males (2 African American) the Ligurian villa, the ladies rediscover of varying ages. The auditions are open laughter, learn new truths about them- to both Rockhurst students and faculty selves and find romance. Directed by and any high school females. Directed Don Carlton. Director needs 5 women, by Kathy Kane. Auditions for this Febru- ages 25 through 70 or so, and 3 men ary production will be held Tues, Dec 25 through late 40’s. It is vital that the 5 with possible callbacks scheduled company of actors be comfortable with for Wed, Dec 6. The auditions will be the standard British dialect. Auditions held in the Rose Theatre 3:30-6pm. will be held at the theater on Sat, Nov Performances are Feb 14 and 16 at 7: 11 from 1-4 pm and on Sun, Nov 12 30pm and Sat, Feb 17 at 2:30 pm. There from 7-9pm. For more information will also be a daytime middle school call Don Carlton at 913-236-4845 or performance Feb 14. Rockhurst HS, at [email protected]. Olathe Com- 9301 State Line Road, (816) 363-2036, munity Theater, 500 East Loula, (816) rockhursthighschool.edu/ click on sports 932-9146, www.olathetheatre.org and events, click on theatre web page

Park University Theatre Tara Lane Productions (PROFESSIONAL) On the Verge by Eric Overmeyer: Nov Collisions and Death and the Publican 21: 6:30 pm Tue. by Bill Rogers: Oct 29-30: 7 pm Mon. “Cross the wordplay of S J Perelman Seeking actors for two new one-act with the world-in-a-time-warp vision of plays to be performed at Just Off Caryl Churchill and you might approxi- Broadway Theatre in Jan 2007. In Col- mate the special flavor of On the Verge. lisions, a minor fender bender leads to In Eric Overmyer’s chimerical new a confrontation between 20-year-olds comedy, three Victorian lady explorers and senior citizens in a coffee bar in a set out on an adventure that takes them shopping mall. The play requires three to darkest Africa, highest Himalaya and men and one woman capable of play- Terra Incognita....” ~ Mel Gussow, ing senior citizens. It also has roles for New York Times. Directed by marsha two men and two women able to por- m. morgan. Featuring three females, tray characters in their early twenties. Mary: Often construed as the main lady Death and the Publican explores the explorer of the expedition, she remains meaning of it all in a pub in the afterlife. unmarried, and considers exploration This play has a cast of seven with no her unequivocal calling. Alex: is the specific requirements for age or gender. youngest of the group, and she allows Directed by Stuart Rider. Auditions Oct her age to make up a considerable 29, Sun, 2pm and Oct 30, Mon, 7pm amount of her personality. Fanny: is the at Next Space Gallery, 512 E. 18th St. most conservative of the group in all Since most actors will have roles in both aspects: socially, politically, and mor- plays, actors must have the ability to ally. She is the only married member change roles quickly. Prepare 2 short of the group. One male that plays many pieces showing your ability to do differ- different characters. Jenkin & Barbara ent characters. There will be an artistic David Theater, Alumni Hall, Park Uni- stipend. Contact Janet Rogers for an ap- versity Home Campus, (816) 584-6450, pointment 816-224-2038. Next Space www.park.edu/theatre Gallery, 512 E. 18th St, (816) 224-2038, [email protected] R Rockhurst HS To Kill a Mockingbird by Christopher Sergel: Dec 5-6: 3:30 pm Tue-Wed. Those planning to audition must have read the novel prior to the audition and all must have a grasp of the southern dialect. There are parts for 8 females

24 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com NOVEMBER 2006 25 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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