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Subscribe to KC Stage today! Complete the information below and mail it in with a check to KC STAGE, PO Box 410492, Kansas City, MO 64141-0492. Name: Become a member of KCSTAGE and get one of these spiffy cards. Address: City, State: Zip: Phone: Email: Gift Subscription From: Occasion: q$18-6 Months q$33-1 Yr q$48-1 Yr+Member q$60-2 Yrs q$90-2 Yrs+Member Photo: Bryan Colley NOVEMBER 2005 • 17 A U D I T I O N S

Belton High School Theatre* Kacico Dance* (Professional) Olathe Community Theater* Zombie Prom: Nov 29-Dec 1: 3pm Tue- Dancer Auditions through Nov 28 Fortinbras by Lee Blessing: Nov 5-6: 12pm Thr. Kacico Dance, a professional contemporary Sat-Sun. This show is a fun and odd combination dance co in KC seeking highly trained The play calls for 10 men between the of the styles and music of Little Shop of dancers, male and female, for 2006 season ages of 20 and 60 and 4 women between Horrors, Grease, and The Rocky Horror with the potential of future seasons. A the ages of 20 and 60. Auditioners Show. Belton High School students grades monthly salary of $500-$750 for Feb-Oct, are encouraged to prepare a 2-minute 9-12 are eligible to audition. Cast size will 2006. A 25 hr/wk rehearsal schedule with monologue, although readings from the be approximately 7 men and 7 women. All training in modern, ballet, yoga, improv, script will be available. All auditioners roles will act, sing, and dance. Auditions contact improv. Advanced level modern should read the play prior to the auditions will include 16-24 bars of a prepared dance, performing experience plus strong and should also read Hamlet if they song in musical comedy style, a dance training in ballet, good physical condition, haven’t already. Callbacks, if necessary, audition, and cold readings at callbacks. and teachable attitude are a must. BA or will follow Sunday’s auditions. Directed Performances are February 16-19, 2006. BFA is preferred. Improv, contact improv, by Art Suskin. Olathe Community Directed by Joel Short,. Belton High tap, pointe, acting, vocal and teaching Theater, 500 East Loula, (816) 932-9146, Forum Theatre, 107 W. Pirate Parkway, experience helpful. Send resume with 3 www.olathetheatre.org (816) 348-2721, [email protected] references, photo, 3 min performance video, and a statement about what your goals are Park University Theatre* City Theatre of Independence* in the next 5 years. Audition will consist Play It Again, Sam by Woody Allen: Nov Having Our Say, The Delany Sisters’ First of modern, ballet, improv, tap, contact 21: 6:30pm Mon. 100 Years by Emily Mann: Dec 5-6: 7pm improv, vocals, and interview. Audition Park University Theatre exists primarily Mon-Tue. cutoff date is 11/28/05. Include your e- as an interdisciplinary academic program Featuring two African-American Women. mail address. Confirmation, directions and in service to the Park University student Auditions will be open to all. Auditions additional audition info will be sent via e- body. Theatre Department auditions are will consist of cold readings from the script. mail. Go to www.kacicodance.org for info. open to all students, faculty, staff, and Scripts will be available for checkout (w/ $5 Contact Michelle Brown, Artistic Director, members of the community. The Theatre deposit) at the Sermon Center main desk with any questions. Kacico Dance, 8621 Department joyfully embraces equal two weeks prior to auditions. Directed by S. Buckner Tarsney Rd., (816) 578-4721, opportunity casting policies for persons Nancy Eppert. Roger T. Sermon Center, www.kacicodance.org from all racial, ethnic, and national 201 North Dodgion, (816) 325-7367, backgrounds. Directed by marsha morgan. www.citytheatreofindependence.org Lawrence Community Theatre Featuring 3 men, 8 women. Auditions Beau Jest by Alan Menken: Nov 28-29: 7pm consist of cold readings from the script. Hype7 (Professional) Mon-Tue. Jenkin & Barbara David Theater, Alumni Hypothetical 7 Comedy Troupe : Nov 2-3: Directed by Charles Whitman. Featuring Hall, Park University Home Campus, 8pm Wed-Thr. Sarah Goldman: young professional, Chris: (816) 584-6450, captain.park.edu/theatre The Hypothetical 7 has been performing her boyfriend, Bob: her escort, Joel: her sketch and improvisational comedy in brother, Miriam: her mother, Abe: her Theatre Atchison, Inc. the KC/Lawrence area for a dozen years. father. Lawrence Community Theatre, Love, Sex & the IRS by Billy Van Zandt & We’re looking to cast 5 new performers 1501 New Hampshire St., (785) 843-7469, Jane Milmore: Dec 6-7: 7pm Tue-Wed. of any age or experience level. We’re theatre.lawrence.com Auditions will consist of cold readings offering 2 possible audition dates - you from the script with other actors Directed only need to attend one. Wed. 11/2 at The Mystery Train (Professional) by Walt Boyd. Theatre Atchison, Inc., 401 8pm in Lawrence, KS - RM 235 Murphy A Christmas Conundrum : Oct 31-Nov 1: Santa Fe, (913) 367-1647, www.theatre Hall, Univ. of Kansas, OR Thurs. 11/3 at 5pm Mon-Tue. atchison.org R pm in KC - Westport Coffeehouse Theater. Interactive murder mystery dinner theater Directed by Matthew Reiss. For more is holding auditions for their Christmas audition information, go to hype7.com. show. Seeking two females, one male. To get an idea about the troupe’s style of Opening show is November 25th, closes comedy, check out hypotheticalseven.com Jan 7th. There is performance pay. for video and audio clips. Westport Auditions by appointment only. Prepare Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania, (913) a comic monologue. There will also be 262-9693, www.hype7. com cold readings from the script. Call for appointment or more information. The Mystery Train, Union Cafe, (816) 813- 9654, [email protected] 16 • KCSTAGE “Nothing is so difficult but that it may be found out by seeking.” ~ Jean Racine NOVEMBER 2005 • 1 M A C A W A R D S F R I N G E F E S T I V A L S C O N T E N T S MAC Awards Millions Statewide Creating the U.S. Association there are several big-name acts MAC 2005 Grant Awards - Kansas City Area ‘guaranteed’ to be at each of the The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) recently of Fringe Festivals by Angie Fiedler • [email protected] various fringe festivals throughout completed the first phase of its granting for Organization Program Award the country. fiscal year 2005. MAC granted 248 awards Aha! Dance Theatre Da $1,219 During the weekend of October 7- American Jazz Museum Md $6,740 totaling $2,033,083 to nonprofit organizations 9, representatives of nine (out of a Another aspect of the meeting Arts Incubator Of Kansas City Va $7,939 involved sharing and comparing throughout Missouri. Black Archives Of Mid-America Map $6,250 total thirteen invited) Fringe Festi- information such as application Funds were granted to support programs in Central Missouri State University Li $1,000 vals across the United States met in City In Motion Dance Theater Da $4,258 fees (everything from $100 to al- arts education, arts services, community arts, Minneapolis to start the process of City Of Kansas City Missouri Arts $3,500 creating a US Association of Fringe most $500), how the applications dance, electronic media, festivals, literature, City Of Kansas City Missouri Fest $6,252 Festivals. Cheryl Kimmi, coordina- are chosen (some are juried, some multidiscipline, music, theater, visual arts, Civic Opera Theater Mu $6,759 not, some it’s first come, some do a Filmfest Kansas City Me $3,048 tor of the KC Fringe Festival, at- established institutions, folk arts, mid-sized lottery system), total ticketed atten- organizations, minority arts, and touring. Fine Arts Chorale Mu $3,527 tended and came back with a sense Folly Theater Mid $4,642 of accomplishment. “It was inter- dance (and whether there are ‘other PAGE 3: Steven Eubank of Eubank Productions packs his bags and Missouri arts professionals and community heads to New York this month. Foresight Fine Arts Studio Map $11,124 esting hearing everyone’s stories, attendance’, such as the KC Fringe’s representatives serve on citizen advisory Friends Of Chamber Music Mid $16,287 and seeing how each festival had to having the Kansas City Public Li- FEATURES panels to assist with the granting process. Heart Of America Shakespeare Festival Mid $9,267 brary’s space available for no ticket), Heartland Men’s Chorus Mu $2,900 be different because they were in a Online Cinema Opens Doors to Filmmakers...... 2 The advisory panels reviewed and scored Icelandic Drama ...... 4 Kansas City Art Institute Va $4,206 different market,” Kimmi said. and total box office revenue (and the the applications. A formula was applied to A Night at the... Opera?...... 5 Kansas City Artists Coalition Va $5,567 ‘cut’ each festival takes). each application’s score creating a funding Kansas City Ballet Ei $36,707 “We kicked off the meeting by go- recommendation. This was presented to “It was good to have everybody’s NOTES Kansas City Chamber Orchestra Mu $2,895 ing around the group and sharing MAC Awards Millions Statewide ...... 16 and approved by the Missouri Arts Council Kansas City Chorale Mu $4,387 who we were and what our festivals like numbers to compare,” Kimmi board. Review criteria include artistic Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee Me $12,765 were like. It took the better part of said, “and to hear the various rea- SPOTLIGHT Kansas City Friends Of Alvin Ailey Mid $10,214 quality, community involvement, and the first day,” Kimmi continued. “It sons why. For example, New York Steven Eubank...... 3 Kansas City Harmony Mu $1,000 has the highest percentage of take management ability. Kansas City Singers Mu $6,305 was an interesting mix - from the of the gate - with a 50/50 split with STAND INS The list of fiscal year 2005 awards does not Kansas City Symphony Ei $60,838 experienced to the novice. We had Auditions...... 17 include mini grants, arts grants supporting Kansas City Young Audiences Md $8,899 everyone from Orlando (who was the artists, but after 9/11, security Calendar...... 6 Lewis and Clark activities, school Kemper Museum Ei $23,067 the oldest, at 14 years) to Washing- has become intense there and the Film Clips ...... 5 Lyric Opera Of Kansas City Ei $25,786 Performances ...... 6 touring grants, arts education grants or ton, DC, who’s planning their first coordinators of the New York Mid-America Arts Alliance Arts $44,000 Fringe barely break even with that organizational development grants that will Midwest Center For The Literary Arts Li $5,347 fringe for next year.” A majority of be awarded throughout the remainder of the Missouri Repertory Theatre Ei $14,450 the people around the table were percentage.” CREW fiscal year. Nelson-Atkins Museum Of Art Ei $21,143 the founders and/or the directors, The biggest issue was getting NewEar Mu $1,493 Managing Editor ...... Richard Buswell Grants and operating expenses are and the four cities that didn’t at- Graphic Design ...... Bryan Colley Paul Mesner Puppets Th $2,209 international performers to the funded by the Missouri Cultural Trust, Subscriber Rep ...... Tricia Kyler Bowling Rockhurst University Li $2,018 tend were mainly not there due to fringe. Most of the fringe festivals National Endowment for the Arts, and an Webmaster ...... Scott Bowling Society For Contemporary Photography Va $5,688 conflicts. have applications coming from all Marketing...... Angie Fiedler appropriation from the Missouri General Summerfest Concerts Mu $1,788 The goal of the Association is to over, and since fringe festivals are Lackey...... Diane Bulan Assembly. Organizations interested in Surface Design Association Va $3,827 big in places such as Canada and Swope Community Builders Map $17,208 not only partner with other festi- applying for a grant for their art projects Edinburgh, the situation will only are encouraged to contact the Missouri Arts The Coterie Th $22,990 vals - sharing contacts, ideas, and Unicorn Theatre Mid $8,523 challenges - but to also establish a get bigger. However, getting into Council toll free at (866) 407-4752 or visit the University Of Missouri Li $15,015 America is becoming more of an KCSTAGE MAC website at www.missouriartscouncil. national touring circuit of the vari- Volume 07 • No. 11 • Issue 74 • November 2005 William Jewell College Md $19,288 issue, and most international ap- [email protected] • 816-361-2325 R ous festivals - hopefully by 2007. org. Wylliams/Henry Danse Theatre Da $16,372 plications have to have their casts PO Box 410492 • Kansas City, MO 64141-0492 Youth Symphony Association Mu $9,382 “The idea is to get the festival dates close together,” said Kimmi, “so ready and visas for each member Dec. Submission Deadline: Nov 10 Program Abbreviations: Arts=Arts Services; Aep=Arts Education; Cap=Community of the cast and crew months in www.kcstage.com Arts; Da=Dance; Me=Electronic Media Arts; Fest=Festivals; Li=Literature; each group can plan, and the fes- Md=Multidiscipline; Mu=Music; Th=Theater; Va=Visual Arts; Ei=Established tival artists could feasibly go from advance. Institutions; Folk=Missouri Folk Arts; Mid=Mid-Sized Arts Organization; Map=Minority © Copyright 2005 by KC Stage. All material contained in this publication is festival to festival.” The hopes are the property of KC Stage. Any use, duplication, or reproduction of any or Arts; Tour=Missouri Touring Kimmi was constantly intrigued by all content of this publication is prohibited except with the express written to follow Canada’s model, where the various ideas and suggestions permission of KC Stage. KC Stage is a member of the Just Off Broadway Continued on page 4 Theatre Association. Printing by CopyMax. R 2 • KCSTAGE “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw NOVEMBER 2005 • 15 O N L I N E C I N E M A P E R F O R M A N C E S Online Cinema Opens Doors to Filmmakers dreaming about making films. “I’ve wanted to do this Continued from page 12 Levin and Jeff Church. Tickets from $15- Tickets available from KC Rep Box Office by Charles Kephart • [email protected] since I was 8 years old,” he says. “I would still be a Theatre Atchison, Inc. $25, Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main Street 816-235-2700 or toll-free at 888-502- Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck: Nov (816) 531-7529, www.unicorntheatre.org 2700 or online line at KCRep.org, H & R filmmaker even if I didn’t have point-to-point [distri- While living in New York in the early 90s, I often 4-13: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. (Suitable for Everyone) Block City Stage, Union Station (816) 460- bution]. I just don’t know if I’d have an audience.” worked on short films, low budget features and mu- Directed by Tim Walters. $10 for adults; 2020, www.unionstation.org (Suitable for $6 for students, Theatre Atchison, Inc. Everyone) sic videos. Like a hundred thousand hopeful others, Los Angeles filmmaker Alan Chan is used to working Unicorn and Coterie 401 Santa Fe (913) 367-SHOW, www. The Retreat from Moscow by William I was in New York to become the next big indepen- on pictures that have no problem reaching audiences. theatreatchison.org (Adult Fare) Nicholson: Oct 21-Nov 13: 7:30pm Tue; nd William Jewell College Theatre* dent filmmaker, confident I was only a 2 assistant A visual effects technical director, Chan has served 8pm Wed-Sat; 3pm Sun. Fool for Love by Sam Shepard: Dec 2-3: camera operator’s job away from becoming the next on such projects as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Unicorn Theatre How well do we know the people we 8pm Fri-Sat. Jim Jarmusch, Hal Hartley or Spike Lee. Stone, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and James Painted Alice by William Donnelly: Dec marry? Is love enough to save a family? Sam Shepard explores his themes of clash Cameron’s Titanic. But he might be best known as 2-Dec 31: 8pm Fri-Sat; 3pm Sun. In The Retreat from Moscow, William within families, struggle between men What most of us learned, of course, was that the film Painted Alice follows a painter struggling to Nicholson tells the powerful story of a and women, and mythic wanderings of the creator of the B-movie spoof, “12 Hot Women” industry was nearly impenetrable; that even the for- complete a commissioned work. Her lack husband who decides to be truthful in his the Western male. Directed by Megan (www.12hotwomen.com), which has become one of tunate few with the means to produce a short film had of inspiration begins to beg the question of marriage, and of the wife and son whose Grimes. $6, Peters Theater, Brown Hall the most popular and widely viewed shorts on Atom what it means to be an artist: to create or to lives will never be the same again. With (816) 415-7590, [email protected] little hope of finding an audience of more than a few Films. be paid to create? In an attempt to answer the coiled intensity of Tom Stoppard ell.edu (Adult Fare) dozen film festival goers. that question, the story takes a surprising and the embracing empathy of Edward “It started as kind of a joke,” says Chan. “I was having turn landing Alice in a dark wonderland Albee, The Retreat from Moscow shines a The Glass House and Phone Friends by Flash forward ten years and all that has changed. lunch with friends and we were being kind of cyni- where life, art and a great many other breathtakingly natural light on the fallout of Jonas Jonasson: Nov 3-6: 8pm Thr-Sat; Thanks to—what else?—the Internet. cal about the [film] industry. I said, ‘If I put twelve curious things collide. A high-energy, a shattered marriage. Tickets from $15-$25, 2pm Sun. multimedia production, Painted Alice is Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main Street (816) By Icelandic playwright/radio personality Like a technological Deus Ex Machina, the internet hot women in a movie, I don’t need a plot.’” Right or comic exploration of the battle between 531-7529, www.unicorntheatre.org (Adult Jonas Jonasson. Directed by Kim B. Harris. has given rise to what’s referred to as a “point-to- wrong, what Chan did need was a short film for his love and labor. Directed by Cynthia Fare) Call for Ticket Prices, Peters Theater, Brown point” online film market. Today’s animators and directing portfolio. Months later, “12 Hot Women” Hall (816) 415-7590, wjctheatre@william. filmmakers now have the power to self-promote became that film, and Chan’s vision of an elite crime Union Station jewell.edu (Adult Fare) and distribute their work to a potential audience of fighting team of supermodels wearing tiny bikinis and Kansas City Repertory millions. And if you think that number is unrealis- toting big guns had begun screening at a number of “Give ‘em Hell, Harry” William Inge Center for the Arts* by Samuel Gallu: Oct 7- Inge Center Play Development Readings tic, consider that the hilarious animated short “This film festivals. Nov 6: 8pm Fri-Sat; 10: by Evan Smith, Alice Tuan: Nov 5: 2pm, Land,” which lampooned Kerry and Bush in the run “I think we were at the Palm Springs Film Festival,” 30am Wed; 7pm Tue- 7:30pm Sat. up to the 2004 presidential contest, was, according to Thr; 3pm Sat; 2pm Sun. Rehearsed readings of works by current Chan recalls, “and the content manager for Atom its host site, Atom Films (atomfilms.com), streamed to The Rep brings to Inge House Playwrights-in-Residence Films saw it.” He not only saw it but he liked it nearly ten million unique viewers in the weeks prior life one of the most Alice Tuan and Evan Smith. Featuring enough to approach Chan to discuss streaming “12 important figures in professional guest artists. “Post Office Box” to the election. Hot Women” at atomfilms.com. Since then, Chan’s Kansas City history by Alice Tuan at 2 p.m. and “Daughters of IFilm, (ifilm.com), another popular media streaming film has had more than half a million hits and con- - Harry S. Truman, Genius,” by Evan Smith, at 7:30 p.m. Free, the haber-dasher who William Inge Theatre, 58 Road (800) 842- site, claims to deliver more than 30 million streams tinues to receive positive ratings and feedback from became president. 6063, [email protected] (Adult to over 20 million visitors every month. As more and viewers worldwide. The film has been so popular, in Come to the Oval Office Fare) R more filmmakers take advantage of high-quality digi- fact, that management at Atom Films has encouraged as this unpretentious tal video cameras and low-cost editing software, those Chan to make a sequel. Missourian copes ONLINE FILM numbers can be expected to grow even more. with the challenges of Success like this is far from typical, of course. Direc- leading America. The Continued from page 2 “Point-to-point” has allowed me to do small things tors and writers of mediocre talent will always far man who doted on his the times have been a changin’. So on a small budget for a big audience,” says Kansas outnumber gifted artists like Alan Chan and Kendal daughter, answered to his better half, and the next time you agree to work City writer/director Kendal Sinn. When he isn’t writ- Sinn. But it’s clear that point-to-point online content never became too grand for coffee and a credit—whether ing, shooting or editing his 15-episode online serial streaming has created opportunities for talented film- to chat with neighbors you’re in New York or Kansas “Shadow Falls,” Sinn uses the internet to create buzz makers—and, by extension, actors, cinematographers, at his Independence City or Boise—take comfort in the for the macabre, highly stylized show. Visitors to his costumers, and production designers—that only ten home. Gary Neal fact that, thanks to online film dis- web site, www.gunnpark.com, can stream trailers that years ago simply didn’t exist. Johnson will portray Truman in this show to tribution, the odds are better than show off the series’ exceptional quality and outstand- I never saw most of the films I worked on in New York. be produced in the H&R ever that your dedication and hard ing production design. I suspect that very few people did. But, since then, Block City Stage Theatre work will find an appreciative au- in Union Station. dience. R For Sinn, “Shadow Falls” is the result of a lifetime of Continued on page 15 14 • KCSTAGE “The difference between western and eastern intellectuals is that the former have not been kicked in the ass enough.” ~ Witold Gombrowicz NOVEMBER 2005 • 3 S P O T L I G H T O P E R A S P O T L I G H T Continued from page 3 new project, the intention of which Continued from page 5 Steven Eubank: I Want to Grow Up making the change to go to say, ‘Hey, I’m going to do recharged artistic batteries and ap- is to bring previously unproduced of presenting a wide variety of the by Tara Varney • [email protected] something really scary with my life, and I’m going ply that to his theatre company here musicals to Kansas City audiences. operatic canon including a contem- to succeed at it as best as I can,’” he says. Although Steven Eubank, local performer/choreographer/ in town. “I think Eubank Produc- Eubank says he considers this an porary and/or American work in at first, there was some doubt in his mind about the director/producer/founder of the theatre company tions, right now, has a reputation opening to “schmooze” in New almost every season. Turn of the move, he now says, “I finally got past that and went, Eubank Productions, is leaving Kansas City. He’s for doing campy, kitschy work. I York: “Well, you know what I’m Screw is The Lyric Opera’s third no, you know what? I could be here [in New York packing up and following the dream so many theatre love that, and I want to keep that working on in Kansas City this Britten opera – previous works City]. That’s cool. I could be in New York, and I would people share: moving to New York City to hopefully factor: things can be kitschy and summer?” include Billy Budd and Midsummer really benefit from it. I could go and get some great find his place in one of the greatest theatre communi- lively and quirky.” However, a Night’s Dream. I encourage every training.” full season of that, he says, would By then, he says, Eubank Produc- patron and practitioner of the arts ties in the world. tions may already be starting its next “It’s truly about exploration. be too much. “No, no. Do a couple to take advantage of this rare oppor- “I have a BFA in Musical Theatre phase of artistic growth. “I want it And freedom,” he says. The just for my own sanity. I like them. tunity, and who knows, you might Performance,” says Eubank, “and to be more than just a project,” he plan is to arrive in New York in For some reason, they move me.” find that an evening at the opera is now I kind of feel like I should do says of his company. “I’m ready for Photo: Bryan Colley November and, as soon as pos- not as daunting as you expect. R something with that. So part of go- Another reason for leaving Kansas it to be the lifestyle.” He recognizes sible, start taking acting, dance, ing to New York is ‘do I have what City is the allure and challenge of his own concern for keeping a “day Chris McCoy is Manager of Education and voice classes, and applying it takes to be considered among being surrounded by so many other job” for income, “but that’s not the and Community Programs at Theater for work-study positions and those performers?’” competitive theatre professionals. goal,” he states. “The goal would be League. observerships, “just learn from “It’s like, are people hungry for it?” to do it full-time.” Eubank, often described as a a lot of different educators.” The he asks. “Can you guarantee that child prodigy, says he first ex- theatre training part isn’t what Eubank is trying not to think of the F I L M C L I P S everyone else involved is hungry? pressed his desire to direct at concerns him though. “I’m actual day of departure right now. Because if they’re not, it just be- Continued from previous page age four, when he informed his nervous. I’m very scared,” Eu- “I’m worried I’ll get too sentimen- comes a hobby.” should air in June 2006. “Wedding Cake parents that he hated the movie bank concedes. “I’m not scared tal,” he admits. “There will be cry- Couture” is the theme for a wedding Beetlejuice, but that he could better about getting into the heart of Although no one has ever accused ing and gnashing of teeth,” he says cake competition and the owner of Lori’s utilize that same cast in a remake the business and the heart of the Eubank of not being passionate jokingly. “But that’s what email is Creative Cakes is the subject. R of The Wizard of Oz. At that point, city - that’s exhilarating. What’s and professional, he does acknowl- for… It’s not like I’m going to be Compiled by Larry Levenson • he started putting on his own scary is survival, which I think edge feeling dissatisfied with his gone forever.” R [email protected] own work most of the time. “Sev- shows in the basement and, by anybody would say - finding enty percent of the time, I feel like age eight, he was auditioning a place to live, finding a way I did not do what I needed to with around town. “Then, at age 14,” to sustain your life, and doing he says, “I officially said I want to that in a way where you don’t a production,” he confesses. “I Stephen Eubank. think it’s not fair in this business direct something, and if no one’s get buried. You know, where to say whether you’re doing it going to hire me as a director, then I’m going to do you don’t just go, Okay, I’ve been living here for two right or wrong, but a lot of times, it myself.” Laughing, he explains that meant, “Mom years, and I haven’t really gotten into any classes, I I go, ‘Man, I’m committing crimes and Dad, please help me.” haven’t hit any auditions, I haven’t introduced myself to enough people. That’s what scares me the most.” against this show… I want to grow With no formal theatre training themselves, his par- up.’ I want to get over that.” ents, Barbara and Jeff Eubank, immediately jumped The Big Apple is not new territory to Eubank. He’s Already, Eubank is planning to re- in to help mount Eubank Productions’ first play, the visited over a dozen times since 1996, to see plays and turn to Kansas City, at least for a full-length musical comedy Ruthless! when Steven was spend time with friends. “The reason why I decided while, next summer, when his com- 15 years old. Since then, the family-operated theatre to move up to New York is when I went to the Fringe pany has the Just Off Broadway company has produced about 25 shows, including The NYC Fest last year, and [I was] exploring the city, get- Theatre space booked, probably for Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Snoopy, ting to know the Village area… Once I figured out how a first-time event: the Crossroads A New Brain, and Debbie Does Dallas, with Steven at to navigate all of that, I decided, okay, I’m here.” the artistic helm of each one. New Musicals Festival, currently in His stay in New York is indefinite, but a major reason development with Mark Edelman Now, less than two months away from his twenty- for going there in the first place is to eventually return of Theatre League. “We want more second birthday, he’s ready to branch out in a way to Kansas City with newly-acquired knowledge and people on board,” he says of the that only relocating to another city can facilitate. “I’m Continued on page 14 4 • KCSTAGE “Without alienation, there can be no politics.” ~ Arthur Miller NOVEMBER 2005 • 13 I C E L A N D FRINGE FESTIVALS F I L M C L I P S I C E L A N D

a self-exploration,” Harris said. In Continued from page 1 Continued from page 5 Continued from page 4 Although Harris said the William Icelandic Drama Productions of Lawrence, KS. First, the two By Emily Wales • [email protected] a similar way, Phone Friends’ treat- presented by the other representa- isn’t something we normally deal Jewell community is pleased to successfully obtained permits in Topeka, ment of depression has a uniquely tives, and feels that’s the primary with.” David Wiegert, a sophomore welcome Jónasson to campus, he One and a half years after finishing a KS to block off downtown streets for their Icelandic perspective. “Icelandic goal of the association - to create a participating in Phone Friends, said also stressed the importance of the sabbatical in Iceland, William Jewell movie Air. It took two months of work by people are not afraid of confronting nationwide network of people, and them and Erin Schroeder at the Kansas the plays’ themes have been taxing Icelandic festival’s ties to the Kan- College professor Dr. Kim B. Harris tough issues,” Harris said. “These hopefully also to pool that network Film Office to find a location willing to let for some students. “The characters in sas City community. “The Mid- is anxious to see his students get a are issues they face... At the same into getting national sponsors that them do two scenes. The morning scene the Icelandic plays seem to convey west Icelandic Consul, in whose taste of his three-month experience. involved two cars crashed together nose- time, though, [Icelanders] are at the may not look at one festival. “There different sentiments than typical home we [K. Harris and his wife Harris, professor of communication to-nose. The night scene was a car fire with forefront of genetic research [and its was a tremendous sense of owner- Western characters do. For example, Dr. Lois Anne Harris, professor of and director of the College’s theatre Topeka police officers and fire workers. effects on related difficulties].” ship,” Kimmi said, “and the real- Talent and crew were from Kansas City, they might speak about something communication at William Jewell] program in Liberty, MO, spent a ization that what may work in one Lawrence and Topeka. Second, Jeremy, rather dark in a very [light-hearted] stayed during our sabbatical, is year in preparation for the U.S. The plays, which both will be area may not work elsewhere - a Chris and Stephen Deaver have been hired way.” helping organize efforts to involve debut of two works by Icelandic performed consecutively during to be DP, Sound and Line Producer, in that true partnership of ideas.” R the nearly 25 consuls in this area,” playwright Jónas Jónasson. Jónasson’s five-day stay, provide order, for the 16mm movie Rollover co- Additionally, set design and techni- Harris said, noting that Scanda- challenging work for young actors, directed by Jeff Goldblum to be lensed cal aspects of the production have “[In Iceland], I met lots of wonder- in Chicago. And third, they produced nivian people in the area also are particularly because Phone Friends taken on a distinctly Icelandic fla- ful people, one of whom was Jónas. a corporate video for Hillcrest Bank in encouraged to attend the unique will be staged for the first time this vor. In order to capture both plays’ A very old-world, dapper, sophis- Kansas City. Visit www.throughaglass.com event. Possible local television and fall. “Students are taking on new for their website. senses of isolation—things “just out ticated gentleman whose father radio interviews with Jónasson also work and also difficult work,” Harris of reach, missed opportunities, no started RUV (the national radio The Kansas Location Scout/Location are being considered. said, explaining that radio plays are second chances”—William Jewell station in Iceland), Jónas grew up Manager for Killer Films feature movie given “equal standing” to traditional Every Word is True was successful in assistant professor of communica- The completion of November’s play at the station,” Harris said, not- productions in Iceland. securing enough locations to lure the New tion, theatre design and technology festival at William Jewell will not ing that Jónasson’s performance York film crew to Kansas. Once again, Erin Nathan Wyman said he worked to signify the end of students’ work experience has ranged from teach- William Jewell Schroeder at the Kansas Film Commission take “mind pictures that I then try to with Iceland-inspired pieces. Har- ing acting classes to writing music students involved was invaluable. The Director, Director transfer onto the stage.” Placing the ris is working on his own original for his own radio plays. Jónasson, in the produc- of Photography, the Post Production Supervisor, two PA’s and the Kansas productions in theatre in the round, play for possible production in now a popular weekly interviewer tions, although Location Manager filmed their way Wyman said the plays’ different time spring 2007, based in part on one on Icelandic radio, will travel with admittedly chal- around Kansas City, KS, Leavenworth, KS, periods offered a unique challenge. of Iceland’s “quasi-historical, quasi- his wife to Liberty for the first two lenged by the Lansing and areas between Atchison and “I wanted a retro-modern feel for the mythological” sagas. Harris said he weeks of November to serve as a work, said the Nortonville, KS. Before arriving in Kansas shows,” Wyman said. “Glasshouse hopes the work, which attempts to visiting lecturer and provide talk experience has City, the director requested a picture car for the early 1960’s-era feature. A 1950 takes place in the 1980s with flash- examine the reasons humans go to back sessions with student actors been a positive green Studebaker in original condition backs through the life of the main war, will push further students’ involved in the productions. one. “I’ve never was located and driven by the owner for character. Phone Friends is in current concepts of societal expectations done theatre in the movie. The release date is in 2006. “Jónas’ works explore both straight- Reykjavik, so I had to find a common and norms, much as this fall’s study the round, so it’s forwardly and honestly some ‘dis- Interviews were conducted in Kansas City, neutral base for both plays. “ of Jónasson’s pieces has done. going to be more turbing issues,’” Harris said of the MO for possible casting in a Wal*Mart difficult than oth- commercial promoting the DVD/video Building on recent photos of people “[Above all], I hope students and playwrights’ two featured pieces. er productions,” release of Revenge of the Sith. The living in Reykjavik and memories audience members take away a The Glasshouse (also known as And Ashley Jones, producers were looking for men 20-30 from a visit last Spring to a Nor- deeper understanding about life Then the Sun Came Up) was written years old who had seen the movie. a sophomore wegian home decorated in 1970s and the human experience,” Harris as a “short, full-length play,” while involved in act- Kevin Willmott has been busy in Lawrence, furnishings, Wyman said his con- said of the upcoming performances. Phone Friends originally served as a ing and costume KS writing Wilt of Kansas. The screenplay cepts for both productions focus on “Of course, [we would like them] one-act radio play, still a popular focuses on Wilt Chamberlain’s college construction, reflecting the moods of the pieces. to be entertained, but it’s along the Icelandic artform, according to years and playing in the 1957 NCAA title said. “It’s very “I’ve chosen a chilly dark blue and vein of tragedy. The settings are, in Harris. The examination by the basketball game. Shooting will probably exciting to be in start in July 2006 with an expected release white palette for Glasshouse, but some ways, uniquely Icelandic, but first work of alcoholism and its ef- the American date in 2007. Phone Friends is a little warmer, as we the themes are universal.” R fects results from Jónasson’s own premiere, but the see into the lives of these two people struggle with the disease. “Jónas is The Food Network is going to be in Icelandic culture Oswego, KS shooting a piece that a little more closely,” he said. an alcoholic, so in some ways, it’s Continued on page 13 Continued on next page 12 • KCSTAGE “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” ~ Maya Angelou NOVEMBER 2005 • 5

*Affiliate Theatre P E R F O R M A N C E S F I L M C L I P S A R T S A W A R D S Continued from previous page dewy-eyed daughters and an eccentric $10, call 816.221.5351 to reserve your Greg Heroneme is putting the pieces music – he eliminates the virtuosic them off, bodies start to drop, knives A Night at the…Opera? Major-General, all morally bound to the seats, H&R Block City Stage, Union together to shoot his comedy movie. At By Chris McCoy • [email protected] arias and heavy orchestrations for spring out of nowhere, masked figures often-ridiculous dictates of honor and duty. Station, Pershing and Main (816) 460- least one casting notice has gone out a more streamlined story-telling drag their victims behind bookcases, & Directed by Keli Rodgers. $7, Shawnee 2020, www.stonelionpuppets.org already. Crew will also be needed for this This November, Kansas City audi- approach. Turn of the Screw, for accusing fingers point in all directions. Mission Northwest High School Parker (Intended for Children) low-budget Kansas City feature. E-mail ences have the opportunity to see a Directed by Jason Rauch. $6-show only; Auditorium, 12701 W. 67th St. (913) 993- [email protected]. example, is a chamber opera with rarely performed opera by one of $16-dinner theatre with reservations 72 7224, thespiantroupe888.com (Intended for The Gift of the Magi by Heather Nisbett- a mere 13-piece orchestra. Like- Brian Boye directed and shot two the few great modern composers of hours in advance, Lexington Municipal Children) Loewenstein, adapted from the short story wise, audiences do not typically Auditorium, 11th and Franklin (816) 259- by O’Henry, music by Jack Sharman: Nov commercials in Kansas City. Local cast the genre. Benjamin Britten’s Turn and crew were involved. walk away humming the tunes of 2301, www.rcplayers.org (Adult Fare) Shawnee Mission South High School 22-Dec 4: 10am Tue-Fri; 2pm Sat-Sun; of the Screw will be given its Kansas Britten’s pieces, but are affected Dames at Sea by George Haimsohn & 1pm Fri. Congratulations to Chris Downs whose City Lyric Opera debut November Join Jim and Della D. Mouskin in a charming by the story told through power- Rockhurst High School Robin Miller, Music by Jim Wise: Nov 8- movie The Shunned is being distributed 5-13. I know many theatre patrons South Pacific by Rodgers and Hammerstein: 12: 7:30pm Sat, Tue-Thr. and hilarious mix-up as they each sacrifice by Silver Nitrate and is to be available ful, haunting music. Nov 2-6: 7:30pm Wed-Sat; 2:30pm Sun. A long run off Broadway musical based on the their most prized possessions in search of on DVD in Blockbuster stores. Chris is are reticent to attend opera, finding A classic musical the entire family will campy nostalgia of the Hollywood musicals the perfect Christmas gift, only to discover a Kansas filmmaker whose next movie it stuffy, archaic and downright bor- Britten’s operas are a theatre enjoy! Directed by Kathy Kane. $8 of the 30’s. The scene is Big Time New York, the best gift of all...is the time spent is Tow, a feature-length horror movie. ing. However, the chance to see this patron’s delight for a number of students; $10 adults, together with love. Go to www.towthemovie.com and work is few and far between, not reasons. First of all, the work is That is the true gift Rockhurst High School, www.drippingdead.com for information. just in Kansas City but across the sung in English, as opposed to 9301 State Line Road of the Magi. Intricate (816) 363-2036, rock marionettes, masks Rest-Ez, a feature being shot in Lawrence, country. The Lyric Opera is one of the traditional Italian, German, th th hursthighschool.edu and delightful music KS October 19 through November 19 , only two major opera companies or French. However, operas typi- (Suitable for Everyone) make this an event is in need of a Production Designer with presenting the work this season cally maintain the use of supertitles film experience. Contact Aris Blevins at not to be missed for and, therefore, it’s a worthy invest- (words projected above the stage) Rockhurst University* the entire family. [email protected]. preschool through ment for any patron of the arts, to assist with comprehension of the The Crucible by Arthur Confederate States of America, Kevin particularly those that enjoy cut- lyrics. Likewise, Britten’s work re- Miller: Nov 17-Nov 20: eighth grade. $6.50, Willmott’s feature shot in Kansas, started 8pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. groups $5 combo its USA theatrical run in October. IFC ting-edge material. quires a more theatrical approach tickets w/ Science in directing than most traditional Miller’s 1953 Broadway Films is the distributor. Benjamin Britten is considered by box office success is a City available, City operas. His reliance upon the story Stage, Union Station, It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Jeremy many to be the greatest composer fictionalized version of and relationships pose a daunting the 1692 events that The cast of the River City Player's production of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 playing Nov 4-12. Photo: River City Players Pershing and Main Osbern and Chris Blunk at Through A Glass of English operas. His oeuvre is (816) 460-2020, task for the opera’s director allow- took place in Salem, and into the scene wanders a sweet little Continued on page 13 characterized by setting a wide va- www.stonelionpuppets.org (Intended for ing for a more theatrical presenta- Mass. Director, Susan Proctor, sets the girl from Utah, who has come to make it riety of literary work, from Henry Children) tion. Furthermore, Britten’s operas play in 2003, in respect for Miller’s hope big on Broadway. When who should she James’ Turn of the Screw and Owen that the play will inspire in the minds of the typically use voices in unconven- chance to meet but the hometown boy, now Wingrave, Melville’s Billy Budd, audience questions concerning the ability a sailor, who also has some ambitions as a TBA Players* tional ways, favoring children’s by Jack and Tom Sharkey: the folk tale Paul Bunyan with of the governing to abuse power in the songwriter. The hometown girl begins in the Just Say Yes! and men’s voices, especially in name of good. Directed by Susan Proctor. Nov 25-Dec 10: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. poet/lyricist W.H. Auden, and chorus, while the show’s femme star makes choruses. Turn of the Screw is one of Featuring Cindy Lou Passch (Tituba), goo goo eyes at the sailor and rocks the boat An author of self help books on success Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s is being pressured by his publisher and the few operas to use a boy soprano Justin Johnson (Reverand Parris), Emily of true love. Directed by Cathy Wood. $7, Dream (performed as part of The Monaghan (Bety Parris), Sharla K Nolte the media to prove his theories work. He as one of the leading characters; in SM South Little Theatre, 5800 W. 107th St. Lyric Opera’s 2004-2005 season). (Abagail Williams), Kristen Wellemeyer (913) 993-7524, smsreptheatre.tripod.com picks the world’s biggest loser and makes this production, the role of Miles him a winner. Directed by Amanda Hall. Early in his career, he composed (Ann Putnam), K Mike Flanagan (Thomas (Suitable for Everyone) will be performed by Kansas City Putnum), Liz Swick (Mercy Lewis), Mallory Featuring Don Carlton (Blaize Caraway), KC Folk Music music for film, which may have Janet Henry (Irene Joyce), Lisa Jilka (Nell native Evan Haas. Perhaps most Anthony (Mary Warren). $5, Rockhurst StoneLion Puppet Theatre* Strictly for Laughs contributed to his education as a University Mabee Theater, 1100 Rockhurst Eager), Doug Marshall (Arnold Adderby). importantly, Britten’s work does Color Your World: Nov 13: 2pm Sun. composer of opera. Although his Road (816) 501-4828, www.rockhurst.edu Crew: Jayson Chandley (Lighting Design), Oct 28, 29, Nov 5, 12 StoneLion Puppet Theatre’s annual not carry the operatic baggage of (Suitable for Everyone) Rob Smith (Sound Design), Anastasia CrossCurrents Culture style is varied and hard to define, fund raising benefit featuring live music more often performed pieces. With Drake (Stage Manager), Rachel Gadd- his musical influences were com- combining with unique puppetry. A few Nelson (Assistant Stage Manager), Alonda this in mind, directors, designers, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School of this year’s talented musicians include Just Say Yes! posers that eschewed traditional Williams (Lighting Technician), Fred et al are able to extend more cre- The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove, Latha by Jack and Tom Sharkey techniques in favor of a more con- Rucker (Sound Technician), Colin Naughtin ative license in the staging of the Sullivan: Nov 10-12: 7pm Thr-Sat. Venkatesh, traditional Indian Dancers, Nov 25, 26, Dec 2, 3, 9, 10 (Set Design). $10 adults; $8 seniors (55+), temporary sound, such as Shosta- One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most Youth Jazz Band, and back by popular TBA Players works making them vital and chal- students, Just Off Broadway, 3051 Central kovich and Stravinsky. What’s great popular comic operas spins an hilarious demand the SGI Taiko Japanese Drummers. lenging. (816) 444-2459, tbaplayers.com (Suitable about Britten’s operas is that they farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling Complimentary puppet making, crafts and www.justoffbroadway.org policemen, dim-witted young lovers, for Everyone) are more like attending a play with The Lyric Opera does a fine job of artist reception follow the performance. Continued on page 15 Continued on page 14 6 • KCSTAGE “Most of us are about as eager to be changed as we were to be born, and go through our changes in a similar state of shock.” ~ James Baldwin NOVEMBER 2005 • 11

*Affiliate Theatre P E R F O R M A N C E S P E R F O R M A N C E S *Affiliate Theatre American Heartland Theatre In this new adaptation by Wendy & Props Designer), Pamela Long (Co- Continued from previous page million dollars cash in used fifty dollar bills. Puppetry Arts Institute Buddy... The Buddy Holly Story by Alan Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from Scenic & Props Designer), Jessica Barker Charles Whitman (Cogsworth), John Directed by Dennis D. Hennessy. Featuring When Puppets Dream: Nov 5: 2pm, 11am Janes and Rob Bettinson: Oct 28-Jan 8: history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted (Costume Design), Emily Irwin (Make-up Phythyon (Lumiere), Annette Cook (Mrs. William Christopher (Henry Perkins). New Sat. 8pm Tue-Sat; 2pm Sat-Sun; 1pm Wed; young girl, who confronts her rapidly Designer), Kendall Steding (Assistant Potts), Franci Talamantez (Babette), Lexie Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster (913) 649- A delightful family friendly program 7pm Sun; 4pm Sat. changing life and the increasing horror of Make-up/Dresser), Cody Brown (Make- Hofer (Chip), Knute Pittenger (Beast), SHOW, www.newtheatre.com (Suitable for featuring ventriloquism, marionettes, and Buddy... The Buddy Holly Story brings to her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and up/Dresser), Maggie Nevins (Make-up/ Ann LaPoint (Wardrobe), Dean Bevan Everyone) Nearly Normal Magic! If you could cross life those magical early days of rock ‘n roll determination. Directed by Bob Kohler. Dresser), Andy Robeson (Lighting Design), (M. D’Arque), Andrew Simmons, Ricky a family style stand up comedian, with when a skinny kid from Texas burst on Featuring Meredith Upchurch (Anne Sara Bossler (Assistant Lighting Designer/ House, Eric Tedder, Max Wick, Billy Two Can Play by A. J. Carothers: Aug 31- Mr. Rodgers you might come close to the scene with a new sound and songs Frank), Tom Cochran (Otto Frank), Kelsey Board Operator), Eric Wetzel (Co-Sound Clark, Pete Peterson, James Horton, Nov 6: 12pm Sun, Wed; 6pm Tue-Sun. Harris Deutsch’s Nearly Normal Magic destined to become classics. You’ll hear Furnell (Edith Frank), Claire Sunderland Designer), Chris Taylor (Co-Sound Stephanie Trepinski, Adrienne Willems, Hayley Mills in a modern, intelligent, and Puppet Show. He combines his them all: “Everyday,” “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll (Margot Frank), Broc Exposito (Peter Van Designer), Chris Taylor (Sound Engineer/ Leah Cole, Heather Ballinger, Anne romantic comedy about an estranged knowledge in the areas of counseling, Be the Day,” “Johnny Be Good,” “Rave Daan), Alex Nagy (Mr Van Daan), Brie Board Operator), Chris Miller (Master Johnson, Willie Cook, Sadie Barbee, married couple who run into each other at education, improvisation, theatre, magic On,” “Oh Boy” and more. Plus, you’ll be Willis (Mrs. Van Daan), Weston Bradley Electrician), Kat Reid (Master Carpenter), Kerrie Leinmiller-Renick, Kaitlyn Johnson. a class reunion. He wants to rekindle the and puppetry to create an energizing wowed by “guest” appearances from The (Mr. Dussel), Tony Hernandez (Mr Ryan Fortney, Olivia Young, Leslie Case, $14 - $20, Lawrence Community Theatre, flame while she has other ideas. Directed event. Pure delight and he just might have Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens in a roof- Kraler), Margaret Fasel (Miep Gies), Gabe Nicole Gregory, Staci Hinshaw, Josh 1501 New Hampshire St. (785) 843- by Richard Carrothers. New Theatre you thinking while you are laughing. $5 raising finale. $18 to $35.50 depending on Rosenthal (Soldier), Cameron Bradley Minnis. $1 - $5, Hendricks Hall, Central 7469, theatre.lawrence.com (Suitable for Restaurant, 9229 Foster (913) 649-SHOW, per person regardless of age, Puppetry day of performance, American Heartland (Soldier), Jon Christenson (Soldier). Crew: Missouri State University (660) 543-8811, Everyone) www.newtheatre.com (Adult Fare) Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road (816) Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd (816) 842-9999, Emily Uland (Assistant To Director), Meg www.cmsu.edu/theatre (Suitable for 833-9777, www.hazelle.org (Intended for www.ahtkc.com (Suitable for Everyone) Caffey (Stage Manager), Laura Wellington Everyone) Miller-Marley School of Dance & Voice* Olathe Community Theater* Children) (Stage Manager), Joey Shopmaker (Stage Dance the Mouse House: Nov 13: 7:30pm Assassins by Stephen Sondheim: Nov 4- Avila University Theatre Dept* Manager). $5, The Barstow School, 11511 Chestnut Fine Arts Center Sun. Nov 19: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. River City Community Players As You Like It by William Shakespeare: State Line, www.barstowschool.org Big River by Roger Miller: Nov 3-20: 8pm Children’s dance performance directed From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey The Lion In Winter by James Goldman: Nov 17-20: 8pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. (Suitable for Everyone) Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. by Ann McCroskey. General Admission Oswald, Stephen Sondheim and John Nov 4-19: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. A classic comedic tale of love and the Take a trip down the mighty Mississippi $5, Olathe East High School, 14545 Weidman bend the rules of time and space, It’s 12th century Europe with King Henry obstacles and situations that ensue. Belton High School Theatre* with Huckleberry Finn and his friend, West 127th Terrace (913) 492-0004, taking us on a nightmarish rollercoaster ride II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and three sons; Directed by Robert Foulk. Call for Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare: Jim, a runaway slave. Set in 1840’s rural [email protected] (Suitable in which assassins and would-be assassins Princes John, Geoffrey and Richard the Ticket Prices, Goppert Theatre at Avila Nov 10-13: 7pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. America, this Tony award winning musical for Everyone) from different historical periods meet and Lionhearted. They’re all gathered for University, 11901 Wornall Road (816) Directed by Joel Short. $6 at the door, $5 follows the exploits of Huck and Jim as interact and in an intense final scene inspire Christmas, and the announcement of who 501-3699, www.avila.edu/Depts/theatre/ with advance reservation, Belton High they explore life and its many adventures. The Mystery Train each other to harrowing acts in the name shall next reign, succeeding Henry II. But ordertickets.asp (Suitable for Everyone) Forum Theatre, 107 W. Pirate Parkway The evening promises to be hilarious, Who’s In First? by Wendy Thompson: Oct of the American Dream. Directed by Deb his castle at Chinon is filled with intrigue, (816) 348-2721, [email protected] suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing 14-Nov 19: 7pm Thr-Sat. Hodge. $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and family loyalties betrayed, and royal The Barn Players* (Suitable for Everyone) your favorite characters to life through Who’s in First? It’s 1914, and the railroad $10 for children 12 and under. *Add $2 for infidelity. The honour of your presence Ruthless by Joel Paley, Music by Marvin Roger Miller’s creative writing and great barons have changed the face of Kansas a musical performance. Olathe Community is requested for The Lion In Winter, Laird: Oct 28-Nov 13: 8pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Central Missouri State University* musical numbers. Directed by Kipp City. Opening day for the beautiful new Theater, 500 East Loula (913) 782-2990, presented by Leavenworth’s ORIGINAL Sun. Escape From Central Park Zoo by Nikki Simmons. Featuring Damron Armstrong Union Station has the rich, the famous, www.olathetheatre.org (Adult Fare) players. Directed by Breanna Danielle Loaded with campy wit and charm, Harmon: Nov 3-5: 9:30am, 12:30pm Thr- (Jim), Vicky DeLaughder (Widow Douglas), the clever and the devious caught up in Swatzell Welch. Adults $8, Children 12 “Ruthless” is a smart musical that sends Fri; 7:30pm Fri; 10am Sat. Brian Duncan, Tim Fendler (Mark Twain), a train race to be the first to pull out of Olathe South High School* and under $4, $7 for sr. citizens (62 & up every cloying Broadway brat from Imagine a polar bear on the streets of New Chris Gleeson (Judge Thatcher), Karen the new station. There may be too much Peter Pan by James M. Barrie, music by older), students (with ID) and groups of Gypsy to the Bad Seed. Eight year old York City? A parrot flying through the Hight (Johanna), Justin Kennedy (Tom riding on this train, though. A sudden Mark Charlap, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh.: 10 or more. Leavenworth Performing Arts Tina Denmark knows she was born to play subway? A gray monkey swinging through Sawyer), Kristen Leathers (Miss Watson death, suspicious passengers, and the Nov 3-6: 7:30pm Sat, Thr; 3pm Sat-Sun. Center, Historic Hollywood Theater (913) Pippi Longstocking and will do anything the trees of Central Park? Journey with / Susan Wilkes), Patrick Lewallen (Huck need to uncover a murderer may be more Directed by David Tate Hastings. $7, Olathe 682-7557, home.kc.rr.com/oneactor/rccp. to win the part in her school musical … Ozzie, Budi, and Semta as they attempt to Finn), Eric Magnus (Pap/King), Dave important than “who’s in first”! Directed South High School, 1640 East 151st Street htm (Suitable for Everyone) even murder her rival leading lady! This determine where the best home for each of Martin (Duke), Brett Nelson (Jo Harper), by Wendy Thompson. $49-$59, The (913) 780-7160, teachers.olathe.k12.ks.us/ over the top musical hit garnered rave them might be. Escape From Central Park Julie O’Rourke (Mary Jane), Nick Padgett, Mystery Train, Union Cafe (816) 813-9654 ~dhastingsos (Suitable for Everyone) River City Players reviews during its long Off Broadway Zoo will delight both young and old alike! Rachel Pallante. Adults: $15 Seniors: $14 (Adult Fare) The Musical Comedy Murders Of 1940 by run. Directed by Jay Coombes. $10 for The Theatre for Youth National Playwriting Students: $10, Chestnut Fine Arts Center, Park University Theatre* John Bishop: Nov 4-12: 7:45pm Fri-Sat. adults; $9 for seniors and students, The Competition Award Winner. Tickets 234 N. Chestnut Street, (913) 764-2121, New Theatre Restaurant 2005 Fall One-Act Festival: Nov 17-19: A struggling creative team (who’s 3 Barn Players, 6219 Martway (913) 432- available only through the Performing [email protected] (Suitable for Funny Money by Ray Cooney: Nov 9-Feb 8pm Thr-Sat. chorus girls were murdered by the “Stage 9100, www.thebarnplayers.org (Suitable Arts Series 660-543-8607. Directed by Everyone) 5: 12pm Sat-Sun, Wed; 6pm Tue-Sun. $8, Black Box Theatre, Park University Door Slasher”) assemble for a backer’s for Everyone) Julie Rae Pratt. Featuring Kevin Stidham, Mild-mannered, milquetoast accountant Home Campus, Alumni Hall (816) 584- audition. The audition venue comes Nicole Hall, Kelly Jo Blake, Corey J. Henry, City Theatre of Independence* Henry Perkins’ life is simple, ordered and 6450, captain.park.edu/theatre (Adult Fare) w/sliding panels, secret passageways The Barstow School Will Jeselnik, Michelle Moll. Crew: Ryan An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley: Nov quite frankly, boring. Until one night, on his & a German maid who is apparently 4 The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Fortney (Co-Assistant Director), Olivia 3-Nov 13: 8pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. way home to celebrate his birthday with his different people—trigger comic mayhem Goodrich and Albert Hacket; newly Young (Co-Assistant Director), Kyle Crose A young girl commits suicide and an wife and another couple, Henry discovers which follows when the “Slasher” adapted by Wendy Kesselman: Nov 18- (Stage Manager), Josh Minnis (Asst Stage eminently respectable British family is that the briefcase he picked up is not only makes his reappearance. A blizzard cuts 19: 8pm Fri-Sat. Manager), Mark Hambrecht (Co-Scenic subject to a routine inquiry in connection not his, it contains almost one and a half Continued on next page Continued on next page 10 • KCSTAGE “A girl with brains ought to do something else with them besides think.” ~ Anita Loos NOVEMBER 2005 • 7

*Affiliate Theatre P E R F O R M A N C E S P E R F O R M A N C E S *Affiliate Theatre Continued from page 7 Full Frontal Comedy Kansas City Ballet Continued from previous page Corinth Dance Center * time students, or seniors 60 or over ) are (Eugene), Jon Riggert (Vince Fontaine), Days of Our Feasting: Nov 18-19: 8pm The Nutcracker by Peter Tchaikovsky: Dec with the death. An inspector calls to Sparkle Peanut Productions $8. Season tickets are $6 per person (for Luke Covey (Johnny Casino), Dusty Giles Fri-Sat. 3-24: 2pm Sat-Sun; 7:30pm Sat. interrogate the family, in which, all The Eight: The Reindeer Monologues by Jeff at least 3 different titles in our season). (Teen Angel), Cassie Adams (Miss Lynch), Full Frontal Comedy, professional improv- A timeless Christmas classic for Kansas City. members of the group are implicated Goode: Dec 2-17: 8pm Fri-Sat. Group tickets (20 or more) are $4.50 per Austin Davis, C. J. LaBella, Calvin Keenan, isational comedy troupe, plays short-form This show features beautiful costumes, lightly or deeply in the girl’s undoing. This look at Santa through the eyes of person. Ask about the TARGET 2-for-1 Marcus Oelze, Blake Simmons, Kris games based on audience suggestions. opulent scenery, as well as the 25-member The family, closely knit and friendly at the reindeer who serve him makes for at 2 on Saturdays! The Coterie Theatre, Warren, Jackie Alberts, Holly Anderson, “Days of our Feasting” will also feature the Kansas City Ballet dancers. Also featured the beginning of the evening, is shown a decidedly funny -- and adult -- look at 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 144 (816) 474- Lindsay Craft, Colene Estes, Stephanie long-format, Soap Opera. One audience are over 200 area children, all of whom up as selfish, self-centered or cowardly, the holidays. Featuring Mario Bonilla, 6552, www.thecoterie.com (Intended for Hinecker, Erica McFarland, Brittany member’s life will be turned into a soap are members of the Kansas City Ballet its good humor turning to acid, and good Sally Bremenkamp, Andy Brown, Jennifer Children) Palmer, Reeta Sallinen, Lisa Marie Sharon, opera on the spot. Shows are not intended School. Come join Kansas City Ballet fellowship to dislike, before the evening Olson, Jonathan Peery, Dav Riley, Aaron Abby Williams, Hannah Alpers, Kecia for children or uptight adults. Directed by and relive the magic of The Nutcracker. is over. Directed by Angie Fiedler Sutton. Tracy and Jill Troupe. Directed by Kerri E.M.U. Theatre Cox, Shamaine Danner, Caitlyn Evans, Tina Morrison, Stasha Case, Dave Martin. Directed by William Whitener. $10-$50, $8. Dinner Theatre tickets are: $18 & $13 McCoy. Call for ticket prices. Poke in the The Big Funk by John Patrick Shanley: Nov Julia Kopania, Amber Norris, Ashley Featuring Stasha Case, Tina Morrison, Derek Lyric Theater, 1029 Central St. (816) w/season ticket. $1 discount for senior Eye Productions, 4047 Somerset Drive 11-19: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sat. Powell, Erica Scowley, Katie Spiers, Richards, John Robison, Ryan Seymour, 931-2232, www.kcballet.org (Suitable for citizens or groups of 10 or more if picked (913) 383-1900, [email protected] This show is theatrical philosophy at its Dottie Nottingham. Crew: Jay Jackson Shelly Stewart, Reed Uthe. Crew: Bill Case Everyone) up 24 hours in advance. Roger T. Sermon (Adult Fare) best. Audiences meet five quirky and (Guitar), Luke Covey (Percussion), Bob (Light Board Operator), Karen Rae Hight Center, 201 North Dodgion (816) 325- flawed people who are just trying to make Moses (Bass), Carol Waters (Piano), Dillon (Box Office), Joyce Halford (Video Taping). Kansas City Cappies* 7367, www.citytheatreofindependence. their way in life: lovable Austin, hot-headed Evans (Stage Manager), Brandon Batchelar org (Adult Fare) $10, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway (913) How The West Was Fun by James L. Seay: Omar, wise Fifi and poor Jill who (Lights), Ali Rickart, Jake Hyatt, Lonny 403-4340, www.fullfrontalcomedy.org Dec 1-Dec 3: 7pm Thr-Sat. encounters Greg and a family- Billington, Kyle Peterson, Jon Stevenson, (Adult Fare) Curley and Lobo stop by the dance ComedyCity* sized jar of Vaseline. In the end, Heather Bingham, Darrell Phipps, James hall for some sarsaparilla served by the Kansas City’s Original the characters come to realize Welch. $6 General Admission, Farris Sacred Cow: Brace Yourself: Dec 2-3: 8pm loveliest girls in the West. Poor Curley Comedy Sports: May 16-Jul they can only navigate their Theatre, 301 West Main (816) 776-6684, Fri-Sat. falls in love with the beautiful Miss 29: 7:30pm Thr-Sat; 10pm way through society by avoiding www.farristheatre.com (Suitable for Full Frontal Comedy, professional Lilly only to discover that she’s to marry Fri-Sat; 5pm Sat. “the big funk” - being honest, Everyone) improvisational comedy troupe, plays short- Sergeant Terwilliger. He sells his gun, his Competitive improvised open and kind to one another. form games based on audience suggestions. saddle, and woefully, even his horse, to humor played like a sporting Directed by Laura Leffler- Full Circle Theatre Company* The “Sacred Cow: Brace Yourself” will also buy some guaranteed love potion from event complete with astro- McCabe. $6 at the door, E.M.U. Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet feature unscripted comedy sketches that Princess Grinning Fox. He slips it into turf, the National Anthem, Theatre, Lawrence Arts Center, Whispers from the Streets - St. Louis by tackle society’s taboos. Definitely not for the sarsaparilla — and hallarity ensues. referee, penalties, and fouls. [email protected] Jeremy M. Lillig & Damian Torres-Botello: those who offend easily. Shows are not A thoroughly modern western that’s a Kansas City’s longest running (Adult Fare) Nov 4-5: 7:30pm Fri-Sat. intended for children or uptight adults. riot of laughs from sunup to sundown. comedy show, running The production that opened our 2005 Directed by Tina Morrison, Stasha Case, Directed by Beth Bloom Ocheskey. $5, non-stop since 1987. It’s Farris Theatre season will be traveling to St. Louis to Dave Martin. Featuring Shawn Bowers, The Humphrey Theater, 315 E. 39th Street family appropriate humor, Grease: Nov 10-12: 7:30pm Thr- kickoff a month long fundraising campaign Stasha Case, Joyce Halford, Dave Martin, (816) 589-0980 (Suitable for Everyone) suitable for all ages. $13 Fri; 2pm Sat. for Peter and Paul Community Services who Tina Morrison, Ryan Seymour, Shelly per show, ComedyCity, Elle Miller, Jack McCord, and Jennifer Jenkins appear in An Inspector Calls at the City Theatre of Indepen- dence Nov 3-13. Photo: Cith Theatre of Independence A 1950’s rock and roll musical provides “immediate/transitional housing Stewart. Crew: Terri Babbitt (Box Office), Lawrence Community Theatre 300 Charlotte (816) 842- about Rydell High’s spirited class and supportive services to the homeless, 2744, www.comedycity.cc (Suitable for Tricia Davenport (Light Board Operator), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast by Alan The Coterie Theatre* of ‘59. You’ve got hip Danny Zuko and especially those experiencing mental Everyone) Reed Uthe (Videographer). $10, The Barn Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Stuart Little by E.B. White, adapted by wholesome Sandy Dumbrowski who try illness, HIV/AIDS and drug and alcohol Players, 6219 Martway (913) 403-4340, Tim Rice, Book by Linda Woolverton: Joseph Robinette: Nov 15-Dec 30: 12am to resolve the problems of their mutual addiction.” For additional information www.fullfrontalcomedy.org (Adult Fare) Nov 18-Dec 11: 8pm Fri-Sat; 7:30pm Thr; Chaos Theatre Thr-Fri; 10am, 12pm Tue-Fri; 4pm Sat-Sun, attraction and the gang sings and dances visit www.ppcsinc.org. Directed by 2:30pm Sun. Monkeys With Handgrenades: Feb 18-Jul Tue; 2pm Sat-Sun; 7pm Fri. its way through such nostalgic scenes as Damian Torres-Botello. Featuring Alicia Improv-Abilities “Be Our Guest” for Broadway’s smash 21: 10pm Fri. “Sometimes the greatest gifts come in small the pajama party, the prom, the burger Cabrera-Hill, Maria M. Heringer, Jeremy Improv-Abilities: Adult Experimentation... hit musical. The ageless fairy tale lets us Come join in the fun of Monkeys With packages.” For the holidays: Here is E.B. palace, and the drive-in movie. Songs M. Lillig, Damian Torres-Botello. Tickets by Tim Marks: Nov 12: 7:30pm Sat. journey to a land of enchanted princes, Hand Grenades as performers complete White’s endearing classic about a mouse recall the Buddy Holly hiccups, the Little are $15. Call (314) 588-7111 x203 or Improv-Abilities, a Kansas City professional beautiful maidens and singing teapots, 30 sketches in only 60 minutes in a named Stuart who is born into an ordinary Richard yodels and the Elvis Presley e-mail Emily at [email protected] for comedy troupe uses audience suggestions, while reminding us all how to love and be random order chosen by the audience. family, trying to survive in a “real people’s wiggles that made the music of the ‘50’s ticket information. Sts. Peter and Paul as seen in “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The loved. Directed by Mary Doveton. Music The Pandemonium Players are always world.” At times, doesn’t everyone feel like a gas. Directed by Jill Jones. Featuring Catholic Church, 711 Allen Avenue (816) troupe performs all-ages shows in addition Director, Judy Heller; Choreographer, hard at work writing feverishly for the new the sole mouse in a family - and a world Quentin Stevenson (Danny), Victoria Hill 943-0909, www.fullcircletheatreco.org to adults-only performances. Directed by Barbara Wasson. Featuring Stephanie upcoming shows. Monkeys with Hand - of extremely tall people? Directed by Ric (Sandy), Melissa Peterson (Rizzo), Jessica (Suitable for Everyone) Tim Marks. $10, The Lucky Brewgrille, Trepinski (Enchantress), Billy Clark Grenades will as always include 15 brand Averill. Featuring Seth Golay (Stuart), Scott Bloom (Frenchy), Danielle Green (Marty), 5401 Johnson Drive (913) 871-6242, (Prince), Kendra Verhage (Belle), Case new plays and free pizza after the show!!! Cox, David Ruis, Heidi Stubblefield, Julie Alyssa Dodson (Jan), Danny Sisson www.kcimprov.com (Adult Fare) Bruyr (Le Fou), Alicia Ellingson, Carly $13, ComedyCity, 300 Charlotte (816) Taylor. Crew: Jon Piggy Cupits (Set Design), (Kenickie), Samuel Bowman (Doddy), Fox, Rachel Ashworth, Jeff Blair (Maurice), 842-2744, www.comedycity.cc (Adult Jennifer Ecton Myers (Costume Design), Art Josh Burstert (Roger), Aaron Harrison Max Wick (Wolf Dancer), James Horton Fare) Kent (Lighting Design), David Kiehl (Sound (Sonny), Carissa Stewart (Patty Simcox), (Wolf Dancer), Eric Tedder (Wolf Dancer), Design). Adult tickets are $10. Youth/ Blair Vandiver (Cha Cha), Chris Clancy Continued on next page Student/Senior tickets (18 or younger, full- Continued on page 10 10 • KCSTAGE “A girl with brains ought to do something else with them besides think.” ~ Anita Loos NOVEMBER 2005 • 7

*Affiliate Theatre P E R F O R M A N C E S P E R F O R M A N C E S *Affiliate Theatre Continued from page 7 Full Frontal Comedy Kansas City Ballet Continued from previous page Corinth Dance Center * time students, or seniors 60 or over ) are (Eugene), Jon Riggert (Vince Fontaine), Days of Our Feasting: Nov 18-19: 8pm The Nutcracker by Peter Tchaikovsky: Dec with the death. An inspector calls to Sparkle Peanut Productions $8. Season tickets are $6 per person (for Luke Covey (Johnny Casino), Dusty Giles Fri-Sat. 3-24: 2pm Sat-Sun; 7:30pm Sat. interrogate the family, in which, all The Eight: The Reindeer Monologues by Jeff at least 3 different titles in our season). (Teen Angel), Cassie Adams (Miss Lynch), Full Frontal Comedy, professional improv- A timeless Christmas classic for Kansas City. members of the group are implicated Goode: Dec 2-17: 8pm Fri-Sat. Group tickets (20 or more) are $4.50 per Austin Davis, C. J. LaBella, Calvin Keenan, isational comedy troupe, plays short-form This show features beautiful costumes, lightly or deeply in the girl’s undoing. This look at Santa through the eyes of person. Ask about the TARGET 2-for-1 Marcus Oelze, Blake Simmons, Kris games based on audience suggestions. opulent scenery, as well as the 25-member The family, closely knit and friendly at the reindeer who serve him makes for at 2 on Saturdays! The Coterie Theatre, Warren, Jackie Alberts, Holly Anderson, “Days of our Feasting” will also feature the Kansas City Ballet dancers. Also featured the beginning of the evening, is shown a decidedly funny -- and adult -- look at 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 144 (816) 474- Lindsay Craft, Colene Estes, Stephanie long-format, Soap Opera. One audience are over 200 area children, all of whom up as selfish, self-centered or cowardly, the holidays. Featuring Mario Bonilla, 6552, www.thecoterie.com (Intended for Hinecker, Erica McFarland, Brittany member’s life will be turned into a soap are members of the Kansas City Ballet its good humor turning to acid, and good Sally Bremenkamp, Andy Brown, Jennifer Children) Palmer, Reeta Sallinen, Lisa Marie Sharon, opera on the spot. Shows are not intended School. Come join Kansas City Ballet fellowship to dislike, before the evening Olson, Jonathan Peery, Dav Riley, Aaron Abby Williams, Hannah Alpers, Kecia for children or uptight adults. Directed by and relive the magic of The Nutcracker. is over. Directed by Angie Fiedler Sutton. Tracy and Jill Troupe. Directed by Kerri E.M.U. Theatre Cox, Shamaine Danner, Caitlyn Evans, Tina Morrison, Stasha Case, Dave Martin. Directed by William Whitener. $10-$50, $8. Dinner Theatre tickets are: $18 & $13 McCoy. Call for ticket prices. Poke in the The Big Funk by John Patrick Shanley: Nov Julia Kopania, Amber Norris, Ashley Featuring Stasha Case, Tina Morrison, Derek Lyric Theater, 1029 Central St. (816) w/season ticket. $1 discount for senior Eye Productions, 4047 Somerset Drive 11-19: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sat. Powell, Erica Scowley, Katie Spiers, Richards, John Robison, Ryan Seymour, 931-2232, www.kcballet.org (Suitable for citizens or groups of 10 or more if picked (913) 383-1900, [email protected] This show is theatrical philosophy at its Dottie Nottingham. Crew: Jay Jackson Shelly Stewart, Reed Uthe. Crew: Bill Case Everyone) up 24 hours in advance. Roger T. Sermon (Adult Fare) best. Audiences meet five quirky and (Guitar), Luke Covey (Percussion), Bob (Light Board Operator), Karen Rae Hight Center, 201 North Dodgion (816) 325- flawed people who are just trying to make Moses (Bass), Carol Waters (Piano), Dillon (Box Office), Joyce Halford (Video Taping). Kansas City Cappies* 7367, www.citytheatreofindependence. their way in life: lovable Austin, hot-headed Evans (Stage Manager), Brandon Batchelar org (Adult Fare) $10, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway (913) How The West Was Fun by James L. Seay: Omar, wise Fifi and poor Jill who (Lights), Ali Rickart, Jake Hyatt, Lonny 403-4340, www.fullfrontalcomedy.org Dec 1-Dec 3: 7pm Thr-Sat. encounters Greg and a family- Billington, Kyle Peterson, Jon Stevenson, (Adult Fare) Curley and Lobo stop by the dance ComedyCity* sized jar of Vaseline. In the end, Heather Bingham, Darrell Phipps, James hall for some sarsaparilla served by the Kansas City’s Original the characters come to realize Welch. $6 General Admission, Farris Sacred Cow: Brace Yourself: Dec 2-3: 8pm loveliest girls in the West. Poor Curley Comedy Sports: May 16-Jul they can only navigate their Theatre, 301 West Main (816) 776-6684, Fri-Sat. falls in love with the beautiful Miss 29: 7:30pm Thr-Sat; 10pm way through society by avoiding www.farristheatre.com (Suitable for Full Frontal Comedy, professional Lilly only to discover that she’s to marry Fri-Sat; 5pm Sat. “the big funk” - being honest, Everyone) improvisational comedy troupe, plays short- Sergeant Terwilliger. He sells his gun, his Competitive improvised open and kind to one another. form games based on audience suggestions. saddle, and woefully, even his horse, to humor played like a sporting Directed by Laura Leffler- Full Circle Theatre Company* The “Sacred Cow: Brace Yourself” will also buy some guaranteed love potion from event complete with astro- McCabe. $6 at the door, E.M.U. Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet feature unscripted comedy sketches that Princess Grinning Fox. He slips it into turf, the National Anthem, Theatre, Lawrence Arts Center, Whispers from the Streets - St. Louis by tackle society’s taboos. Definitely not for the sarsaparilla — and hallarity ensues. referee, penalties, and fouls. [email protected] Jeremy M. Lillig & Damian Torres-Botello: those who offend easily. Shows are not A thoroughly modern western that’s a Kansas City’s longest running (Adult Fare) Nov 4-5: 7:30pm Fri-Sat. intended for children or uptight adults. riot of laughs from sunup to sundown. comedy show, running The production that opened our 2005 Directed by Tina Morrison, Stasha Case, Directed by Beth Bloom Ocheskey. $5, non-stop since 1987. It’s Farris Theatre season will be traveling to St. Louis to Dave Martin. Featuring Shawn Bowers, The Humphrey Theater, 315 E. 39th Street family appropriate humor, Grease: Nov 10-12: 7:30pm Thr- kickoff a month long fundraising campaign Stasha Case, Joyce Halford, Dave Martin, (816) 589-0980 (Suitable for Everyone) suitable for all ages. $13 Fri; 2pm Sat. for Peter and Paul Community Services who Tina Morrison, Ryan Seymour, Shelly per show, ComedyCity, Elle Miller, Jack McCord, and Jennifer Jenkins appear in An Inspector Calls at the City Theatre of Indepen- dence Nov 3-13. Photo: Cith Theatre of Independence A 1950’s rock and roll musical provides “immediate/transitional housing Stewart. Crew: Terri Babbitt (Box Office), Lawrence Community Theatre 300 Charlotte (816) 842- about Rydell High’s spirited class and supportive services to the homeless, 2744, www.comedycity.cc (Suitable for Tricia Davenport (Light Board Operator), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast by Alan The Coterie Theatre* of ‘59. You’ve got hip Danny Zuko and especially those experiencing mental Everyone) Reed Uthe (Videographer). $10, The Barn Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Stuart Little by E.B. White, adapted by wholesome Sandy Dumbrowski who try illness, HIV/AIDS and drug and alcohol Players, 6219 Martway (913) 403-4340, Tim Rice, Book by Linda Woolverton: Joseph Robinette: Nov 15-Dec 30: 12am to resolve the problems of their mutual addiction.” For additional information www.fullfrontalcomedy.org (Adult Fare) Nov 18-Dec 11: 8pm Fri-Sat; 7:30pm Thr; Chaos Theatre Thr-Fri; 10am, 12pm Tue-Fri; 4pm Sat-Sun, attraction and the gang sings and dances visit www.ppcsinc.org. Directed by 2:30pm Sun. Monkeys With Handgrenades: Feb 18-Jul Tue; 2pm Sat-Sun; 7pm Fri. its way through such nostalgic scenes as Damian Torres-Botello. Featuring Alicia Improv-Abilities “Be Our Guest” for Broadway’s smash 21: 10pm Fri. “Sometimes the greatest gifts come in small the pajama party, the prom, the burger Cabrera-Hill, Maria M. Heringer, Jeremy Improv-Abilities: Adult Experimentation... hit musical. The ageless fairy tale lets us Come join in the fun of Monkeys With packages.” For the holidays: Here is E.B. palace, and the drive-in movie. Songs M. Lillig, Damian Torres-Botello. Tickets by Tim Marks: Nov 12: 7:30pm Sat. journey to a land of enchanted princes, Hand Grenades as performers complete White’s endearing classic about a mouse recall the Buddy Holly hiccups, the Little are $15. Call (314) 588-7111 x203 or Improv-Abilities, a Kansas City professional beautiful maidens and singing teapots, 30 sketches in only 60 minutes in a named Stuart who is born into an ordinary Richard yodels and the Elvis Presley e-mail Emily at [email protected] for comedy troupe uses audience suggestions, while reminding us all how to love and be random order chosen by the audience. family, trying to survive in a “real people’s wiggles that made the music of the ‘50’s ticket information. Sts. Peter and Paul as seen in “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The loved. Directed by Mary Doveton. Music The Pandemonium Players are always world.” At times, doesn’t everyone feel like a gas. Directed by Jill Jones. Featuring Catholic Church, 711 Allen Avenue (816) troupe performs all-ages shows in addition Director, Judy Heller; Choreographer, hard at work writing feverishly for the new the sole mouse in a family - and a world Quentin Stevenson (Danny), Victoria Hill 943-0909, www.fullcircletheatreco.org to adults-only performances. Directed by Barbara Wasson. Featuring Stephanie upcoming shows. Monkeys with Hand - of extremely tall people? Directed by Ric (Sandy), Melissa Peterson (Rizzo), Jessica (Suitable for Everyone) Tim Marks. $10, The Lucky Brewgrille, Trepinski (Enchantress), Billy Clark Grenades will as always include 15 brand Averill. Featuring Seth Golay (Stuart), Scott Bloom (Frenchy), Danielle Green (Marty), 5401 Johnson Drive (913) 871-6242, (Prince), Kendra Verhage (Belle), Case new plays and free pizza after the show!!! Cox, David Ruis, Heidi Stubblefield, Julie Alyssa Dodson (Jan), Danny Sisson www.kcimprov.com (Adult Fare) Bruyr (Le Fou), Alicia Ellingson, Carly $13, ComedyCity, 300 Charlotte (816) Taylor. Crew: Jon Piggy Cupits (Set Design), (Kenickie), Samuel Bowman (Doddy), Fox, Rachel Ashworth, Jeff Blair (Maurice), 842-2744, www.comedycity.cc (Adult Jennifer Ecton Myers (Costume Design), Art Josh Burstert (Roger), Aaron Harrison Max Wick (Wolf Dancer), James Horton Fare) Kent (Lighting Design), David Kiehl (Sound (Sonny), Carissa Stewart (Patty Simcox), (Wolf Dancer), Eric Tedder (Wolf Dancer), Design). Adult tickets are $10. Youth/ Blair Vandiver (Cha Cha), Chris Clancy Continued on next page Student/Senior tickets (18 or younger, full- Continued on page 10 6 • KCSTAGE “Most of us are about as eager to be changed as we were to be born, and go through our changes in a similar state of shock.” ~ James Baldwin NOVEMBER 2005 • 11

*Affiliate Theatre P E R F O R M A N C E S P E R F O R M A N C E S *Affiliate Theatre American Heartland Theatre In this new adaptation by Wendy & Props Designer), Pamela Long (Co- Continued from previous page million dollars cash in used fifty dollar bills. Puppetry Arts Institute Buddy... The Buddy Holly Story by Alan Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from Scenic & Props Designer), Jessica Barker Charles Whitman (Cogsworth), John Directed by Dennis D. Hennessy. Featuring When Puppets Dream: Nov 5: 2pm, 11am Janes and Rob Bettinson: Oct 28-Jan 8: history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted (Costume Design), Emily Irwin (Make-up Phythyon (Lumiere), Annette Cook (Mrs. William Christopher (Henry Perkins). New Sat. 8pm Tue-Sat; 2pm Sat-Sun; 1pm Wed; young girl, who confronts her rapidly Designer), Kendall Steding (Assistant Potts), Franci Talamantez (Babette), Lexie Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster (913) 649- A delightful family friendly program 7pm Sun; 4pm Sat. changing life and the increasing horror of Make-up/Dresser), Cody Brown (Make- Hofer (Chip), Knute Pittenger (Beast), SHOW, www.newtheatre.com (Suitable for featuring ventriloquism, marionettes, and Buddy... The Buddy Holly Story brings to her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and up/Dresser), Maggie Nevins (Make-up/ Ann LaPoint (Wardrobe), Dean Bevan Everyone) Nearly Normal Magic! If you could cross life those magical early days of rock ‘n roll determination. Directed by Bob Kohler. Dresser), Andy Robeson (Lighting Design), (M. D’Arque), Andrew Simmons, Ricky a family style stand up comedian, with when a skinny kid from Texas burst on Featuring Meredith Upchurch (Anne Sara Bossler (Assistant Lighting Designer/ House, Eric Tedder, Max Wick, Billy Two Can Play by A. J. Carothers: Aug 31- Mr. Rodgers you might come close to the scene with a new sound and songs Frank), Tom Cochran (Otto Frank), Kelsey Board Operator), Eric Wetzel (Co-Sound Clark, Pete Peterson, James Horton, Nov 6: 12pm Sun, Wed; 6pm Tue-Sun. Harris Deutsch’s Nearly Normal Magic destined to become classics. You’ll hear Furnell (Edith Frank), Claire Sunderland Designer), Chris Taylor (Co-Sound Stephanie Trepinski, Adrienne Willems, Hayley Mills in a modern, intelligent, and Puppet Show. He combines his them all: “Everyday,” “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll (Margot Frank), Broc Exposito (Peter Van Designer), Chris Taylor (Sound Engineer/ Leah Cole, Heather Ballinger, Anne romantic comedy about an estranged knowledge in the areas of counseling, Be the Day,” “Johnny Be Good,” “Rave Daan), Alex Nagy (Mr Van Daan), Brie Board Operator), Chris Miller (Master Johnson, Willie Cook, Sadie Barbee, married couple who run into each other at education, improvisation, theatre, magic On,” “Oh Boy” and more. Plus, you’ll be Willis (Mrs. Van Daan), Weston Bradley Electrician), Kat Reid (Master Carpenter), Kerrie Leinmiller-Renick, Kaitlyn Johnson. a class reunion. He wants to rekindle the and puppetry to create an energizing wowed by “guest” appearances from The (Mr. Dussel), Tony Hernandez (Mr Ryan Fortney, Olivia Young, Leslie Case, $14 - $20, Lawrence Community Theatre, flame while she has other ideas. Directed event. Pure delight and he just might have Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens in a roof- Kraler), Margaret Fasel (Miep Gies), Gabe Nicole Gregory, Staci Hinshaw, Josh 1501 New Hampshire St. (785) 843- by Richard Carrothers. New Theatre you thinking while you are laughing. $5 raising finale. $18 to $35.50 depending on Rosenthal (Soldier), Cameron Bradley Minnis. $1 - $5, Hendricks Hall, Central 7469, theatre.lawrence.com (Suitable for Restaurant, 9229 Foster (913) 649-SHOW, per person regardless of age, Puppetry day of performance, American Heartland (Soldier), Jon Christenson (Soldier). Crew: Missouri State University (660) 543-8811, Everyone) www.newtheatre.com (Adult Fare) Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road (816) Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd (816) 842-9999, Emily Uland (Assistant To Director), Meg www.cmsu.edu/theatre (Suitable for 833-9777, www.hazelle.org (Intended for www.ahtkc.com (Suitable for Everyone) Caffey (Stage Manager), Laura Wellington Everyone) Miller-Marley School of Dance & Voice* Olathe Community Theater* Children) (Stage Manager), Joey Shopmaker (Stage Dance the Mouse House: Nov 13: 7:30pm Assassins by Stephen Sondheim: Nov 4- Avila University Theatre Dept* Manager). $5, The Barstow School, 11511 Chestnut Fine Arts Center Sun. Nov 19: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. River City Community Players As You Like It by William Shakespeare: State Line, www.barstowschool.org Big River by Roger Miller: Nov 3-20: 8pm Children’s dance performance directed From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey The Lion In Winter by James Goldman: Nov 17-20: 8pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. (Suitable for Everyone) Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. by Ann McCroskey. General Admission Oswald, Stephen Sondheim and John Nov 4-19: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. A classic comedic tale of love and the Take a trip down the mighty Mississippi $5, Olathe East High School, 14545 Weidman bend the rules of time and space, It’s 12th century Europe with King Henry obstacles and situations that ensue. Belton High School Theatre* with Huckleberry Finn and his friend, West 127th Terrace (913) 492-0004, taking us on a nightmarish rollercoaster ride II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and three sons; Directed by Robert Foulk. Call for Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare: Jim, a runaway slave. Set in 1840’s rural [email protected] (Suitable in which assassins and would-be assassins Princes John, Geoffrey and Richard the Ticket Prices, Goppert Theatre at Avila Nov 10-13: 7pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. America, this Tony award winning musical for Everyone) from different historical periods meet and Lionhearted. They’re all gathered for University, 11901 Wornall Road (816) Directed by Joel Short. $6 at the door, $5 follows the exploits of Huck and Jim as interact and in an intense final scene inspire Christmas, and the announcement of who 501-3699, www.avila.edu/Depts/theatre/ with advance reservation, Belton High they explore life and its many adventures. The Mystery Train each other to harrowing acts in the name shall next reign, succeeding Henry II. But ordertickets.asp (Suitable for Everyone) Forum Theatre, 107 W. Pirate Parkway The evening promises to be hilarious, Who’s In First? by Wendy Thompson: Oct of the American Dream. Directed by Deb his castle at Chinon is filled with intrigue, (816) 348-2721, [email protected] suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing 14-Nov 19: 7pm Thr-Sat. Hodge. $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and family loyalties betrayed, and royal The Barn Players* (Suitable for Everyone) your favorite characters to life through Who’s in First? It’s 1914, and the railroad $10 for children 12 and under. *Add $2 for infidelity. The honour of your presence Ruthless by Joel Paley, Music by Marvin Roger Miller’s creative writing and great barons have changed the face of Kansas a musical performance. Olathe Community is requested for The Lion In Winter, Laird: Oct 28-Nov 13: 8pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Central Missouri State University* musical numbers. Directed by Kipp City. Opening day for the beautiful new Theater, 500 East Loula (913) 782-2990, presented by Leavenworth’s ORIGINAL Sun. Escape From Central Park Zoo by Nikki Simmons. Featuring Damron Armstrong Union Station has the rich, the famous, www.olathetheatre.org (Adult Fare) players. Directed by Breanna Danielle Loaded with campy wit and charm, Harmon: Nov 3-5: 9:30am, 12:30pm Thr- (Jim), Vicky DeLaughder (Widow Douglas), the clever and the devious caught up in Swatzell Welch. Adults $8, Children 12 “Ruthless” is a smart musical that sends Fri; 7:30pm Fri; 10am Sat. Brian Duncan, Tim Fendler (Mark Twain), a train race to be the first to pull out of Olathe South High School* and under $4, $7 for sr. citizens (62 & up every cloying Broadway brat from Imagine a polar bear on the streets of New Chris Gleeson (Judge Thatcher), Karen the new station. There may be too much Peter Pan by James M. Barrie, music by older), students (with ID) and groups of Gypsy to the Bad Seed. Eight year old York City? A parrot flying through the Hight (Johanna), Justin Kennedy (Tom riding on this train, though. A sudden Mark Charlap, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh.: 10 or more. Leavenworth Performing Arts Tina Denmark knows she was born to play subway? A gray monkey swinging through Sawyer), Kristen Leathers (Miss Watson death, suspicious passengers, and the Nov 3-6: 7:30pm Sat, Thr; 3pm Sat-Sun. Center, Historic Hollywood Theater (913) Pippi Longstocking and will do anything the trees of Central Park? Journey with / Susan Wilkes), Patrick Lewallen (Huck need to uncover a murderer may be more Directed by David Tate Hastings. $7, Olathe 682-7557, home.kc.rr.com/oneactor/rccp. to win the part in her school musical … Ozzie, Budi, and Semta as they attempt to Finn), Eric Magnus (Pap/King), Dave important than “who’s in first”! Directed South High School, 1640 East 151st Street htm (Suitable for Everyone) even murder her rival leading lady! This determine where the best home for each of Martin (Duke), Brett Nelson (Jo Harper), by Wendy Thompson. $49-$59, The (913) 780-7160, teachers.olathe.k12.ks.us/ over the top musical hit garnered rave them might be. Escape From Central Park Julie O’Rourke (Mary Jane), Nick Padgett, Mystery Train, Union Cafe (816) 813-9654 ~dhastingsos (Suitable for Everyone) River City Players reviews during its long Off Broadway Zoo will delight both young and old alike! Rachel Pallante. Adults: $15 Seniors: $14 (Adult Fare) The Musical Comedy Murders Of 1940 by run. Directed by Jay Coombes. $10 for The Theatre for Youth National Playwriting Students: $10, Chestnut Fine Arts Center, Park University Theatre* John Bishop: Nov 4-12: 7:45pm Fri-Sat. adults; $9 for seniors and students, The Competition Award Winner. Tickets 234 N. Chestnut Street, (913) 764-2121, New Theatre Restaurant 2005 Fall One-Act Festival: Nov 17-19: A struggling creative team (who’s 3 Barn Players, 6219 Martway (913) 432- available only through the Performing [email protected] (Suitable for Funny Money by Ray Cooney: Nov 9-Feb 8pm Thr-Sat. chorus girls were murdered by the “Stage 9100, www.thebarnplayers.org (Suitable Arts Series 660-543-8607. Directed by Everyone) 5: 12pm Sat-Sun, Wed; 6pm Tue-Sun. $8, Black Box Theatre, Park University Door Slasher”) assemble for a backer’s for Everyone) Julie Rae Pratt. Featuring Kevin Stidham, Mild-mannered, milquetoast accountant Home Campus, Alumni Hall (816) 584- audition. The audition venue comes Nicole Hall, Kelly Jo Blake, Corey J. Henry, City Theatre of Independence* Henry Perkins’ life is simple, ordered and 6450, captain.park.edu/theatre (Adult Fare) w/sliding panels, secret passageways The Barstow School Will Jeselnik, Michelle Moll. Crew: Ryan An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley: Nov quite frankly, boring. Until one night, on his & a German maid who is apparently 4 The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Fortney (Co-Assistant Director), Olivia 3-Nov 13: 8pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. way home to celebrate his birthday with his different people—trigger comic mayhem Goodrich and Albert Hacket; newly Young (Co-Assistant Director), Kyle Crose A young girl commits suicide and an wife and another couple, Henry discovers which follows when the “Slasher” adapted by Wendy Kesselman: Nov 18- (Stage Manager), Josh Minnis (Asst Stage eminently respectable British family is that the briefcase he picked up is not only makes his reappearance. A blizzard cuts 19: 8pm Fri-Sat. Manager), Mark Hambrecht (Co-Scenic subject to a routine inquiry in connection not his, it contains almost one and a half Continued on next page Continued on next page 12 • KCSTAGE “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” ~ Maya Angelou NOVEMBER 2005 • 5

*Affiliate Theatre P E R F O R M A N C E S F I L M C L I P S A R T S A W A R D S Continued from previous page dewy-eyed daughters and an eccentric $10, call 816.221.5351 to reserve your Greg Heroneme is putting the pieces music – he eliminates the virtuosic them off, bodies start to drop, knives A Night at the…Opera? Major-General, all morally bound to the seats, H&R Block City Stage, Union together to shoot his comedy movie. At By Chris McCoy • [email protected] arias and heavy orchestrations for spring out of nowhere, masked figures often-ridiculous dictates of honor and duty. Station, Pershing and Main (816) 460- least one casting notice has gone out a more streamlined story-telling drag their victims behind bookcases, & Directed by Keli Rodgers. $7, Shawnee 2020, www.stonelionpuppets.org already. Crew will also be needed for this This November, Kansas City audi- approach. Turn of the Screw, for accusing fingers point in all directions. Mission Northwest High School Parker (Intended for Children) low-budget Kansas City feature. E-mail ences have the opportunity to see a Directed by Jason Rauch. $6-show only; Auditorium, 12701 W. 67th St. (913) 993- [email protected]. example, is a chamber opera with rarely performed opera by one of $16-dinner theatre with reservations 72 7224, thespiantroupe888.com (Intended for The Gift of the Magi by Heather Nisbett- a mere 13-piece orchestra. Like- Brian Boye directed and shot two the few great modern composers of hours in advance, Lexington Municipal Children) Loewenstein, adapted from the short story wise, audiences do not typically Auditorium, 11th and Franklin (816) 259- by O’Henry, music by Jack Sharman: Nov commercials in Kansas City. Local cast the genre. Benjamin Britten’s Turn and crew were involved. walk away humming the tunes of 2301, www.rcplayers.org (Adult Fare) Shawnee Mission South High School 22-Dec 4: 10am Tue-Fri; 2pm Sat-Sun; of the Screw will be given its Kansas Britten’s pieces, but are affected Dames at Sea by George Haimsohn & 1pm Fri. Congratulations to Chris Downs whose City Lyric Opera debut November Join Jim and Della D. Mouskin in a charming by the story told through power- Rockhurst High School Robin Miller, Music by Jim Wise: Nov 8- movie The Shunned is being distributed 5-13. I know many theatre patrons South Pacific by Rodgers and Hammerstein: 12: 7:30pm Sat, Tue-Thr. and hilarious mix-up as they each sacrifice by Silver Nitrate and is to be available ful, haunting music. Nov 2-6: 7:30pm Wed-Sat; 2:30pm Sun. A long run off Broadway musical based on the their most prized possessions in search of on DVD in Blockbuster stores. Chris is are reticent to attend opera, finding A classic musical the entire family will campy nostalgia of the Hollywood musicals the perfect Christmas gift, only to discover a Kansas filmmaker whose next movie it stuffy, archaic and downright bor- Britten’s operas are a theatre enjoy! Directed by Kathy Kane. $8 of the 30’s. The scene is Big Time New York, the best gift of all...is the time spent is Tow, a feature-length horror movie. ing. However, the chance to see this patron’s delight for a number of students; $10 adults, together with love. Go to www.towthemovie.com and work is few and far between, not reasons. First of all, the work is That is the true gift Rockhurst High School, www.drippingdead.com for information. just in Kansas City but across the sung in English, as opposed to 9301 State Line Road of the Magi. Intricate (816) 363-2036, rock marionettes, masks Rest-Ez, a feature being shot in Lawrence, country. The Lyric Opera is one of the traditional Italian, German, th th hursthighschool.edu and delightful music KS October 19 through November 19 , only two major opera companies or French. However, operas typi- (Suitable for Everyone) make this an event is in need of a Production Designer with presenting the work this season cally maintain the use of supertitles film experience. Contact Aris Blevins at not to be missed for and, therefore, it’s a worthy invest- (words projected above the stage) Rockhurst University* the entire family. [email protected]. preschool through ment for any patron of the arts, to assist with comprehension of the The Crucible by Arthur Confederate States of America, Kevin particularly those that enjoy cut- lyrics. Likewise, Britten’s work re- Miller: Nov 17-Nov 20: eighth grade. $6.50, Willmott’s feature shot in Kansas, started 8pm Thr-Sat; 2pm Sun. groups $5 combo its USA theatrical run in October. IFC ting-edge material. quires a more theatrical approach tickets w/ Science in directing than most traditional Miller’s 1953 Broadway Films is the distributor. Benjamin Britten is considered by box office success is a City available, City operas. His reliance upon the story Stage, Union Station, It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Jeremy many to be the greatest composer fictionalized version of and relationships pose a daunting the 1692 events that The cast of the River City Player's production of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 playing Nov 4-12. Photo: River City Players Pershing and Main Osbern and Chris Blunk at Through A Glass of English operas. His oeuvre is (816) 460-2020, task for the opera’s director allow- took place in Salem, and into the scene wanders a sweet little Continued on page 13 characterized by setting a wide va- www.stonelionpuppets.org (Intended for ing for a more theatrical presenta- Mass. Director, Susan Proctor, sets the girl from Utah, who has come to make it riety of literary work, from Henry Children) tion. Furthermore, Britten’s operas play in 2003, in respect for Miller’s hope big on Broadway. When who should she James’ Turn of the Screw and Owen that the play will inspire in the minds of the typically use voices in unconven- chance to meet but the hometown boy, now Wingrave, Melville’s Billy Budd, audience questions concerning the ability a sailor, who also has some ambitions as a TBA Players* tional ways, favoring children’s by Jack and Tom Sharkey: the folk tale Paul Bunyan with of the governing to abuse power in the songwriter. The hometown girl begins in the Just Say Yes! and men’s voices, especially in name of good. Directed by Susan Proctor. Nov 25-Dec 10: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. poet/lyricist W.H. Auden, and chorus, while the show’s femme star makes choruses. Turn of the Screw is one of Featuring Cindy Lou Passch (Tituba), goo goo eyes at the sailor and rocks the boat An author of self help books on success Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s is being pressured by his publisher and the few operas to use a boy soprano Justin Johnson (Reverand Parris), Emily of true love. Directed by Cathy Wood. $7, Dream (performed as part of The Monaghan (Bety Parris), Sharla K Nolte the media to prove his theories work. He as one of the leading characters; in SM South Little Theatre, 5800 W. 107th St. Lyric Opera’s 2004-2005 season). (Abagail Williams), Kristen Wellemeyer (913) 993-7524, smsreptheatre.tripod.com picks the world’s biggest loser and makes this production, the role of Miles him a winner. Directed by Amanda Hall. Early in his career, he composed (Ann Putnam), K Mike Flanagan (Thomas (Suitable for Everyone) will be performed by Kansas City Putnum), Liz Swick (Mercy Lewis), Mallory Featuring Don Carlton (Blaize Caraway), KC Folk Music music for film, which may have Janet Henry (Irene Joyce), Lisa Jilka (Nell native Evan Haas. Perhaps most Anthony (Mary Warren). $5, Rockhurst StoneLion Puppet Theatre* Strictly for Laughs contributed to his education as a University Mabee Theater, 1100 Rockhurst Eager), Doug Marshall (Arnold Adderby). importantly, Britten’s work does Color Your World: Nov 13: 2pm Sun. composer of opera. Although his Road (816) 501-4828, www.rockhurst.edu Crew: Jayson Chandley (Lighting Design), Oct 28, 29, Nov 5, 12 StoneLion Puppet Theatre’s annual not carry the operatic baggage of (Suitable for Everyone) Rob Smith (Sound Design), Anastasia CrossCurrents Culture style is varied and hard to define, fund raising benefit featuring live music more often performed pieces. With Drake (Stage Manager), Rachel Gadd- his musical influences were com- combining with unique puppetry. A few Nelson (Assistant Stage Manager), Alonda this in mind, directors, designers, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School of this year’s talented musicians include Just Say Yes! posers that eschewed traditional Williams (Lighting Technician), Fred et al are able to extend more cre- The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove, Latha by Jack and Tom Sharkey techniques in favor of a more con- Rucker (Sound Technician), Colin Naughtin ative license in the staging of the Sullivan: Nov 10-12: 7pm Thr-Sat. Venkatesh, traditional Indian Dancers, Nov 25, 26, Dec 2, 3, 9, 10 (Set Design). $10 adults; $8 seniors (55+), temporary sound, such as Shosta- One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most Youth Jazz Band, and back by popular TBA Players works making them vital and chal- students, Just Off Broadway, 3051 Central kovich and Stravinsky. What’s great popular comic operas spins an hilarious demand the SGI Taiko Japanese Drummers. lenging. (816) 444-2459, tbaplayers.com (Suitable about Britten’s operas is that they farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling Complimentary puppet making, crafts and www.justoffbroadway.org policemen, dim-witted young lovers, for Everyone) are more like attending a play with The Lyric Opera does a fine job of artist reception follow the performance. Continued on page 15 Continued on page 14 4 • KCSTAGE “Without alienation, there can be no politics.” ~ Arthur Miller NOVEMBER 2005 • 13 I C E L A N D FRINGE FESTIVALS F I L M C L I P S I C E L A N D

a self-exploration,” Harris said. In Continued from page 1 Continued from page 5 Continued from page 4 Although Harris said the William Icelandic Drama Productions of Lawrence, KS. First, the two By Emily Wales • [email protected] a similar way, Phone Friends’ treat- presented by the other representa- isn’t something we normally deal Jewell community is pleased to successfully obtained permits in Topeka, ment of depression has a uniquely tives, and feels that’s the primary with.” David Wiegert, a sophomore welcome Jónasson to campus, he One and a half years after finishing a KS to block off downtown streets for their Icelandic perspective. “Icelandic goal of the association - to create a participating in Phone Friends, said also stressed the importance of the sabbatical in Iceland, William Jewell movie Air. It took two months of work by people are not afraid of confronting nationwide network of people, and them and Erin Schroeder at the Kansas the plays’ themes have been taxing Icelandic festival’s ties to the Kan- College professor Dr. Kim B. Harris tough issues,” Harris said. “These hopefully also to pool that network Film Office to find a location willing to let for some students. “The characters in sas City community. “The Mid- is anxious to see his students get a are issues they face... At the same into getting national sponsors that them do two scenes. The morning scene the Icelandic plays seem to convey west Icelandic Consul, in whose taste of his three-month experience. involved two cars crashed together nose- time, though, [Icelanders] are at the may not look at one festival. “There different sentiments than typical home we [K. Harris and his wife Harris, professor of communication to-nose. The night scene was a car fire with forefront of genetic research [and its was a tremendous sense of owner- Western characters do. For example, Dr. Lois Anne Harris, professor of and director of the College’s theatre Topeka police officers and fire workers. effects on related difficulties].” ship,” Kimmi said, “and the real- Talent and crew were from Kansas City, they might speak about something communication at William Jewell] program in Liberty, MO, spent a ization that what may work in one Lawrence and Topeka. Second, Jeremy, rather dark in a very [light-hearted] stayed during our sabbatical, is year in preparation for the U.S. The plays, which both will be area may not work elsewhere - a Chris and Stephen Deaver have been hired way.” helping organize efforts to involve debut of two works by Icelandic performed consecutively during to be DP, Sound and Line Producer, in that true partnership of ideas.” R the nearly 25 consuls in this area,” playwright Jónas Jónasson. Jónasson’s five-day stay, provide order, for the 16mm movie Rollover co- Additionally, set design and techni- Harris said, noting that Scanda- challenging work for young actors, directed by Jeff Goldblum to be lensed cal aspects of the production have “[In Iceland], I met lots of wonder- in Chicago. And third, they produced nivian people in the area also are particularly because Phone Friends taken on a distinctly Icelandic fla- ful people, one of whom was Jónas. a corporate video for Hillcrest Bank in encouraged to attend the unique will be staged for the first time this vor. In order to capture both plays’ A very old-world, dapper, sophis- Kansas City. Visit www.throughaglass.com event. Possible local television and fall. “Students are taking on new for their website. senses of isolation—things “just out ticated gentleman whose father radio interviews with Jónasson also work and also difficult work,” Harris of reach, missed opportunities, no started RUV (the national radio The Kansas Location Scout/Location are being considered. said, explaining that radio plays are second chances”—William Jewell station in Iceland), Jónas grew up Manager for Killer Films feature movie given “equal standing” to traditional Every Word is True was successful in assistant professor of communica- The completion of November’s play at the station,” Harris said, not- productions in Iceland. securing enough locations to lure the New tion, theatre design and technology festival at William Jewell will not ing that Jónasson’s performance York film crew to Kansas. Once again, Erin Nathan Wyman said he worked to signify the end of students’ work experience has ranged from teach- William Jewell Schroeder at the Kansas Film Commission take “mind pictures that I then try to with Iceland-inspired pieces. Har- ing acting classes to writing music students involved was invaluable. The Director, Director transfer onto the stage.” Placing the ris is working on his own original for his own radio plays. Jónasson, in the produc- of Photography, the Post Production Supervisor, two PA’s and the Kansas productions in theatre in the round, play for possible production in now a popular weekly interviewer tions, although Location Manager filmed their way Wyman said the plays’ different time spring 2007, based in part on one on Icelandic radio, will travel with admittedly chal- around Kansas City, KS, Leavenworth, KS, periods offered a unique challenge. of Iceland’s “quasi-historical, quasi- his wife to Liberty for the first two lenged by the Lansing and areas between Atchison and “I wanted a retro-modern feel for the mythological” sagas. Harris said he weeks of November to serve as a work, said the Nortonville, KS. Before arriving in Kansas shows,” Wyman said. “Glasshouse hopes the work, which attempts to visiting lecturer and provide talk experience has City, the director requested a picture car for the early 1960’s-era feature. A 1950 takes place in the 1980s with flash- examine the reasons humans go to back sessions with student actors been a positive green Studebaker in original condition backs through the life of the main war, will push further students’ involved in the productions. one. “I’ve never was located and driven by the owner for character. Phone Friends is in current concepts of societal expectations done theatre in the movie. The release date is in 2006. “Jónas’ works explore both straight- Reykjavik, so I had to find a common and norms, much as this fall’s study the round, so it’s forwardly and honestly some ‘dis- Interviews were conducted in Kansas City, neutral base for both plays. “ of Jónasson’s pieces has done. going to be more turbing issues,’” Harris said of the MO for possible casting in a Wal*Mart difficult than oth- commercial promoting the DVD/video Building on recent photos of people “[Above all], I hope students and playwrights’ two featured pieces. er productions,” release of Revenge of the Sith. The living in Reykjavik and memories audience members take away a The Glasshouse (also known as And Ashley Jones, producers were looking for men 20-30 from a visit last Spring to a Nor- deeper understanding about life Then the Sun Came Up) was written years old who had seen the movie. a sophomore wegian home decorated in 1970s and the human experience,” Harris as a “short, full-length play,” while involved in act- Kevin Willmott has been busy in Lawrence, furnishings, Wyman said his con- said of the upcoming performances. Phone Friends originally served as a ing and costume KS writing Wilt of Kansas. The screenplay cepts for both productions focus on “Of course, [we would like them] one-act radio play, still a popular focuses on Wilt Chamberlain’s college construction, reflecting the moods of the pieces. to be entertained, but it’s along the Icelandic artform, according to years and playing in the 1957 NCAA title said. “It’s very “I’ve chosen a chilly dark blue and vein of tragedy. The settings are, in Harris. The examination by the basketball game. Shooting will probably exciting to be in start in July 2006 with an expected release white palette for Glasshouse, but some ways, uniquely Icelandic, but first work of alcoholism and its ef- the American date in 2007. Phone Friends is a little warmer, as we the themes are universal.” R fects results from Jónasson’s own premiere, but the see into the lives of these two people struggle with the disease. “Jónas is The Food Network is going to be in Icelandic culture Oswego, KS shooting a piece that a little more closely,” he said. an alcoholic, so in some ways, it’s Continued on page 13 Continued on next page 14 • KCSTAGE “The difference between western and eastern intellectuals is that the former have not been kicked in the ass enough.” ~ Witold Gombrowicz NOVEMBER 2005 • 3 S P O T L I G H T O P E R A S P O T L I G H T Continued from page 3 new project, the intention of which Continued from page 5 Steven Eubank: I Want to Grow Up making the change to go to say, ‘Hey, I’m going to do recharged artistic batteries and ap- is to bring previously unproduced of presenting a wide variety of the by Tara Varney • [email protected] something really scary with my life, and I’m going ply that to his theatre company here musicals to Kansas City audiences. operatic canon including a contem- to succeed at it as best as I can,’” he says. Although Steven Eubank, local performer/choreographer/ in town. “I think Eubank Produc- Eubank says he considers this an porary and/or American work in at first, there was some doubt in his mind about the director/producer/founder of the theatre company tions, right now, has a reputation opening to “schmooze” in New almost every season. Turn of the move, he now says, “I finally got past that and went, Eubank Productions, is leaving Kansas City. He’s for doing campy, kitschy work. I York: “Well, you know what I’m Screw is The Lyric Opera’s third no, you know what? I could be here [in New York packing up and following the dream so many theatre love that, and I want to keep that working on in Kansas City this Britten opera – previous works City]. That’s cool. I could be in New York, and I would people share: moving to New York City to hopefully factor: things can be kitschy and summer?” include Billy Budd and Midsummer really benefit from it. I could go and get some great find his place in one of the greatest theatre communi- lively and quirky.” However, a Night’s Dream. I encourage every training.” full season of that, he says, would By then, he says, Eubank Produc- patron and practitioner of the arts ties in the world. tions may already be starting its next “It’s truly about exploration. be too much. “No, no. Do a couple to take advantage of this rare oppor- “I have a BFA in Musical Theatre phase of artistic growth. “I want it And freedom,” he says. The just for my own sanity. I like them. tunity, and who knows, you might Performance,” says Eubank, “and to be more than just a project,” he plan is to arrive in New York in For some reason, they move me.” find that an evening at the opera is now I kind of feel like I should do says of his company. “I’m ready for Photo: Bryan Colley November and, as soon as pos- not as daunting as you expect. R something with that. So part of go- Another reason for leaving Kansas it to be the lifestyle.” He recognizes sible, start taking acting, dance, ing to New York is ‘do I have what City is the allure and challenge of his own concern for keeping a “day Chris McCoy is Manager of Education and voice classes, and applying it takes to be considered among being surrounded by so many other job” for income, “but that’s not the and Community Programs at Theater for work-study positions and those performers?’” competitive theatre professionals. goal,” he states. “The goal would be League. observerships, “just learn from “It’s like, are people hungry for it?” to do it full-time.” Eubank, often described as a a lot of different educators.” The he asks. “Can you guarantee that child prodigy, says he first ex- theatre training part isn’t what Eubank is trying not to think of the F I L M C L I P S everyone else involved is hungry? pressed his desire to direct at concerns him though. “I’m actual day of departure right now. Because if they’re not, it just be- Continued from previous page age four, when he informed his nervous. I’m very scared,” Eu- “I’m worried I’ll get too sentimen- comes a hobby.” should air in June 2006. “Wedding Cake parents that he hated the movie bank concedes. “I’m not scared tal,” he admits. “There will be cry- Couture” is the theme for a wedding Beetlejuice, but that he could better about getting into the heart of Although no one has ever accused ing and gnashing of teeth,” he says cake competition and the owner of Lori’s utilize that same cast in a remake the business and the heart of the Eubank of not being passionate jokingly. “But that’s what email is Creative Cakes is the subject. R of The Wizard of Oz. At that point, city - that’s exhilarating. What’s and professional, he does acknowl- for… It’s not like I’m going to be Compiled by Larry Levenson • he started putting on his own scary is survival, which I think edge feeling dissatisfied with his gone forever.” R [email protected] own work most of the time. “Sev- shows in the basement and, by anybody would say - finding enty percent of the time, I feel like age eight, he was auditioning a place to live, finding a way I did not do what I needed to with around town. “Then, at age 14,” to sustain your life, and doing he says, “I officially said I want to that in a way where you don’t a production,” he confesses. “I Stephen Eubank. think it’s not fair in this business direct something, and if no one’s get buried. You know, where to say whether you’re doing it going to hire me as a director, then I’m going to do you don’t just go, Okay, I’ve been living here for two right or wrong, but a lot of times, it myself.” Laughing, he explains that meant, “Mom years, and I haven’t really gotten into any classes, I I go, ‘Man, I’m committing crimes and Dad, please help me.” haven’t hit any auditions, I haven’t introduced myself to enough people. That’s what scares me the most.” against this show… I want to grow With no formal theatre training themselves, his par- up.’ I want to get over that.” ents, Barbara and Jeff Eubank, immediately jumped The Big Apple is not new territory to Eubank. He’s Already, Eubank is planning to re- in to help mount Eubank Productions’ first play, the visited over a dozen times since 1996, to see plays and turn to Kansas City, at least for a full-length musical comedy Ruthless! when Steven was spend time with friends. “The reason why I decided while, next summer, when his com- 15 years old. Since then, the family-operated theatre to move up to New York is when I went to the Fringe pany has the Just Off Broadway company has produced about 25 shows, including The NYC Fest last year, and [I was] exploring the city, get- Theatre space booked, probably for Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Snoopy, ting to know the Village area… Once I figured out how a first-time event: the Crossroads A New Brain, and Debbie Does Dallas, with Steven at to navigate all of that, I decided, okay, I’m here.” the artistic helm of each one. New Musicals Festival, currently in His stay in New York is indefinite, but a major reason development with Mark Edelman Now, less than two months away from his twenty- for going there in the first place is to eventually return of Theatre League. “We want more second birthday, he’s ready to branch out in a way to Kansas City with newly-acquired knowledge and people on board,” he says of the that only relocating to another city can facilitate. “I’m Continued on page 14 2 • KCSTAGE “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw NOVEMBER 2005 • 15 O N L I N E C I N E M A P E R F O R M A N C E S Online Cinema Opens Doors to Filmmakers dreaming about making films. “I’ve wanted to do this Continued from page 12 Levin and Jeff Church. Tickets from $15- Tickets available from KC Rep Box Office by Charles Kephart • [email protected] since I was 8 years old,” he says. “I would still be a Theatre Atchison, Inc. $25, Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main Street 816-235-2700 or toll-free at 888-502- Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck: Nov (816) 531-7529, www.unicorntheatre.org 2700 or online line at KCRep.org, H & R filmmaker even if I didn’t have point-to-point [distri- While living in New York in the early 90s, I often 4-13: 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun. (Suitable for Everyone) Block City Stage, Union Station (816) 460- bution]. I just don’t know if I’d have an audience.” worked on short films, low budget features and mu- Directed by Tim Walters. $10 for adults; 2020, www.unionstation.org (Suitable for $6 for students, Theatre Atchison, Inc. Everyone) sic videos. Like a hundred thousand hopeful others, Los Angeles filmmaker Alan Chan is used to working Unicorn and Coterie 401 Santa Fe (913) 367-SHOW, www. The Retreat from Moscow by William I was in New York to become the next big indepen- on pictures that have no problem reaching audiences. theatreatchison.org (Adult Fare) Nicholson: Oct 21-Nov 13: 7:30pm Tue; nd William Jewell College Theatre* dent filmmaker, confident I was only a 2 assistant A visual effects technical director, Chan has served 8pm Wed-Sat; 3pm Sun. Fool for Love by Sam Shepard: Dec 2-3: camera operator’s job away from becoming the next on such projects as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Unicorn Theatre How well do we know the people we 8pm Fri-Sat. Jim Jarmusch, Hal Hartley or Spike Lee. Stone, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and James Painted Alice by William Donnelly: Dec marry? Is love enough to save a family? Sam Shepard explores his themes of clash Cameron’s Titanic. But he might be best known as 2-Dec 31: 8pm Fri-Sat; 3pm Sun. In The Retreat from Moscow, William within families, struggle between men What most of us learned, of course, was that the film Painted Alice follows a painter struggling to Nicholson tells the powerful story of a and women, and mythic wanderings of the creator of the B-movie spoof, “12 Hot Women” industry was nearly impenetrable; that even the for- complete a commissioned work. Her lack husband who decides to be truthful in his the Western male. Directed by Megan (www.12hotwomen.com), which has become one of tunate few with the means to produce a short film had of inspiration begins to beg the question of marriage, and of the wife and son whose Grimes. $6, Peters Theater, Brown Hall the most popular and widely viewed shorts on Atom what it means to be an artist: to create or to lives will never be the same again. With (816) 415-7590, [email protected] little hope of finding an audience of more than a few Films. be paid to create? In an attempt to answer the coiled intensity of Tom Stoppard ell.edu (Adult Fare) dozen film festival goers. that question, the story takes a surprising and the embracing empathy of Edward “It started as kind of a joke,” says Chan. “I was having turn landing Alice in a dark wonderland Albee, The Retreat from Moscow shines a The Glass House and Phone Friends by Flash forward ten years and all that has changed. lunch with friends and we were being kind of cyni- where life, art and a great many other breathtakingly natural light on the fallout of Jonas Jonasson: Nov 3-6: 8pm Thr-Sat; Thanks to—what else?—the Internet. cal about the [film] industry. I said, ‘If I put twelve curious things collide. A high-energy, a shattered marriage. Tickets from $15-$25, 2pm Sun. multimedia production, Painted Alice is Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main Street (816) By Icelandic playwright/radio personality Like a technological Deus Ex Machina, the internet hot women in a movie, I don’t need a plot.’” Right or comic exploration of the battle between 531-7529, www.unicorntheatre.org (Adult Jonas Jonasson. Directed by Kim B. Harris. has given rise to what’s referred to as a “point-to- wrong, what Chan did need was a short film for his love and labor. Directed by Cynthia Fare) Call for Ticket Prices, Peters Theater, Brown point” online film market. Today’s animators and directing portfolio. Months later, “12 Hot Women” Hall (816) 415-7590, wjctheatre@william. filmmakers now have the power to self-promote became that film, and Chan’s vision of an elite crime Union Station jewell.edu (Adult Fare) and distribute their work to a potential audience of fighting team of supermodels wearing tiny bikinis and Kansas City Repertory millions. And if you think that number is unrealis- toting big guns had begun screening at a number of “Give ‘em Hell, Harry” William Inge Center for the Arts* by Samuel Gallu: Oct 7- Inge Center Play Development Readings tic, consider that the hilarious animated short “This film festivals. Nov 6: 8pm Fri-Sat; 10: by Evan Smith, Alice Tuan: Nov 5: 2pm, Land,” which lampooned Kerry and Bush in the run “I think we were at the Palm Springs Film Festival,” 30am Wed; 7pm Tue- 7:30pm Sat. up to the 2004 presidential contest, was, according to Thr; 3pm Sat; 2pm Sun. Rehearsed readings of works by current Chan recalls, “and the content manager for Atom its host site, Atom Films (atomfilms.com), streamed to The Rep brings to Inge House Playwrights-in-Residence Films saw it.” He not only saw it but he liked it nearly ten million unique viewers in the weeks prior life one of the most Alice Tuan and Evan Smith. Featuring enough to approach Chan to discuss streaming “12 important figures in professional guest artists. “Post Office Box” to the election. Hot Women” at atomfilms.com. Since then, Chan’s Kansas City history by Alice Tuan at 2 p.m. and “Daughters of IFilm, (ifilm.com), another popular media streaming film has had more than half a million hits and con- - Harry S. Truman, Genius,” by Evan Smith, at 7:30 p.m. Free, the haber-dasher who William Inge Theatre, 58 Road (800) 842- site, claims to deliver more than 30 million streams tinues to receive positive ratings and feedback from became president. 6063, [email protected] (Adult to over 20 million visitors every month. As more and viewers worldwide. The film has been so popular, in Come to the Oval Office Fare) R more filmmakers take advantage of high-quality digi- fact, that management at Atom Films has encouraged as this unpretentious tal video cameras and low-cost editing software, those Chan to make a sequel. Missourian copes ONLINE FILM numbers can be expected to grow even more. with the challenges of Success like this is far from typical, of course. Direc- leading America. The Continued from page 2 “Point-to-point” has allowed me to do small things tors and writers of mediocre talent will always far man who doted on his the times have been a changin’. So on a small budget for a big audience,” says Kansas outnumber gifted artists like Alan Chan and Kendal daughter, answered to his better half, and the next time you agree to work City writer/director Kendal Sinn. When he isn’t writ- Sinn. But it’s clear that point-to-point online content never became too grand for coffee and a credit—whether ing, shooting or editing his 15-episode online serial streaming has created opportunities for talented film- to chat with neighbors you’re in New York or Kansas “Shadow Falls,” Sinn uses the internet to create buzz makers—and, by extension, actors, cinematographers, at his Independence City or Boise—take comfort in the for the macabre, highly stylized show. Visitors to his costumers, and production designers—that only ten home. Gary Neal fact that, thanks to online film dis- web site, www.gunnpark.com, can stream trailers that years ago simply didn’t exist. Johnson will portray Truman in this show to tribution, the odds are better than show off the series’ exceptional quality and outstand- I never saw most of the films I worked on in New York. be produced in the H&R ever that your dedication and hard ing production design. I suspect that very few people did. But, since then, Block City Stage Theatre work will find an appreciative au- in Union Station. dience. R For Sinn, “Shadow Falls” is the result of a lifetime of Continued on page 15 16 • KCSTAGE “Nothing is so difficult but that it may be found out by seeking.” ~ Jean Racine NOVEMBER 2005 • 1 M A C A W A R D S F R I N G E F E S T I V A L S C O N T E N T S MAC Awards Millions Statewide Creating the U.S. Association there are several big-name acts MAC 2005 Grant Awards - Kansas City Area ‘guaranteed’ to be at each of the The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) recently of Fringe Festivals by Angie Fiedler • [email protected] various fringe festivals throughout completed the first phase of its granting for Organization Program Award the country. fiscal year 2005. MAC granted 248 awards Aha! Dance Theatre Da $1,219 During the weekend of October 7- American Jazz Museum Md $6,740 totaling $2,033,083 to nonprofit organizations 9, representatives of nine (out of a Another aspect of the meeting Arts Incubator Of Kansas City Va $7,939 involved sharing and comparing throughout Missouri. Black Archives Of Mid-America Map $6,250 total thirteen invited) Fringe Festi- information such as application Funds were granted to support programs in Central Missouri State University Li $1,000 vals across the United States met in City In Motion Dance Theater Da $4,258 fees (everything from $100 to al- arts education, arts services, community arts, Minneapolis to start the process of City Of Kansas City Missouri Arts $3,500 creating a US Association of Fringe most $500), how the applications dance, electronic media, festivals, literature, City Of Kansas City Missouri Fest $6,252 Festivals. Cheryl Kimmi, coordina- are chosen (some are juried, some multidiscipline, music, theater, visual arts, Civic Opera Theater Mu $6,759 not, some it’s first come, some do a Filmfest Kansas City Me $3,048 tor of the KC Fringe Festival, at- established institutions, folk arts, mid-sized lottery system), total ticketed atten- organizations, minority arts, and touring. Fine Arts Chorale Mu $3,527 tended and came back with a sense Folly Theater Mid $4,642 of accomplishment. “It was inter- dance (and whether there are ‘other PAGE 3: Steven Eubank of Eubank Productions packs his bags and Missouri arts professionals and community heads to New York this month. Foresight Fine Arts Studio Map $11,124 esting hearing everyone’s stories, attendance’, such as the KC Fringe’s representatives serve on citizen advisory Friends Of Chamber Music Mid $16,287 and seeing how each festival had to having the Kansas City Public Li- FEATURES panels to assist with the granting process. Heart Of America Shakespeare Festival Mid $9,267 brary’s space available for no ticket), Heartland Men’s Chorus Mu $2,900 be different because they were in a Online Cinema Opens Doors to Filmmakers...... 2 The advisory panels reviewed and scored Icelandic Drama ...... 4 Kansas City Art Institute Va $4,206 different market,” Kimmi said. and total box office revenue (and the the applications. A formula was applied to A Night at the... Opera?...... 5 Kansas City Artists Coalition Va $5,567 ‘cut’ each festival takes). each application’s score creating a funding Kansas City Ballet Ei $36,707 “We kicked off the meeting by go- recommendation. This was presented to “It was good to have everybody’s NOTES Kansas City Chamber Orchestra Mu $2,895 ing around the group and sharing MAC Awards Millions Statewide ...... 16 and approved by the Missouri Arts Council Kansas City Chorale Mu $4,387 who we were and what our festivals like numbers to compare,” Kimmi board. Review criteria include artistic Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee Me $12,765 were like. It took the better part of said, “and to hear the various rea- SPOTLIGHT Kansas City Friends Of Alvin Ailey Mid $10,214 quality, community involvement, and the first day,” Kimmi continued. “It sons why. For example, New York Steven Eubank...... 3 Kansas City Harmony Mu $1,000 has the highest percentage of take management ability. Kansas City Singers Mu $6,305 was an interesting mix - from the of the gate - with a 50/50 split with STAND INS The list of fiscal year 2005 awards does not Kansas City Symphony Ei $60,838 experienced to the novice. We had Auditions...... 17 include mini grants, arts grants supporting Kansas City Young Audiences Md $8,899 everyone from Orlando (who was the artists, but after 9/11, security Calendar...... 6 Lewis and Clark activities, school Kemper Museum Ei $23,067 the oldest, at 14 years) to Washing- has become intense there and the Film Clips ...... 5 Lyric Opera Of Kansas City Ei $25,786 Performances ...... 6 touring grants, arts education grants or ton, DC, who’s planning their first coordinators of the New York Mid-America Arts Alliance Arts $44,000 Fringe barely break even with that organizational development grants that will Midwest Center For The Literary Arts Li $5,347 fringe for next year.” A majority of be awarded throughout the remainder of the Missouri Repertory Theatre Ei $14,450 the people around the table were percentage.” CREW fiscal year. Nelson-Atkins Museum Of Art Ei $21,143 the founders and/or the directors, The biggest issue was getting NewEar Mu $1,493 Managing Editor ...... Richard Buswell Grants and operating expenses are and the four cities that didn’t at- Graphic Design ...... Bryan Colley Paul Mesner Puppets Th $2,209 international performers to the funded by the Missouri Cultural Trust, Subscriber Rep ...... Tricia Kyler Bowling Rockhurst University Li $2,018 tend were mainly not there due to fringe. Most of the fringe festivals National Endowment for the Arts, and an Webmaster ...... Scott Bowling Society For Contemporary Photography Va $5,688 conflicts. have applications coming from all Marketing...... Angie Fiedler appropriation from the Missouri General Summerfest Concerts Mu $1,788 The goal of the Association is to over, and since fringe festivals are Lackey...... Diane Bulan Assembly. Organizations interested in Surface Design Association Va $3,827 big in places such as Canada and Swope Community Builders Map $17,208 not only partner with other festi- applying for a grant for their art projects Edinburgh, the situation will only are encouraged to contact the Missouri Arts The Coterie Th $22,990 vals - sharing contacts, ideas, and Unicorn Theatre Mid $8,523 challenges - but to also establish a get bigger. However, getting into Council toll free at (866) 407-4752 or visit the University Of Missouri Li $15,015 America is becoming more of an KCSTAGE MAC website at www.missouriartscouncil. national touring circuit of the vari- Volume 07 • No. 11 • Issue 74 • November 2005 William Jewell College Md $19,288 issue, and most international ap- [email protected] • 816-361-2325 R ous festivals - hopefully by 2007. org. Wylliams/Henry Danse Theatre Da $16,372 plications have to have their casts PO Box 410492 • Kansas City, MO 64141-0492 Youth Symphony Association Mu $9,382 “The idea is to get the festival dates close together,” said Kimmi, “so ready and visas for each member Dec. Submission Deadline: Nov 10 Program Abbreviations: Arts=Arts Services; Aep=Arts Education; Cap=Community of the cast and crew months in www.kcstage.com Arts; Da=Dance; Me=Electronic Media Arts; Fest=Festivals; Li=Literature; each group can plan, and the fes- Md=Multidiscipline; Mu=Music; Th=Theater; Va=Visual Arts; Ei=Established tival artists could feasibly go from advance. Institutions; Folk=Missouri Folk Arts; Mid=Mid-Sized Arts Organization; Map=Minority © Copyright 2005 by KC Stage. All material contained in this publication is festival to festival.” The hopes are the property of KC Stage. Any use, duplication, or reproduction of any or Arts; Tour=Missouri Touring Kimmi was constantly intrigued by all content of this publication is prohibited except with the express written to follow Canada’s model, where the various ideas and suggestions permission of KC Stage. KC Stage is a member of the Just Off Broadway Continued on page 4 Theatre Association. Printing by CopyMax. R NOVEMBER 2005 • 17 A U D I T I O N S

Belton High School Theatre* Kacico Dance* (Professional) Olathe Community Theater* Zombie Prom: Nov 29-Dec 1: 3pm Tue- Dancer Auditions through Nov 28 Fortinbras by Lee Blessing: Nov 5-6: 12pm Thr. Kacico Dance, a professional contemporary Sat-Sun. This show is a fun and odd combination dance co in KC seeking highly trained The play calls for 10 men between the of the styles and music of Little Shop of dancers, male and female, for 2006 season ages of 20 and 60 and 4 women between Horrors, Grease, and The Rocky Horror with the potential of future seasons. A the ages of 20 and 60. Auditioners Show. Belton High School students grades monthly salary of $500-$750 for Feb-Oct, are encouraged to prepare a 2-minute 9-12 are eligible to audition. Cast size will 2006. A 25 hr/wk rehearsal schedule with monologue, although readings from the be approximately 7 men and 7 women. All training in modern, ballet, yoga, improv, script will be available. All auditioners roles will act, sing, and dance. Auditions contact improv. Advanced level modern should read the play prior to the auditions will include 16-24 bars of a prepared dance, performing experience plus strong and should also read Hamlet if they song in musical comedy style, a dance training in ballet, good physical condition, haven’t already. Callbacks, if necessary, audition, and cold readings at callbacks. and teachable attitude are a must. BA or will follow Sunday’s auditions. Directed Performances are February 16-19, 2006. BFA is preferred. Improv, contact improv, by Art Suskin. Olathe Community Directed by Joel Short,. Belton High tap, pointe, acting, vocal and teaching Theater, 500 East Loula, (816) 932-9146, Forum Theatre, 107 W. Pirate Parkway, experience helpful. Send resume with 3 www.olathetheatre.org (816) 348-2721, [email protected] references, photo, 3 min performance video, and a statement about what your goals are Park University Theatre* City Theatre of Independence* in the next 5 years. Audition will consist Play It Again, Sam by Woody Allen: Nov Having Our Say, The Delany Sisters’ First of modern, ballet, improv, tap, contact 21: 6:30pm Mon. 100 Years by Emily Mann: Dec 5-6: 7pm improv, vocals, and interview. Audition Park University Theatre exists primarily Mon-Tue. cutoff date is 11/28/05. Include your e- as an interdisciplinary academic program Featuring two African-American Women. mail address. Confirmation, directions and in service to the Park University student Auditions will be open to all. Auditions additional audition info will be sent via e- body. Theatre Department auditions are will consist of cold readings from the script. mail. Go to www.kacicodance.org for info. open to all students, faculty, staff, and Scripts will be available for checkout (w/ $5 Contact Michelle Brown, Artistic Director, members of the community. The Theatre deposit) at the Sermon Center main desk with any questions. Kacico Dance, 8621 Department joyfully embraces equal two weeks prior to auditions. Directed by S. Buckner Tarsney Rd., (816) 578-4721, opportunity casting policies for persons Nancy Eppert. Roger T. Sermon Center, www.kacicodance.org from all racial, ethnic, and national 201 North Dodgion, (816) 325-7367, backgrounds. Directed by marsha morgan. www.citytheatreofindependence.org Lawrence Community Theatre Featuring 3 men, 8 women. Auditions Beau Jest by Alan Menken: Nov 28-29: 7pm consist of cold readings from the script. Hype7 (Professional) Mon-Tue. Jenkin & Barbara David Theater, Alumni Hypothetical 7 Comedy Troupe : Nov 2-3: Directed by Charles Whitman. Featuring Hall, Park University Home Campus, 8pm Wed-Thr. Sarah Goldman: young professional, Chris: (816) 584-6450, captain.park.edu/theatre The Hypothetical 7 has been performing her boyfriend, Bob: her escort, Joel: her sketch and improvisational comedy in brother, Miriam: her mother, Abe: her Theatre Atchison, Inc. the KC/Lawrence area for a dozen years. father. Lawrence Community Theatre, Love, Sex & the IRS by Billy Van Zandt & We’re looking to cast 5 new performers 1501 New Hampshire St., (785) 843-7469, Jane Milmore: Dec 6-7: 7pm Tue-Wed. of any age or experience level. We’re theatre.lawrence.com Auditions will consist of cold readings offering 2 possible audition dates - you from the script with other actors Directed only need to attend one. Wed. 11/2 at The Mystery Train (Professional) by Walt Boyd. Theatre Atchison, Inc., 401 8pm in Lawrence, KS - RM 235 Murphy A Christmas Conundrum : Oct 31-Nov 1: Santa Fe, (913) 367-1647, www.theatre Hall, Univ. of Kansas, OR Thurs. 11/3 at 5pm Mon-Tue. atchison.org R pm in KC - Westport Coffeehouse Theater. Interactive murder mystery dinner theater Directed by Matthew Reiss. For more is holding auditions for their Christmas audition information, go to hype7.com. show. Seeking two females, one male. To get an idea about the troupe’s style of Opening show is November 25th, closes comedy, check out hypotheticalseven.com Jan 7th. There is performance pay. for video and audio clips. Westport Auditions by appointment only. Prepare Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania, (913) a comic monologue. There will also be 262-9693, www.hype7. com cold readings from the script. Call for appointment or more information. The Mystery Train, Union Cafe, (816) 813- 9654, [email protected] Non Profit Org KCSTAGE U.S. Postage Paid PO Box 410492 Kansas City, MO 641 Kansas City, MO Permit No. 1790 64141-0492

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