ANNA JENNINGS www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 1 Showbiz

Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall istration includes AKT dues for 2010 The University of Central Missouri membership and includes a dinner Wind Ensemble, under the direction Saturday night. Registration is $35 of Scott Lubaroff, director of bands per person. All performers and in the UCM Department of Music, workshops participants must pay will travel to New York City this the full-day registration price of month to perform in Carnegie Hall $35. To register contact TCTA CEO as part of the Carnegie Hall Concert Carole Ries at 3028 SW 8 Avenue, Top Billing Series. A total of 54 students will Topeka KS 66606, carole@topekac Spotlight on Natalie Weaver ...... 2 make the trip, and the cost for trans- ivictheatre.com, or 785-357-5213. Starring portation, housing and meals comes The registration form for AKT Preserving the Enchanted Years of the Stage...... 3 to $1,600 per person. Students and March Theatre Madness is online their families are doing what they at topekacivictheatre.com/promo/ Notes can to cover the expenses, but the marchmadness.php. The registra- Carol Ries Retiring ...... 4 group also is seeking financial assis- tion deadline is Friday, March 5. Stand-Ins tance. For more information on the Auditions...... 16 Calendar ...... 8 Wind Ensemble performance at Inge House Residents Named Film Clips...... 16 Carnegie Hall, including ticket infor- The Inge Center welcomes Spring Performances ...... 6 Showbiz ...... 1 mation for the performance, contact 2010 Inge House Playwrights-in- Lubaroff at [email protected] or Residence David Rush and Chisa Cast of Characters Scott Bowling ...... Webmaster 660-543-4680. Hutchinson, who will draw inspira- Richard Buswell ...... Managing Editor tion for new scripts by living in the Bryan Colley ...... Graphic Designer Angie Fiedler Sutton ...... Associate Editor March Theatre Madness William Inge Historic Family Home Anna Jennings ...... Special Events The Association of Kansas Theatre in Independence. During their two- Tricia Kyler Bowling...... Subscriber Rep (AKT) invites you to attend their month residency, the writers enjoy Letters to the Editor ...... [email protected] annual gathering, March Theatre time to write and will receive a devel- Madness at the Topeka Civic The- opmental reading of one of their atre & Academy, 3028 SW 8 Avenue works, with the aid of numerous on Saturday, March 20 from 8 am guest artists. They will also instruct to 8 pm. The day will include work- for the Inge Center's Professional shops, networking and idea sharing, Playwriting Certificate program an afternoon of 10 minute theatre at Independence Community Col- pieces and volunteer hosted dinner. lege. The Inge Center is best known The morning will include two work- for its annual William Inge Theatre shops of your choice in the areas Festival. The 29th festival takes place of acting, dance, improv comedy, April 21-24 and honors Paula Vogel. or music theatre. The afternoon of For more information on Inge Center 10 Minute Theatre Madness will activities, visit www.ingecenter.org include 10 minute plays, directing or call (620) 332-5492 or (800) 842- KCVol. 12 • No.STAGE 5 • Issue 127 • March 2010 scenes or staged readings from a 6063 ext. 5835. [email protected] • 816-361-2325 script. Entries are not required to PO Box 410492 • Kansas City, Missouri 64141-0492 April Submission Deadline: March 10 have a theatre organization sponsor- MAC promotes Michael Donovan www.kcstage.com ing their group, but all performers The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) © Copyright 2010 by KC Stage. All material contained in this pub- lication is the property of or licensed for use by KC Stage. Any use, must be registered for the March has selected Michael Donovan to be duplication, or reproduction of any or all content of this publication is prohibited except with the express written permission of KC Stage or Theatre Madness conference. Reg- Continued on page 4 the original copyright holders. Printing by First Choice. R

www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 1 Spotlight on Natalie Weaver by Anna Jennings

Natalie Weaver is an Equity actor, with a music theater of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play where she played degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Lana Sherwood. Later this season (March 12-April 25), a “very long name for a very tiny school” as she says. you can see her in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Since getting her degree in 2003 she has worked on the again on the AHT stage. “I am Woman 2, which is the education side of theater, as well as serving as the edu- lower voice, and it’s hilarious! It starts with a single 30- cational director for the Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival something and the first song is ‘Single Men Drought.’ for several years, as well as directing their children’s Immediately, you know where we’re headed, ‘I can’t theater. “This past summer I had 80 kids, ages 5-13, put believe I’m on this date right now with the man who on a full production of Beauty and the Beast. It was not won’t shut up!’ It starts with 4 single people in the show an easy task, but it was very enjoyable.” and one of the couples ends up getting married, then Before moving to Kansas City in August, Weaver there are kids, and by the end it’s this little old couple. lived in New York where she did some Off-Broadway, You see the progression of relationships and how good workshops, and was in and out of the studio record- or horrible they can be. I’m really excited about it.” ing for composers, new musicals, and herself. She was Besides the theaters, Weaver is an avid fan of both also in Texas where she worked as a resident actor the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and Nelson- and taught an Intro to Musical Theater Class. “I enjoy Atkins Museum. “The pride that this community takes doing both, but I’m delighted I’ve stayed so busy as in their arts is quite incredible. The Kemper Museum’s an actor. I became an actor because I wanted to be an my favorite to go to on a Sunday morning for brunch educator. I refuse to be a teacher who’s never done it. before a matinee. It’s such a small museum; you can I won’t teach strictly textbook material, I want to talk have brunch and see everything in an hour. They cur- to them about the experiences and what it’s like to be rently have an instillation of Dale Chihuly, who is my an actor.” Weaver is planning on teaching a couple favorite artist.” of theater camps for Blue Valley Rec this summer, but When asked about favorite roles, Weaver admits, “I in her off time, she enjoys playing Scrabble with her don’t really know why, I’m constantly cast as the bitch, boyfriend. the slut, or the slutty bitch. I’ve always wanted to play Weaver never intended to be an actor and didn’t Belle from Beauty and the Beast, but I’m tall, and no one start acting until she was a junior in college. “I was a would ever consider me because they always want these music major and I was dead-set that I was going to go little 5’4” princesses.” Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival’s into music. I was going to sing and be a music educa- artistic director told Weaver that they were consider- tor. My daddy’s a band director and I thought that I ing doing Beauty and the Beast. Weaver replied, “Great! would do something in his field. My sophomore year I want to play Belle.” When told she was awfully tall, of college some of the music students were pulled to Weaver quipped, “So you’ll hire a Beast who’s taller.” do a theater production of Grease in my little junior And they did! “I finally got to play the sweet princess. college. I caught the bug, and my junior year I flipped That was wonderful. I loved it because it was so different universities and went to Southeastern Oklahoma State than when I’m usually cast. I love the roles that I play, University, became a music theater major and never I love that I’m a character actor. I love that I get to be looked back.” Now she’s part of the Blue Star Awards sassy and spunky onstage, but it’s nice to be looked at here in Kansas City. “I go to these high school produc- for something different.” tions and think ‘I never did anything like this in high Now that she’s crossed Belle off her list of dream school.’ It wasn’t until college that I said ‘Oh, what’s rolls, her next target is, “Sally Bowles in Cabaret. I haven’t that? What are they doing? I want to do it!’ And that’s done it yet and the clock’s ticking. I like the vulnerability how it evolved.” with strength that she has. She’s this complex character She came to Kansas City with the attitude, “Ok, KC, that possesses so many emotions, soft but hard, jaded let’s go. I’m ready to work!” Her first gig in Kansas City yet incredibly vulnerable. I think that would be a chal- was in American Heartland Theater’s (AHT) production Continued on page 15

2 KCSTAGE “There is nothing duller on the screen than being accurate but not dramatic.” ~ Darryl F. Zanuck www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 3 Preserving the Enchanted Years of the Stage by Christina Andrade

The Grand Opera House in Kansas City, Missouri, UMRB

escaped demolition in 1926, but faced the dilemma again

in 2007. Many residents came to its defense; one of the COURTESY prominent faces was that of Felicia Hardison Londré, Professor of Theatre at the University of Missouri- Kansas City. When news of the planned demolition began circulating three years ago, she enlisted the aid of students and devoted herself to documenting and saving the Grand. Londré did not want to see the theatre destroyed, not only because it was the last surviving shell of a nineteenth-century theatre in Kansas City but also because of its pivotal role in the city’s history. Built in 1891, Grand Opera House welcomed an audi-

ence totaling seven million to 8,800 performances during Dr. Felicia Hardison Londré its twenty-two years of operation under the original owners, Mel Hudson and Abraham Judah. It became Several years ago, Londré founded the Patricia McIl- a premiere theatre in Kansas City, thanks in part to its rath Center for Mid-American Theatre, named for the beloved manager. “Sometimes,” Londré explains, “an beloved late founder of Missouri Repertory Theatre actor would be hired to play Coates Opera House, but and longtime chair of UMKC’s Department of Theatre. the first thing he would do was to go over to the Grand The Center is home to hundreds of books on regional and say hello to Mr. Judah.” theater, with a wall specifically devoted to Kansas City The topic of Abraham Judah brings some sadness to stage history; newspaper clippings, photographs, and Londré’s usually upbeat manner: the Grand was demol- other artifacts from the Grand Opera House occupy ished earlier this year. “I would have liked to save his two thick binders on that wall. “My dream was to start theatre,” she sighs, “but I guess he would have under- a center for the study of regional American theatre,” stood. During Mr. Judah’s lifetime, he saw how a city says Londré. “I think local history is a very important changes and how ways of life change. Unfortunately, thing: we’ve lost a lot of our history, and that’s really in our time, it was not economically feasible to convert sad, but the historian can do something to perpetuate the building into a theatre museum or any other use we that memory.” could conceive. Meanwhile the taxes, insurance, and This historian is doing quite a bit to perpetuate perhaps structural instability made it a liability for the memory: her graduate-level courses focus on French, owners, headed by Jonathan Kemper, a generous and Russian/Soviet, and American theatre history, and she committed historic preservationist. It was the city that often encourages students to write on Kansas City the- finally ordered demolition.” atre. Londré herself is the proud author of The Enchanted As a Curators’ Professor of Theatre, Londré has taught Years of the Stage: Kansas City at the Crossroads of American theatre history and dramaturgy at UMKC for 31 years. Theatre, 1870—1930 (2007). She starts by documenting Twenty-three of those years were spent researching the the city’s stage history in its humble beginnings, when historical and cultural settings of all the plays in each traveling troupes performed on the second floor of stores season of the Missouri Repertory Theatre (now known and saloons. Often, the stage was “just a platform—no as the Kansas City Repertory Theatre). This work has proscenium arch, no scenery, no curtain.” given her a wealth of stories, as well as a strong back- This all changed in 1870, when the first theatre was ground in research; both are invaluable in her teaching constructed in Kansas City: “not a the-ay-ter,” she and writing. “At the peak, we got up to eight shows a drawls, “not like the places the cowboys went to see year, and my essays got better and better, as one would saloon gals on 4th Street and Walnut Street, but a real expect! I learned a lot about writing,” she says. Continued on page 14

2 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 3 Carole Ries Retiring u Showbiz continued from page 1

Carole Ries, president & CEO of the had the opportunity to serve the assistant director. He will be filling Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy theatre, the Theatre Club and the the combined positions of assistant (TCTA) announced today that she endowment. I will be an advisor director for programs and assistant has set her retirement date for the during the process of transitioning director for administration. The lat- end of the fiscal year, August 31, to new leadership and will assist ter position was vacated when Bill 2010. Ries spent the last ten and where needed.” Meerbott retired in 2009. Michael a half years at the helm of TCTA. Scott Nellis, president of the has been with MAC for over five chairman of the board, Scott Nellis, board of trustees said, “I have years and was formerly the program has appointed a search and transi- been very fortunate to benefit from specialist for Community Arts and tion team to conduct a search for a Carole’s experience in the theatre Touring, among other responsi- new president & CEO. business and the considerable skill bilities. Prior to joining the state Ries stated “I’m proud to she has brought to bear on TCTA’s arts council, he was the editor of a have served TCTA over the past behalf. She has made my job much publication on fundraising events ten years and have particularly easier by virtue of her strong com- for nonprofits, directed a cultural enjoyed working with such an mand of this organization.” Marge center, and worked for a united arts incredible team of staff, board Schepker, vice chair of the board of fund. He has served on boards of members and volunteers. I’ve had trustees said, “We’re very happy community and arts organizations, so many opportunities to learn and for Carole. Retirement will afford been an avid volunteer for the arts, grow. Guiding the theatre through Carole many wonderful opportuni- and worked in the arts for over 25 the Oldfather capital campaign to ties that aren’t possible while being years. He received his Masters in raise $2.8 million to renovate the old employed full-time. We’re very Community Arts Management Gage School and its auditorium into sad because we are losing a greatly from the University of Illinois, a teaching theatre for young people respected leader in our community. Springfield and a Bachelor of Arts is an experience I will never forget. She leaves very tough shoes to fill.” in Studio Art from the University When I first came here, I said over Shannon Reilly, artistic director of of Missouri–Kansas City. and over that I’d never seen a city TCTA, says “The theatre is going that loves its theatre like Topeka to greatly miss Carole’s leadership Inspiration Grant Deadline loves TCTA. The support of our and wishes her the best of luck in Check out the new guidelines community leaders and businesses her retirement.” for Inspiration Grants for artists as co-producers and in every way Prior to coming to TCTA, from the ArtsKC Fund. Funds are possible is unmatched in my expe- Ries served 10 years as executive awarded three times a year, and the rience. As I move on to whatever director for the Fort Lauderdale next deadline to begin the applica- awaits me in retirement, I’m sure Children’s Theatre and 16 years as tion process is March 15. Inspiration I will continue to stay connected administrative director for Theatre Grants are investments in human to TCTA and the extended family Memphis. R capital designed to support artists it represents. I’m honored to have and arts professionals in career enhancing projects and opportuni- ties. Details at www.artskc.org.

Charlotte Street Benefit Charlotte Street Foundation is plan- ning its first benefit event ever and is seeking artists of all disciplines to be at the center of it! For one night on October 10, they will transform

4 KCSTAGE “Literature is the art of writing something that will be read twice; journalism what will be grasped at once.” ~ Cyril Connelly www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 5 u Showbiz

a downtown parking garage into an honoree will receive a specially com- Director ([email protected]) urban destination. Individual park- missioned work of art by ceramicist at (816) 931-2232 x 1309 or Jeffrey ing spots will serve as the sites for Rain Harris. Visit www.artskc.org Bentley ([email protected]) at art installations, live performances, for details. (816) 753-8787. A virtual tour of and other artist-driven projects, as the renovations is available online well as for food and drink stations, KC Ballet Receives $900,000 at the Kansas City Ballet website: cocktail lounges, picnic areas, President of Kansas City Ballet Board www.kcballet.org. and other mobile elements. Their of Directors Siobhan McLaughlin vision is of a high-energy party Lesley and Capital Campaign Steer- MoACT Seeking One-Acts spreading throughout the parking ing Committee Co-Chair Dr. John The Missouri Association of Com- garage, where guests of all walks of Hunkeler announced today that munity Theatres (MoACT) is life mix and celebrate amidst and The Kresge Foundation has selected seeking unproduced, unpublished among a series of wildly diverse Kansas City Ballet as a recipient of one-act plays. MoACT will select six installations, destinations, happen- a $900,000 challenge grant toward plays to be performed August 28 at ings, and experiences. At the end the completion of the Todd Bolender the Theatre On The Fly II festival, of the night, everything packs up Center for Dance and Creativity, in a staged Reader’s Theater for- and drives away. They are seeking the company’s future home. The mat. Festival details will be posted artists of all disciplines interested in challenge grant requires the Ballet on this website in the very near creating installations, performances, to raise $3 million over the next 18 future. *Plays must be unproduced events and environments. Artists/ months, toward the total remain- prior to August 28. The plays will teams of artists will be selected ing campaign goal of $5.8 million, be performed at Presser Hall, in the through a proposal process, and to receive Kresge funds. The historic beautiful 900-seat theater, in Mexico will be awarded a materials budget Power House building on the west Mo. Plays must be received by May to fuel their creations. The applica- edge of the Union Station campus 1, 2010. Plays must be one-act plays, tion deadline is March 15. Details at is currently being renovated as the at least 30 minutes, but no more than www.charlottestreet.org. future home of Kansas City Ballet. 60 minutes in length. Plays must be Named in honor of Todd Bolender, written by a current resident of Mis- ArtsKC Awards Luncheon who served as Artistic Director souri age 17 or older. Plays must be Now in its 7th year, the ArtsKC from 1981 to 1995, the Center will a comedy/drama; no musicals will Awards Luncheon have become provide a permanent home for the be considered. Scripts can be sub- one of Kansas City’s most popular Ballet company as well as increase mitted in hard copy, Word (.doc), events! Selling out to crowds of space for its highly regarded train- or Adobe (PDF) format. Submitted over 500 business, civic, and arts ing academy, boasting a current Scripts will not be returned. There is leaders, the event features some enrollment of 600 students at two a $10.00 per play processing fee, to of Kansas City’s best visual and campuses, downtown and Johnson be paid by check or money order to performing arts talent. This year's County. The $39 million project, MoACT. The processing fee, along event includes performances by including a $7 million endowment with scripts submitted by mail, Heart of America Barbershop to support the building’s operating must be received at MoACT no later Chorus, Wylliams/Henry Contem- costs once it is open, is within 15% than May 1. The entry from can be porary Dance Company, HYBRID: of achieving its fundraising goal. downloaded from www.moact.com. Theatre Collective, and Percussion Anyone interested in learning Fill it out and send with script and Group Kansas City. Six businesses more about the capital campaign check or money order to: MoACT and two individuals will be honored for the Bolender Center or Kansas c/o Ann Stinebaker 1739 Redbird on March 5 for their extraordinary City Ballet in general, can contact Cove St Louis, Mo. 63144 Scripts support of the arts community. Each Jennifer Wampler , Development Continued on page 13

4 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 5 Performances www.kcstage.com/performances American Heartland Theatre Broadway Karaoke Night: Christian Youth Theater I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Mar 12-Nov 12: 10:30 pm Fri Peter Pan by Joe DePietro and Jimmy Roberts Come out to The Barn and sing your favor- Feb 25-Mar 7: 7 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sat- Mar 12-Apr 25: 8 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sat- ite Broadway Show tunes with a live band! Sun; 10 am Fri Sun; 7:30 pm Sun, Tue-Thr; 1 pm Wed; The Barn Players, 6219 Martway St, (913) Peter Pan is one of Broadway’s most 4 pm Sat 432-9100, www.thebarnplayers.org famous musicals. It has been staged in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change New York more than any other show in celebrates the universal theme of love and The Barstow School the history of Broadway. Recent produc- pokes fun at the life experiences we all go Curtains by Kander & Ebb tions of Peter Pan starred Sandy Duncan through by exploring every aspect of rela- Mar 4-6: 7 pm Thr-Sat in the 80’s and in the 90’s Cathy Rigby of tionships — the joys of dating, romance, Directed by Bob Kohler. $8. The Barstow Olympic fame who toured the country with marriage, lovers, babies, husbands, wives... School, 11511 State Line Rd, (816) 942- tremendous success. This timeless tale will and in-laws. Always funny and fresh, it’s 3255, www.barstowschool.org grab everyone who is young at heart and well-suited for the new couple looking to who still believe in fairies. Come fly with us see what life’s going to be like or for the to a place where dreams are born and time husband and wife that have been through Belton High School Theatre* never passes! $9 for adults, $8 under 12 it all and still say “I love you, you’re perfect, Magic, Mystery, and Mayhem years, $5 family shows, $10 at the door. don’t change.” $20 - $35 depending on Mar 6: 2 pm, 7 pm Sat The Bell Center, Mid America Nazarene day and time of performance. American Belton High School Theatre Department University, 2030 East College Way, Olathe, Heartland Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd, presents an evening of Magic, Mystery, (913) 681-3318, www.cytkc.org (816) 842-9999, www.ahtkc.com A and Mayhem -- a benefit to raise funds for the 2010/2011 BHS theatre season. Come join us as 5 award winning magi- The Coterie Theatre The Barn Players, Inc.* cians amaze and astound you with their Spooky Dog: A Scoobydoo Mystery: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels by David Yaz- craft. Tickets are only $5.00 each or Plagiarized & Improvised by Eric Pliner beck and Jeffrey Lane $15.00 for 4. Belton High Forum The- and Amy Rhodes Mar 5-21: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sun atre, 107 Pirate Pkwy, (816) 348-2721, Feb 11-Mar 7: 9 pm Fri-Sat; 7 pm Wed- Based on the 1988 film, the show centers [email protected] Sun on two competing con men living on the Jinkies! It’s time to bone up on your French Riviera. At first, the suave and Scooby snacks and hop on the jivin’ mys- experienced Lawrence Jameson takes the Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre tery mobile as we follow the adventures rookie con man, Freddy, under his wing. Moon River: Johnny Mercer’s American of four ghost-seeking teens: Ted, the all But soon, Freddy tries to compete directly Songbook by David Grapes and Todd Olson American guy; Tiffany, the gorgeous rich with Lawrence. The competition comes to Feb 4-Mar 7: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sun girl; Thelma, the group brainiac; Scraggly, a peak when they agree that the first con Moon River: Johnny Mercer’s American the easygoing hippie, and a dog detective man to extract $50,000 from the female Songbook features 50 songs from 50 years named Spooky, as they attempt o uncover heiress, Christine Colgate, wins and the — from the big band and radio shows of the mystery of the Fairground Phantom. other must leave town forever. Directed the ‘20’s to the great Hollywood film scores Inspired by the long-running cartoon series by Barb Nichols. Featuring Mark Murphy, of the 60’s and 70’s. You’ll hear “Sum- Scooby Doo, Where Are You? Directed by Kevin Bogan, Aurelie Roque, Kipp Sim- merwind,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” Ron Megee. Adults: $15; Youth, Student, mons, Kay Noonan, Andrea Krasnow, “Jeepers Creepers,” “Autumn Leaves,” or Senior: $10. La Esquina (Crossroads Jan Lord, Vanessa Harper, Linda Durrell, “Satin Doll,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” West), 1000 W 25th St., (816) 474-6552, Jaime Scherrer, Sara Jane McAdoo, Jen- “That Old Black Magic,” “Moon River” www.coterietheatre.org A nifer Cannady, Liz Allen, JC Dresslaer, and more! Directed by Brad Zimmerman. Ron McKeown, Michael Murphy, Doug Featuring Jon Daugharthy, Cara Michelle Hartwell, Brian Brewer, Scott Powell, Mitch Fish, Sarah Mae Lamar, and Cary Mock. E.M.U. Theatre 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane Simmons, and Rob Reeder. $15, seniors $21, discounts for seniors, children, & Feb 26-Mar 6: 8 pm Fri-Sat $12, students $7, 10 or more $10. The groups. Chestnut Fine Arts Center & The- A young writer struggles with her demons Barn Players, 6219 Martway St, (913) 432- atre, 234 N Chestnut St, Olathe, (913) in this iconic last work of Sarah Kane. 9100, www.thebarnplayers.org A 764-2121, chestnutfinearts.com Directed by Dan Born. $10. Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire, Lawrence, [email protected] A

*Affiliate Organizations offer discounts to subscribers of KC Stage. Display should be suitable for general audiences. Shows marked with A contain your subscriber card at the box office or mention it when ordering tickets over adult material that may not be appropriate for children under the age of 18. the phone. For a list of discounts and other offers, visit www.kcstage.com. Shows marked C contain material that is specifically intended for children. Don’t forget to rate or review the shows you see online! Please note that these content markings are designated by the individual arts Content Guide: Unless otherwise noted, the subject matter of performances organizations, not by KC Stage.

6 KCSTAGE “I don’t act. I react.” ~ James Stewart www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 7 u Performances

Harriman-Jewell Series Ming Lee, a stonecutter, a circle of wishes, Lawrence Community Theatre Moscow State Radio Symphony each of which Ming Lee thinks will make Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire Orchestra led by Alexi Kornienko him happy. But, during his journey, he dis- Feb 25-Mar 7: 7:30 pm Thr-Sat; Mar 6: 8 pm Sat covers fine hats do not make a fine head. 2:30 pm Sun First formed in 1978 as an ensemble for Directed by Beate Pettigrew. All academic Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, the radio broadcasts, the Orchestra consid- productions are free. Black Box Theatre, drama charts a family’s bittersweet search ered one of Moscow’s best will play an Carlsen Center, 12345 College Blvd, (913) for comfort in the darkest of places and all-Tchaikovsky program for its second 469-8500, www.jccc.edu/theatredept C for a path that will lead them back into Series appearance. Folly Theater, 300 W the light of day. Directed by Piet Knetsch. 12th St, www.hjseries.org Kansas City Ballet Please call or log on for ticket prices. 43rd Annual Ballet Ball Benefit Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 Yo-Yo Ma New Hampshire St, Lawerence, (785) Mar 18: 7:30 pm Thr Mar 6: 8 pm Sat 843-7469, theatrelawrence.com A Yo-Yo Ma is one of the most beloved musi- The Ballet Ball will celebrate dance cians of our day. His multifaceted career is with a Gershwin inspired evening at testament to his continual search for new the Muehlebach Hotel. Patrons will be Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra ways to communicate with audiences, and swept back to the Jazz Age as the Kansas The Spring Classic to his personal desire for artistic growth and City Ballet performs an excerpt of Todd Mar 13: 7:30 pm Sat renewal. The iconic cellist makes his eighth Bolender’s Celebration – a prelude to The spring concert will feature Symphony appearance on the Series. Folly Theater, the May 2010 Kansas City premiere of No. 1 by Brahms, and the Overture to “Ital- 300 W 12th St, www.hjseries.org George Balanchine’s ode to Gershwin, ian in Algiers” by Rossini. Adults $12.00; Who Cares? After dinner, dance the night Students (18 & under) $6.00 when pur- away to Kansas City’s best musical enter- chased in advance. Season tickets available Heartland Men’s Chorus* tainment. Proceeds benefit the Kansas at a discount at www.lssymphony.org. Ber- British Invasion City Ballet. Ticket prices start at $250.00. nard C. Campbell Performing Arts Center Mar 27-28: 8 pm Sat-Sun Muehlebach Hotel, 200 W 12th St, (816) at Lee’s Summit High School, 400 SE Blue The British are coming! The British are 531-7114, www.kcbguild.org Parkway, Lee’s Summit, (816) 401-5251, coming! Where would pop and rock music www.lssymphony.org be without the contributions of our friends from across the pond? From The Beatles Kansas City Repertory Theatre and The Rolling Stones to Elton John and Broke-ology by Nathan Louis Jackson Lied Center of Kansas Queen, we’ll take a “magical mystery tour” Feb 19-Mar 21: 8 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sat- Avenue Q of the UK’s best musical exports. $15 - Sun; 7 pm Sun, Tue-Thr; 3 pm Sat Mar 24: 7:30 pm Wed $30. Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St, (816) An emotionally powerful new work by Avenue Q is the Tony Award-winning 931-3338, www.hmckc.org Kansas City playwright Nathan Louis musical about trying to make it in NYC Jackson. Directed by Kyle Hatley. Call for with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Ticket Prices. Kansas City Repertory The- Struggling to find jobs, significant others Improv-Abilities atre, Copaken Stage, (816) 235-2700, and their reason for living, the characters Cubic Z www.KCRep.org A in Avenue Q collaborate and commiser- Mar 6: 7 pm Sat Bus Stop by William Inge ate over life’s stumbling blocks. Set on a Like Cubic Zirconium, it’s multi-faceted, fictitious New York City street, Avenue Q custom-made, kind of brilliant, and under Mar 12-Apr 3: 8 pm Fri-Sat; 7 pm Sun, Tue-Thr; 2 pm Sat-Sun, Wed features a cast of people and puppets who $10! Cubic Z is our 4-person format for serve up a bounty of laughs while telling this intimate venue. We’ll be joined by Bus Stop tells the story of the night a March blizzard traps eight strangers in a small cafe the story in their smart and risqué way. two other groups in a 7 pm show. Tickets PG-13 Broadway musical comedy. Parental are $6 in advance, $8 at the door to see 30 miles west of Kansas City. A bus driver falls for the bus stop proprietress, a young discretion advised due to language and three groups. Purchase tickets online at adult content. Tickets: $48 adult / $24 www.kcxrc.com/tickets. Directed by Aron local girl becomes fascinated by a professor running away from his failed life back east, student. Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Carlson. $6-$8. The Fish Tank Perfor- Stewart Dr, lied.ku.edu mance Studio, 1715 Wyandotte, (913) and a chorus girl tries to escape a reckless 871-6242, www.kcimprov.com A cowboy determined to marry her. As the Shidara evening wears on, lives are changed, love Mar 10: 7:30 pm Wed is lost and found, and strangers find ways With deep roots in its remote Japanese Johnson County Comm. College to keep each other warm on the coldest village, Shidara’s taiko drumming perfor- Ming Lee and the Magic Tree by Aurand Kansas night. Directed by Steve Cosson. mances are entrenched in the 700-year-old Harris Ticket information available on the web at harvest festival of its home. Recognized Mar 12-14: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm kcrep.org/box_office or call the Box Office as one of the foremost Japanese drum Sat-Sun at 816.235.2700. Kansas City Repertory companies in the world, Shidara creates This children’s play is performed in tradi- Theatre, Spencer Theatre in the UMKC an explosive dynamism onstage, bringing tional Chinese style and tells the story of Performing Arts Center, (816) 235-2700, Japanese history and folklore to each per- a Prince who will be allowed to marry the www.KCRep.org A formance. Blending masterful stick work, Princess of the Stars only if he can find a happy man. In his search, the Prince gives Continued on page 10

6 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 7 KCSTAGE MARCH 2010 *Affiliate Theatre 1 MON 2 TUE 5 FRI 6 SAT 7 SUN NO PERFORMANCES Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre 4.48 Psychosis • E.M.U. Theatre 4.48 Psychosis • E.M.U. Theatre Broadway’s Best • Quality Hill Playhouse Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Arms and the Man • University of Kansas Arms and the Man • University of Kansas Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Broadway’s Best • Quality Hill Playhouse Broadway’s Best • Quality Hill Playhouse Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Young America* Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Footloose • River City Community Players There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly! • Martin Curtains • The Barstow School Cubic Z • Improv-Abilities Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre City Melodrama Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Curtains • The Barstow School Moon River: Johnny Mercer’s American Songbook • Chest- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy nut Fine Arts Theatre Footloose • River City Community Players Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Peter Pan • Christian Youth Theater 3 WED 4 TUE Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Footloose • River City Community Players Puss in Boots • Paul Mesner Puppets* Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Arms and the Man • University of Kansas Young America* Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Rabbit Hole • Lawrence Community Theatre Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Young America* Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Moon River: Johnny Mercer’s American Songbook • Chest- Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Young America* Curtains • The Barstow School nut Fine Arts Theatre Moon River: Johnny Mercer’s American Songbook • Chest- Spooky Dog • The Coterie Theatre Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Peter Pan • Christian Youth Theater nut Fine Arts Theatre Puss in Boots • Paul Mesner Puppets* Young America* Puss in Boots • Paul Mesner Puppets* Peter Pan • Christian Youth Theater Spooky Dog • The Coterie Theatre Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Rabbit Hole • Lawrence Community Theatre Puss in Boots • Paul Mesner Puppets* Moon River: Johnny Mercer’s American Songbook • Chest- Spooky Dog • The Coterie Theatre Rabbit Hole • Lawrence Community Theatre nut Fine Arts Theatre There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly! • Martin Spooky Dog • The Coterie Theatre Peter Pan • Christian Youth Theater City Melodrama There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly! • Martin Puss in Boots • Paul Mesner Puppets* Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train City Melodrama Rabbit Hole • Lawrence Community Theatre Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train Spooky Dog • The Coterie Theatre 8 MON 9 TUE 12 FRI 13 SAT 14 SUN Broadway’s Best • Quality Hill Playhouse Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broadway’s Best • Quality Hill Playhouse Broadway’s Best • Quality Hill Playhouse Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Footloose • River City Community Players Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly! • Martin Footloose • River City Community Players Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* City Melodrama Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Young America* Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Heartland Theatre Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Footloose • River City Community Players Footloose • River City Community Players Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Studio Theatre One-Acts • University of Central Missouri* I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Ming Lee and the Magic Tree • Johnson County Community Heartland Theatre Heartland Theatre College Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Improv Thunderdome. Season 5, Round 3. • The Trip Fives Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre 10 WED 11 THU Young America* Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another Broadway’s Best • Quality Hill Playhouse Broadway’s Best • Quality Hill Playhouse Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Young America* Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Ming Lee and the Magic Tree • Johnson County Community Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant College Ming Lee and the Magic Tree • Johnson County Community Footloose • River City Community Players Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre College Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Footloose • River City Community Players There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly! • Martin Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Young America* Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for City Melodrama Mr. Ug, Caveman • Puppetry Arts Institute Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Young America* Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another Studio Theatre One-Acts • University of Central Missouri* Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Moon for the Misbegotten • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre The Spring Classic • Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra Studio Theatre One-Acts • University of Central Missouri* Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train

15 MON 16 TUE 19 FRI 20 SAT 21 SUN NO PERFORMANCES Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Heartland Theatre Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Young America* Heartland Theatre Heartland Theatre Heartland Theatre

Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage 17 WED 18 THU Young America* Young America* Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Heartland Theatre I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Heartland Theatre Young America* Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Young America* Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage 15 MON 16 TUE 19 FRI 20 SAT 21 SUN NO PERFORMANCES Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Heartland Theatre Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Dirty Rotten Scoundrels • The Barn Players, Inc.* Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Young America* Heartland Theatre Heartland Theatre Heartland Theatre

Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage 17 WED 18 THU Young America* Young America* Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Broke-ology • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Heartland Theatre I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Heartland Theatre Young America* Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Young America* Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage

22 MON 23 TUE 26 FRI 27 SAT 28 SUN NO PERFORMANCES Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre British Invasion • Heartland Men’s Chorus* British Invasion • Heartland Men’s Chorus* Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Heartland Theatre I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Heartland Theatre I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Young America* Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Heartland Theatre Heartland Theatre Young America* Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Young America* Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another 24 WED 25 THU There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly! • Martin Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre City Melodrama Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not Another Undergraduate Student Projects • University of Kansas Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Undergraduate Student Projects • University of Kansas Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train Soles in Motion • University of Central Missouri* I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Undergraduate Student Projects • University of Kansas Heartland Theatre Heartland Theatre Who’s In First? • The Mystery Train Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Young America* Young America* Kiss Me Kate • Musical Theater Heritage Undergraduate Student Projects • University of Kansas

29 MON 30 TUE 2 FRI 3 SAT 4 SUN NO PERFORMANCES Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Ain't She Sweet • Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre Ain't She Sweet • Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Communicating Doors • KCKCC Theatre Department I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change • American Heartland Theatre Communicating Doors • KCKCC Theatre Department Communicating Doors • KCKCC Theatre Department Heartland Theatre Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not another Young America* I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change • American I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change • American Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama Heartland Theatre Heartland Theatre Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for 31 WED 1 THU Young America* Young America* AUDITIONS Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre Ain't She Sweet • Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly! • Martin Sherlock Holmes The Hound of Baskervilles or Not another MAR 1-2 • Lawerence Community Theatre Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Bus Stop • Kansas City Repertory Theatre City Melodrama Dog-Gone Detective Story • Martin City Melodrama MAR 5-6 • Journeyman Theatre Company Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Cactus Flower • New Theatre Restaurant Undergraduate Student Projects • University of Kansas Who's In First? • The Mystery Train MAR 6-7 • Leawood Stage Company I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change • American Communicating Doors • KCKCC Theatre Department Who's In First? • The Mystery Train MAR 8-9 • River City Community Players Heartland Theatre Curtains • Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy MAR 13-14, APR 24-25 • Topeka Civic Theatre Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change • American MAR 20-28 • Kiwanis Club of Excelsior Springs Young America* Heartland Theatre MAR 22-23, APR 3-4, APR 24-25 • The Barn Players, Inc. Undergraduate Student Projects • University of Kansas Junie B Jones and a Little Monkey Business • Theatre for MAR 27 • Chestnut Fine Arts Center Young America* Undergraduate Student Projects • University of Kansas

*Affiliate Theatres offer discount tickets to subscribers of KC Stage. Display your subscriber card at the box office or mention it when ordering tickets over the phone. For a list of discounts and other offers, visit www.kcstage.com. Don’t forget to rate the show you see online! u Performances continued from page 7 exhilarating energy and breakneck speed, Shidara’s powerful, joyous performances MELODRAMA succeed in preserving the folk traditions CITY of Japan through song, music and dance. This is a rare opportunity to see Shidara MARTIN perform outside of Japan. Tickets: $28 adult / $10 student. Lied Center of Kansas,

1600 Stewart Dr, lied.ku.edu COURTESY The Albers Trio Mar 7: 2 pm Sun Accomplished soloists and ensemble musi- cians in their own right, the Albers sisters have a life-long relationship with string instruments. With training and education from esteemed institutions like the Cleve- land Institute of Music and The Juilliard School, the Trio now captivates audiences with diverse musical styles and a dedica- tion to fresh and innovative programming. At the Lied Center, the Trio will perform a LEFT TO RIGHT: Clint Griffey, Alex Buettner, and Amy Gilman appear in Sherlock Homes the noble divertimento by Mozart, a departure Hound of the Baskervilles, or Not Another Dog-Gone Detective Story at Martin City Melo- piece by Beethoven and an expressive con- drama Mar 5-May 16. temporary work by composer Ross Bauer. $24 adult / $8 student. Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr, lied.ku.edu MELODRAMA

CITY Martin City Melodrama Sherlock Holmes the Hound of Basker- MARTIN villes, or Not Another Dog-Gone Detective Story by Jeanne Beechwood Mar 5-May 16: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; COURTESY 3:30 pm Sun Sherlock Holmes is embroiled in his most difficult and sinister case when Sir Charles Baskerville is mysteriously killed by a fiendish hound—the curse of the Hound of the Baskervilles, or was he? Be sure to bring your inner Sherlock and your most reliable dog leash to solve the mystery of Sir Charles’ tragic demise. Fol- lowing the melodrama will be Piccadilly Circus, a vaudeville revue celebrating jolly old England in song, dance, and comedy sketches. Directed by Jeanne Beechwood. $10.99 - $12.99. Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Company, 9601 Metcalf Ave, (913) 642-7576, martincitymelodrama.org There Was an Old Woman Who Swal- lowed a Fly! by Jeanne Beechwood, original songs by Jon Copeland Feb 25-May 7: 10:30 am Fri; 12 pm Sat; 10 am Mon-Tue, Fri There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly! (and other folktales about women who reach for the sky!) is a new musical for children that pays tribute to the overlooked heroines of long lost folk and fairy tales CLOCKWISE FROM TOP-LEFT: Kattie Post, Shelby Staudenmeyer and Jeanne Beechwood star in from around the world! Performed with There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly at Martin City Melodrama through May 7.

“He who is incapable of feeling strong passions, of being shaken by anger, of 10 KCSTAGE living in every sense of the word, will never be a good actor.” ~ Sarah Bernhardt www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 11 u Performances

storytelling, folk songs and Martin City musical masterpiece won the first Tony Quality Hill Playhouse Jr.’s signature “edutainment”, this cel- Award ever presented for Best Musical, Broadway’s Best ebration of female folklore will spark the and the score sounds just as fresh and Mar 5-13: 1 pm Thr; 8 pm Wed-Mon; imagination of all ages! Call (913) 642- wonderful today as it did back then! Songs 3 pm Sun 7576 for show times. Directed by Jeanne include “Why Can’t You Behave,” “So In We’re looking back on more than 50 Beechwood. Featuring Jeanne Beechwood, Love,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “I years of Tony Award winning shows in this Shelby Staudenmeyer, and Kattie Post. Hate Men,” “Wunderbar,” “Tom Dick or revue of songs from the best musicals of all $5.99. Martin City Melodrama & Vaude- Harry,” “Too Darn Hot.” Directed by Sarah times. Directed by J. Kent Barnhart. $26- ville Company, 9601 Metcalf Ave, (913) Crawford. $13 - $27. Crown Center Off Adults; $24-Students/Seniors. Quality Hill 642-7576, martincitymelodrama.org C Center Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd, (816) Playhouse, 303 West 10th St., (816) 421- 842-9999, www.mthkc.com 1700, www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com Paul Mesner Puppets* Puss in Boots The Mystery Train River City Community Players Feb 24-Mar 7: 2 pm Sat-Sun; 10 am, Who’s In First? by Wendy Thompson Footloose by Dean Pitchford and Walter 1 pm Wed-Fri Feb 5-Apr 3: 7 pm Fri-Sat Bobbie The Paul Mesner Puppets presents the tale It’s 1914 and the railroad barons have Feb 26-Mar 13: 8 pm Sun-Sat; 2 pm Sun of an old miller who divides his property changed the face of Kansas City. Open- Based on the 1984 hit movie, this high- amongst his sons, leaving the youngest son ing day for the new Union Station has energy musical is the story of a big city kid with nothing but an old cat. The cat prom- the rich, the famous, the clever and the who moves to a small town and shakes ises the miller’s son riches in exchange devious caught up in a train race! But, a up the status quo. An ordinary city kid in for a pair of boots. With this new feline sudden death, suspicious passengers, and a dance club tells his friends that he and footwear, the cat leads his master on a the need to uncover a killer may be more his mother are moving to Bomont. Rev. rollicking adventure. Puss in Boots and important than Who’s In First! Directed by Shaw Moore a conservative minister is a the miller’s son meet the king and his Wendy Thompson. $54 - $64. The Prime big authority figure in the town and blames daughter, become local celebrities, and Rib Grill by the Hereford House, 100 East rock and roll music for the death of his defeat an evil ogre that has been terrorizing 20th Street, (816) 813-9654, A son. Ren talks to the pastor to explain that countryside. Directed by Paul Mesner. $7 he should not take his anguish about his for children; $9.00 for adults. PMP Studio, son’s death out on the entire town. Directed 1006 E. Linwood Blvd, (816) 235-6222, New Theatre Restaurant Cactus Flower by Abe Burrows by Vanessa Campagna. Featuring Brian www.paulmesnerpuppets.org Feb 10-Apr 11: 12 pm Sat-Sun, Wed; Shortess, Danielle Swatzell, Harry Burgess, 6 pm Tue-Sun Ashley Kings, Ashtyn Hutchings, Ruthie Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre In this fast-paced comedy, a philandering Dessert, Katelyn Cavaleri, Katie Pugh, A Moon For The Misbegotten by Eugene bachelor dentist keeps his girlfriend at bay Guy Gardner, Ben Wood, Chris Tester- O’Neill by telling her he’s married. When the ruse man, Brandon Stevens, Tracy McClung, Mar 2-14: 7:30 pm Tue-Sat; 2 pm Sun threatens to catch up with him, he drafts Jon VandeVoort, Chris Salavitch, Kelly James Tyrone, Jr., the tortured alcoholic his prickly nurse to pose as his wife. “This Burdette, Raphael Tate, Bill Welch, Carol from O’Neill’s classic, Long Day’s Journey comedy inspires raucous laughter!” – NY Varner, Ken Janasz, Bill Wood, Betty Welch, into Night, returns home to Connecticut Times. Directed by Dennis D. Hennessy. Cape Rust, Wendy Cloud, Wendy Cook, and encounters Josie, living with her tyran- Featuring Dodie Brown, Tristan Colton, Maddy Tennant, Megan Young, Nikki nical father on their scrabbly, ramshackle Patrick DuLaney, T. Max Graham, Natalie Delhant, Lyrik Engler-Cloud, Julie Kohl, farm. James is haunted by his mother’s Hiatt, Cassie Hollman, Jim Korinke, Kip Shannon Brady, Lindi Young, Kristina Dela- death; rumors surround Josie, and the Niven, and Loretta Swit. Call box office cruz, Maigen Anderson, Justin Bozarth, surprising truth about them both emerges for information. New Theatre Restaurant, Spencer Williams, and Talya Groves. Adults during the moonlit night they spend 9229 Foster St, www.newtheatre.com A $10; 12 & under $5; 62+ & groups 10+ together. “A Moon for the Misbegotten is $8. Leavenworth Performing Arts Center, a majestically melancholy play about last 500 Delaware St, Leavenworth, (913) chances for love and absolution.” Variety. Puppetry Arts Institute 682-7557, www.rccplv.com Mr. Ug, Caveman Directed by Karen Paisley. Featuring Tanya Mar 13: 2 pm, 11 am Sat Barber, Joel Moses, Ari Bavel, Forrest Att- What would it be like to live before anyone Theatre for Young America* away, and Kevin Albert. $25. Metropolitan thought of anything? This is the story of one Junie B Jones and A Little Monkey Busi- Ensemble Theatre, 3604 Main St, (816) caveman and his family, told by Leon Van ness by Joan Cushing 569-3226, www.metkc.org A Weelden using over twenty hand and rod Mar 2-Apr 16: 12 pm Thr-Fri; 10 am puppets, special effects, and panoramic Tue-Fri; 1 pm Wed; 2 pm Sat Musical Theater Heritage scenery. $5 per person regardless of age. Barbara Park’s wildly popular Junie B. Kiss Me Kate by Cole Porter Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E Winner Jones character comes to life onstage in Mar 11-28: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sat-Sun Rd, Independence, (816) 833-9777, this musical adaptation of the book Junie Kiss Me Kate was a comeback triumph for www.hazelle.org B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business. an aging Cole Porter and became the big Junie finds out from her parents that she smash hit Broadway show of 1948. This Continued on page 12

10 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 11 u Performances continued from page 11 is getting a present. She is so excited until University of Central Missouri* Emporia State University Theatre she finds out it is a “P. U.” baby brother! Soles in Motion Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen At first jealous, when she hears that her Mar 27: 7:30 pm Sat Johnson County Community College new baby brother is “cute as a monkey”, Spring dance concert directed by Ashley Antigone by Sophocles she gets the school kids to give her their Miller. $5. Highlander Theatre, University snack treats and other gifts in exchange for of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, (660) Kansas City Repertory Theatre a peek at the monkey! Directed by Gene 543-8811, www.ucmo.edu/theatre Venice by Matt Sax & Eric Rosen Mackey. $8; group discounts available. KCKCC Theatre Department Studio Theatre One-Acts Theatre for Young America, H & R Block Communicating Doors by Alan Ayckourn City Stage at Union Station, (816) 460- Mar 9-11: 7:30 pm Tue-Thr Lawrence Community Theatre 2083, www.tya.org C Share with our student directors and tech- nical directors as they present an evening Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward of one-act productions. These productions Paul Mesner Puppets* Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy are always varied, enjoyable and open to Rhymes, Pap, Miss Mary Mack Curtains by Rupert Holmes, Peter Stone, the public. This evening’s one-acts include: John Kander, and Fred Ebb “Great to See You” by Theresa Rebeck, Olathe Community Theatre* Mar 5-Apr 3: 8 pm Fri-Sat; 7 pm Wed- directed by Brandon Case; “The Devil Doubt, A Parable by John Patrick Shanley Thr; 2 pm Sun is in the Details” by Jill Elaine Hughes, Olathe South High School* Boston’s Colonial Theatre is host to the directed by Drew Meschede; and “The A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William opening night performance of Robbin’ Art of Murder” by Joe DiPietro, directed Shakespeare Hood!, “a new musical of the Old West”. by Rachel Gollier. $1. Nickerson Hall - But when the curtain falls, the show’s star BlackBox Theatre, University of Central Puppetry Arts Institute Wynken, Blynken and Nod who can’t act, can’t sing, and can’t dance Missouri, Warrensburg, (660) 543-8811, — suddenly drops dead! An impromptu www.ucmo.edu/theatre A Quality Hill Playhouse funeral ceremony is interrupted by the Lullaby of 42nd Street arrival of a homicide Lieutenant, who SFCC Theatre Department* locks the entire cast in the theatre until he University of Kansas Theatre Macbeth by William Shakespeare can find the murderer. Now they have only Arms and the Man by George Bernard two days to solve the crime and save the Shaw Tara Lane Productions* show. Call for ticket prices. Topeka Civic Feb 26-Mar 6: 7:30 pm Thr-Sat Breaking The Trust by Bill Rogers Theatre & Academy, 3028 SW 8th Ave, Directed by John Gronbeck-Tedesco. $18 public, $17 seniors, $10 all students. Craf- Theatre for Young America* Topeka, (785) 357-5211, www.topeka The Monarchs of KC by Gene Mackey civictheatre.com ton-Preyer Theatre, Murphy Hall-University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3982, and Danny Cox www.kutheatre.com Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy The Trip Fives Taming of the Shrew by A comedy by Undergraduate Student Projects Improv Thunderdome. Season 5, Round 3 William Shakespeare Mar 25-Apr 2: 5 pm Sat; 7:30 pm Wed- Mar 13: 9 pm Sat The Country of the Blind by Written by Fri; 2:30 pm Sun As part of Improv Comedy on “Second Frank Higgins Saturdays” hosted by the Westport Cof- “Bedside” by Tosin Morohunfola, directed feehouse, Thunderdome pits nine teams by Garrett Kelly; “4.48” psychosis by Sarah The Trip Fives of local improvisers against each other in Kane, directed by Amy Virginia Buchanan. BareTV. The Improvised Talk Show a four month battle. Each team will get $15 public, $14 seniors, $10 all students. Improv Thunderdome. Season 5 Cham- 30 minutes to prove their worthiness. William Inge Memorial Theatre, Murphy pionship Audiences will decide each month which Hall-University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) UMKC Theatre team shall move on to the champion- 864-3982, www.kutheatre.com A A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William ship match. $10. Westport Coffeehouse Shakespeare Theatre, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave, (913) Train to 2010 by Sibusiso Mamba 375-5168, www.thetripfives.com A Coming in April University of Central Missouri* The Trip Fives: The Last Temptation of Tim The Barn Players, Inc.* Comedy of Errors by William Shake- Mar 13: 6:30 pm Sat Pippin by Stephen Schwartz and Roger speare The Trip Fives are the anti-Whose Line Is O. Hirson University of Kansas Theatre It Anyway? troupe. No games. No gim- Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre Anything Goes by Cole Porter, Guy micks. Just straight-up improvisation. The Ain’t She Sweet: Bolton, P.G. Wodehouse, Howard final performance of founding member Lindsay and Russell Crouse Tim Lemke. $10. Westport Coffeehouse Corbin Theatre Company Theatre, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave, (913) The Wreck by Leslie Liautaud William Inge Center for the Arts* 29th Annual William Inge Theatre Festi- 375-5168, www.thetripfives.com A The Coterie Theatre val R Frindle by William Massolia Young Playwrights Festival 2010

12 KCSTAGE “Don’t be seduced into thinking that that which does not make a profit is without value.” ~ Arthur Miller www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 13 u Showbiz continued from page 5

submitted in Word or PDF format sas arts and cultural entities that are sas Arts Commission. At 11:00 am, should be emailed no later than May offering public events to commem- gather at the Dillon House, 404 1, 2010, to [email protected] orate the Kansas sesquicentennial, SW 9th Street, directly across from If you are emailing your script and and to focus attention on the work the Capitol, to register and receive entry form, then your $10 check or of outstanding Kansas artists and current legislative information. The money order must be received by arts organizations. Application post- meet with your elected officials to May 1, 2010 to be eligible for con- mark deadline is April 8, 2010. If share with them the important sideration. There is a limit of 3 plays you have questions about the Amer- news about the value of the arts in per playwright. The six chosen plays ican Masterpieces Kansas Grant Kansas. We encourage you to make and their playwrights will be noti- Program, contact Raena Sommers, appointments with your legislators fied by July 1. This is an opportunity Program Manager, Organizational to you can be sure to speak with to have your play performed before Partnerships, at (785) 296-4089 or them personally. an audience, there are no monetary [email protected]. awards. Barn Players Seeking Directors Community Tickets for Starlight The Barn Players is seeking direc- Kansas 150 Commemoration Starlight Theatre donates 364 com- tors for a summer musical benefit In order to achieve our mission, the munity tickets to fellow not-for-profit and its Barn Junior production of Kansas Arts Commission, along organizations for each Broadway A Year with Frog and Toad. Submit with the National Endowment show performance. This program is a letter of application to The Barn for the Arts, sponsors education intended to provide a professional Players, along with your resume. An and access programs in conjunc- entertainment experience to groups interview will then be scheduled. tion with the NEA’s American representing individuals who would The deadline is March 31. Rehears- Masterpieces: Three Centuries of otherwise be unable to enjoy live als for the musical benefit are July American Genius. For Fiscal Year theatre performances due to eco- 12-August 5. The performances 2011, American Masterpieces Kan- nomic, medical or other restrictive are August 6 & 7 at 7:30pm and sas will support public arts and causes. Tthe Starlight community August 8 at 2:30pm. The show will cultural events occurring between ticket program is focused on those be women’s songs from musicals of January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2011, groups dedicated to enhancing the the last century. To submit an appli- relating to the Kansas 150 com- lives of underprivileged and at-risk cation or for more information on, memoration and featuring works youth, the medically dependent or please contact artistic director Eric by living or deceased recognized disabled, and low-income senior citi- Magnus at [email protected]. Kansas artists. Only Kansas arts zens. Information regarding ticket The rehearsal period for A Year and cultural nonprofit organizations request for Starlight Theatre’s 2010 with Frog and Toad will be July 12- and government agencies receiving season is available online under 23, Monday through Friday from Fiscal Year 2011 Operational Sup- “Community Ticket Requets.” The 10am-4pm. The performance week port grants are eligible, and projects deadline is March 15. is July 26-28 (Tech Day on the 26 must include works by recognized and performances at 7:00pm on Kansas artists. Applications will be Kansas Arts Advocacy Day July 27 28 & 29). The stipend is submitted to an advisory panel for This year's Kansas Arts Advocacy's $350. To submit an application or funding recommendations. Funding Day, Arts Day at the Capitol, will for more information, please contact is anticipated to be up to $1,000 per be held March 11, 11am-2:30 pm, educational director Jason Coats at organization and must be matched. hosted by Kansas Citizens for the [email protected]. R The objectives are to support Kan- Arts in partnership with the Kan-

12 www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 13 u Preserving the Enchanted Years of the Stage continued from page 3 opera house!” The expansion of rail out in cars… over these horrible Londré received a UMRB grant systems into Missouri ensured the muddy roads and in the most hor- to allow her a one-course release. success of Coates Opera House, as rible circumstances, entertaining Instead of teaching a writing inten- well as the many other playhouses doughboys behind the lines and sive undergraduate theatre history that followed. Some years were bet- wounded in field hospitals,” Lon- course in the spring of 2004, she ter than others; Londré insists that dré explains. took time for her research. “It gave 1887 stands out among them all. There were other entertainers me the time to go to the downtown “That was Kansas City’s greatest who came overseas on their own. library and sit there all day, read- year: 1887! We had two new theatres Elsie Janis, a vaudeville performer ing newspapers, immersed in the open in 1887. We had the first visit who often played Kansas City, past,” she chuckles. “I did not want by Edwin Booth, Sarah Bernhardt became known as the “Sweetheart the research to end. I just wanted came that year, we had our first of the American Expeditionary to keep living in Kansas City at the Priests of Pallas [gala].” Leaning for- Forces” after she and her mother turn of the century. It was such fun, ward, eyes sparkling, she looks like traveled among the troops for six it was like time travel!” someone about to share a thrilling months. “They didn’t have the Red Though she is in love with the secret. “We had a visit by President Cross or any of the other organiza- past, this time traveler never forgets Grover Cleveland, the second Presi- tions behind them. They just went her duty to the present. “All these dent in office to visit Kansas City, over, marched into one of the offices books are books about local the- after President Grant... and Grant in Paris, and Elsie said, ‘I’m going to atres,” she notes, gesturing to one visited Coates Opera House!” entertain our boys. Where can I go of the walls in the Center. “I think “The Enchanted Years of the Stage that I’ll do the most good?’” more people ought to be doing that. just raised so many questions about Even when the subject matter Local theatre needs to be rescued, peripheral issues, and I became takes her far from home, Londré’s because memorabilia disappear, absolutely fascinated with World research comes full circle back to her archives are incomplete, and people War I," she explains. Though there home city, for Liberty Memorial, take their memories with them when are "dozens of books" on English the National World War I Memo- they leave this world, so we’re losing performers in London and abroad, rial, is located in Kansas City. The a lot of our history.” Londré brings little study has focused on French centenary of the beginning of the back records, artifacts, and stories and American contributions to the- war will be commemorated in 2014, from every excursion into history, atre during the war. “still in time for me to get a book making sure that this collective past “General Pershing under- written,” she comments. To make survives far into the future. R stood—people need theatre! He this deadline, though, something knew that his soldiers needed to had to give in her busy university Reprinted with permission from the be entertained,” Londré says. To schedule. Londré teaches under- University of Missouri Research address that need, Winthrop Ames graduate theatre history, as well as Board. Accompanying audio and and E.H. Sothern, both prominent graduate courses and seminars, and video of Dr. Londré, as well as theatre- faces in drama, formed the Over has only taken one sabbatical in 40 related articles and a podcast by Dr. There Theatre League. Small years of teaching. Londré, are available at the UMRB teams of performers would travel “The thing is, I really love the Web site, www.umresearchboard.org/ among the soldiers, bringing mostly teaching,” she admits. “I couldn’t articles/17. comedy and variety shows to the miss a year of teaching—I wouldn’t army camps. “They just spread want to miss a year of students.”

14 KCSTAGE Fantasy’s hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.” ~ Lloyd Alexander MARCH 2010 15 u Spotlight on Natalie Weaver continued from page 2

lenge. And she gets to dance Fosse! really helps. Once you have that safe our scenes he runs across the stage, How fun is that?” place, that classroom, it’s so much and crunch. I’m in these little noth- For Weaver, theater is a therapy. easier to go to an audition and let it ing heels, and he crunches on top “It’s really incredible to be getting go. If you don’t book the gig, fine. of my foot. I ran offstage, started paid to do something where you Dust off your shoulder. You’ve crying, vomited, went back onstage can let all your inhibitions go. You already had that place where you and did the rest of the scene. It was can explore different characters and can learn, grow, and train. It gives a very interesting performance for emotions and thoughts, putting you a little bit thicker skin.” me, but it was the middle of the yourself in someone else’s shoes Although an actor, one of her show and we couldn’t stop. We because in turn you learn about greatest memories came from one took my shoes off after that perfor- yourself. If you’re upset in your of her students. “When I started mance and my foot was every color personal life and you’re playing theater, one of the first big produc- of the rainbow. That’s an experience this role where you get to scream tions I did in college was a children’s I don’t want to relive.” and yell, you’re venting and let- show. I played Miss Mouse in Livin’ With almost a decade of theater ting it all out, but you’re just doing ‘da Life, the story of Brer Rabbit. One experience Weaver has this to say your job, you’re not really yelling of the little girls who saw the show to others pursuing an acting career, at someone in your life. How many eventually became one of my stu- “We were told in college if you want people can say they’re in a business dents. She’s now a senior in high to do anything else, if you think you where they get to do that? They get school and booked her first gig. could be happy doing anything else, to explore and play dress up, and I She called me up and told me ‘All I Do it! I agree with that. If you don’t think that’s amazing.” could think about, all I told myself eat, sleep, and breathe this art form, “I am someone who is a huge when I auditioned was smile like do something else. You’re constantly advocate for education. I realize Natalie Weaver. Smile like Miss being judged, you’re in and out of there are many actors who never Mouse. Smile like Natalie and you auditions, you’re being told you’re had any training, but I would push can do it.’ That’s something I’ll not tall enough, you’re too tall, for education. Even if you don’t never forget.” you’re not thin enough, you’re too end up finishing and getting your A theater moment Weaver won’t thin, you’re… It’s a constant battle degree, being in that safe classroom ever forget is breaking her foot dur- but it’s the only thing that makes me setting where you can be completely ing the national tour of Grease. “Our happy. I want to teach and inspire vulnerable and just go there and let Danny had on these big Harley young children to feel this way and yourself explore so many emotions boots, and in the middle of one of to be as excited in their careers as I am in mine. I love what I do.” When asked for her take on how Kansas City fits her future she had this to say. “I’m just really happy to be here. I really enjoy this city. I never thought I would be happy anywhere other than New York, but I think I could call Kansas City home. It’s a beautiful city. Its clean and nice, all the greenery and fountains. It’s so calm, yet it’s still a city. There’s everything you could possibly want, but it still feels like home.” R

14 KCSTAGE www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 15 Film Clips Auditions by Larry F. Levenson www.kcstage.com/auditions

Producers for TLC chose Farmington, Mo., C The Barn Players, Inc.* The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler: and Jackson, Mo., to shoot new segments Assassins by by Stephen Sondheim and Apr 24-25: 12:1 pm Sat-Sun of Toddlers and Tiaras. John Weidman: Apr 3-4: 2 pm Sat-Sun An Obie Award-winning whirlwind tour of a forbidden zone, The Vagina Monologues Through A Glass Productions in Lawrence Assassins is the story of nine individuals who over time have attempted to assas- introduces a wildly divergent gathering of used local talent for their short, 30-seconds female voices, including a six-year-old girl, to Midnight. sinate the President of the United States. The show explores the inner motives of a septuagenarian New Yorker, a vagina A number of K.C. locations were used each assassin. Each individual must con- workshop participant, a woman who wit- to shoot commercials for The Gideon’s front the fact that committing the ultimate nesses the birth of her granddaughter, a International. crime failed to assuage their personal Bosnian survivor of rape, and a feminist problems. Assassins takes an unflinching, happy to have found a man who “liked to There is a position as a video production uneasy and sometimes funny look at indi- look at it.” One of the most controversial assistant available in the K.C. area. Apply viduals who are so disenfranchised, lost, and relevant theatre pieces of the last to: Something Different, 109 S. Mur-Len and alone in their own country that they decade. Directed by Shelly Stewart. St. Road, Olathe, KS 66062 attempt the most unthinkable of crimes. Pius Church, 55th and Woodson, (913) A production company in Milwaukee, WI, Directed by Damron Russell Armstrong, 432-9100, www.thebarnplayers.org About Face Media, is expanding and look- Musical Direction by Martha Risser. St. ing for documentary-style movie-makers. Pius School, 55th and Woodson, (913) E Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre Contact Vinnie at vinnie@aboutfacemedia. 432-9100, www.thebarnplayers.org 2010-2011 Season Auditions: com and www.aboutfacemedia.com. The Boys Next Door by Tom Griffin: Mar 27: 1 pm Sat If your family lives in Missouri and are strict Mar 22-23: 7 pm Mon-Tue Chestnut 2010-2011 Season: Little Shop disciplinarians, you might want to know that The place is a communal residence in a of Horrors (Sept. 16-Oct. 17), Sentimental CMT and MTV are looking for you. The New England city, where four mentally Journey: A Salute to the 40’s (Nov. 4-Dec. World’s Strictest Parents is a reality show challenged men live under the supervi- 12), This Land is Your Land: The Folk Years that takes teenagers with problems and sion of an increasingly “burned out” young (Feb. 3-Mar. 6), Godspell (Mar. 31-May puts them with strict families for a week. social worker named Jack. Mingled with 1), Crooners (May 19-June 19) A Tribute Go to www.theworldsstrictestparents.com scenes from their daily lives, where “little to The Boy Bands (July 7-Aug. 7). The only for information. things” sometimes become momentous role pre-cast is Audrey in Little Shop of Hor- (and often very funny), are moments of rors. Call 913-764-2121 with questions K.C.’s Branit FX is finishing their work on great poignancy when, we are reminded or email us at [email protected]. Flash Forward, the ABC television show. that the disabled, want only to love and Directed by Brad Zimmerman. The Branit FX has also worked on Breaking Bad, laugh and find some meaning and purpose Chestnut Fine Arts Center will be holding Sin City, Lost, and Pushing Daisies. in the brief time that they are allotted on auditions for their 2010-2011 Season on Print advertising for Capitol One is sched- this earth. Directed by Nancy Eppert. St. Saturday, March 27 from 1-4 pm. No uled to be shot around K.C. R Pius School, 55th and Woodson, (913) appointment is necessary and an accom- 432-9100, www.thebarnplayers.org panist will be provided. Please prepare a

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“Drama, instead of telling us the whole of a man’s life, must place him in such a situation, 16 KCSTAGE tie such a knot, that when it is untied, the whole man is visible.” ~ Leo Tolstoy www.kcstage.com MARCH 2010 17 E u Auditions A Academic Theatre Equity Theatre C P Community Theatre Professional Theatre

song and a 1 minute monologue. If you can be found at www.eskiwanis.org. Show 23rd Floor was inspired by Neil Simon’s don’t have a monologue, cold readings performs June 11, 12, 19, 20. Excelsior youthful experience as a staff writer on Sid will be available. Open to Equity and non- Springs Performing Arts Center, 612 Tiger Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, and includes Equity actors. Chestnut Fine Arts Center & Dr, (816) 260-3423, www.eskiwanis.org all the attendant comic drama as the har- Theatre, 234 N Chestnut St, (913) 764- ried writing staff frantically scrambles to top 2121, chestnutfinearts.com each other with gags while competing for C Lawrence Community Theatre the attention of star madman, Max Prince. Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward: Roles: 7 men and 2 women. Scripts will P Mar 1-2: 7 pm Mon-Tue Journeyman Theatre Company be available for checkout from box office Gen Why by Shudder and D.R. Blake- This classic comedy offers us a cantanker- (with $10 deposit) approximately two man: Mar 5-7: 6 pm Fri; 10 am Sun ous novelist haunted by the ghost of his first weeks prior to auditions. Contact Joanna Four friends find themselves the latest vic- wife, a visiting “happy medium”, and a cur- Daffron for audition appointment or more tims of hard times, tossed to the street with rent wife who is accidentally killed and joins information. Topeka Civic Theatre & Acad- no jobs, no means, and nowhere to go. the first to haunt the hapless author into emy, 3028 SW 8th Ave, (785) 357-5213, Caught in a violent wake of circumstance, perpetuity. Directed by Charles Whitman. www.topekacivictheatre.com they fall into politics and power, hoping for Auditions will be held March 1st and 2nd change, but becoming no more than help- at 7:00pm at the Lawrence Community Suessical: Mar 13-14: 1 pm Sat-Sun less pawns of the ever-present Man who Theatre. The audition will consist of cold There’s Lazy Mayzie, Gertrude McFuzz, discarded them so casually in the first place. readings from the script. Perusal scripts all the Who’s of Whoville, and, of course Driven apart by poor choices, overwhelmed are available for check out with a $10.00 Horton the Elephant. All of these wonderful by opportunity, they struggle to maintain deposit. Please contact 785-843-7469 or Seuss characters, as well as the mischie- their ethos under the weight of hegemonic log on to www.theatrelawrence.com for vous Cat in the Hat, are brought to life temptation. Directed by Gregory Chafin. more information. Roles are available for 5 through the eyes of Jojo, a young boy and Roles: 13 in all, 10 singing/dancing/acting, women and 2 men. Lawrence Community “thinker of strange and wonderful thinks”! 3 acting. Gender breakdown: 5 girls and 5 Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire St, (785) It’s by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty guys , singing/dancing/acting, 1 Male and 843-7469, theatrelawrence.com (they brought you Ragtime and Once on 2 non-specific acting roles. Please prepare This Island) and includes many styles of a Rockin’ (as this show will be rockin’) 16 C music such as Latin, pop, swing, gospel, bars that showcases your vocal talents. Leawood Stage Company* R&B and funk. Ages 17+. Scripts will be Guys & Dolls by Jo Swerling, Abe Bur- Accompanist will be provided as will a cd/ available for checkout from box office (with rows, and Frank Loesser: Mar 6-7: ipod, player. Please call Gregory Chafin @ $10 deposit) approximately two weeks 1 pm Sat-Sun 816-863-4101 to schedule a time. Fringe prior to auditions. Contact Jennifer Van Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York Central, 1730 Broadway, (816) 863-4101, Bruggen at (785) 357-5213 for audition City, this romantic comedy introduces us to [email protected] appointment or more information. Topeka a cast of vivid characters who have become Civic Theatre & Academy, 3028 SW 8th legends: Miss Sarah Brown, Sky Masterson, Ave, (785) 357-5213, www.topekacivic C Adelaide, Nathan Detroit and many more. Kiwanis Club of Excelsior Springs theatre.com Footloose: Mar 20-28: 9 am Sat-Sun Directed by Chris McCoy. March 6 & 7 When Ren and his mother move from from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Oak Room Taming of the Shrew by William Shake- Chicago to a small farming town, Ren at Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center speare: Mar 13-14: 1 pm Sat-Sun is prepared for the adjustment period at Drive. Be prepared to sing 32 bars from a William Shakespeare’s irascible comedy his new high school, but not the rigorous musical show and participate in a dance about the war between the sexes storms local edicts, including a ban on dancing movement. Oak Room-Leawood City Hall, our stage in April. Set in the city of Padua, a instituted by the local preacher, determined 4800 Town Center Drive, (913) 339-6700, rich merchant named Baptista is entertain- to exercise the control over the town’s youth www.leawoodstageco.org ing suitors for his daughter Bianca’s hand that he cannot command in his own home. in marriage. Unfortunately for Bianca, With an Oscar and Tony-nominated top C her father refuses to let her marry until 40 score, Footloose celebrates the wisdom River City Community Players Don’t Dress for Dinner: a suitable match is made for her elder of listening to young people, and guiding Mar 8-9: 7 pm Mon-Tue sister, Kate. Can any man tame the most them with a warm heart and an open mind. Mistaken identities and slamming doors exasperating woman in the entire city? See Directed by Director: Bill Christie; Musical lead to hilarity in a vacation home. a play that’s been a comic hit for over 400 Director: Wayne Day. Perform in air-con- Leavenworth Performing Arts Center, years. Roles: 12 men and 2 women. Scripts ditioned comfort only 30 minutes north 500 Delaware Street, (913) 682-7557, will be available for checkout from box of downtown K.C. in Excelsior Springs’ www.rccplv.com office (with $10 deposit) approximately two beautiful 850-seat Performing Arts Center, weeks prior to auditions. Contact Joanna 612 Tiger Drive., Seeking performers who Daffron for audition appointment or more can play high school age and up in the C Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy information. Topeka Civic Theatre & Acad- Broadway musical Footloose. Need very Laughter on the 23rd Floor by Neil emy, 3028 SW 8th Ave, (785) 357-5213, strong, athletic dancers/singers to play Simon: Apr 24-25: 1 pm Sat-Sun www.topekacivictheatre.com R high school students. Need adults who are Peer into the office of the zany comedy writ- strong singers/actors to play various adult ing team of a 1950s television variety show roles. A complete character breakdown with this hilarious comedy. Laughter on the

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