1. spotlight on Felicia Londré
$5 september 2012
www.kcstage.com
2. Notes
Auditions More Arts News at www.kcstage.com/blog
www.kcstage.com/auditions
Brent Kimmi Named
Blue Springs City Theatre C
Development Director for KC
Babes in Toyland: a Musical by Ruth Perry & Ann Smit:
Sep 24-25: 7 pm Mon-Tue Fringe
Remember the wonderful Victor Herbert music? Remember The KC Fringe Festival has named Brent Kimmi
the lyrics? “Toyland, toyland, little girl and boy land.”
There are wonderful characters: Mary, Mary, Quite as its new development director. Brent has been
Contrary; Jack and Jill; Little Miss Muffet; Wicked Uncle a volunteer for the festival since its inception in
Barnaby who runs the toy shop and can turn children into 2004. In his eight years with the festival, he’s
dolls and sell them for gold; and lovable Jane and Alan worked in almost every capacity of the event
who are his next victims. The adaptation uses the original including artist liaison, planning, administrative
music of Victor Herbert and much of Glen MacDonough’s support, and event execution. Brent has been
libretto and lyrics. Directed by Mick McNabb. Blue Springs involved personally in theatre and the arts since
Civic Center, 2000 NW Ashton Dr, (816) 228-5806, he was a child. He is currently a student at
www.bluespringscitytheatre.com the University of Kansas earning a degree in
communications studies.
River City Community Players C
A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody by Ron Bernas:
Sep 17-18: 7 pm Mon-Tue Mid-America Emmy Awards in
It’s New Year’s Eve and Julia and Matthew seem to have
it all. Matthew plans to murder her by years’ end. While KC in September
Julia dodges his devious murder attempts, the Perry friends The National Academy of Television Arts &
and staff are dying off mysteriously. Matthew is successful Sciences (NATAS) Mid-America announced
in murdering everyone but Julia. Enter Detective Plotnik, that The Weather Channel’s Mike Bettes will
a Sam Spade type who suspects everyone, but not a clue. host the 36th Annual Emmy Awards Gala.
Until he stumbles upon Julia and Butler Buttram in what For the first time, the Gala will be held in
he mistakenly perceives as a compromising situation. He
jumps to the conclusion she is the murderer. Directed by Kansas City. The 2012 Mid-America Emmy
Jeff Adams. Cold readings from the script. Leavenworth Awards will be held Sept 22 at 6:30 pm at
Performing Arts Center, 500 Delaware St, the Midland Theatre. The black-tie affair is
(913) 651-0027, www.rccplv.com open to the public. A limited number of gala
tickets are now on sale for $125, including
Theatre Lawrence C dinner. They are exclusively available by calling
The Sound of Music by Rodgers & Hammerstein: (314) 533-2993. The Mid-America chapter of
Oct 1-2: 7 pm Mon-Tue NATAS includes television markets primarily in
The world’s most beloved musical! When a high-spirited Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, Illinois, and
postulant serves as governess for the seven children of a surrounding DMAs.
widowed naval Captain, her energy and joy capture the
heart of the stern Captain. With a Nazi threat looming, the
family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland MAC Seeks Arts Award
on the eve of World War II provides one of the most
thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the Nominations
theatre. Performance dates: Nov 30, Dec 1, 2* 6, 7, 8, 9* The Missouri Arts Council is seeking nominees
13, 14, 15, 16* (*matinee). Directed by Terrance McKerrs. for their 2013 Missouri Arts Awards. Online
Multiple Roles for men and women available. Roles for 7 nominations are due midnight, Sept 3.
children available, from ages 5-18. Scripts are available Nominees must be current Missouri residents or
now for a 3-day checkout. $10 deposit required. Theatre
a Missouri-based organization or community.
Lawrence, 1501 New Hampshire St, (785) 843-7469,
www.theatrelawrence.com Nominees in the Philanthropic category
may be a non-Missouri residents, but their
A Academic E Equity
philanthropy being honored must benefit a
C Community P Professional nonprofit Missouri arts organization. The total
contribution or body of work of the nominee
and the effect this effort has produced on the
cultural climate of the city, region and/or state
of Missouri are the primary criteria utilized in
the selection of the award recipients. Find out
more at www.missouriartscouncil.org/page/94.
B KCSTAGE
4. Bellydance: Connecting Cultures
by Amy Jo Field
Bellydancing has a rich history, full of connections to many cultures.
It also has a history with controversy, as evinced by the very word
‘bellydance’.
Many dancers who study Raqs Sharki, Middle Eastern dance,
and all its modern incarnations, don’t use the term bellydance
because it so often brings unwanted associations to the forefront.
In past centuries, when many Europeans and Americans were
accustomed to social dances where the body was held rigid and
only footwork and stylized arm movements were used, bellydance’s
abdominal, rib cage, and hip movements were unfamiliar and
scandalous: the type of thing only seen in places of ill repute.
No matter the dress of the dancer (and many were clothed
head to foot), how traditional and artistic their art form, or how
respectable the artists, Western audiences often assumed things
about bellydance and its dancers because of their unique type of
movements.
From this beginning, bellydance got its nickname, highlighting a
physical focal point, and immediately acquiring an association with
titillation. In the early 20th century, Hollywood helped to popularize
bellydance in the modern consciousness, although certainly not
in a historically accurate way. Some dancers also realized the sex
appeal of the art form and drew it farther away from its roots in
order to profit (we’ve long known sex sells). Today, many artists
who draw on influence from the Middle East and surrounding
regions still work against popular perceptions of bellydance as a bit
tawdry.
Thanks to growing popularity in the past few decades, many
people have been newly exposed to the art of bellydance and
have gotten to see its true nature. I believe the dichotomy between
bellydance’s reputation and its true nature comes down to
something fairly simple. In order to make money, gain notoriety,
or for any number of other reasons, some people tried to make
bellydance about the viewer. The Western gaze, the male gaze,
the shocked but fascinated gaze. But bellydance is not about
the external; it’s about the internal. It’s done as ritual dance as
celebration, it’s done in homes in the kitchen to have fun while
cooking. It’s done, historically and currently, by men, women,
children, the old and young. It is about a joy only accessible
through a moment of mind and body unity, internal to the dancer.
That’s not to say bellydance can’t be theatrical or compelling to
watch. It depends on a dancer’s ability to take the audience with
her on her journey: something all the best artists strive for.
Bellydance has roots farther back than we have written history,
so no one can say for sure where or why people began dancing in
the ways that became what we today call bellydance. Many regions
Photos by dustin whitney
in the Middle East, northern Africa, and the Mediterranean share
similar dance styles with an emphasis on pelvic and abdominal
movements. Its mostly agreed that whatever the other purposes
of folkloric dance often are, bellydance in its myriad nascent forms
was a celebration of life, focusing on the vital areas of the body,
allowing our most powerful muscles to work, and bringing attention
to earthy, grounded, weighty movements.
Continued on page 7
2 KCSTAGE From fairest creatures we desire increase,
That thereby beauty’s rose might never die,
5. Spotlight on Felicia Hardison Londré
by Thomas Canfield
Kansas City is the home of a highly respected, world-renowned theatre opportunities. “One of my plays was Eugène Labiche’s The Italian
historian, author, and educator whose encyclopedic knowledge of Straw Hat in French, and it was such a success that the theatre
theatre - local, national, and international - is matched only by her department decided to do it on the main stage in English. Nobody
palpable warmth, ardor, and enthusiasm for the subject. Felicia Londré, wanted to direct it after me, so I was the first graduate student in
curators’ professor of theatre at UMKC, is one of the great treasures Wisconsin history to direct on the main stage,” she recalls.
of the theatrical community, not only because of her eagerness to Prior to coming to Kansas City, Felicia spent six years as an
share her vast expertise and genuine love of all things dramatic, but instructor at a University of Wisconsin branch campus. “That’s where
also for her fascinating career that spans several decades. I learned how to teach,” she explains. Meanwhile, she directed, acted
Unpretentiousness is a remarkably rare virtue in someone with in, and designed costumes for several plays, although her efforts went
Felicia’s abundant honors and accolades. Because she does not largely unappreciated: “I was doing daring, avant-garde productions,
boast of her impressive accomplishments, even those who know her the likes of which you would have seen in Paris in the 1920s, but
intimately might not realize what an interesting and varied life she has nobody understood.” Three additional years heading a high-pressure,
led. Born in Fort Lewis, Wash., she was a military brat who, along with experimental theatre program at the University of Texas ended in
her two sisters, lived all over the United States and later spent three disappointment when she wasn’t awarded tenure. “I liked Dallas
years in England. At the time of her birth, Felicia’s father, Col. Felix M. because there was a lot of theatre,” she says, “but I didn’t publish
Hardison, had just begun a career in the Army Air Corps. Already an much. I was concentrating on all kinds of other stuff. I had a contract
acknowledged war hero, he would go on to become Air Attaché to for my first book, but I didn’t get tenure. And of course, when you
Sweden and play an integral role in founding the Swedish Air Force. don’t get tenure, it’s devastating. You feel as if the world is coming to
An unconventional childhood led Felicia to take the road less an end.”
travelled in her journey through higher education. Were she to write This tragedy was really a blessing in disguise for both Felicia
her memoirs, Felicia jokes that they would be titled A Long, Slow and Kansas City. “Doesn’t fate work in mysterious ways? I think the
Learning Curve, but her divergent path undoubtedly unlocked life’s saddest thing that ever happened to me was also the luckiest,” she
great possibilities and formed her cosmopolitan perspective of theatre remarks. Determined to move on, she frantically applied for teaching
as a universal art form that transcends cultural and disciplinary positions during the summer of 1978. “I saw this job at the University
boundaries. Surprisingly, Felicia technically does not have a theatre of Missouri-Kansas City, and saw it had the Missouri Repertory Theatre
degree. She holds a bachelor’s in French, with a minor in drama, from associated with it.” As fortune would have it - and unknown to her at
the University of Montana. A thirst for knowledge led her to complete the time - she already had an advocate in John Ezell, who had been
her degree a year early, whereupon she spent a year abroad studying her greatest mentor at the University of Wisconsin. Having worked
French drama on a Fulbright scholarship. Felicia subsequently earned as a designer for the Missouri Rep, John (who later would become
a master’s in romance languages, again minoring in drama, at the professor of scenic design at UMKC) recommended Felicia as a new
University of Washington in Seattle. By this time, she knew in her hire.
heart that she was destined for theatre and pursued this goal with Compared to the thriving metropolis of oil-rich Dallas, Kansas City
characteristic energy and initiative. in the late seventies appeared to be a rather old-fashioned backwater.
An integral part of Felicia’s transition into theatre was directing two Felicia’s first impression of UMKC was of “a sleepy little university in this
plays, in French, at the Penthouse Theatre, the first theatre-in-the-round sleepy, little-big city.” But the grace and charm of Dr. Patricia McIlrath,
in the US, located on the University of Washington campus. She was chair of UMKC theatre and founder of the Rep, immediately won Felicia
then awarded a fellowship in international theatre at the University of over. “She was an amazing person who had built a professional theatre
Wisconsin-Madison, where she completed a doctorate in speech. from the ground up, starting at zero in a city that hadn’t had much
“I was getting my doctorate in theatre, but in those days, ‘theatre’ theatre for a very long time. She had done it virtually singlehandedly,
was still a dirty word,” she explains. “It was called the ‘department of but she was never boastful. There was no ego about her. She was so
speech’ because you didn’t say the word ‘theatre’ in higher education. outgoing, thoughtful, and other-people oriented. She was an instant
Officially my Ph.D. is in speech, but all my courses were in theatre.” mentor and friend. She was so nice, helpful, wonderful, and loveable
When there were no opportunities to direct in the University of to everyone - every actor at the Rep, every student, every faculty
Wisconsin theatre program, Felicia arranged to direct a play in the
French department; this led to two more productions and greater Continued on page 6
www.kcstage.com SEPTEMBER 2012 3
6. The Music Beat: Don’t Ever Tick Off The Minstrel
by Jeanne Jasperse
It was said in days of old to never make your court musician or traveling expenses for two months, (mainly in campgrounds near the festival
minstrel angry. The reason being is that most of them were songwriters sites), etc.
they had to be! Sometimes the song would not sing the praises of the Other music at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival always includes
lord or lady, especially when they did not host the musician cordially Madrigalia Bar None, and a new show this year by Brian Leo, “The
or give them a significant enough bag of coins for them to move on Tinker”.
their way. Soon after, comic songs would be released and the general The royal court is showing off their singing skills as well, performing
population would know exactly who the songs were about, to the a 30-minute piece, opera style, about the play or “scenario” that goes
chagrin of the lord and/or lady. The same holds true today, even though on throughout the day between the royal court and other various royals
we are traveling back into the Renaissance eras via modern times …. that are visiting Canterbury.
Axel the Sot (aka Scott Hendricks) is one such traveling minstrel. He For more information on stage times and days, please contact the
started doing Renaissance fairs more than 24 years ago. Axel is your Kansas City Renaissance Festival on their website or on Facebook.
designated drunkard and like other “Rennies” (people who travel year Axel the Sot is also on Facebook. The Jolly Rogers can be reached at
round doing these fairs) started off with the fair in his own home town, Jollyrogerskc.com. I have also heard a rumor that the Musical Blades
the Waxahachie Texas Faire - also known as Scarborough. will be there the last three weekends.
Axel says you never know who is watching your show. It could be
You can reach Jeanne Jasperse on Facebook or on kkfi.org.
that a producer of another fair is in your audience watching and then
offers you a spot at their own fair, and so the whole thing begins. From
early spring to late fall and even sometimes in the winter, Renaissance
festivals pop up all over the country, as climate permits, and takes all
the Jolly RogeRs. kansas city Renaissance Festival.
of us back into another time of life - back in the golden age, although Photo by RichaRd sutton
I have seen some curious Trekkies pretend they are using fairs as
holographic decks. (It takes all kinds.)
Axel has the unique spin with his character. When in character, anyone
who works for the fair has to be in character whenever out in public,
no exceptions! You can’t really tell if Axel is sober or not, he is that
good! You can catch his shows at the Seafarer’s Beer Garden Stage
doing his PG and PG-13 shows. (The bawdier the better in his case.)
These shows are more in the morning, and then in the afternoon they
are rated more in the R category for VERY raunchy. Little ones should
be cautious. If they know what Axel is REALLY talking about, it’s the
parent’s fault!
This year, I would like to also settle on one of the Festival’s favorite
groups, and they ARE local, the Jolly Rogers!
Year after year, these guys manage to get better and better. They have
several high-quality CDs for sale. (So does Axel.) Just stick around after
the show and meet the boys. They have several lovely wenches with
their group that would be more than happy to help with your purchase,
and they might even get them all to autograph it for you! Jolly Rogers do
both music and skits and save a show every day for stuff they haven’t
done much lately. They will have a brand new CD coming this year.
la
si
Both street and stage musicians as well as actors are paid a rather sol
mi
fa
small stipend, and tips and CD and DVD sales are the main ways these re
do
performers make their money. They pay their own travel expenses, living
si
la
4 KCSTAGE But as the riper should by time decease,
His tender heir might bear his memory:
7. The 2012 Renaissance Festival: A Talk with the Maestro
by Angie Fiedler
Jim Stamburger has been with the Kansas City Renaissance
The storyline for this year is the continuation of A Midsummer
Festival for 32 of its 36 years. “I’m one of those people: I have really
Night’s Dream, according to the Maestro. Titania and Oberon have
done almost everything you can do out here,” he says - with just a
been banished to the mortal world, and the fairies are searching
bit of pride in his voice. “I started out in Shakespeare, and I have
for them. This storyline includes the creation of an opera telling the
pushed the Unicorn up the wire and now know that the Unicorn’s
story of Oberon and Titania.
holder is exactly 1 1/2 inches taller than I can reach and I have to
This year’s fair will also have mermaids, which Stamberger says
jump, I ran games and rides for a while, I was a shop person for a
he chose without knowing how big they’ve become in pop culture
little while, and I’ve always been hawking .... I think the only thing I
lately. “I had no clue all the subculture with mermaids,” he says.
haven’t done is cooked in the food booths.”
“And of course, because we’re starting to advertise them, it’s all
Stamburger’s nickname, Maestro, comes from one of his
coming out of the woodwork. I have a group who called me and
characters - the gypsy Maestro, which in turn is based on
went, ‘Can we come out?’ Well, anyone’s welcome. ‘Oh, no - you
Tommy dePaola’s Clown of God. “I’ve always seen myself as the
have to understand: we’re mermaids, so we have to have special
ringmaster, because I’m trying to direct the audience’s attention
transportation.’ And I was like, ‘Sure! Everyone’s welcome!” In fact,
over here, and when you’re getting bored then I’ve got something
the two women he cast as mermaids were already contemplating
over here. And that’s what the fair really is - this three-ring circus.”
buying mermaid tails of their own.
When he became the entertainment director (16 years now), he
Another thing that has changed with Stamberger is not only the
found out that the entertainment director at Scarborough Fair is
number of actors, but also the amount of rehearsal. “In the olden
also called the Maestro, and so it stuck.
days when I first got here, we had two days of Academy and they
“I think names are really, really important to building your
threw us on the streets,” he says with a laugh. “Now, I have a
character,” Stamburger says. “I think the name has to say
costume coordinator, I have teachers that go to Academy, and it’s
something about your character as well. I choose, as the Papa
much more difficult to get your costume okayed, get your character
or the Maestro in a gypsy band would choose, the names of my
okayed: they go through a jurying process.
children, and they always are names that mean something that I
“In terms of numbers, when I was doing the apprentice program,
really want them to accomplish. I think words are powerful, and I
which we now call the Canterbury Conservatory, there were
think names are just as powerful.”
probably 25 or 30 kids. Now there’s between 50 and 55. And you’d
He goes on to explain how giving the actors names in the
be surprised how many people fall out, because it’s a hard process,
casting choice has helped. “Originally, I used to say, ‘You’re the
and they have to work for it. The Conservatory is building villagers,
blacksmith,’ so when you were cast, it was blacksmith - you got
and they’re building them from the ground up. Our Lord Mayor
to choose your own name and all of that. I said, ‘I think when I
and wife have taken over that particular responsibility, which is very
name them, they’ll hold fast to the casting longer.’ And the first
appropriate to how things were then, because the Lord Mayor
year I actually gave them all names on the cast list, it was the year
would’ve been the leader of the villagers. So they meet with them
we lost one person that season. It really did make a difference,
every Wednesday night, and have done so all summer, and then
because you feel like a real person and it’s a real role. It just wasn’t
there will be a graduation the last Wednesday. We have a formal
auditioning for king this year, they were auditioning for Henry VIII.”
graduation with diplomas and I have an organist who plays ‘Pomp
Stamberger admits that he included a more historical court
and Circumstance’: I mean it’s really a graduation, because these
this year in order to give teachers a legitimate justification for
kids have worked really, really hard to get there, and so we make a
bringing students out for field trips, but readily admits that historical
big deal out of them.”
accuracy is not his primary concern. “We try to be as period as
Stamburger is always looking for people to add, both as actors
possible,” he says with a smile, “although I never give up the fact
and as musicians, and is quick to state it’s never too late to contact
that I’m theatrically plausible and not historical reenactment. We
him about participating. “Show off their creativity and don’t get
have to tell our story in ways that the audience understands.
bogged down by history,” he’s quick to state when asked for tips.
“There are festivals that are set up to be looked at: they don’t
“I have a lot of people who are so worried about the dialect and the
interact much with the audience. It’s almost like a fourth wall. Our
right words and getting the right information out, and all I’m really
festival has a very interactive idea, and I want to reach out to you
looking at is how creative you are and how fun you are. I can teach
as an audience member and draw you in so that we can have
you the rest. I can’t teach you to be spontaneous. I can’t teach
conversation and dialogue, and I want you to walk away feeling like
you to be fun and funny - those are the things that are God given,
you met the milkmaid, or you met the king, or you met the beggar
I can’t teach those things. I can give you dates, and I can give
in the streets. And I want you to feel the pressure that you maybe
you facts, and I can give you vocabulary, but I can’t give you that
should’ve given him a penny.”
spark. And I’ve watched people who I know are really, really, really,
Over the years, Stamberger has ramped up that interaction -
really talented not be successful in the audition because they were
and has added things that have made it more appealing to repeat
worried about the details.”
attendees, primarily the themed weekends and the ongoing
storyline. “It used to be the themed weekend was practically in
name only,” he says. “Now, there are themed entertainers who
come in, there’s themed activities, and the Pirate’s Cove area will
completely change face every weekend to reflect the theme.” Continued on page 16
www.kcstage.com SEPTEMBER 2012 5
8. Spotlight on Felicia Hardison Londré
continued from page 3
member. She was instant inspiration to anyone whose life she came Beginning in 1990, Felicia transformed scholarly research on two
in contact with.” books, Shakespeare Around the Globe: A Guide to Notable Postwar
Dr. Mac’s unique talent for finding opportunities and nurturing Revivals (1986) and Shakespeare Companies and Festivals: An
individual talent led her to create a dramaturgy position at the Rep, International Guide (1995) into opportunities to lobby for the creation
and Felicia became one of the first full-time faculty members in the of a Shakespeare festival in Kansas City. Twenty-two years later, as
nation to have an officially-designated affiliation with a professional honorary co-founder of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, she
theatre. This position, which she held for 22 years, enabled Felicia still presents a show talk before the performances in Southmoreland
to move beyond her academic theatre formation. Not only did she Park. An unabashed Oxfordian, Felicia admits that arriving at what
learn the ropes of professional theatre, but the support and freedom many see as a radical conclusion on the authorship of the plays was
Felicia was given allowed her to discover her true calling as a theatre the result of a reluctant process. “I was happy with the Shakespeare
historian. we had. I didn’t want to hear about it. I liked the Stratford legend,”
Today, Felicia’s distinguished credits include over 60 scholarly she says.
articles, 25 journalistic publications, 100 book and theatre reviews, At the prodding of her husband, Felicia agreed to read Charlton
and 14 books. She has written approximately 18 original plays, and Ogburn’s The Mysterious William Shakespeare, albeit with a highly
translated 11 more from Russian, Spanish, and French. An ambassador skeptical mind. “I read the whole 800 pages and said, ‘This is worth
of theatre throughout the world, Felicia has travelled, lectured, knowing about. There’s something here worth taking into consideration.’
conducted research, and attended conferences throughout Europe, It really shook up my ideas, but I wasn’t ready to commit.” She then
as well as in Russia, Japan, and China. On one visit to Russia, she saw read a biography of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford. “It’s
26 plays in only 18 days! Every trip abroad has been an opportunity funny how you resist, you resist, you resist, and suddenly some trivial
to bring the world of theatre back to Kansas City and to enrich the thing turns on a light bulb, and you say, ‘Okay, I give up. I accept.’
lives of her students. From then on, I was reading with a different point of view - more
In 34 years at UMKC, Felicia has taught a vast array of theatre and open-minded, looking at all the possibilities, but trying not to be too
interdisciplinary courses. Today, she instructs a rotation of courses locked in too early,” she says.
in world theatre history, specializing in American, French, Russian, Felicia’s earnest desire to share the revelations and new meanings
19th-20th century theatre history, and dramaturgy. Her lectures are she was discovering in the plays met with a severe warning from her
accompanied by slides - many taken during her world travels - that academic colleagues. “‘Don’t do this. You’ll ruin your career. None of
bring theatre history to life. Whereas graduate students in most theatre your work will be taken seriously if you keep pursuing this’,” she recalls.
programs are assigned a somber regimen of theory, Felicia’s students In the end, however, she had to be true to herself as a scholar and
have the rare opportunity to read and discuss great plays. acknowledge the preponderance of evidence. “It was rather daring
The extra effort Felicia puts into making a lasting impression on her that I came out of the closet as an Oxfordian!” she remarks. As a
students is just one of many qualities that makes her so special. standard bearer for the cause, Felicia has been debating the authorship
Students are often surprised to receive gracefully-penned “thank you” question since 1991. Each November in Kansas City, she presents
cards for something they have done. Last spring, as a capstone a persuasive, meticulously-researched authorship lecture, which she
to a French theatre history course, Felicia and her husband Venne, also has taken on the road across the US and to Beijing, Budapest,
a French instructor at UMKC, held a French tea in their home. At Tokyo, and London. “How can any intelligent person not see?” she
the suggestion of a student, the attendees costumed themselves asks passionately. “Once you do the homework, if you take the trouble,
as their favorite figure from French theatre history. Felicia’s daughter, it’s so obvious.”
Georgianna, a professional costume designer, created a costume for Felicia’s other books include studies of individual playwrights, such
Felicia modeled on the legendary photograph of Sarah Bernhardt, as Tennessee Williams, Tom Stoppard, and Federico García Lorca;
in the role of Hamlet, holding a skull. The Londrés also have a son, comprehensive histories of world and North American theatre; and
Tristan, who is an administrator at Metropolitan Community College, a guide to dramaturgy. Her fifteenth book will be a history of French
and six grandchildren. and American theatre artists in World War I. However, she considers
The Enchanted Years of the Stage: Kansas City at the Crossroads of
Continued on page 14
6 KCSTAGE But thou contracted to thine own bright eyes,
Feed’st thy light’s flame with self-substantial fuel,
9. Bellydance
continued from page 2
Today, bellydance has spread across the globe and is often fused
with other dance styles that add new vocabulary and possibility.
For instance, in America (and now elsewhere, too) bellydance
is influenced by ballet and modern dance, adding a new airy
dimension to its earthy movements. In all of its forms, bellydance
can teach the artist trust in her body by familiarizing her with her
abilities and then expanding them. Weaknesses are not hidden,
but admitted and accepted. A healthy trust in sensuality can be
built by an unspoken dialogue between body and mind. It is from
this sensuality that bellydance draws its power, but that sensuality
has often been misunderstood and exploited, often turned into
something other than what it once was. Especially in modern times,
we desperately need healthy sensuality rather than exploitation or
shame, the dichotomy that confronts us daily. Bellydance can help
to support that healthy dialogue between body and mind; whether
pursued as a casual hobby or a more formal study. Whether we try
to reclaim the word bellydance or call our art something else, it can
be a powerful way to connect both with oneself and an ancient art
form. R
You can see Amy Jo dancing with her dance troupe, Troupe Duende at
the Kansas City Renaissance Festival September 1st and 22nd. You can
also find her on Facebook.
Want some
bellydance
in your life?
www.troupeduende.com
Photos by dustin whitney
www.kcstage.com SEPTEMBER 2012 7
10. *Affiliate Theatre
KCSTAGE SEPTEMBER 2012
27 MON 29 TUE 31 FRI 1 SAT 2 SUN
Lawrence Opera Works! • Lawrence Opera Works Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant The Kitchen Witches • A.R.T.S., Inc. The Kitchen Witches • A.R.T.S., Inc. The Kitchen Witches • A.R.T.S., Inc.
La Cage Aux Folles • Starlight Theatre Association The Real Inspector Hound • The Real Inspector Hound • The Real Inspector Hound •
Kansas City Actors Theatre Kansas City Actors Theatre Kansas City Actors Theatre
28 WED Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant JTS Brown Show • The KC Improv Company Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
La Cage Aux Folles • Starlight Theatre Association 30 THU La Cage Aux Folles • Starlight Theatre Association Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant La Cage Aux Folles • Starlight Theatre Association
The Kitchen Witches • A.R.T.S., Inc.
La Cage Aux Folles • Starlight Theatre Association
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
La Cage Aux Folles • Starlight Theatre Association
3 MON 4 TUE 7 FRI 8 SAT 9 SUN
NO PERFORMANCES The Real Inspector Hound • Little Women • City Theatre of Independence* Shakespeare in the Parking Lot: Hamet • Shakespeare in the Parking Lot: Hamet •
Kansas City Actors Theatre The Real Inspector Hound • Alcott Arts Center* Alcott Arts Center*
Painting Churches • Martin Tanner Productions* Kansas City Actors Theatre Little Women • City Theatre of Independence* Little Women • City Theatre of Independence*
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant KC Improv Festival 2012 • KC Improv Festival The Real Inspector Hound • The Real Inspector Hound •
Free Outdoor Concert with Buckwheat Zydeco • Kansas City Actors Theatre Kansas City Actors Theatre
Lied Center of Kansas KC Improv Festival 2012 • KC Improv Festival Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
5 WED 6 THU Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Trouble on the Border at Watkin’s Mill •
The Real Inspector Hound • Little Women • City Theatre of Independence*
Divergent Dreams • Puppetry Arts Institute
Kansas City Actors Theatre Pat Metheny Unity Band •Folly Theater
newEar contemporary chamber ensemble*
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant The Real Inspector Hound •
Kansas City Actors Theatre
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
10 MON 11 TUE 14 FRI 15 SAT 16 SUN
NO PERFORMANCES The Real Inspector Hound • Blood Brothers • The Barn Players, Inc.* Shakespeare in the Parking Lot: Hamet • Shakespeare in the Parking Lot: Hamet •
Kansas City Actors Theatre Little Women • City Theatre of Independence* Alcott Arts Center* Alcott Arts Center*
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant The Real Inspector Hound • Blood Brothers • The Barn Players, Inc.* Blood Brothers • The Barn Players, Inc.*
Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets* Kansas City Actors Theatre Little Women • City Theatre of Independence* Little Women • City Theatre of Independence*
KC Improv Festival 2012 • KC Improv Festival KC Improv Festival 2012 • KC Improv Festival Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Madama Butterfly • Lyric Opera of Kansas City Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
12 WED 13 THU Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
The Real Inspector Hound • The Real Inspector Hound •
Kansas City Actors Theatre Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets* Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
Kansas City Actors Theatre
KC Improv Festival 2012 • KC Improv Festival The Education of Macoloco • University of Central Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets*
Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Missouri Theatre & Dance Dept.* The Education of Macoloco • University of Central
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Missouri Theatre & Dance Dept.*
Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets* Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets* 10th Annual High School 24 Hour Plays •
The Education of Macoloco • University of Central
William Inge Center for the Arts*
Missouri Theatre & Dance Dept.*
11. 17 MON 18 TUE 21 FRI 22 SAT 23 SUN
John Lithgow, Stories by Heart • Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Blood Brothers • The Barn Players, Inc.* Blood Brothers • The Barn Players, Inc.* Blood Brothers • The Barn Players, Inc.*
Lied Center of Kansas Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets* Madama Butterfly • Lyric Opera of Kansas City JTS Brown Show • The KC Improv Company Madama Butterfly • Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre The Intergalactic Nemesis, Book 1: Target Earth • Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Lied Center of Kansas Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
19 WED 20 THU Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets* Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre On the Sunny Side of the Street •
Madama Butterfly • Lyric Opera of Kansas City Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
On the Sunny Side of the Street • Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Quality Hill Playhouse
Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
Quality Hill Playhouse Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets* 9 to 5: The Musical • Theatre Lawrence
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets*
9 to 5: The Musical • Theatre Lawrence Brer Rabbit • Puppetry Arts Institute The Miser • The Theatre Gym
Bark, George • Paul Mesner Puppets* The Miser • The Theatre Gym
The Miser • The Theatre Gym On the Sunny Side of the Street •
Quality Hill Playhouse
9 to 5: The Musical • Theatre Lawrence
The Miser • The Theatre Gym
24 MON 25 TUE 28 FRI 29 SAT 30 SUN
On the Sunny Side of the Street • Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Blood Brothers • The Barn Players, Inc.* Blood Brothers • The Barn Players, Inc.* Blood Brothers • The Barn Players, Inc.*
Quality Hill Playhouse Nellie McKay • Carlsen Center of JCCC JTS Brown Show • The KC Improv Company Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
Ragamala Dance, Sacred Earth • Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
Lied Center of Kansas Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Tom, Dick and Harry •
Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Tom, Dick and Harry • Paradise Playhouse Dinner Theatre
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Paradise Playhouse Dinner Theatre On the Sunny Side of the Street •
26 WED 27 THU The Surprising Story of the Three Little Pigs • On the Sunny Side of the Street • Quality Hill Playhouse
Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Three Tall Women • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
Olathe South High School* Quality Hill Playhouse 9 to 5: The Musical • Theatre Lawrence
Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant Social Security • New Theatre Restaurant
Tom, Dick and Harry • 9 to 5: The Musical • Theatre Lawrence The Miser • The Theatre Gym
On the Sunny Side of the Street • The Surprising Story of the Three Little Pigs •
Paradise Playhouse Dinner Theatre The Miser • The Theatre Gym
Quality Hill Playhouse Olathe South High School*
On the Sunny Side of the Street •
On the Sunny Side of the Street •
Quality Hill Playhouse
Quality Hill Playhouse
9 to 5: The Musical • Theatre Lawrence
9 to 5: The Musical • Theatre Lawrence
The Miser • The Theatre Gym
The Miser • The Theatre Gym
kansas city Renaissance Festival • Photos by RichaRd sutton
AUDITIONS
Babes in Toyland: a Musical • Blue Springs City Theatre*
Sep 24-25: 7 pm Mon-Tue
A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody •
River City Community Players
Sep 17-18: 7 pm Mon-Tue
The Sound of Music • Theatre Lawrence
Oct 1-2: 7 pm Mon-Tue
*Affiliate Theatres offer discount tickets to subscribers of KC Stage. Display your membership card at the box office or mention it when ordering tickets over the phone. For a list of discounts and other offers, visit www.kcstage.com/affiliates. Don’t forget to rate the show you see online!
12. Performances
www.kcstage.com/performances
Alcott Arts Center*. The Barn Players, Inc.* Folly Theater
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot: Hamlet
Blood Brothers by Willy Russell Pat Metheny Unity Band
by William Shakespeare
Sep 14-30: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat; 2 pm Sun Sep 6: 8 pm Thr
Sep 8-16: 4 pm Sat-Sun
Blood Brothers is a haunting rags to Pat Metheny is a chance-taking performer
The Alcott Arts Center is proud to present
riches tragedy of our times. A woman with who has gained great popularity through
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot VI and their
numerous children to support surrenders his recordings with the Pat Metheny
first Shakespearian tragedy, Hamlet. Set in
one of her new born twins to the childless Group. His sound might be described as
Victorian times, the play follows Hamlet,
woman for whom she cleans house. The a fusion of folk-jazz and mood music, but
who is reeling from the death of his father,
boys grow up streets apart, never learning he manages to be both accessible and
the former king, and quick marriage of
the truth. They become firm friends and fall original, stretching the boundaries of jazz.
his mother, Queen Gertrude, to his uncle
in love with the same girl. One prospers Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St,
(now king) Claudius. Upon seeing his
while the other falls on hard times. A (816) 842-5500, www.follytheater.org
father’s ghost and hearing the true story
narrator warns that a price has to be
of his death, Hamlet plots revenge, while
paid for separating twins. Directed by
madness, chaos, and death keep the court Kansas City Actors Theatre
Eric Magnus. $18; seniors $15; students
on their toes. Directed by Anna Jennings The Real Inspector Hound
$10; 10 or more $12. The Barn Players,
and Lindsay Adams. Featuring Amber by Tom Stoppard
6219 Martway St, (913) 432-9100, www.
Finley, Chuck Smith, Coleman Crenshaw, Aug 31-Sep 14: 7:30 pm Tue-Sat;
thebarnplayers.org A
Frank Presler, Jeff Shehan, Jen Morris, John 3 pm Sat; 2 pm Sun
Plunkett, Khalid Johnson, Lilyana Green, An absurd and funny take on the mystery
Lonita Cook, Marie Abed, Megan Baker, Carlsen Center of JCCC genre from the highly acclaimed and
Nate Shady, Sean Hill, Skylar Garcia, and Nellie McKay award-winning playwright, Tom Stoppard.
Tyrell Gephardt. $5 and a non-perishable Sep 28: 8 pm Fri A Christie-esque murder mystery is
food item. Alcott Arts Center Outdoor Her music is as tuneful and clever as the observed by a pair of theatre critics who
Theatre, 180 S 18th St, (913) 233-ARTS, best of the Great American Songbook get pulled in to the action in a very real
www.alcottartscenter.org – part cabaret, part sparkly pop – she’s way.... Directed by Mark Robbins. $15
done “Brecht on Broadway”, opened for - $35. H&R Block City Stage at Union
Lou Reed at Carnegie Hall, sung Woody
A.R.T.S., Inc. Allen movie songs at the Hollywood Bowl,
Station, 30 W Pershing Rd,
The Kitchen Witches by Caroline Smith (816) 235-6222, www.kcactors.org
performed on A Prairie Home Companion,
Aug 17-Sep 2: 6:30 pm Sat; 2 pm Sun
duetted with Eartha Kitt and Triumph, The
Isobel Lomax and Dolly Biddle are two
Insult Comic Dog, played Hilary Swank’s KC Improv Festival
cable-access cooking show hostesses who The KC Improv Company
sister on the big screen, paid tribute
have hated each other for over 30 years, KC Improv Festival 2012:
to Doris Day, and released four wildly
ever since Larry Biddle dated one and Sep 7-15: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 9 pm, 7 pm Fri
acclaimed albums of original music. $32.
married the other. When circumstances The KC Improv Festival, now in its 12th
Polsky Theatre, 12345 College Blvd, (913)
put them together on a TV show called year, welcomes 17 improv troupes from KC
469-4445, www.jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter
The Kitchen Witches, the insults are and around the country. Paul F Tompkin
flung harder than the food. Dolly’s long and Colin Hanks join top-rated podcasters
suffering TV-producer son, Stephen, tries to City Theatre of Independence Superego; performers from Second City,
keep them on track but it’s a losing battle. Little Women by Marion De Forest festival favorites BASSPROV, ImprovBoston,
Directed by Carole Ries. Featuring Karen Sep 6-16: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sun and rappers Twinprov will also play. Portion
Hastings, Jared Caudle, Carole Ries, and This play tells Louisa May Alcott’s classic of proceeds will benefit Gilda’s Club.
Denise Butterfield. Dinner + show: $37; awakening tale in a simple and yet Full schedule online. $6-20. Off Center
Non-dinner shows: $22. The Break Room, effective manner. Beautiful, amusing, Theatre, Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd,
911 S Kansas Ave, (785) 215-6633, and meaningful, this telling of the March (816) 678-8886, kcimprovfestival.com A
www.breakroomdowntown.com sisters’ pivotal years on the verge of
womanhood imparts cheer and hope
for the goodness of mankind. Directed
by Marcie Ramirez. $12 for non-musical
or $14 for a musical. Roger T. Sermon
Center, 201 N Dodgion St, (816) 325-
7367, www.citytheatreofindependence.org
*Affiliate Organizations offer discounts to subscribers of KC Stage. Display your member- Content Guide: Unless otherwise noted, the subject matter of performances should
ship card at the box office or mention it when ordering tickets over the phone. For a list be suitable for general audiences. Shows marked with A contain adult material that
of discounts and other offers, visit www.kcstage.com. Don’t forget to rate or review the may not be appropriate for children under the age of 18. Shows marked C contain
shows you see online! material that is specifically intended for children. Please note that these content markings
are designated by the individual arts organizations, not by KC Stage.
10 KCSTAGE Making a famine where abundance lies,
Thy self thy foe, to thy sweet self too cruel:
13. Performances
The Kick Stand-Up Show The Intergalactic Nemesis, Book 1:
Sep 29: 10 pm Sat Target Earth: Sep 22:
Martin Tanner Productions*
The KC Improv Company invites six of Painting Churches by Tina Howe
3 pm Sat
KC’s best stand-up comedians to perform Sep 4: 7:30 pm Tue
The year is 1933. At the very moment
their best work. It’s the best. With headliner “Beautifully written .... A theatrical family
that Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Molly
Brad Ellis, emcee Grasshopper, plus Marty portrait that has the shimmer and depth of
Sloan and her intrepid assistant Timmy
McIrvin, Scott Schaffer, Jeff Baker, and Wes Renoir portraits.” - The New York Times; “A
Mendez find their story on international
Van Horn. Directed by Tim Marks, Rod radiant, loving and zestfully humorous play
pelt smuggling at a dead end, their contact
Reyes. $10, $5 for students. The Kick ... distinctly Chekhovian. Howe captures
is assassinated right before their eyes. Yes,
Comedy Theater (at Westport Coffeehouse the same edgy surface of false hilarity,
Molly and Timmy have stumbled upon the
Theater), 4010 Pennsylvania, the same unutterable sadness beneath it,
story of the century: an impending invasion
(913) 486-6861, www.kcimprov.com A and the indomitable valor beneath both.”
of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon.
- Time. Directed by Herman Johansen.
$28 adult; $15 student/youth. Lied Center
Featuring Nancy Marcy, Richard Alan
Lied Center of Kansas of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr, (785) 864-
Nichols, and Claudia Copping. Free. The
Outdoor Concert with Buckwheat Zydeco 2787, lied.ku.edu (Suitable for Everyone)
Kansas City Irish Center, 30 W Pershing
Sep 7: 7 pm Fri Rd, Ste 700, (816) 474-3848,
Led by the legendary bandleader, Stanley The Intergalactic Nemesis, Book 2:
www.martintanner.com A
“Buckwheat” Dural, Jr., the group will Robot Planet Rising
play music from the Grammy Award- Sep 22: 7:30 pm Sat
winning album, Lay Your Burden Down, The year is 1933. When the robot emissary Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
and songs spanning its 30-year career. Elbee-Dee-Oh disappears in deep space, Three Tall Women by Edward Albee
This talented band has been nominated it’s up to Molly Sloan to rescue him. At Sep 12-30: 7:30 pm Wed-Sat; 2 pm Sun
for five Grammy Awards in three different that same time, and unbeknownst to her, The three tall women of young, middle, and
categories and received a Grammy Award her former fiancé Dr. Lawrence Webster old age are, in fact, all the same woman
for Lay Your Burden Down, considered to has arrived on Robonovia, the Cerebretron (“everywoman”) at different stages of her
be the most ambitious, deep and varied is malfunctioning, Timmy has only just life in this dynamic view of human frailty,
recording of Buckwheat Zydeco’s career. begun to master his telekinetic powers, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Albee
Free. Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart a sinister robot named Alphatron is up examines the pettiness and self-deception
Dr, (785) 864-2787, lied.ku.edu to something terribly nefarious, and the in our lives and the frailty of the aging
Soviet spy Natasha Zorokov has followed process, all told with characteristic Albee
John Lithgow, Stories by Heart Dr. Webster through the Galactascope. wit in the context of the old woman’s life.
Sep 17: 7:30 pm Mon $28 adult; $15 student/youth. Lied Center Directed by Linda Ade Brand. Featuring
In Stories by Heart, actor John Lithgow of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr, (785) 864- Marilyn Lynch, Celia Gannon, and Brianna
offers a touching and humorous 2787, lied.ku.edu Marxen-McCollom. $30 Fri-Sat, $25 Thur-
reflection on storytelling as the tie that Sun, $15 student. Metropolitan Ensemble
binds humanity. Invoking memories of Theatre, 3604 Main St, (816) 569-3226,
his father and his grandmother, Lithgow
Lyric Opera of Kansas City www.metkc.org
Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini
traces his roots as an actor and storyteller, Sep 15-23: 7:30 pm Fri-Sat,
interspersing his own story with two great Wed; 2 pm Sun New Theatre Restaurant
stories that were read to him and his Puccini’s beautifully tragic Madama Social Security by Andrew Bergman
siblings when they were children. $46 Butterfly is a story of the love, fidelity, Aug 29-Nov 4: 12 pm Sat-Sun,
adult; $24 student/youth. Lied Center of and betrayal that occurs when two very Wed-Thr; 6 pm Tue-Sun
Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr, different cultures collide. A marriage
(785) 864-2787, lied.ku.edu The ordered lives of a trendy New York
contract has drastically different meanings art gallery owner and his wife are thrown
to a U.S Navy lieutenant and his Japanese hilariously into chaos when her mother
Ragamala Dance, Sacred Earth child-bride. When the nuptials result in a moves in. Directed by Dennis D. Hennessy.
Sep 28: 7:30 pm Fri beloved child, the mother will do anything Featuring Barbara Eden, Joel Rooks, Cathy
Ragamala Dance brings the sensibility of to protect her honor and her child’s future Barnett, Craig Benton, David Fritts, and
mysticism and sanctity of the 2,000-year- Cheryl Weaver. Call (913) 649-7469 for
as an American. Call for ticket prices.
old Indian dance form, bharatanatyam, more information. New Theatre Restaurant,
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts,
to the contemporary stage. By interfacing 9229 Foster St, www.newtheatre.com A
1601 Broadway, (816) 471-7344,
choreography with live Indian music and www.kcopera.org
the visual traditions of kolams and Warli
paintings, Sacred Earth celebrates body
and nature, and soul and earth. $28 adult;
$15 student/youth. Lied Center of Kansas,
1600 Stewart Dr, (785) 864-2787, lied.
ku.edu
continued on Page 12
www.kcstage.com SEPTEMBER 2012 11
14. Performances
continued from page 9
newEar contemporary chamber Puppetry Arts Institute Starlight Theatre Association
ensemble* Woodland Puppets Brer Rabbit La Cage Aux Folles
Divergent Dreams by Ingrid Stolzel, Joao Sep 22: 2 pm, 11 am Sat by Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman
Pedro Oliveira, Gilbert Galindo, Dylan Tales from the adventures of a true Aug 28-Sep 2: 8 pm Sat-Sun
Schneider, Mark Snyder, Arthur Levering, American folk-hero Brer Rabbit! Four Georges is the suave owner of a glitzy
Jonathan Pieslak stories of this loveable trickster, his drag club on the French Riviera. Partnered
Sep 8: 8 pm Sat indomitable spirit and his irascible friends romantically with his high-strung star
Opening Concert of newEar’s Twentieth are woven together in this half hour show. performer, Albin (who goes by the stage
Anniversary Season! Directed by Steven Please call for reservations. Show times 11 name Zaza), the pair live a charmed
D. Davis. Featuring Thomas Aber, Anne- am and 2 pm. Directed by Wayne Krefting. life - until Georges’ son, Jean-Michel,
Marie Brown, Jan Faidley, Lawrence Figg, $5 per person regardless of age. Puppetry turns up engaged to the daughter of a
Mark Lowry, Lyra Pherigo, and Robert Arts Institute, 11025 E Winner Rd, (816) conservative right-wing politician who’s
Pherigo. $20 ($10 student With ID). All 833-9777, www.hazelle.org coming to dinner. $10 - $85. Starlight
Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 4501 Theatre, 4600 Starlight Rd, (816) 363-
Walnut, (816) 235-6222, www.newear.org Woodland Puppets 7827, www.kcstarlight.com
The Reluctant Salamander
Sep 22: 2 pm, 11 am Sat The Theatre Gym
Olathe South High School* The Reluctant Salamander is Woodland The Miser by Molière,
The Surprising Story of the Three Little Pigs Puppet’s slightly skewed spoof of Kenneth adapted by Stephen Bardell
by Linda Daugherty Grahame’s classic story, “The Reluctant Sep 20-Oct 6: 7:30 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sun
Sep 27-28: 7:30 pm Thr-Fri Dragon”. Join Bil Bug, Solly Salamander, Directed by Art Suskin. Featuring Allan
$8. Olathe South High School, and the rest of the Forest Floor Players in Boardman, Alan Tilson, Cathy Wood,
1640 E 151st St, (913) 780-7160, this tale of misunderstanding and good Devon Barnes, Andy Penn, Brian Huther,
dhastingsos@olatheschools.org intentions gone awry told with gentle good Mike Ott, Bianca Jordan, Greg Lane,
humor. Showtimes 11 am and 2 pm. Spencer Lott, Dean Kinsey, and Elizabth
Please call for reservations. Directed by Hill. $15-$25. The H&R Block City Stage
Paradise Playhouse Dinner Theatre Wayne Krefting. $5 per person regardless at Union Station, 30 West Pershing Road,
Tom, Dick and Harry by Ray Cooney and of age. Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E theatregym.org/
Michael Cooney Winner Rd, (816) 833-9777, www.hazelle.
Sep 28-Oct 20: 6 pm Fri-Sat; 12 pm Sun org (Intended for Children)
$30 to $32. Paradise Playhouse Dinner Theatre Lawrence
Theatre, 101 Spring St, (816) 630-3333, Trouble on the Border at Watkin’s Mill 9 to 5: The Musical by Dolly Parton
www.paradiseplayhouse.org A Sep 8: 2 pm Sat Sep 21-Oct 7: 7:30 pm Thr-Sat;
We are very excited to invite you to 2:30 pm Sun
This is the hilarious story of friendship and
Paul Mesner Puppets* Trouble on the Border, a marionette
revenge in the Rolodex era. 9 to 5: The
Bark, George by Jules Feiffer performance depicting the impact Order
Number Eleven had on a Missouri farming Musical tells the story of three unlikely
Sep 11-22: 10 am Tue-Sat
family. Stick around after the show for friends who conspire to take control of
“Bark, George,” says George’s mother,
other events! The show is sponsored by their company and learn there’s nothing
and George goes “Meow,” which definitely
Watkins Mill Association, performed by they can’t do - even in a man’s world.
isn’t right, because George is a dog. And
the Puppetry Arts Institute, and will be at Outrageous, thought-provoking, and
so is his mother, who repeats, “Bark,
the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site. even a little romantic, this musical is
George.” And George goes, “Quack-
Get your tickets today! Call for directions about teaming up and taking care of
quack.” What’s going on with George?
and additional information. Watkin’s Mill business ... it’s about getting credit and
Find out in this fast, foolish and funny
Visitors Center, NE 161st St, getting even. Directed by Doug Weaver.
farce adapted for the puppet stage by
(816) 580-3387, www.hazelle.org $13.99-$21.99. Theatre Lawrence, 1501
Paul Mesner Puppets. Directed by Paul
New Hampshire St, (785) 843-7469,
Mesner. $8 for children; $10 for adults.
www.theatrelawrence.com
PMP Studio, 1006 E Linwood Blvd, (816) Quality Hill Playhouse
235-6222, www.paulmesnerpuppets.org C On the Sunny Side of the Street
Sep 21-Oct 21: 1 pm Thr; 8 pm University of Central Missouri
Wed-Mon; 3 pm Sun Theatre & Dance Dept.*
The American Economy may have been Armed Robbery for Dummies
depressed in the 1930s, but American by Paul R. Roman
music was anything but. Hard times Sep 13-15: 7:30 pm Thr-Sat
produced timeless hits by George and Directed by Adam Hoffman. $1. Nickerson
Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Dorothy Fields, Hall, BlackBox Theatre, University of
Harold Arlen and more. Directed by J. Central Missouri, (660) 543-8811,
Kent Barnhart. $32-Adults; $29-Seniors/ www.ucmo.edu/theatre A
Students. Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W
Photo by umbRella gRouP aRts. 10th St, (816) 421-1700,
www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com
12 KCSTAGE Thou that art now the world’s fresh ornament,
And only herald to the gaudy spring,
