Theatre

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ONGOING.........COMING UP.........NEW! GO TO THE MOVIES!....THEATRE REFERENCES

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NOW OR ONGOING

Nov 6 Paula Poundstone, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Through Nov 8-“The Laramie Project” directed by Ron Schaeffer, Studio 116, UMKC Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry, KCMO 64110; Adult: $15, Senior (60+ years): $10, Students: $6; Drawing on hundreds of news reports, journal entries, and interviews with the inhabitants of Laramie, Wyoming; captures with heart-rending documentary accuracy the brutal murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard. Widely considered to be a hate crime motivated by homophobia, the 1998 murder remains a politically divisive issue to this day, as a Congresswoman recently described Shepard’s murder merely as a “robbery gone wrong” during a CNN interview. Directed by Ron Schaeffer from a script by Moisés Kaufman and the members of Tectonic Theater Project; (816) 235-6222; cto@umkc.edu; UMKC Theatre Website
Previews Nov 3-4 Formally Nov 5-8
Nov 8: 2:00pm; all other dates: 7:30pm

Through Nov 8-“Arcadia” by Tom Stoppard, Spencer Theatre, UMKC Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry, KCMO 64110; Adult: $15, Senior (60+ years): $10, Students: $6; directed by Barry Kyle; thoughtful comedy brimming with wit, adoration of language and genuine emotion; 1993 play that incorporates concepts of math and science, the past and present, order and chaos; Sweeping prestigious awards from London’s West End to Broadway, the play is set both in 1809 and 1989 on an elegant English estate; complex characters constantly try to outwit one another while addressing critical questions on the difference between love and sex, if nature is more sublime than art, and why we love those we love; Stoppard’s accomplishments of the last 50 years: “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead”, “The Real Thing”, the Oscar-winning screenplay of “Shakespeare in Love”; (816) 235-6222; cto@umkc.edu; UMKC Theatre Website
Previews Oct 30-Nov 3, Formally Nov 4-8
Nov 8: 2:00pm; all other dates: 7:30pm

Through Nov 15-PALOMINO, Copaken Theatre, One H&R Block Way (the corner of 13th & Walnut), KCMO; a brilliant new play that follows Kieran McGrath, a beautiful, literate, and mysterious Irish Central Park carriage driver. Keiran dreams of writing a book, and when the opportunity to become an escort to rich, lonely women in NYC comes up, he's found his subject. Or has he? Mr. Cale is an Obie Award-winning author and virtuoso performer whose accomplished and inspiring monologues have been featured on NPR's "This American Life" and "The Next Big Thing" and on BBC Radio 4's "Afternoon Play." As a lyricist, his words have been performed by Elvis Costello, Deborah Harry and the Jazz Pass; 816.235.2700; info@kcrep.org; http://www.kcrep.org/

Through Nov 22-Cabaret, Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission; As the Nazis begin their rise to power in Germany in the late 1920s, American writer Clifford Bradshaw arrives in Berlin. He visits the sleazy Kit Kat Club and meets an English singer, Sally Bowles. The writer and singer soon fall in love. Meanwhile, Clifford's elderly landlord, Fraulein Schneider, gets engaged to a Jewish greengrocer, Herr Schultz. Overseeing the action is the Emcee, who presides as master of ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub; www.thebarnplayers.org, 913-432-9100

Through Nov 22-The Time of Your Life, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, 3614 Main, KCMO 64111; by William Saroyan; The western sun rises on a San Francisco waterfront dive populated by habitual boozers, drifters, and dreamers. Presiding over the bar is the philosophical Joe who freely dispenses money and advice to the regulars, among them a sad streetwalker, a gauche errand boy, and an aging Native American. Finally they achieve fulfillment, proving Joe’s point that “it takes a lot of rehearsing for a man to get to be himself.” ; 816-569-3226; office@metkc.org

Through Nov 29-Church Basement Ladies 2 - A Second Helping, New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster, OPKS; The grooviest guy to ever graduate Westdale High, Greg Brady ­ AKA Barry Williams is spending his time with the ladies. Yes, the Church Basement Ladies are back in the basement slinging bars and brownies in this outrageous sequel. It's 1969 and while the rest of the world is dealing with Vietnam and Woodstock, the church basement ladies are coming to terms with pantsuits and guitars in church! This hilarious musical comedy is a celebration of church basement kitchens everywhere and the wonderful, unsung women who work there; 913.649.7469; http://www.newtheatre.com/

Through Dec 27-“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level Three, 2450 Grand St., KCMO; Adapted by Joe Landry from the classic Frank Capra movie, this show transposes the story of George Bailey and the struggling, family-owned building & loan to a live radio broadcast in New York on Christmas Eve 1946. The show features live music in the form of holiday songs and sound effects. A local premiere; 816.842.9999; http://www.ahtkc.com/

Through Dec 29-Little House on the Prairie, The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center, KCMO; Directions; $12/youth, students and seniors; $17/adults; $9/Season Ticket Holders, $2 service charge on the total of your online or phone order (NOT per ticket); The Ingalls family—Laura, Ma, Pa, Mary and Carrie—sells their house, leaves the Big Woods of Wisconsin and heads west to Indian Territory near Independence, Kansas. With gorgeous new scenery, we bring you a beloved classic! Box Office (816) 474-6552; http://www.coterietheatre.org/

Indefinite run every Monday-“The Breakfast Club,” Westport CoffeeHouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave, KCMO 64111; part of the Coterie at Night Series; (816) 756-3222; http://www.westportcoffeehouse.com/

First Saturday of Every Month-The Corbin Theater, 15 N Water St., Liberty Mo; 913-871-6242; http://www.kcimprov.com/
On The Spot! The Improv Comedy Game Show, 7pm; $8; The contestants make up the answers as they go along and the audience wins the prizes! KC's best improvisers compete in super-funny, family-friendly games and scenes
Fakers Improv Comedy, 9pm; $5; a high-energy, no-holds-barred comedy troupe that performs improv games and an improvised one-act play

Every Saturday morning - Mother Nature Reads, Lakeside Nature Center, located in Swope Park, 4701 East Gregory Blvd, KCMO 64132; Map; 10am; free; children of all ages are read a story, talk about an animal, do a craft; If large groups want to attend, please call in advance; Ctr hours: Tues-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, noon-4pm; 816.513.8960; http://www.lakesidenaturecenter.org/

Third Saturday of every month- “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, Screenland Crossroads, 1656 Washington St., KCMO; Tickets $8, prop bags $3; Pre-show starts at 10pm; http://www.kcrockyhorror.com/ ; http://www.screenland.com/

COMING UP

Nov 10-18-THE TOUGHEST KID IN THE WORLD, HandR Block City Stage, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO 64108; This play dramatizes the adventures of TK, a modern youngster dealing with real problems of anger, conflict and violence. TK redefines "tough" for himself and learns personal skills that empower him to reject violence. A musical play full of humor and heart, The Toughest Kid in the World was created to enrich the Expressions course in the curriculum for sixth grader in Kansas City, Kansas, public schools. A special Outreach Workshop, Exploring Conflict Resolution-Drama, may be conducted in classrooms at the school. This participatory drama class teaches principles of conflict resolution and problem solving. Actors from the production of The Toughest Kid in the World conduct the workshops. Teachers are provided with a special manual of classroom activities. Professional development workshops for teachers are also available; Click here to go to Union Station Ticketing page; 816-460-2083; 816-460-2020; http://www.unionstation.org/; http://www.tya.org/

Nov 11-Dec 6- Wicked, Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; $25-$125; On sale date Sept 18 at 10:00am; Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One-born with emerald green skin-is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for "the most completely satisfying new musical in a long time" (USA Today). On Broadway and around the world, WICKED has worked its magic on critics and audiences alike. Winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED is "Broadway's biggest blockbuster" (The New York Times). Tickets available online http://www.ticketmaster.com/; 1-800-745-3000. Walk-up sales available at the Municipal Auditorium Box Office Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm; (816) 513-5000

Nov 11-Dec 13-Farragut North; On The Mainstage, Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., KCMO; Stephen is a 25-year-old hotshot press secretary who has built a career that men twice his age envy. During a tight presidential primary race, however, Stephen’s meteoric rise falls prey to the backroom politics of more seasoned operatives. Even his one night stand with a teenage staffer proves to be more complicated than casual. More than a glimpse into the world of politics, Farragut North is an intriguing story of loyalty, obsessive lust for power and the costs one will endure to succeed; 816-531-7529 ext. 10; http://www.unicorntheatre.org/

Nov 12-Dec 20-“The Taffetas”, the Chestnut Theatre, 234 N. Chestnut, Olathe; Adults $21; Seniors/Students $20; Group Rate $17; holiday sequel to tells the story of the 4 sisters from Muncie, Ind.., who have gone off to find fame & fortune in NYC. Swing into the holidays with classic songs like Sugar Time, Santa Baby, Marshmallow World, There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays, & more A Taffetas Christmas is a show to warm hearts, rekindle fond memories & bring sparkle to the season. (Rick Lewis - Creator, Author and Musical Arranger; Rated G; Seating is limited; reservations: 913-764-2121; http://www.chestnutfinearts.com/
Thurs-Sat shows at 8 pm
Sun matinees at 2 pm

Nov 13-14 Paul Taylor Dance Co., Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Nov 16-Staged Readings: Reservoir Dogs directed by David Kiehl; Westport Flea Market, 817 Westport Rd, KCMO 64111; 7:30pm; Suggested $5 donation; a new way to experience your favorite movies. Each month a group of Kansas City's finest professional actors gets together to read a beloved screenplay. Kind of like a radio show, kind of like a play, kind of like....well, we're still figuring out what it is month by month. Movies, Theatre, Friends, Beer...Give us your suggestions for Readings or casting! 913-645-8723; stagedreadings@yahoo.com; www.myspace.com/stagedreadings; http://www.westportfleamarket.com/; (816) 931-1986

Nov 19 - 22-The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Avila University’s Goppert Theatre; Campus Map; 816-501-3753; Jeremy Lillig; www.avila.edu/theatre

Nov 19-Dec 27-Christmas in Song, Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10th St., KCMO; Celebrate the season with our annual holiday cabaret revue of traditional and popular music; 816-421-1700; http://www.qualityhillplayhouse.com/

Nov 20-21 Shaolin Warriors, The Kung Fu Masters of China, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Nov 20 - Dec. 27-A Christmas Story, The Musical, Rep Special Event! - The Pre-Broadway World Premiere of a New Musical! Spencer Theatre; Based on the Warner Brothers Movie “A Christmas Story” and Jean Shepherd’s novel “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash”; The most beloved Christmas movie of all time has been adapted for the stage and is quickly becoming one of the most highly anticipated shows in the theatrical world. This classic holiday tale centers around a mischievous, bespectacled boy in small town America in an earlier, carefree time. Ralphie has one dream: getting a BB-gun for Christmas, despite repeated (and now-infamous) warnings of “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” In the weeks before the big holiday, Ralphie, his friends and family get into all kinds of situations—including run-ins with a yellow-eyed bully, a tongue frozen to a lamp post, a bar of soap in the mouth, a garish “major award” in the form of mannequin leg lamp, and a Chinese Christmas dinner. A Christmas Story, The Musical unforgettably captures every child’s holiday wonder with deliciously wicked wit, a nostalgic eye and a heart of gold. It’s a Christmas present that audiences of all ages will be sure to embrace and cherish for years to come; 816.235.2700; http://www.kcrep.org/

Dec 1-26-MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS, HandR Block City Stage, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO 64108; In a old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” So begins this delightful story from the beloved book series of Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. It’s the winter season but none of the girls can go home for the holidays because they are all sick with flu. Madeline is having to care for everyone including Miss Clavel. The adventure begins when a mysterious rug merchant comes to the door of the school with twelve very special rugs—one for each of the students. The next morning everyone feels better and the students are able to fly home on the carpets for a holiday treat. Miss Clavel stays at the school with a mouse. The girls arrive back for a reunion with Miss Clavel for New Year’s Eve and all thank Madeline for their great trip. The play has book and lyrics by Jennifer Kerby and music by Shirley Mier; Click here to go to Union Station Ticketing page; 816-460-2083; 816-460-2020; http://www.unionstation.org/; http://www.tya.org/

Dec 2-Jan 3-Miss Witherspoon; On The Jerome Stage, Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., KCMO; Veronica is plagued by the fear that Skylab will almost certainly drop from the sky and crush her. Finding the world too frightening a place to endure, she decides to leave it behind. Her plans for eternal peace are interrupted when she finds herself in the Bardo (Tibetan Buddhist netherworld) with an overly cheery spirit guide who forces her to reincarnate. A stubborn Veronica is sent back in a dizzying array of roles from infant in a bug and drug ridden trailer park to playful golden retriever. There are lessons to learn if she is to save her soul . . . and maybe even the world; 816-531-7529 ext. 10; http://www.unicorntheatre.org/

Dec 2-Feb 7-Run For Your Wife, New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster, OPKS;Garrett Morris made television comedy history as part of the 'Not Ready For Prime Time Players' on a show called SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE; had them rolling in the aisles in London and New York. A taxi driver gets away with having two wives in different parts of town because of his irregular work schedule. Complication is piled upon complication as the cabby tries to keep his double life from exploding; 913.649.7469; http://www.newtheatre.com/

Dec 3-20- Spectacular Christmas, Off Center Theatre, Level 3, Crown Center Shops; Map & Directions to Theater; Like a visit from old friends. After having so much fun together last season we just have to do it again! You can be sure this show will put you in the holiday spirit with your favorite songs and stories of the season performed by your favorite MTH friendsThurs-Sat- 8pmSun- 2pm and 7pm

Dec 4-6-Six by Ten: A Festival of Original 10-Minute Plays from Kansas City Playwrights; , Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission; www.thebarnplayers.org, 913-432-9100

Dec 4-13-The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, Blue Springs City Theatre, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive, Based on the book by L. Frank Baum; About The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus; www.bluespringscitytheater.com/; 816-228-0137

Dec 4-20-Cinderella, Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS; by RICHARD RODGERS, Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II; In our little corner of the world, fairy tales will come true. The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957, its recreation transports us to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true with great warmth and more than a touch of hip hilarity. The hearts of children and adults alike will still soar when the slipper fits; http://www.theatrelawrence.com/; 785-843-7469

Dec 5 The New Sigmund Romberg Orchestra and Vocal Soloists, A Viennese Christmas, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Dec 11 Cantus, All is Calm, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Dec 16-27-The Nutcracker; Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; Tickets on sale Oct. 26, 2009. Subscribers may purchase tickets before they go on sale to the public by calling 816-931-2232; Holiday magic sparkles as the curtain goes up for Kansas City Ballet's enchanting presentation of The Nutcracker with live orchestral accompaniment of Tchaikovsky's famous music. Featuring elaborate scenery, stunning choreography and vibrant costumes, Clara's magical adventure captures the imaginations of young and old. Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker is the largest production in an eight state region. Over 200 area children who are students in the Kansas City Ballet School perform alongside 25 Kansas City Ballet company dancers; (816) 513-5000
Dec 16-18 7:30pm;
Dec 19 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Dec 20th 1:00pm and 5:00pm
Dec 22 7:30pm
Dec 23 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Dec 24 1:00pm;
Dec 26 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Dec 27 1:00pm and 5:00pm

Dec 27-Jan 3-"Always...Patsy Cline", the Chestnut Theatre, 234 N. Chestnut, Olathe;This Show is NOT part of our regular season-Special Event Prices -All Tickets $20; Once again, Krista Eyler and Stasha Case will take stage in the great story of friendship filled with favorite songs - I Fall to Pieces, Walkin' After Minight, Crazy, Faded Love, Sweet Dreams & More; Rated G; Seating is limited; reservations: 913-764-2121; http://www.chestnutfinearts.com/
Sun, Dec 27: 2 and 7pm
Mon, Dec 28: 7:30pm
Tues, Dec 29: 7:30pm
Wed, Dec 30: 7:30pm
NEW YEAR'S EVE : Thurs, Dec 31: 2, 5:30 and 9pm
Fri, Jan 1: 8pm
Sat, Jan 2: 2 and 8pm
Sun, Jan 3: 2 and 7pm

2010

Jan 5-10-White Christmas, Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105$25-$61; Onsale July 11th, 10:00am; Walk-up sales available at the Municipal Auditorium Box Office Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm. The classic holiday movie WHITE CHRISTMAS is coming to the stage at last! The brand new Irving Berlin musical opens this holiday season! Brimming with classic Berlin hits like "Blue Skies," "How Deep is the Ocean?" and of course the unforgettable title song Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!; (816) 513-5000

Jan 7-23-Kimberly Akimbo, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, 3614 Main, KCMO 64111; by David Lindsay-Abaire; Kimberly is 16 going on 90. When her family flees Secaucus under dubious circumstances, she is forced to reevaluate her short life while contending with a hypochondriac mother, a rarely sober father, a scam-artist aunt, and the possibility of first love. Surviving a family that redefines “dysfunctional,” Kimberly must find a way to give meaning to her life and live it to the fullest no matter what the consequences; 816-569-3226; office@metkc.org.

Jan 8-Feb 21- “Glorious!” — The True Story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the Worst Singer in the World,” American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level Three, 2450 Grand St., KCMO; Peter Quilter’s comedy offers a compassionate portrait of an American woman who ignored the advice of others and launched a singing career in 1909. Her surviving recordings confirm that she may well have been “the worst singer in the world.” A Kansas City premiere; 816.842.9999; www.ahtkc.com

Jan 15-17-The Wiz, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS; All performances are at 7:30pm, except Sunday matinees at 2pm; A Barn Junior Production (for ages 13-18); http://www.thebarnplayers.org/

Jan 16 Thank You, Gregory, A Tribute to the Legends of Dance, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Jan 21-31-The Dixie Swim Club, Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS; a Comedy; Some friendships last forever! A comedy that invites us to four reunions of women who first met on a college swim team. Come meet five unforgettable women who continue through the years to laugh, meddle and be there for each other; http://www.theatrelawrence.com/; 785-843-7469

Jan 22-Feb 21-Rodgers and Hart and Hammerstein, Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10th St., KCMO; Richard Rodgers’ work with Lorenz Hart was witty and romantic, but with Oscar Hammerstein he was the eternal optimist. We’ll see the two sides of this fascinating composer in this intimate cabaret revue with our piano, bass and drums combo; 816-421-1700; http://www.qualityhillplayhouse.com/

Jan 24 Raggs LIVE Dance Party! , Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Jan 26-Feb 28-Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi-World Premiere, The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center, KCMO; Directions; $15/adults, $10/youth under 18, full-time students, and seniors age 60 and older, $2 service charge on the total of your online or phone order (NOT per ticket); Young Samuel Clemens leaves home to be a cub pilot on a Mississippi steamboat in 1858 and finds himself learning about life. And death. And love. And writing! A musical premiere based on Twain's autobiographical coming-of-age memoir; Box Office (816) 474-6552; http://www.coterietheatre.org/

Jan 27-Feb 28-Grey Gardens; On The Mainstage, Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., KCMO; 2007 Tony Nominated musical is based on the 1975 documentary about Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Grey Gardens is the Bouviers' real mansion in the East Hamptons. The story tracks the deterioration of these women’s lives and their home as they fall from rich, socially polished aristocrats to an isolated existence in a house overridden by cats and decay. Through crumbling walls and broken windows, the tangled dynamics of this notorious mother/daughter relationship are finally exposed; 816-531-7529 ext. 10; http://www.unicorntheatre.org/

Jan 27-Feb 14-“AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS,” Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St., KCMO, The staid and resplendently wealthy Phileas Fogg has taken a gentleman’s wager that the world cannot be crossed in 80 days. So confident is he in his calculations that it is possible that he wagers his entire fortune on the fact that he and his unreliable but ever-faithful valet can pull off this dazzling feat. Follow Fogg in a whirlwind race aboard steamships, locomotives, and pachyderms as he discovers countless exotic locales, from Calcutta to Hong Kong. Will bandits, an act of chivalry, a herd of buffalo, or an unrelenting inspector from Scotland Yard keep him from his impossible task? 816.235.2700; www.kcrep.org

Feb 2-20-NATE THE GREAT , HandR Block City Stage, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO 64108; Nate the Great is the sharpest kid detective ever to solve his neighborhood’s mysteries. With his trench coat, Sherlock Holmes hat, his trusty dog Sludge, and his friend Rosamond, he sets out to investigate important cases—important to a youngster, that is. Plus he always remembers to leave his mom a note, wear his galoshes, and make it home in time for pancakes. Pamela Sterling has adapted this comic mystery from the famous NATE THE GREAT series of books by the award-winning Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. With jazz music in the backgound and with the style of adult detectives in the movies and television, Nate and his friends use their brains and their problem-solving skills to find out answers to kid’s questions. They also learn a little science along the way. Besides being funny, this play encourages critical thinking skills; Click here to go to Union Station Ticketing page; 816-460-2083; 816-460-2020; http://www.unionstation.org/; http://www.tya.org/

Feb 4-Mar 7-Moon River: Johnny Mercer's American Songbook, the Chestnut Theatre, 234 N. Chestnut, Olathe; Adults $21; Seniors/Students $20; Group Rate $17; 50 songs from 50 years - from the big band and radio shows of the ‘20’s to the great Hollywood film scores of the 60's and 70's. You’ll hear Summerwind, Come Rain or Come Shine, Jeepers Creepers, Autumn Leaves, Satin Doll, Sweet Georgia Brown, That Old Black Magic, Moon River and more! (Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson. Book by Todd Olson; Rated G; Seating is limited; reservations: 913-764-2121; http://www.chestnutfinearts.com/
Thurs-Sat shows at 8 pm
Sun matinees at 2 pm

Feb 10-April 11-Cactus Flower, New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster, OPKS; Two time Emmy winner, 10 time Emmy nominee Loretta Swit returns to New Theatre. Loretta, of course spent 11 seasons as Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan on M*A*S*H, the hit TV Guide calls "The best sit-com of all time." In this fast-paced comedy, a philandering bachelor dentist keeps his girlfriend at bay by telling her he's married. When the ruse threatens to catch up with him, he drafts his prickly nurse to pose as his "wife". This Academy Award winning comedy has heart and soul with a sense of humor to match; 913.649.7469; http://www.newtheatre.com/

Feb 11-Mar 7- SPOOKY DOG:A Scooby-Doo Mystery (Plagiarized, Improvised, Not for kiddies!), The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center, KCMO; Directions; $12/all ages general admission, $9/Season Ticket Holders, $2 service charge on the total of your online or phone order (NOT per ticket); Jinkies! It's time to bone up on your Scooby snacks and hop in the jivin' mystery mobile to follow four ghost-seeking teens and a dog detective.For the mod college gang, high school hipsters, even groovy adults who want to relive Saturday morning!; Box Office (816) 474-6552; http://www.coterietheatre.org/

Feb 12-21-“ Slammed!: KC Speaks Out on the Recession”, Studio 116, UMKC Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry, KCMO 64110; Adult: $15, Senior (60+ years): $10, Students: $6; A New, Original Work Created and directed by Stephanie Roberts inspired by pioneering theatre artist Anna Deveare Smith and legendary chronicler Studs Terkel; tale of our community and of our times. In this world premiere, the cast and creative team held live interviews with local Kansas Citians who have been deeply affected by the recession and, in turn, bring these voices to the stage. This unique theatrical event illuminates the chaos of change through human stories; (816) 235-6222; cto@umkc.edu; UMKC Theatre Website
Previews Feb 12-16, Formally Feb 17-21
Feb 21: 2:00pm; all other dates: 7:30pm

Feb 13 Philharmonia of the Nations with pianist Jon Nakamatsu, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Feb 16-21-Young Frankenstein, Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; $25-$65. On sale date November 21st at 10:00am; Walk-up sales available at the Municipal Auditorium, 201 W 13th St, KCMO 64105; (816) 513-5000 Box Office Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm; The classic Mel Brooks movie is ALIVE...and it's headed here! You'll have a monstrously good time at this spectacular new production, winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award. Don't miss the sensational cast delivering all your favorite moments from the classic film, plus brand-new show-stopping numbers for the stage, including "Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and "Puttin' on the Ritz." This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Fronkensteen) as he attempts to create a monster--but not without scary and hilarious complications. The brains behind the laughter is mad genius and three- time Tony(r) winner Mel Brooks himself--who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book-along with his record-breaking team from The Producers: five-time Tony-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman and three-time Tony-winning writer, Thomas Meehan; (816) 513-5000

Feb 19-20 Band of the Irish Guards with the Pipes, Drums and Highland Dancers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Feb 19-Mar 21-“BROKE-OLOGY ,” Copaken Theatre, One H&R Block Way (the corner of 13th & Walnut), KCMO; Nathan Jackson’s family drama is set in his hometown of Kansas City, Kan. The play depicts a lower middle-class African-American family in which two brothers — one educated in college, the other on the streets — have to come to terms with family loyalties after their father is diagnosed with a serious illness; 816.235.2700; www.kcrep.org

Feb 24-28-“La Bete”, by David Hirson, Grant Hall Theatre, UMKC, 5328 Charlotte, KCMO 64110; Adult: $15, Senior (60+ years): $10, Students: $6; In 17th century France, the dignified royal court-sponsored theatre troupe must take on a frivolous and foppish street entertainer at the behest of the troupe’s patron. Inspired by Moliere, the American playwright David Hirson’s 1991 comedy is written entirely in verse, and presents a timeless story of creative friction, court jealousy, politics and high art vs. low. Directed by Gary Holcombe; (816) 235-6222; cto@umkc.edu; UMKC Theatre Website
Previews Feb 24-25 Formally Feb 26-28.
Feb 28: 2:00pm; all other dates: 7:30pm

Feb 25 - 28-The Boys Next Door by Tom Griffin, Avila University’s Goppert Theatre; Campus Map; 816-501-3753; Jeremy Lillig; www.avila.edu/theatre

Feb 25-Mar 7-Rabbit Hole, Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS; A Drama by David Lindsay-Abaire, Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, the drama charts a family’s bittersweet search for comfort in the darkest of places and for a path that will lead them back into the light of dayhttp://www.theatrelawrence.com/; 785-843-7469

Feb 25-Mar 14-A Moon for the Misbegotten, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, 3614 Main, KCMO 64111; by Eugene O’Neill; In a sequel of sorts, James Tyrone, Jr., the tortured alcoholic from O’Neill’s classic, Long Day’s Journey into Night, returns home to Connecticut and encounters Josie, who lives with her tyrannical father on their scrabbly, ramshackle farm. While James remains haunted by his mother’s death, rumors surround Josie, and the surprising truth about them both emerges during the moonlit night they spend together; 816-569-3226; office@metkc.org

Feb 26-27 Porgy and Bess with a live orchestra, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Feb 26-28- StarQuest International Dance Competition, Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; Registration required; (816) 513-5000

Feb 26-Mar 7-NigHt of tHe PterodActyls, Blue Springs City Theatre, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive, About NigHt of tHe PterodActyls; www.bluespringscitytheater.com/; 816-228-0137

Mar 2-April 16-JUNIE B. JONES AND A LITTLE MONKEY BUSINESS, HandR Block City Stage, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO 64108; Barbara Parks wildly popular Junie B. Jones character comes to life onstage in this musical adaptation of the book JUNIE B. JONES AND A LITTLE MONKEY BUSINESS. Junie is a high-spirited youngster who has an unusual way of looking at life. The play is told from her point of view. Her parents, at first, tell her she is getting a present. She is so excited until she finds out the present is a P.U.baby brother! At first she is disappointed and, not to mention, jealous, but then when she hears that her new baby brother is “cute as a monkey”, she begins to brag about that “monkey.” She gets the school kids to give her their snack tickets and all kinds of great gifts in exchange for a peek at the monkey! The principal (boss of the school, as Junie says) straightens Junie out about “figures of speech.” Junie learns that the baby is not so bad after all. She says, “He’s the cutest monkey I ever saw. I’m a lucky duck!” The songs and words are by Joan Cushing, the same playwright who adapted TYA’s MISS NELSON series of musicals; Click here to go to Union Station Ticketing page; 816-460-2083; 816-460-2020; http://www.unionstation.org/; http://www.tya.org/

Mar 3-28-Green Whales; On The Jerome Stage, Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., KCMO; Karen is a 38-year-old woman who, due to a condition that halts her aging, appears to be a young teen. Her bigger problem, however, is that she can’t find a date. Her wacky sister Joanna comes up with the ‘perfect’ plan to find love for Karen. Joanna, not surprisingly, has her own relationship issues. The sisters search for love and must learn to settle for their ‘perfect’ mates; 816-531-7529 ext. 10; http://www.unicorntheatre.org/

Mar 5-6-Dance America Competition , Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; Registration required; (816) 513-5000

Mar 5-6 Groovaloo, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Mar 5-21-Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS; All performances are at 7:30pm, except Sunday matinees at 2pm; http://www.thebarnplayers.org/

Mar 5-April 3-Broadway’s Best, Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10th St., KCMO; We’re looking back on more than 50 years of Tony Award® winning shows in this revue of songs from the best musicals of all time; 816-421-1700; http://www.qualityhillplayhouse.com/

Mar 5-April 18- “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level Three, 2450 Grand St., KCMO; This show, with a book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, premiered locally at the Heartland 12 years ago and closed in New York last year after a run of more than 5,000 performances. The piece takes a lighthearted look at a wide range of human relationships; 816.842.9999; www.ahtkc.com

Mar 12 - April 3- Bus Stop, Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry Street, KCMO 64110; A lot can happen in a single night! Sexy drifters, a disgraced professor, a dance hall girl on the run all take refuge from a blizzard -- and then the sparks fly. This uproarious comedy by critically acclaimed Kansas playwright William Inge and directed by acclaimed innovator Steve Cosson will warm up the coldest of winter nights; Free parking; Purchase tickets: Box Office 816.235.2700; online: http://www.kcrep.org/

Mar 13 Martha Graham Dance Company, Clytemnestra, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

Mar 13-14-Shen Yun Performing Arts, Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; $33-$69. Early bird discount through January 1st, 2010; ; Walk-up sales available at the Municipal Auditorium, 201 W 13th St, KCMO 64105; (816) 513-5000 Box Office Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm; (816) 513-5000
Sat 7pm
Sun 2pm

Mar 26-28- Revolution Talent Competition, Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; Registration required; (816) 513-5000

Mar 27 Guthrie Family Rides Again, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

April 1-May 2-Ain’t She Sweet! Dixieland & ragtime, the Chestnut Theatre, 234 N. Chestnut, Olathe; Adults $21; Seniors/Students $20; Group Rate $17; Rated G; tap your feet to the beat of the timeless classics. A full Dixieland band & four vocalists will perform cakewalks, rags, two steps, marches, & other great period pieces. Listen to Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Ain’t Misbehavin, Bill Bailey, When the Saints Go Marching In, & more!; Seating is limited; reservations: 913-764-2121; http://www.chestnutfinearts.com/
Thurs-Sat shows at 8 pm
Sun matinees at 2 pm

April 6-May 16-Honus and Me:A Baseball Card Adventure!, The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center, KCMO; Directions; $15/adults, $10/youth under 18, full-time students, and seniors age 60 and older, $2 service charge on the total of your online or phone order (NOT per ticket); With the discovery of the most valuable baseball card in the world – a 1909 “T-206 Honus Wagner” – we take a time-bending encounter with a struggling little-leaguer and the legendary Pittsburgh Pirate’s slugger; Box Office (816) 474-6552; http://www.coterietheatre.org/

April 8-25-Mappa Mundi - Midwest Premiere! Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, 3614 Main, KCMO 64111; by Shelagh Stevenson; Jack is a grouchy, terminally ill patriarch who is staying with his well-to-do daughter, Anna. She is the apple of his eye but he's nursing bigoted attitudes about her black fiancé, Sholto. As he faces the end of his life, we realize that Jack's questionable fascination with a map-drawing, plantation-owning ancestor is tied up with his yearning for another life and a dark incident in his past. Mappa Mundi treads the edge of dangerous waters; 816-569-3226; office@metkc.org

April 9-10 The 5 Browns, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

April 9-11-Talent on Parade Dance Competition, Municipal Auditorium, 201 W 13th St, KCMO 64105; Registration required; (816) 513-5000

April 9-25-“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, by William Shakespeare and directed by Theodore Swetz, Studio 116, Olson PAC, UMKC Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry, KCMO 64110; Adult: $15, Senior (60+ years): $10, Students: $6; The comedic masterpiece hilariously marks the rite of passage as spring turns to summer, and showcases Shakespeare’s remarkable strengths: interwoven settings, frolicsome plot lines, mistaken identity and perhaps the longest list of memorable characters in any of his plays: Puck and Bottom, Oberon and Titania, the King and Queen of the faeries, and a quartet of antic lovers. A journey into the forest of the imagination. (816) 235-6222; cto@umkc.edu; UMKC Theatre Website
Previews April 9-11, April 13 Formally April 14-18; April 22-25
April 18, 25: 2:00pm; all other dates: 7:30pm

April 9 - May 9-VENICE - A NEW MUSICAL, Copaken Stage; Matt Sax and Eric Rosen, creators of the phenomenal Clay, join forces again to tell a new story of struggle and redemption. Venice tells the story of two brothers who must lead a city out of a terrorist war. Though both are haunted by the memory of their mother, a leader of Venice whose call for peace was silenced in a massive attack on the city, one brother chooses to follow in his mother’s footsteps and the other sets out to see his brother’s plans undone. An operatic story of war, love, treachery and the quest for peace, Venice boasts a powerful and highly original score of hip hop music, R & B, art song and opera that will make your heart pound; 816.235.2700; www.kcrep.org

April 13-18-A Chorus Line, Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; $25-$61. On sale date March 6 at 10:00am; Walk-up sales available at the Municipal Auditorium, 201 W 13th St, KCMO 64105; (816) 513-5000 Box Office Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm. In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for-with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. This is A Chorus Line, the musical for everyone who's ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards, including "Best Musical" and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. Now A Chorus Line returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway's best; (816) 513-5000

April 15-25-Blithe Spirit, Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS; a comedy by Noel Coward; This classic comedy offers us a cantankerous novelist haunted by the ghost of his first wife, a visiting “happy medium,” and a current wife who is accidentally killed and joins the first to haunt the hapless author into perpetuity; http://www.theatrelawrence.com/; 785-843-7469

April 15-June 20-Becky's New Car, New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster, OPKS; To call John Davidson "a man of many talents" is to utter the understatement of the year. He has made a very successful career out of excelling in just about every form of entertainment there is. From Broadway to TV to movies and a dozen or so solo albums. John's talents prove him to be much more than just an incredibly nice, handsome man. And in BECKY'S NEW CAR, he's also very funny! Becky Foster has a pretty good job, a pretty good husband and a pretty good life so when a charming, bumbling billionaire starts flirting with her, Becky is surprised that she allows him to believe that she is widowed; 913.649.7469; http://www.newtheatre.com/

April 16 Palestrina Choir, Irish Boys and Men’s Choir from Dublin, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

April 16-May 2- Pippin, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS; All performances are at 7:30pm, except Sunday matinees at 2pm; http://www.thebarnplayers.org/

April 20-May 15-THE MONARCHS OF KC, HandR Block City Stage, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO 64108; The Monarchs of KC brings to vivid life the essential story and some of the most interesting characters from the era of the Negro Leagues in America, exploring the joy, skill and courage of these players in their simple quest to play the game and play it fairly. Set in the locker room of the abandoned stadium where the Negro League teams once played, the musical play raises the ghosts of great baseball players of the Negro Leagues to play one last great contest to conquer the supremacy of the all-white Major Leagues. Rube Foster, who founded the Negro National League in Kansas City, comes to life to manage an all-star dream team that includes Leroy “Satchel” Paige, James “Cool Papa” Bell, Wilbur “Bullet” Rogan, Josh Gibson, Jackie Robinson, and Toni Stone, a female player who held her own in the largely male world of professional baseball. This team of ghostly giants goes up against the racism that kept black players out of major league baseball from 1898 to 1947 and play a final glorious game in which everyone has equal rights to three strikes, four balls and nine innings of fair play. Along the way they revive the joy of the Negro Leagues baseball games in songs such as “Baseball is a Working Man’s Game,” “Everybody Gets Three Strikes,” and “I Dreamed I was in the Major Leagues.”; Click here to go to Union Station Ticketing page; 816-460-2083; 816-460-2020; http://www.unionstation.org/; http://www.tya.org/

April 22 - 25-The Who’s Tommy by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, Avila University’s Goppert Theatre; Campus Map; 816-501-3753; Jeremy Lillig; www.avila.edu/theatre

April 23-May 2-“Train to 2010”, Directed by Ricardo Khan, Spencer Theatre, Olson PAC, UMKC Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry, KCMO 64110; Adult: $15, Senior (60+ years): $10, Students: $6; As fragile South Africa nervously prepares to host international soccer’s largest event, the 2010 World Cup, two laborers are trapped on a fast moving but not yet completed train. Set underground, far beneath the streets of Johannesburg, this new work by Sibusiso Mamba of Swaziland, commissioned by UMKC, and developed in conjunction with World Theatre Lab, the Market Theatre of Johannesburg, and the Tony Award-winning Crossroads Theatre Company of New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a highly physical ensemble drama that examines the human dynamics of hope in present-day South Africa; (816) 235-6222; cto@umkc.edu; UMKC Theatre Website
Previews April 23-25, April 27 Formally April 28-May 2
April 25, May 2: 2:00pm; all other dates: 7:30pm

April 23-May 23-Lullaby of 42nd Street, Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10th St., KCMO; Harry Warren gave us the music for the show 42nd Street; we’ll explore those songs plus others he wrote in this salute to the grand old street of Broadway; 816-421-1700; http://www.qualityhillplayhouse.com/

April 24 Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

April 28-May 23-And Her Hair Went With Her; On The Mainstage, Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., KCMO; Wigs, weaves, and pop culture! The beauty shop gets a makeover in this hilarious celebration of African-American sisterhood and identity. Two hair stylists, middle-aged Jasmine and radical Angie, dish the dirt on a salon of eccentric clients and discover how self-image affects us all. Get ready for a wild range of women, personalities, hairstyles, and trends in this funny and poignant blow out; 816-531-7529 ext. 10; http://www.unicorntheatre.org/

April 28-29- World Premieres-Young Playwrights Festival 2010, The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center, KCMO; Directions; The Coterie’s Young Playwrights’ Festival features a collection of new work by the city’s best young writers. The rich and varied theatrical writings which emerge from a year-long process are forged into an ambitious festival of script-in-hand stagings utilizing professional actors; Box Office (816) 474-6552; http://www.coterietheatre.org/

April 30-May 2-Primetime Dance Competition, Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; Registration required; (816) 513-5000

April 30-May 9-The Crucible, Blue Springs City Theatre, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive, Written by Arthur Miller; About The Crucible; www.bluespringscitytheater.com/; 816-228-0137

May 1 Brentano String Quartet with Charles Neidich, clarinet, Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter

May 7-June 20-“The Dixie Swim Club,” American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level Three, 2450 Grand St., KCMO; Writers Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten offer a show about five Southern women whose friendship began on their college swim team and who reunite for a long weekend on the beach. This is a Kansas City premiere; 816.842.9999; www.ahtkc.com

May 11-16- 101 Dalmations THE MUSICAL, Music Hall, 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; $25-$61. On sale date April 3 at 10:00am; Walk-up sales available at the Municipal Auditorium, 201 W 13th St, KCMO 64105; (816) 513-5000 Box Office Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm; Led by the creative team of Jerry Zaks (La Cage Auz Folles, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Everybody Loves Raymond), B.T. McNicholl (Spamalot, Billy Elliot, Cabaret) and Dennis DeYoung (founding member of the rock group Styx, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), (816) 513-5000.

May 20-June 6-The Light in the Piazza-Kansas City Musical Premiere! Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, 3614 Main, KCMO 64111; Based on the celebrated novella by Elizabeth Spencer and set in the romantic cities of Florence and Rome, tells the story of Clara Johnson, an American tourist who, in the summer of 1953 meets and falls for a young Italian man. When Clara’s mother learns of the affair, she vigorously opposes it for reasons which only gradually become known. Lush, beautiful and courageous; considers love as a many flavored thing; 816-569-3226; office@metkc.org

May 20 - June 20-Leading Men of Broadway, the Chestnut Theatre, 234 N. Chestnut, Olathe; Adults $21; Seniors/Students $20; Group Rate $17; Eight men pay tribute to Broadway's greatest leading men with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers & Hammerstein. You’ll hear Luck Be A Lady, The Impossible Dream, There is Nothing Like a Dame, and more!; Rated G; Seating is limited; reservations: 913-764-2121; http://www.chestnutfinearts.com/
Thurs-Sat shows at 8 pm
Sun matinees at 2 pm

June 4-20- The Boys Next Door, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS; All performances are at 7:30pm, except Sunday matinees at 2pm; http://www.thebarnplayers.org/

June 11-July 11-Souvenir, Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10th St., KCMO; Florence Foster Jenkins wanted so much to make it to Broadway, and she finally did – by renting out Carnegie Hall and giving recitals that became legendary for her over-the-top (and under-the-pitch) performances. This show takes a humorous look at the true meaning of music and the art of performing; 816-421-1700; http://www.qualityhillplayhouse.com/

June 15-July 3-ROBIN HOOD, HandR Block City Stage, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO 64108; Take a trip back to the middle ages to Sherwood Forest with Robin Hood and his merry band who rob from the rich and give to the poor. In this fun-filled adventure play favorite characters appear: the lovely Maid Marian, the reckless Friar Tuck, the bold Little John, the greedy Sheriff of Nottingham, and the valiant, fun-loving Robin Hood. Although verifiable proof of the existence of Robin Hood does not exist, there are many legends based on actual historical accounts of a fugitive named “Robinhud.” Students will enjoy seeing the archery, games, costumes, and customs of long ago England as they experience the triumph of good over evil; Click here to go to Union Station Ticketing page; 816-460-2083; 816-460-2020; http://www.unionstation.org/; http://www.tya.org/

June 22-Aug 8-Lucky Duck A Theatre for Young Audiences Premiere, The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center, KCMO; Directions; $15/adults, $10/youth under 18, full-time students, and seniors age 60 and older, $2 service charge on the total of your online or phone order (NOT per ticket); A singing swan supermodel! It’s The Ugly Duckling meets Project Runway, with music by the composer of Dreamgirls. Homely songbird Serena runs away from her fowl days of barnyard mockery to seek her special destiny. Hear star turn numbers like “Average, Simple Mega Superstar” and “Wipe the Egg Off Your Face”! Box Office (816) 474-6552; http://www.coterietheatre.org/

June 24-Aug 29-Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster, OPKS; opened in London's West End in 1989 and has been thrilling audiences on Broadway and on tour around the world for the past 20 years. It tells the story of Buddy Holly¹s short yet explosive career and features his classic songs; "Peggy Sue," "That'll Be The Day," "Not Fade Away," "Oh Boy," "Maybe Baby," "Rave On" and many more; http://www.buddyholly.com/; http://www.buddythemusical.com/; 913.649.7469; http://www.newtheatre.com/

July 8-Aug 8-Let Freedom Ring, the Chestnut Theatre, 234 N. Chestnut, Olathe; Adults $21; Seniors/Students $20; Group Rate $17; tribute to the land of the free and the home of the brave, Let Freedom Ring, is a portrayal of the courage, creativity, and heart of what it means to be an American. This show will uplift and inspire all who share in this entertainment experience. You’ll hear America the Beautiful, Battle Hymn of the Republic, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, God Bless America, Yankee Doodle, My Old Kentucky Home, This Land Is Your Land, Yankee Doodle Dandy, and more!; Rated G; Seating is limited; reservations: 913-764-2121; http://www.chestnutfinearts.com/
Thurs-Sat shows at 8 pm
Sun matinees at 2 pm

July 14-Aug 22-“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” This Tony-winning Broadway hit came through Kansas City on tour, but this is the first production by a local company. The show, conceived by Rebecca Feldman with music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin, offers a comic look at a small-town spelling bee with audience participation built into the script; 816.842.9999; www.ahtkc.com

July 15-25-Disney's Beauty & the Beast, Blue Springs City Theatre, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive, About Beauty and the Beast; www.bluespringscitytheater.com/; 816-228-0137

July 23-Aug 1-The Vagina Monologues, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS; All performances are at 7:30pm, except Sunday matinees at 2pm; http://www.thebarnplayers.org/

July 27-29-A Year With Frog & Toad, Kids, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS; All performances are at 7:30pm, except Sunday matinees at 2pm; A Barn Junior Production (for ages 8-12); http://www.thebarnplayers.org/

Sept 17-Oct 3-Assassins, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS; All performances are at 7:30pm, except Sunday matinees at 2pm; www.thebarnplayers.org

Nov 5-21-Rent, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS; All performances are at 7:30pm, except Sunday matinees at 2pm; www.thebarnplayers.org

Dec 3-12-Rented Christmas: The Musical, Blue Springs City Theatre, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive, About Rented Christmas; www.bluespringscitytheater.com/; 816-228-0137

The Barn Players 3rd Annual 6 x 10: Ten-Minute Play Festival
Plays and directors for this production will be selected in the summer of 2010


NEW! GO TO THE MOVIES!
brought to you by: http://kansascity.mrmovietimes.com/

33 theaters found within 30 miles of KCMO

Belton
Belton Cinema 8 1207 East North Avenue; map

Blue Springs
Blue Springs 8 1901 North 7 Highway; map; Seating: Stadium

Independence
AMC Independence Commons 20 19200 E 39th St. South; map; Seating: Stadium
Englewood 10917 Winner Road; map
Noland Fashion 13520 East 40 Hwy; map
Pharaoh Cinema 4 114 West Maple; map
Twin Drive-In 1320 N. MO 291 Hwy; map

Kansas City
AMC BarryWoods 24 8101 Roanridge Rd, I-29 and Barry Road; map; Seating: Stadium
AMC Ward Parkway 14 8600 Ward Parkway ; map
Boulevard Drive-In Theatre 1051 Merriam Lane; map
Cinemark Palace at the Plaza 500 Nichols Road; map; Seating: Stadium, High back rocking chairs Dickinson Northglen 14 4900 NE 80th Street; map; Seating: Stadium, Balcony
I-70 Four Screen Drive-In 8701 East 40 Hwy; map
Metro North Cinema 220 NW Metro North Drive; map
Phoenix Theatres Legends 14 1841 Village West Parkway; map; Seating: Stadium
Regal Kansas City 18 3200 Ameristar Drive; map; Seating: Stadium
Screenland Theatre at the Crossroads 1656 Washington St.; map
Tivoli Manor Square 4050 Pennsylvania Avenue; map

Leavenworth
Landing 4 Theatres 225 Delaware map
Plaza Cinema 6 3400 South 4th Street Trafficway; map; Seating: Rockers

Leawood
AMC Town Center 20 11701 Nall Avenu; map; Seating: Stadium
Leawood Theater 3707 West 95th St; map

Lee's Summit
Dickinson Eastglen 16 1451 Northeast Douglas Stree; map; Seating: Stadium

Liberty
B & B Liberty Cinema 12 2101 West Kansas; map ; Seating: Stadium

Merriam
Cinemark Merriam 5500 Antioch; map; Seating: Stadium

North Kansas City
The Screenland Armour 408 Armour Rd; map; Seating: Stadium, Love Seats

Olathe
AMC Studio 30 12075 So Strang Line Rd; map; Seating: Stadium
Dickinson Great Mall 16 20060 W. 151 St; map ; Seating: Stadium

Overland Park
Dickinson Palazzo 16 Theatre 8601 W. 135th Street; map; Seating: Stadium + Balcony
Glenwood Arts 9575 Metcalf; map
Rio Theatre - Overland Park 7204 West 80th Street; map; Seating: Rockers

Shawnee
Trail Ridge 7456 Nieman Road; map
Westglen 18 16301 Midland Drive; map; Seating: Stadium + Balcony

THEATRE REFERENCES

American Heartland Theatre, 2450 Grand St., KCMO; 816.842.9999; www.ahtkc.com
Avila University’s Goppert Theatre; Campus Map; 816-501-3753; Jeremy Lillig; www.avila.edu/theatre
Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission; www.thebarnplayers.org, 913-432-9100
Blue Springs City Theatre, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive, www.bluespringscitytheatre.com; 816-228-0137
Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS; 913.469.4445; www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter
City Theatre of Independence, Roger T. Sermon Center, 201 N. Dodgion; www.citytheatreofindependence.org; 816-325-7367
Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre, 234 N. Chestnut, Olathe; 913-764-2121, http://www.chestnutfinearts.com/
ComedyCity, 300 Charlotte St., KCMO; 816-842-2744
Coterie Theatre, Crown Center, KCMO; Directions; Box Office (816) 474-6552; www.coterietheatre.org
Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St., KCMO; 816-474-4444; laura@follytheater.com; ticket@follytheater.com; http://www.follytheater.com/
Gladstone Theatre in the Park, 76th and North Troost, NKC; www.heartoftheweb.net/gladstonetip
Just off Broadway, 3051 Central St, KCMO 64108; (816) 784-5020; http://www.justoffbroadway.org/
Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St., KCMO; 816.235.2700; http://www.kcrep.org/
Lakeside Nature Center, located in Swope Park, 4701 East Gregory Blvd, KCMO 64132; Map; Tues-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, noon-4pm; 816.513.8960; http://www.lakesidenaturecenter.org/
Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS; www.theatrelawrence.com; 785-843-7469
Lied Center, University of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, KS; (785) 864-3469 ; www.lied.ku.edu
Lyric Theatre, 1029 Central (11th and Central), KCMO 64105; (816) 471-7347
Martin City Melodrama and Vaudeville Company, Main Stage, Metcalf South Shopping Center; Reservations essential; 913-642-7576; www.martincitymelodrama.org
METspace, 1824 Walnut, KCMO 64108; Seating is limited to 99; 816-536-9464; office@metkc.org; www.metkc.org
Midland Theatre, 1228 Main Street, KCMO, 64105; Map ; (816) 471-8600
New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster, OPKS; 913.649.7469; www.newtheatre.com
Off Center Theatre, level three of the Crown Center Shops (The old movie theatre); 2450 Grand Blvd, KCMO; 816-274-8444; www.crowncenter.com
Olathe Community Theatre, 500 E. Loula, Olathe; www.olathetheatre.org; 913-782-2990
Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10th St., KCMO; 816.421.1700; www.qualityhillplayhouse.com
River City Community Players, Fifth and Delaware, Leavenworth; 1-913-682-7557
Stanford and Sons, Legends at Village West, (2nd floor next to Dave and Busters) 1867 Village West Parkway, KCKS 66111; Map ; 913-400-7500; stanfords@sunflower.com ; www.stanfordscomedyclub.com
Theatre in the Park, Shawnee Mission Park, www.theatreinthepark.org, 913-312-8841
Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 SE 8th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603; Get directions; (785) 234-2787; www.tpactix.org
Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., KCMO; 816.531.PLAY; www.unicorntheatre.org
Union Station, HandR Block City Stage; 816-460-2020; www.unionstation.org
Uptown Theatre, 3700 Broadway, KCMO; 816-753-8665; www.uptowntheater.com
VooDoo Lounge, Harrah's Casino North Kansas City, One Riverboat Drive, NKCMO 64116; http://www.voodookc.com/
Westport CoffeeHouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave, KCMO 64111; (816) 756-3222; http://www.westportcoffeehouse.com/