Joan Marcus
Theater moves outside as the Starlight season begins. But there’s more going on than the productions coming to Swope Park. Check out these shows on a cool summer night:
The following list was graciously compiled by Mark Edelman, the founder and president of Theater League. Mark is a playwright who loves writing about theater.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE June 2-7 Kauffman Center
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny leads a hit Broadway musical in this theatrical version of the story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. Live on stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets at www.kansascity.broadway.com
SNOOPY! June 6-27 City Stage at Union Station
Snoopy joins friends Charlie Brown, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Linus and Sally for a romp thru the neighborhood that’s bound to end up with a football getting pulled out from under, sidewalk counseling and a puppy who dreams big. All of the fun, set to music for the Broadway stage. Tickets at www.tya.org.
HADESTOWN June 9-14 Starlight Theatre
The Tony® Award winning Best Musical recounts in song two tales of love and loss from Greek mythology, intertwining the stories of Persephone and Hades with the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice. The bluesy shuffle of New Orleans provides an aural touchpoint to these classic stories in this folk opera by celebrated songwriter Anais Mitchell. Can love survive in the harshest environment possible? Will the lovers make it back from the underworld? Will Orpheus turnaround to catch a glimpse of his beloved Eurydice? Tickets at www.kcstarlight.com
PETE THE CAT June 10- August 2 The Coterie in Crown Center
The grooviest cat is back! For Pete, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. When Pete sets out to help Jimmy Biddle conquer second grade art, the two friends find themselves learning a little something about inspiration and friendship. Their musical adventure takes them all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus! Tickets at www.thecoterie.org.
LIKE SIX O’CLOCK June 11-26 Just Off Broadway Theatre
In Bennie’s tire shop, the shock of a nearby factory shooting reverberates and business grinds to a half with the shooter still at large. Bennie and friends Claudette, and Roderick find themselves grappling with the chilling reality that they may have personal connections to the shooter. As they navigate these uneasy reflections, the weight of their shared history hangs heavy in this unflinching look at the choices we make and how we justify them. Tickets at www.kcmeltingpot.com
THE WIZ June 11- July 5 Music Theatre Heritage at Crown Center
Ease on down the road with this hit Broadway musical , an urban resetting of the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” Blending funk, soul, gospel and R&B, the score celebrates courage, friendships and self-discovery with a fresh take on a beloved story. Tickets at www.musictheaterheritage.com
MRS. CHRISTIE June 17-28 Spencer Theatre at UMKC
KC Actors Theatre teams up with the acting program at UMKC’s Conservatory to present an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery revolving around Agatha herself! In 1926, the celebrated author disappeared for eleven days. Now, devoted superfan Lucy may finally crack the case. In parallel stories that weave the past with the present, Lucy and Agatha go on journeys of self-discovery, all with the added thrill of a good old-fashioned mystery. Tickets at www.kcactors.org
Love KC stories like this? Sign up for our FREE newsletter!
