Aidan Wharton and the cast of the “Girl From The North Country” North American Tour. (photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphymade)
It’s a brand new year, theatergoers, with more great productions on KC stages. Check out these offerings and support local companies and artists who make big-league theater in this big-league town of ours.
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Now through Feb. 4 | New Theatre & Restaurant
Best-known as the lovable (and clumsy) Jerry Gergich from the NBC series “Parks and Recreation,” Jim O’Heir stars in this comedy mystery directed by Dennis Hennesy. When a couple on their romantic honeymoon comes up a person short (the bride has disappeared), Inspector Levine (O’Heir) arrives to save the day (and honeymoon). Tickets at www.newtheatre.com.
GASLIGHT (ANGEL STREET)
Jan. 17 – Feb. 4 | City Stage in Union Station
The 1938 Victorian thriller, adapted into an Oscar-winning film, tells the dark tale of a marriage based on deceit and a husband committed to driving his wife to the brink of insanity.
KC Actors Theatre has become the go-to producer for fans of Agatha Christie; they won’t want to miss this edge-of-your-seat drama featuring KCAT stalwarts Ashlee LaPine, Matt Williamson, Leah Dalyrmple, Julie Shaw and the redoubtable John Rensenhouse. Tickets at www.kcators.org.
THE SOUND OF RICHARD RODGERS
Jan. 19 – Feb. 14 | Quality Hill Playhouse
Whether working with the witty but troubled Lorenz Hart or the slice-of-Americana Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers was the musical force behind the most well-known musicals of Broadway’s Golden Age. Quality Hill presents a survey of the great composer’s work with their usual panache. Tickets at www.qualityhillplayhouse.com.
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
Jan. 23 – 28 | Kauffman Theatre
This Tony ® Award-winning musical reimagines 20 legendary songs by Bob Dylan into the haunting tale of a down on their luck group of wayward travelers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life and hope. Tickets at www.broadwayinkc.com.
POOR CLARE
Jan. 24 – Feb. 11
Unicorn Theatre
Another KC area premiere from Cynthia Levin and company. Based on the story of St. Clare of Assisi, this poor Clare is a medieval Kardashian who’s killing it (literally) until her friends turn against her bestie Francis (the Saint one). Clare comes to a crossroads (no pun intended) when she realizes the injustice alive in the world. Tickets at www.unicorntheatre.org.
THE LIGHTNING THIEF
Jan. 30 – March 10
Coterie Theatre
From Rick Riordan’s best-selling Percy Jackson young teen books comes this action-packed mythical adventure that played on Broadway in 2019. When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Join him as he discovers he has powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. Tickets at www.thecoterie.org.
ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS
Feb. 8 – April 21 | New Theatre Restaurant
The King’s sometimes tortured, sometimes triumphant journey through the turbulent ’70s gets the New Theatre Restaurant treatment in this cavalcade of great Presley tunes. Don’t expect peanut butter and bananas on the sumptuous buffet, though it’s always interesting to see what signature drinks they come up with. Tickets at www.newtheatre.com.
THE SESSION
Feb. 8 – 17 | Just Off Broadway Theatre
KC Melting Pot artistic director Harvey Williams penned this engaging play about a therapy session where five people with different backgrounds come together. As the session progresses, secrets are revealed, emotions run high, relationships are put to the test and forgiveness redeems. Tickets at www.kcmeltingpot.com.
LITTLE WOMEN
Feb. 10 | Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College
Louisa May Alcott’s classic becomes a touring Broadway musical as we follow the bittersweet adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March, each determined to live life on her own terms. Tickets at www.jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center.
NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN
Feb. 13 – March 3 | Copaken Stage
Next up on KC Rep’s 2023-24 season is this searing portrayal of how the iconic chanteuse gave voice to countless Black women fighting to overcome stereotypes and racism. The play examines Ms. Simone’s extraordinary artistry and the women around her as their journey leads them down a path of discovery and healing. Tickets at KCRep.org.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Feb. 27 – March 23 | Union Station
Reimagined for the stage as a live radio broadcast, the iconic world of George Bailey and his affable helper angel Clarence come to life in this heartwarming holiday treat. Holiday music, humorous
sound effects and a talented family of actors bring this wonderful story to life for your family. Tickets at www.MTHKC.com.
