Back to the Future (photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
Spring is upon us, and with it comes a bouquet of new productions. See what’s blooming on local KC stages, including these shows now (or soon to be) in full flower.
RUMORS
Now through April 13 | New Theatre Restaurant
New Theatre stalwarts Cathy Barnett, John Rensenhouse, Craig Benton and Jan Rogge, to name a few, join Alley Mills from TV’s “The Wonder Years” for this late-career farce by comedy mastermind Neil Simon. Tickets at www.newtheatre.com.
JUNIE B. JONES: A MUSICAL
March 4 – April 16 | City Stage at Union Station
First grade has never been more daunting (and exciting) for Junie B. when this stage musical adaptation of Barbara Park’s popular young reader series — now in its 30th year — visits historic Union Station. Tickets at www.tya.org.
DOUBT: A PARABLE
March 6 – 23 | United Church of Christ, 205 W 65th St.
KC Actors Theatre continues its uncanny ability to snag the biggest Broadway titles for the company’s seasons. For this one, they move the proceedings to United Church of Christ just south of Brookside for the story of an exacting principal at a Bronx Catholic school who wrestles with fact versus fiction when she suspects there’s something going on between a new, charismatic priest and a favored student. Tickets at www.kcactors.org.
FIRE WORK
March 12 – 30 | Unicorn Theatre
In a future world (or is it the past?) a group of factory workers struggle when a new labor law threatens their right to work. After meeting a band of revolutionaries from a different part of town, Eleanor and her comrades decide to take matters into their own hands and stand up against “the man.” Concepts of survival, love and friendship are challenged in this dystopian fantasy on the Unicorn’s intimate Levin stage. Tickets at
www.unicorntheatre.org.
CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE
March 19 – May 4 | Coterie Theatre in Crown Center
Cinderella, a newcomer from Puerto Rico, comes to visit her stepsister Rosa here on the mainland. Cindy only speaks Spanish, Rosa English. Will the two chicas ever be able to reach an understanding? This bilingual musical teaches subtle lessons of empathy, sportsmanship and respect. Tickets at www.thecoterie.org.
KANSAS CITY CABARET
March 21 – April 13 | Quality Hill Playhouse
From Charlie Parker, Bennie Moten and Count Basie to Broadway legend John Kander, our town has contributed more than its share to the rich history of the American gin joint songbook. Now Kent Barnhart and company mine that musical mother lode for our benefit in this new iteration of the QHP’s beloved shtick. Tickets at www.qualityhillplayhouse.com.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
April 1 – 6 | Music Hall
Rock ‘n’ rollin’ teenager Marty McFly is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, the brilliant scientist Dr. Brown. Before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence. Based on the popular movie, this new musical includes hits like “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode” alongside a sparkling new Broadway musical score. Tickets at www.kansascity.broadway.com.
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CAROUSEL
April 3 – 27 | Music Theatre Heritage at Crown Center
One of the most beloved American musicals of all time, this intimate and innovative production features unforgettable songs like “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” It’s a haunting tale of hope, redemption and the power of love. This chestnut was Richard Rodgers’ personal favorite. Tickets at www.musictheaterheritage.com.
JERSEY BOYS
April 17 – June 22 | New Theatre Restaurant
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are the subject of this Tony® Award-winning Best Musical, a big Broadway hit that’s toured the universe by now. Come for the Four Seasons greatest hits but stay for the sometimes uplifting tale of four blue-collar Italian boys whose vocal harmonies took them to heights they would never have achieved on the mean streets of Jersey. Tickets at www.newtheatre.com.
–Mark Edelman
