Mrs. Doubtfire (photo by Joan Marcus)
While KC Rep and a few other local stages wind up their seasons, the summer brings a new crop of productions, including national tours to Starlight and the Kauffman. The Royals are back in action, too; check out some of these theatrical home runs at a performing arts venue near you.
CACTUS FLOWER
Now through June 28 | New Theatre Restaurant
Nurse Dickinson’s as prickly as a cactus, but when her dentist boss has her masquerade as his wife, guess who blossoms? Taxi alum Marilu Henner stars in this dinner theatre favorite, under the direction of comedy sculptor supreme Dennis Hennessy. The ever-dashing John Rensenhouse plays the playboy periodontist; add KC favorites Cathy Barnett, Craig Benton and Victor Raider-Wexler to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for fun as tasty as anything on that world-renowned buffet.
Tickets at www.newtheatre.com.
THE WIZARD OF OZ
May 5 – 24 | Spencer Theatre at UMKC
Journey to the magical land of Oz in a new stage adaptation of this family classic in collaboration with Tony® Award winners PigPen Theatre Co. Once again, Dorothy, Toto and her intrepid fellow travelers — the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion — travel the Yellow Brick Road in search of the Wizard and a way back home. Timeless songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard” never disappoint, and everybody could use a little heart, brain and courage these days. Tickets at www.kcrep.org.
DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR
May 6 – 24 | Unicorn Theatre
Eemani and Jade light up to unwind, but their joint is laced with more than THC. A wild hallucination gives them superpowers to confront the past in this hilarious, eye-opening journey celebrating Black womanhood and self-discovery. Marvel comics — watch out! Tickets at www.unicorntheatre.org.
BRIGADOON
May 7 – 10 | Music Theater Heritage at Crown Center
A mysterious Scottish village comes to life in this classic Lerner and Loewe Broadway musical. “Almost Like Being in Love” and “Heather on the Hill” are just two of the many musical delights that have made this show such an endearing piece of theatrical history. Tickets at www.musictheaterheritage.com.
BROADWAY UP CLOSE
May 8 – 31 | Quality Hill Playhouse
A celebration of Broadway since J. Kent Barnhart opened its doors, Quality Hill Playhouse celebrates 30 years of cabaret musical theatre with songs from “Titanic,” “Come From Away,” “Wicked” and more, featuring Barnhart on the eighty-eights and vocalist Cindy Baker by his side. Tickets at www.qualityhillplayhouse.org.
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 onstage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets at www.kansascity.broadway.com.
SNOOPY!
June 6 – 27 | City Stage Theatre at Union Station
Snoopy joins friends Charlie Brown, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Linus and Sally for a romp through 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 turn around to catch a glimpse of his beloved Eurydice? Tickets at www.kcstarlight.com.
PETE THE CAT
June 10 – Aug. 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 halt 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 Theater 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 Theater 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 11 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.
Compiled by Mark Edelman
