photo by Don Ipock
The holidays are nearly upon us, and with them come a host of annual events. Check out these end-of-the-year offerings in the merry months of 2022. See you at the theater!
HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY
Now thru Nov. 20 | New Theatre Restaurant
From the hills of rural southern Alabama to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, LOST HIGHWAY follows the legendary Hank Williams’ rise from humble beginnings to superstardom. This unforgettable bio- play, peppered with jokes, stories, insights and bits of gossip from his actual life, reminds us of what Hank: casting the simple spell of his yearning songs like “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Hey, Good Lookin’,” and “Your Cheating Heart.” Starring award-winning actor Peter Oyloe and directed by the show’s creator, Randal Myler. Tickets at www.newtheatre.com.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Nov. 15-16 | Kauffman Center
A tribute to the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, this concert experience celebrates her timeless music, honoring the impassioned and transcendent music of one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters. A journey through Aretha Franklin’s courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph, R.E.S.P.E.C.T features all of her major hits, including “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” and, of course, “Respect.” Tickets at www.BroadwayinKC.com.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Nov. 15 – Dec. 31 | Coterie in Crown Center
Join Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang on a memorable journey as he tries to direct the school Christmas pageant and restore holiday spirit with a ragged little fir tree. A live jazz trio playing the original Vince Guaraldi arrangements accompanies the fun-loving proceedings. Tickets at www.thecoterie.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Nov. 18 – Dec. 24 | Spencer Theater at UMKC
For over 40 years, Kansas City’s beloved tradition has created holiday memories with all the heart and spectacle we’ve come to love. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Meet the Cratchits, including Tiny Tim, and the irresistible Fezziwigs, and hear the haunting and joyous Candlelight Carol — all this and more, to kindle your Christmas spirit. Starring Gary Neal Johnson in his 21st year of playing Scrooge. Tickets at www.KCRep.org.
COME BLOW YOUR HORN
Nov. 23 – Feb. 5 | New Theatre Restaurant
Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical comedy — and his first hit — is all about the crazy, hilarious and wonderful things that happen when parents and their adult children get together. Starring TV legends Hal Linden and Sally Struthers. Tickets at www.newtheatre.com.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
Nov. 26 – Dec. 23 | City Stage at Union Station
Theatre for Young America’s holiday entry spotlights the Herdman kids, a rough and tumble bunch who create mayhem wherever they go. Cast in the church’s annual Christmas pageant, they bring their own unique interpretation to the familiar events. Remarkably, they help everyone rediscover its true meaning. The Seattle Times calls it “One of the best Christmas stories ever — and certainly one of the funniest.” Tickets at www.tya.org.
THE PIANO LESSON
Dec. 1-10 | Just off Broadway Theatre
It’s 1936. Boy Willie arrives in Pittsburg from the South in a battered truck loaded with watermelons to sell. He has an opportunity to buy some land down home but must come up with the money quickly. His plan is to sell an old piano that’s been around for generations, but his sister has other ideas about the cherished family heirloom. KC Melting Pot Theatre presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, directed by Melonnie Walker. Tickets at www.kcmeltingpot.com.
CHRISTMAS IN SONG
Dec. 2-24 | Quality Hill Playhouse
KC favorites Matt Leisy, Lindsey McKee, and LeShea Wright join pianist and emcee J. Kent Barnhart as they share songs from sacred to secular, traditional to popular in this cabaret for the whole family. Tickets at www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com.
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL
Dec. 6-11 | Music Hall
Are you ready to fall in love all over again? One of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories, Pretty Woman springs to life in this national tour, directed and choreographed by Tony Award®-winner Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde) with an original score by Grammy® winning pop star Bryan Adams and a book by the movie’s legendary director, Garry Marshall. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News.) Tickets at www.BroadwayinKC.com.
