Gary Neal Johnson as Scrooge (photo by Don Ipock)
The 2023-24 theater season rolls into the holidays with more great offerings. Support our local stages and the actors, designers and technicians who make them go with these year-end events:
ELECTRIC POE
Now through Nov. 5 | Union Cemetery near Crown Center
Last chance to catch The Coterie’s Halloween spook-fest in KC’s oldest public cemetery, featuring three bone-chilling works of Edgar Allan Poe performed by the hardworking R.H. Wilhoit. Tickets at www.thecoterie.org.
MACBITCHES
Now through Nov. 5 | Unicorn Theatre
Final week for girl power at a high school production of the play we dare not name. Tickets at www.unicorn.org.
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME
Now through Nov. 12 | Copaken Stage
Two more weeks to learn about our Founding Fathers’ efforts and their impact on four generations of American women in this acclaimed new Broadway play. Tickets at KCRep.org.
ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID
Now through Nov. 19 | New Theatre Restaurant
You loved her in the TV series Dallas. Now join Morgan Fairchild, along with some of KC’s funniest actresses, in pursuit of the perfect love. Tickets at www.newtheatre.com.
RUDOLF THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
Nov. 7 – Dec. 31 | Coterie Theatre
TV’s holiday classic comes to life on the Coterie stage as Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius learn — and teach us all — that what makes you different makes you special. The perfect addition to your Christmas calendar and especially fun for young’uns 4 to 10. Tickets at www.thecoterie.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Nov. 21 – Dec. 24 | Spencer Theater at UMKC
KC Rep’s beloved holiday chestnut returns in time for the company’s 60th anniversary season with all the heart and spectacle you and your family have come to love. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journeys with Christmas Past, Present and Future, and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets at KCRep.org.
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Nov. 22 – Feb. 4
New Theatre & Restaurant
Columbo meets Matlock in this comedy/mystery starring Jim O’Heir, who played the lovable Jerry Gergich in the hit TV series Parks and Recreation. When the perfect honeymoon goes terribly wrong, Inspector Levine (O’Heir) is enlisted to track down the runaway bride. Tickets at www.newtheatre.com.
THREE WISECATS ON BROADWAY
Nov. 25 – Dec. 23
City Stage at Union Station
Light, hope and holiday cheer come to a dark alley in NYC when a trio of alley cats stage a musical extravaganza to save a shelter for the homeless. Theatre for Young America presents this story of the holidays that lights our lives and warms our hearts. Tickets at www.tya.org.
JOURNEY TO THE POLES OF INACCESSIBILITY
Nov. 29 – Dec. 17 | Unicorn Theatre
The world premiere of a dark comedy by Craig Pospisil, Journey . . . imagines a world of magic where characters Dylan and Chris are thrown together to negotiate. It’s an epic journey of discovery, danger and romance (or so we’re told by the Unicorn). Tickets at www.unicorntheatre.org.
THE AMEN CORNER
Nov. 30 – Dec. 9 | Just Off Broadway Theatre
James Baldwin’s 1954 play chronicles the life of a Black female pastor in Harlem who must grapple with the social, cultural and gender biases she confronts when faced with the secular life she left behind. Questions of faith, family, gender and race resonate well into the 21st century in this compelling classic. Tickets at www.kcmeltingpot.com.
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
Dec. 5 – 10 | Music Hall
The inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers to become the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, this Broadway tour features Tina Turner’s 12 Grammy® Award-winning hits and a whole slew of other great songs. With a book by Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and staging by Phyllida Lloyd, who gave us Mamma Mia, Tina is sure to rock the Music Hall. Tickets at www.broadwayinkc.com.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Dec. 7 – 23 | Music Theatre Heritage at Crown Center
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.
