It is the morning of February 7, 2024. I arrived in the parking lot of the Warwick Theatre and stood with our team as the firefighters finished putting out the devastating fire that swept through the rear of the building. My heart broke for Karen and Bob Paisley. In my tenure with MET, I grew to understand and appreciate the endless hours of hard work and sacrifice they had put into creating one of Kansas City’s great theatre companies. Yet in that moment of crisis, Karen calmly and collectively made it clear, “We will be back.”
Perseverance and resilience are characteristics long associated with MET’s name. According to FEMA, they estimate that 40% of businesses never reopen after an event like this, with an additional 25% closing within a year. Those challenges and hurdles we had to face from then until now would make Odysseus cry “Uncle.”
Fast forward 17 months. It is July 7, 2025, and most of the final efforts are wrapped up. I am standing just inside the door of the rear lobby. The place looks amazing! I am instantly transported back to February 7, 2024, when I stood in this exact spot and surveyed the damage. At that time, I struggled to see how we would reach this point. Despite all the trials and tribulations, we did it.
How we did it comes down to an army of amazing donors, volunteers, patrons, supporters, contractors and people who simply love the experience they have at MET. You made it all possible and we will never forget your compassion, generosity and diligence.
Here are a few quotes from our community about returning home to The Warwick for Season 21.
“For American culture at its most inspiring, the MET offers the best of entertainment, from the eloquence of drama, like The Alabama Story, to the refreshment of musical comedy, like The King and I. With playwrights such as Shakespeare, to 21st-century writers, the MET puts our language on stage, to sparkle with the skill and talent of these professional Kansas City performers. The intimate theater is a kind of embrace, that theater goers can rely on for hours of delight and illusion!” – Katherine H.
“Having the Warwick theatre back is going to do wonders for the MET. I’ve performed with the MET twice during the past year. It sort of felt like being part of an old-time traveling theatre troupe setting up shop in whatever space they would have us. While I feel like the shows were still high quality during that time, it was not without its challenges. Being able to return to such a beautiful, spacious, and historical performance space is going to feel like such a breath of fresh air. As far as next season goes, I’m really excited to see The Shawshank Redemption. I couldn’t catch it when the MET did it a few years back, but I’m highly intrigued by what the gang can put together this time.” – Brent C.
“The MET leads the audience into new terrain, always amazing, always exciting, with subtle directing, brilliant acting. Bravo the phoenix rising from the winter’s fire.” – Patricia M.
“There is an old theatre adage claiming that all you need for good theatre is “four boards, two actors and a passion.” With the loss of our beloved Warwick Theatre this past season, the MET has certainly had an opportunity to test this famous saying, performing in found spaces and venues with plucky passion and inspired creativity. But to be HOME, back in The Warwick, what a special moment it will be when audience and actor again commune in this sacred circle to think, explore and be inspired. THAT is what I long for! I know where I will be opening night. Shall I see you there?” – Pam S.
“I am excited to see the continuation of the lives of Henry VIII. Long may he reign …” – John H.
“I’m most excited about returning to the MET in one of my favorite plays, The Shawshank Redemption, and to see the new Warwick rise out of the ashes.” – Kevin F.
We can’t wait to welcome you back!
For more info, to volunteer or to help, visit www.metkc.org or call 816-569-3226.
–William Saunders, MET
