It’s so satisfying to see a musical that resonates emotionally with an audience, and Waitress is one of those musicals. From the writing to the performance, the entire audience was held rapt for the entire 2 1/2 hours, staying right with the performers as they traversed this well told story. There were gasps, applause, and exclamations of support, and a well deserved standing ovation at the end of it all. MTWichita told this story exceedingly well.
On July 31, 2024, I had the privilege of seeing an incredibly scintillating production of MatildaThe Musical, presented by Music Theatre Wichita in the Century II Concert Hall. I’m ashamed to say I knew next to nothing about the book, but I have seen myriad clips of the musical numbers.
In continuing with MTWichita’s 2024 Season Theme “The Year of the Woman,” I had the privilege of seeing Disney’s Frozen on the Century II Concert Hall Stage. MTWichita is one of the first indoor regional theatres to produce Disney’s Frozen after the show closed on Broadway. This can be a challenge because the sets and costumes cannot look the same as the original Broadway production, so all the design elements, including choreography, need to be reimagined. The MTWichita team exceeds expectations here, creating some magnificent, otherworldly realms for the denizens of Arendelle to inhabit. You do not want to miss this show, which runs until July 14th.
What did our critic think of 9 TO 5 at Music Theatre Of Wichita At Century II Concert Hall?9 to 5 is one of my favorite shows - it’s entertaining, it’s full of comedic moments, and it has some great lessons in self love, trusting your instincts, and believing in yourself. It shows us not only how far we have come in terms of respecting women’s rights, but also shows us how much more needs to be done in terms of equal rights for not only women, but for all minority groups.
What did our critic think of GYPSY: A MUSICAL FABLE at Music Theatre Wichita At Century II Concert Hall? There is a reason the musical Gypsy: A Musical Fable is a Golden Age classic. The text, suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee and written by Authur Laurents, is economical and succinct. Jule Styne’s music varies from catchy tunes to lush, foreboding orchestral maneuvers, and Sondheim’s nascent lyrics are simple and accessible, yet cut to the core of each scene’s objective.
It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 20th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
The first wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 13th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Red, White, and Broadway is coming to Botanica and runs from July 1 to July 4th! It’s a new version of the patriotic musical review created by Artistic Director Brian J. Marcum that features singers Injoy Fountain, Daniel Gonzalez, Jennifer Marcum, Angelica McRae Breathett, and Rob Moye III, along MTW Resident Ensemble.
WOW! What a fun show! I love some of the crazy lines that just pop up out of nowhere, like “Phil Collins can be kick ass sometimes!” Rock of Ages definitely lived up to its hype, and I was super fortunate to see this production. This well paced show boasted soooo many strong performances, I hardly know where to begin.
On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, I had the excellent opportunity to sit down with Eric Sciotto, Director and Choreographer of Rock of Ages at MTWichita, and Brian J. Marcum, Artistic Director at MTWichita. It was a wide ranging interview, with a very stream of consciousness feel, and they were gracious enough to grant me an hour over a lunch break during rehearsal last Tuesday. The energy was high, and I was able to get some excellent insight into Eric’s choreographic process. I also spoke to Brian about leading MTWichita into a new era.
Rock of Ages is coming to the Capitol Federal Amphitheater in Andover, KS. It’s running May 31 through June 4. The show starts at 7:30pm and tickets start at $25!
Wayne Bryan reluctantly leaves his role as Man in Chair in MTWichita's season finale, The Drowsy Chaperone due to medical reasons. Replacing him for the show will be John Scherer.
After a two year hiatus, Music Theatre Wichita is FINALLY back in the Century II Concert Hall and Wichita Theatregoers couldn’t be happier! There was no better way to celebrate the return than an incredible performance of 42nd Street! I’m sad the show didn’t run another week, and sadder still if you didn’t get to see it. For those who did, it was nothing short of magnificent!
What did our critic think of 42nd Street at Music Theatre Wichita? Come and meet those dancing feet! A brand-new edition of this timeless classic taps its way into Century II Concert Hall June 15-19, as the second offering in the 2022 Music Theatre Wichita season.
How lucky are we in Wichita to have such a wonderful theatre community?! Better still, how lucky are we to have such a gem like Music Theatre Wichita? Producing Director Wayne Bryan and his cohort of Wichita Favorites paid homage to the city that has supported MTW for the past 50 years by showering them with some of the amazing talent that has graced the Concert Hall stage. Talent that was nurtured by Wayne and the MTW organization; talent that cut their baby teeth and grew up on the Concert Hall stage.
It was another beautiful night in Andover, Kansas. The temperature was in the mid-80’s, there was a slight breeze, and not a rain cloud in sight. Many in the crowd were purchasing snacks from the food trucks parked behind the audience. Golf carts were transporting the super annuated and folx with mobility issues from the parking areas to the audience area. The VIP area was humming, and the atmosphere was super festive.
