FINIAN'S RAINBOW, CASA VALENTINA, and More Among Spinning Tree's 2017-18 Lineup

Spinning Tree Theatre proudly announces the 2017-18 season of plays and musicals. Artistic Director Michael Grayman-Parkhurst: "Our 2017-18 season is a celebration of the human heart. With two Kansas City premieres, a little gem of a contemporary musical and an intimate retelling of a classic musical, our seventh season is a celebration of the human heart, art and humanity."

The classic musical fantasy FINIAN'S RAINBOW, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, gets the Spinning Tree-tment September 1-17. The score, "one of the most enduringly delicious ever concocted for an American musical" (New York Times), includes "Old Devil Moon," "How are things in Glocca Morra" and "Look to the Rainbow."

The Catskills, 1962. Nestled in the land of dirty dancing and borscht belt comedy sat an inconspicuous inn that catered to a very special clientele: heterosexual men whose favorite pastime was dressing and acting as women. Harvey Fierstein's "fascinating and timeless new play" (New York Magazine), CASA VALENTINA - following a successful 2014 Broadway debut - makes its Kansas City premiere October 27 - November 12. Based on real events.

Another Kansas City premiere, FULL GALLOP by Mark Hampton and Mary Louise Wilson, plays January 26 - February 11, 2018. Before Anna Wintour or The Devil Wears Prada, there was Diana Vreeland, larger-than-life doyenne of American taste. "The Empress of Fashion," just fired as Editor of Vogue, holds court in this witty one-woman tour-de-force. Starring Cheryl Weaver.

The Caribbean-influenced musical folktale ONCE ON THIS ISLAND tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who falls in love with the well-born Daniel and is aided by the gods and goddesses of earth, water and love in her quest to be with him. A rousing song-and-dance celebration of the power of love, storytelling and the strength of the human spirit, with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. April 20 - May 6, 2018.