Grasan Kingsberry Leads Music Theater Of Wichita's IN THE HEIGHTS
by BWW News Desk - July 23, 2019
Music Theatre of Wichita will present Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical IN THE HEIGHTS August 7th- August 11th, 2019.
by BWW News Desk - July 23, 2019
Music Theatre of Wichita will present Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical IN THE HEIGHTS August 7th- August 11th, 2019.
BWW Review: THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB at Wichita Community Theatre, The Perfect Girls' Night Out
by Craig Richardson - July 22, 2019
For their final production of the 2018-2019 season, Wichita Community Theatre proudly presents The Dixie Swim Club-a Jones Hope Wooten comedy. For those unfamiliar to these three authors dubbed 'America's Playwrights' one may recognize their other works such as The Savannah Sipping Society which appeared at Wichita Community Theatre last year or most notably their comedic writing for The Golden Girls. The Dixie Swim Club is definitely a play that showcases wonderful similarities to the television sitcom. Directed by Leroy Clark, The Dixie Swim Club runs from now until July 28th at 258 N. Fountain.
by Craig Richardson - July 22, 2019
For their final production of the 2018-2019 season, Wichita Community Theatre proudly presents The Dixie Swim Club-a Jones Hope Wooten comedy. For those unfamiliar to these three authors dubbed 'America's Playwrights' one may recognize their other works such as The Savannah Sipping Society which appeared at Wichita Community Theatre last year or most notably their comedic writing for The Golden Girls. The Dixie Swim Club is definitely a play that showcases wonderful similarities to the television sitcom. Directed by Leroy Clark, The Dixie Swim Club runs from now until July 28th at 258 N. Fountain.
BWW Review: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY at Roxy's Downtown, A Prohibited Parody worth Seeing
by Craig Richardson - July 16, 2019
'Forbidden' is certainly a fitting adjective for Roxy's Downtown current production entitled Forbidden Broadway. If you simply look up the word 'forbidden' in the dictionary, you will find its meaning to be prohibited, not allowed or even banned. It's a clever little title to describe this Off-Broadway parody rated PG-13 which spoofs many lyrics and shows such as Mamma Mia, Cats, and even Hairspray which would send original playwrights and performing artists rolling in their graves with laughter. Opening originally in 1982 by parodist Gerard Alessandrini, the show has gone under many revisions to include even newer musicals. Starring Julia Faust, John Keckeisen, Seth Knowles, Shaun-Michael Morse, Patty Reeder, and Christine Tasheff, Forbidden Broadway runs from now until August 24 at the 1930s cabaret venue in downtown Wichita.
by Craig Richardson - July 16, 2019
'Forbidden' is certainly a fitting adjective for Roxy's Downtown current production entitled Forbidden Broadway. If you simply look up the word 'forbidden' in the dictionary, you will find its meaning to be prohibited, not allowed or even banned. It's a clever little title to describe this Off-Broadway parody rated PG-13 which spoofs many lyrics and shows such as Mamma Mia, Cats, and even Hairspray which would send original playwrights and performing artists rolling in their graves with laughter. Opening originally in 1982 by parodist Gerard Alessandrini, the show has gone under many revisions to include even newer musicals. Starring Julia Faust, John Keckeisen, Seth Knowles, Shaun-Michael Morse, Patty Reeder, and Christine Tasheff, Forbidden Broadway runs from now until August 24 at the 1930s cabaret venue in downtown Wichita.
BWW Review: A CHORUS LINE at Music Theatre Wichita, A ten for dancing!
by Craig Richardson - July 12, 2019
For their third show of the summer season, Music Theatre Wichita presents A Chorus Line-- Michael Bennett's beloved concept piece about auditioning for coveted spots in a Broadway production. The show itself debuted forty-four years ago this time in July and follows sixteen performers as they fight for a job in the chorus. Auditioning dancers lay out their entire lives on a single line through stories, mostly dramatic, to tell the ultimate truth of what it's like to simply tryout. A Chorus Line ranks top seven in longest running Broadway production in musical theatre history but is now showing until July 14th at Century II Concert Hall for a limited engagement.
by Craig Richardson - July 12, 2019
For their third show of the summer season, Music Theatre Wichita presents A Chorus Line-- Michael Bennett's beloved concept piece about auditioning for coveted spots in a Broadway production. The show itself debuted forty-four years ago this time in July and follows sixteen performers as they fight for a job in the chorus. Auditioning dancers lay out their entire lives on a single line through stories, mostly dramatic, to tell the ultimate truth of what it's like to simply tryout. A Chorus Line ranks top seven in longest running Broadway production in musical theatre history but is now showing until July 14th at Century II Concert Hall for a limited engagement.
Photo Flash: First Look at Clyde Alves, Julie Eicher, Ben Fankhauser, and More in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS in Wichita
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2019
Music Theatre Wichita has continued its 2019 Season with a colorfully re-imagined production of the 2015 Broadway success An American in Paris. With direction and all-new choreography by Jeffry Denman, the large cast is headed by Clyde Alves (On the Town, Nice Work if You Can Get It), Julie Eicher (Miss Saigon and Phantom National Tours), Ben Fankhauser (Newsies, Beautiful), Rachel Rhodes-Devey (South Pacific National Tour), and Johnny Stellard (Anastasia, Evita).
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2019
Music Theatre Wichita has continued its 2019 Season with a colorfully re-imagined production of the 2015 Broadway success An American in Paris. With direction and all-new choreography by Jeffry Denman, the large cast is headed by Clyde Alves (On the Town, Nice Work if You Can Get It), Julie Eicher (Miss Saigon and Phantom National Tours), Ben Fankhauser (Newsies, Beautiful), Rachel Rhodes-Devey (South Pacific National Tour), and Johnny Stellard (Anastasia, Evita).
BWW Review: 1776 at Wichita Scottish Rite Signature Theatre
by Craig Richardson - July 05, 2019
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is historically known as being the city of brotherly love. With a current population of over one and half million residents, a lot has happened throughout the centuries during the city's rich past. It's a city that has won world series, held conventions on women's rights and a place that inspired 'rocket man' Elton John's hit 'Philadelphia Freedom' based on the Philadelphia Freedoms world tennis team, ultimately becoming an anthem for the city. And long before 'covfefe' tweets, proposed border walls, and transgender military bans, Congress met for the first time to formulate and write the Declaration of Independence, a document holding dear to the truths that all men are created equal and are forever granted the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Wichita Scottish Rite Signature Theatre recreates the 'room where it all happens' in their current and limited engagement production of 1776 now running until July 3rd at Wichita Center for the Performing Arts.
by Craig Richardson - July 05, 2019
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is historically known as being the city of brotherly love. With a current population of over one and half million residents, a lot has happened throughout the centuries during the city's rich past. It's a city that has won world series, held conventions on women's rights and a place that inspired 'rocket man' Elton John's hit 'Philadelphia Freedom' based on the Philadelphia Freedoms world tennis team, ultimately becoming an anthem for the city. And long before 'covfefe' tweets, proposed border walls, and transgender military bans, Congress met for the first time to formulate and write the Declaration of Independence, a document holding dear to the truths that all men are created equal and are forever granted the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Wichita Scottish Rite Signature Theatre recreates the 'room where it all happens' in their current and limited engagement production of 1776 now running until July 3rd at Wichita Center for the Performing Arts.
PETER PAN THE MUSICAL Flies Into The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre
by BWW News Desk - July 04, 2019
With magical pixie dust PETER PAN the Musical flies into The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City with 11 performances beginning July 6-28. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. and matinees are at 2 p.m.
by BWW News Desk - July 04, 2019
With magical pixie dust PETER PAN the Musical flies into The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City with 11 performances beginning July 6-28. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. and matinees are at 2 p.m.
Theatre in the Park Presents THE MUSIC MAN 07/05-13
by BWW News Desk - July 04, 2019
You got trouble, right here in Kansas City as Theatre in the Park (TIP) presents THE MUSIC MAN opening on Friday, July 5. The third production of TIP's historic 50th summer season, THE MUSIC MAN is Americana at its best and is the most requested show in the theatre's history! Performances of THE MUSIC MAN continue Saturday and Sunday, July 6 & 7 as well as the following Wednesday, July 10 through Saturday, July 13. The TIP box office opens at 6:30 p.m. on performance evenings, the gates to the seating area open at 7 p.m., and all performances begin at 8:30 p.m.
by BWW News Desk - July 04, 2019
You got trouble, right here in Kansas City as Theatre in the Park (TIP) presents THE MUSIC MAN opening on Friday, July 5. The third production of TIP's historic 50th summer season, THE MUSIC MAN is Americana at its best and is the most requested show in the theatre's history! Performances of THE MUSIC MAN continue Saturday and Sunday, July 6 & 7 as well as the following Wednesday, July 10 through Saturday, July 13. The TIP box office opens at 6:30 p.m. on performance evenings, the gates to the seating area open at 7 p.m., and all performances begin at 8:30 p.m.
What Did the Critics Think of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at Music Theatre Wichita?
by BWW News Desk - July 01, 2019
An American in Paris finished a 's'wonderful' week-long run at Music Theatre Wichita.
by BWW News Desk - July 01, 2019
An American in Paris finished a 's'wonderful' week-long run at Music Theatre Wichita.
BWW Review: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at Music Theatre Wichita, Around the World in 14 Days
by Craig Richardson - June 27, 2019
From the alps of Austria to the perfumery of Paris, Music Theatre Wichita continues its excellence in musical theatre standards with their second show of the summer season, An American in Paris; a suitable show selection set after the end of World War II. Based on the 1928 orchestrations of George Gershwin during his time in Paris and also the 1951 MGM film starring Gene Kelly, this stage adaptation of An American in Paris was most recently on Broadway in 2015 at the Palace Theatre in New York City. It wasn't until then that this filmed musical was tailored for the stage by playwright Craig Lucas. Regional theatres across the United States are eager to produce the production now that the copyrights are available, four years after the initial Broadway debut. Music Theatre Wichita's production is no exception by any means, incorporating a revolving stage and projections bringing Broadway right here to our own all-American City, Wichita.
by Craig Richardson - June 27, 2019
From the alps of Austria to the perfumery of Paris, Music Theatre Wichita continues its excellence in musical theatre standards with their second show of the summer season, An American in Paris; a suitable show selection set after the end of World War II. Based on the 1928 orchestrations of George Gershwin during his time in Paris and also the 1951 MGM film starring Gene Kelly, this stage adaptation of An American in Paris was most recently on Broadway in 2015 at the Palace Theatre in New York City. It wasn't until then that this filmed musical was tailored for the stage by playwright Craig Lucas. Regional theatres across the United States are eager to produce the production now that the copyrights are available, four years after the initial Broadway debut. Music Theatre Wichita's production is no exception by any means, incorporating a revolving stage and projections bringing Broadway right here to our own all-American City, Wichita.
Photo Flash: Get A First Look At AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at MT Wichita
by BWW News Desk - June 27, 2019
BroadwayWorld has a first look at MT Wichita's AN AMERICAN IN PARIS! Check out the photos!
by BWW News Desk - June 27, 2019
BroadwayWorld has a first look at MT Wichita's AN AMERICAN IN PARIS! Check out the photos!
Photo Flash: First Look at MTWichita's THE SOUND OF MUSIC
by BWW News Desk - June 26, 2019
Music Theatre Wichita has begun its 2019 Season with a brand new production of The Sound of Music, starring Broadway artists Catherine Charlebois (Wicked), Mike McGowan (Mormon, Priscilla), and Katie Banks-Todd (Phantom), along with Jennifer Byrne (The Evil Dead) and Monte Riegel Wheeler (The "It" Girl) leading a 52-member cast. The production was created with new scenic designs by Adam Koch, enhanced with Alpine backdrops by XuZheng He, choreography by Brian J. Marcum (Elf - The Musica), and a 29-piece orchestra conducted by Thomas W. Douglas.
by BWW News Desk - June 26, 2019
Music Theatre Wichita has begun its 2019 Season with a brand new production of The Sound of Music, starring Broadway artists Catherine Charlebois (Wicked), Mike McGowan (Mormon, Priscilla), and Katie Banks-Todd (Phantom), along with Jennifer Byrne (The Evil Dead) and Monte Riegel Wheeler (The "It" Girl) leading a 52-member cast. The production was created with new scenic designs by Adam Koch, enhanced with Alpine backdrops by XuZheng He, choreography by Brian J. Marcum (Elf - The Musica), and a 29-piece orchestra conducted by Thomas W. Douglas.
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG Comes to Theatre In The Park
by BWW News Desk - June 20, 2019
Theatre in the Park opens the second outdoor production of its 50th season on Friday, June 21. Performances of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG continue Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, and Wednesday, June 26th through Saturday, June 29th.
by BWW News Desk - June 20, 2019
Theatre in the Park opens the second outdoor production of its 50th season on Friday, June 21. Performances of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG continue Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, and Wednesday, June 26th through Saturday, June 29th.
BWW Review: BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at Madcap Comedy And Improv Troupe
by Craig Richardson - June 15, 2019
Wichita has a brand-new theatre called Madcap Comedy and Improv Troupe! Now well into what appears to be the first season for the company, they have presented their second full-fledge production after Neil Simon's The Odd Couple under the direction of Cameron Carlson. And it's a good one! Filled with hilarity and sharp comedic acting by only a cast of seven, Ken Ludwig's Baskerville did not disappoint. Catch it this weekend before it closes.
by Craig Richardson - June 15, 2019
Wichita has a brand-new theatre called Madcap Comedy and Improv Troupe! Now well into what appears to be the first season for the company, they have presented their second full-fledge production after Neil Simon's The Odd Couple under the direction of Cameron Carlson. And it's a good one! Filled with hilarity and sharp comedic acting by only a cast of seven, Ken Ludwig's Baskerville did not disappoint. Catch it this weekend before it closes.
BWW Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Music Theatre Wichita, A thought-provoking musical still poignant to our times
by Craig Richardson - June 13, 2019
Opening Night. There's nothing like it in the world. Jitters can occur. Mistakes could happen. One hopes everything comes together and the rehearsal time and hard work has paid off. Luckily, for Music Theatre Wichita's producing artistic director Wayne Bryan, opening night was nothing short of absolute shear success for his season opener “The Sound of Music.” Music Theatre Wichita is in its 48th year.
by Craig Richardson - June 13, 2019
Opening Night. There's nothing like it in the world. Jitters can occur. Mistakes could happen. One hopes everything comes together and the rehearsal time and hard work has paid off. Luckily, for Music Theatre Wichita's producing artistic director Wayne Bryan, opening night was nothing short of absolute shear success for his season opener “The Sound of Music.” Music Theatre Wichita is in its 48th year.
BWW Review: THE DIVINERS at Wichita Community Theatre, A splendid drama
by Craig Richardson - June 11, 2019
On a rainy night, The Diviners was presented by Wichita Community Theatre, a play written by Jim Leonard, Jr. and set during the depression era of a small town named Zion, Indiana. The play has a rich production history having been performed on the upper east coast during the year 1980 when it was first written for the American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C. Many theatres and high schools subsequently followed and produced The Diviners until of course Wichita Community Theatre decided to wisely include it into their current 2018-2019 season. The show has similar themes seen earlier in the season and centers mainly around the relationship of C.C. Showers, a former preacher, and Buddy Layman, a mentally challenged young boy whose mission is to divine or search for running water yet at the same time has fears of water himself.
by Craig Richardson - June 11, 2019
On a rainy night, The Diviners was presented by Wichita Community Theatre, a play written by Jim Leonard, Jr. and set during the depression era of a small town named Zion, Indiana. The play has a rich production history having been performed on the upper east coast during the year 1980 when it was first written for the American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C. Many theatres and high schools subsequently followed and produced The Diviners until of course Wichita Community Theatre decided to wisely include it into their current 2018-2019 season. The show has similar themes seen earlier in the season and centers mainly around the relationship of C.C. Showers, a former preacher, and Buddy Layman, a mentally challenged young boy whose mission is to divine or search for running water yet at the same time has fears of water himself.
BWW Review: LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! at Roxy's Downtown, East Coast Theatre is Now in Wichita!
by Craig Richardson - June 11, 2019
Picture it: Wichita, 2019. No, I'm not referencing the Golden Girls. I'm simply talking about Roxy's current production of Love! Valour! Compassion! and the fact it took nearly twenty-one years for the show to be revived on a Wichita Stage. The last time the show was seen was in 1998 when Wichita Community Theatre presented the production, three years after the initial Broadway debut in 1995. Twenty-one years later and Wichita is finally ready, again! And the show is well worth the wait because now we have east coast style of theatre right here in the city of Wichita.
by Craig Richardson - June 11, 2019
Picture it: Wichita, 2019. No, I'm not referencing the Golden Girls. I'm simply talking about Roxy's current production of Love! Valour! Compassion! and the fact it took nearly twenty-one years for the show to be revived on a Wichita Stage. The last time the show was seen was in 1998 when Wichita Community Theatre presented the production, three years after the initial Broadway debut in 1995. Twenty-one years later and Wichita is finally ready, again! And the show is well worth the wait because now we have east coast style of theatre right here in the city of Wichita.
BWW Review: GONE WITH THE WINDWAGON at Mosley Street Melodrama, 'Frank Lee Scarlett, I Don't Give a Damn!'
by Craig Richardson - June 10, 2019
Wichita, Kansas. Population of 390, 591 and home to the top 40th outdoor celebrations in the world, The Wichita River Festival, now in its 46th year. If you've never been to River Fest, then you have missed out on hearing the Wichita Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert, or having breakfast with the Admiral, or a stellar firework show under a Kansas sky, or even the axe throwing Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show. That's right. Nothing says 'good old Midwest' like pronto pups and lumberjacks. And if you don't want to have anything to do with the crowds, then visit Mosley Street Melodrama for their current production of Gone with the Windwagon, a spoof on both the Wichita River Festival and the second most favorited novel next to the Bible, Gone with the Wind. Written by Carol Hughes and Directed by Cindy Summers, this melodrama plays every weekend from now until July 13th.
by Craig Richardson - June 10, 2019
Wichita, Kansas. Population of 390, 591 and home to the top 40th outdoor celebrations in the world, The Wichita River Festival, now in its 46th year. If you've never been to River Fest, then you have missed out on hearing the Wichita Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert, or having breakfast with the Admiral, or a stellar firework show under a Kansas sky, or even the axe throwing Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show. That's right. Nothing says 'good old Midwest' like pronto pups and lumberjacks. And if you don't want to have anything to do with the crowds, then visit Mosley Street Melodrama for their current production of Gone with the Windwagon, a spoof on both the Wichita River Festival and the second most favorited novel next to the Bible, Gone with the Wind. Written by Carol Hughes and Directed by Cindy Summers, this melodrama plays every weekend from now until July 13th.
Lynn Nottage Is Honoree Of 39th William Inge Theater Festival In Independence, Kansas
by BWW News Desk - June 07, 2019
Lynn Nottage, a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is the Playwright Honoree of the 39th William Inge Theater Festival.
by BWW News Desk - June 07, 2019
Lynn Nottage, a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is the Playwright Honoree of the 39th William Inge Theater Festival.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC to Come Alive at Music Theatre Wichita
by BWW News Desk - June 03, 2019
The hills are alive Wichita as Music Theatre Wichita presents Rogers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music June 12-16.
by BWW News Desk - June 03, 2019
The hills are alive Wichita as Music Theatre Wichita presents Rogers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music June 12-16.
BWW Review: BLOOMSDAY at Wichita Community Theatre, An Introspective Romantic Journey
by Craig Richardson - May 17, 2019
Playing for its final weekend, Bloomsday at Wichita Community Theatre examines the trivial but serious nature of both young and refined love and romance. Now, for those unfamiliar with the holiday, Bloomsday is actually a true festival of the life of Irish writer James Joyce, observed annually in Dublin and even in the United States on the sixteenth of June each year. The celebration focuses on Joyce's first date with his soon to be wife and also the main character of his novel Leopold Bloom. In this production, Wichita Community Theatre not only captures the essence of Dublin during the time period but also shines through with the true meaning of the show-we only get one chance at life.
by Craig Richardson - May 17, 2019
Playing for its final weekend, Bloomsday at Wichita Community Theatre examines the trivial but serious nature of both young and refined love and romance. Now, for those unfamiliar with the holiday, Bloomsday is actually a true festival of the life of Irish writer James Joyce, observed annually in Dublin and even in the United States on the sixteenth of June each year. The celebration focuses on Joyce's first date with his soon to be wife and also the main character of his novel Leopold Bloom. In this production, Wichita Community Theatre not only captures the essence of Dublin during the time period but also shines through with the true meaning of the show-we only get one chance at life.
BWW Review: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at The American Theatre Guild, A Beautiful Broadway in Wichita Theatre League Closer
by Craig Richardson - May 17, 2019
Centered around Carole King's life and biography, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is an appropriate cap to The American Theatre Guild's 2018-2019 season. This first national tour is filled with well-rounded, talented performers from all over the United States, including members who have been a part of the company for three years or more. Though the script itself for this pseudo jukebox musical may be a bit lacking compared to favored classics such as Cinderella, seen earlier in the season, the individual vocal and acting abilities are worth paying full ticket price.
by Craig Richardson - May 17, 2019
Centered around Carole King's life and biography, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is an appropriate cap to The American Theatre Guild's 2018-2019 season. This first national tour is filled with well-rounded, talented performers from all over the United States, including members who have been a part of the company for three years or more. Though the script itself for this pseudo jukebox musical may be a bit lacking compared to favored classics such as Cinderella, seen earlier in the season, the individual vocal and acting abilities are worth paying full ticket price.
BWW Review: AVENUE Q at Roxy's Downtown, More Than Just Puppet Sex
by Craig Richardson - May 17, 2019
Running until May 5th, Avenue Q at Roxy's is a must-see show. Why? I will tell you why. Wichita, you now have progressive theatre! So long are the days where shows were filled with only politically correct topics and material or the shows that would only lend itself to be considered a safe choice. No, Avenue Q holds nothing back from this modern day take on Sesame Street. This show, however, is more than just puppet sex on stage or blatantly stating the obvious that the internet is for porn. This show has true grit and heart and you got to catch it because it's only playing for now.
by Craig Richardson - May 17, 2019
Running until May 5th, Avenue Q at Roxy's is a must-see show. Why? I will tell you why. Wichita, you now have progressive theatre! So long are the days where shows were filled with only politically correct topics and material or the shows that would only lend itself to be considered a safe choice. No, Avenue Q holds nothing back from this modern day take on Sesame Street. This show, however, is more than just puppet sex on stage or blatantly stating the obvious that the internet is for porn. This show has true grit and heart and you got to catch it because it's only playing for now.
BWW Review: SHEAR MADNESS at The Forum Theatre Company, Wichita gets to pick who done it
by Craig Richardson - May 17, 2019
Set in a fun and funky hair salon, Shear Madness concludes The Forum Theatre Company's 2019 production season in a big and bold way. The plot, almost from Clue the movie, has action that centers around figuring out exactly who murdered Isabel Churney with none other than hair cutting shears. If you go, which I do highly recommend, pay close attention to the action at the beginning of the show. It will be useful later to help solve the murder mystery. Filled with Wichita current events and references plus greatly polished improv from the cast, you can't keep from laughing but also appreciate the hard work and dedication which went into crafting out a carefully selected play thanks to producing artistic director, Kathy Page Hauptman.
by Craig Richardson - May 17, 2019
Set in a fun and funky hair salon, Shear Madness concludes The Forum Theatre Company's 2019 production season in a big and bold way. The plot, almost from Clue the movie, has action that centers around figuring out exactly who murdered Isabel Churney with none other than hair cutting shears. If you go, which I do highly recommend, pay close attention to the action at the beginning of the show. It will be useful later to help solve the murder mystery. Filled with Wichita current events and references plus greatly polished improv from the cast, you can't keep from laughing but also appreciate the hard work and dedication which went into crafting out a carefully selected play thanks to producing artistic director, Kathy Page Hauptman.
BWW Review: SHEAR MADNESS at The Forum Theatre
by Paula Makar - May 16, 2019
There are three doors on this colorful 1980s set designed by Ben Juhnke, and immediately I think 'FARCE!' The 1980s tunes are pumping from the sound system, making the patrons move and groove in their seats. The atmosphere is lively, and the audience is upbeat and happy, chatting away until the action on stage catches their attention. A pre-show pantomime begins; Simeon Rawls and Jen Bechter begin their day in the beauty salon 'Shear Madness'; patrons begin to enter the shop and hilarity ensues. This pantomime continues for at least 15 minutes before any of the actors speak, and it is hysterical. The action is clean, quick, and understandable. The hilarity continues on until the last few minutes of the play. I will not reveal the ending, but suffice it to say these last bits are intense and dramatic, and showcase some serious acting chops.
by Paula Makar - May 16, 2019
There are three doors on this colorful 1980s set designed by Ben Juhnke, and immediately I think 'FARCE!' The 1980s tunes are pumping from the sound system, making the patrons move and groove in their seats. The atmosphere is lively, and the audience is upbeat and happy, chatting away until the action on stage catches their attention. A pre-show pantomime begins; Simeon Rawls and Jen Bechter begin their day in the beauty salon 'Shear Madness'; patrons begin to enter the shop and hilarity ensues. This pantomime continues for at least 15 minutes before any of the actors speak, and it is hysterical. The action is clean, quick, and understandable. The hilarity continues on until the last few minutes of the play. I will not reveal the ending, but suffice it to say these last bits are intense and dramatic, and showcase some serious acting chops.
Videos
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WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Century II Concert Hall (1/12 - 1/14) | |
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HADESTOWN
Century II Concert Hall (3/20 - 3/22) | |
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Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN
Century II Concert Hall (4/24 - 4/26) | |
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CLUE
Century II Concert Hall (5/15 - 5/17) | |
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Hadestown (Non-Equity)
Century II Concert Hall (3/20 - 3/22) | |
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STOMP
Century II Concert Hall (3/4 - 3/4) | |
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Liverpool Legends
Topeka Performing Arts Center (12/27 - 12/27) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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