Gladstone Theatre in the Park
As
part of the 21st season, “The King and I,” directed by Jill Jones,
runs July 11-13. Cameo Ibsen serves as choreographer. The show
begins at 8:30 p.m. nightly at the Gladstone Amphitheatre, 76th
and North Troost. Admission is free.
“Crazy for
You,” directed by Brett Buffum, runs Aug. 8-10. Rachel Buckingham serves as
choreographer.
Van and
Susie Ibsen, along with the City of Gladstone,
began a tradition the summer of 1988 with the first GTIP production, “Oliver!” The
North Star Community Band, conducted by Faye
Rader, sponsored by Antioch Music Center and the NKC School District Community
Education Program, continues to provide the pit music each season. This is
their 20th season.
“The loyalty
and devotion to the program starts with Susie and Van Ibsen and just continues
from there,” says Parks Director Sheila Lillis. “This is the program that gets
people involved from the band to the commitment from the crowds that flock
annually to the performances. We still want to be a family option for summer
fun.”
For more
information: www.heartoftheweb.net/gladstonetip
Theatre in the Park
Three
of the four shows are ready to take the stage as part of the
Theatre in the Park. The Theatre in the Park is a program of
the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
“Beauty
in the Beast” runs July 3-6 and 10-13. Directed by Nathan Norcross, visit Disney’s
magical place where the beautiful Belle attempts to rescue her silly inventor
father, but trades her freedom for his in a horrible beast’s castle. There,
the story of redemption begins with the familiar songs of “Tale as Old as Time”
and “Be Our Guest.”
The next
show is “42nd Street” which runs July 18-20 and 24-27. Directed by Brian McGinness,
the musical tells the story of luck in the theater, talent and love. The show
includes such songs as “We’re in the Money” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”
“Titanic-The
Musical” ends the season with shows Aug. 1-3 and 7-10. The show captures the
scope of one of the most tragic disasters of the modern age. Art Suskin directs
the show.
Theater
Coordinator Tracie Holley says the summer series offers some escapism close
to home. As more people stay home to vacation, the shows at Theatre in the
Park take audience members to places like France and New York. Executive Producer
Melissa Wyckoff says this is the program’s 39th year. “I remember performing
as a child. As one of the premier outdoor theater companies in the country,
it is still the right place that is relaxed and fun. It is a great place to
introduce your kids to theater. Come out and have a family experience. Come
and make some summer memories,” she says.
Ticket Information:
adults, $6
Kids 4-10,
$4 and children under 3, free
Box office
opens at 6:30 p.m. Gates at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee Mission Park open at
7 p.m. and the show begins at 8:30 p.m. For more information: www.theatreinthepark.org
Chestnut
Fine Arts Center
“I Left
My Heart – A Musical Tribute to the Music of Tony Bennett” takes the stage
at the Chestnut Fine Arts Center. This musical tribute features four tenors
singing Bennett’s most well-known songs, including “Stranger In Paradise,”
“The Best Is Yet To Come,” “I Wanna Be Around,” “Steppin’ Out with My
Baby,” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
“I Left My Heart …” stars Curt Crespino, Patrick Lewallen, Kipp
Simmons and David Thompson singing Bennett’s songs and taking
the audience on a stroll down Bennett’s musical memory lane. Brad
Zimmerman directs the production. The tribute is appropriate
for the entire family.
The shows
are July 10 to Aug. 3. Thursday through Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and the
Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 234 N. Chestnut, Olathe,
Kan. For tickets, call 913-764-2121.
For
more information, visit www.chestnutfinearts.com.
Paradise
Playhouse
The sequel
to last season’s wildly successful production of “Two Into One,” “Out Of Order”
finds Richard Willey, now a government Junior Minister, planning to spend an
evening with one of the opposition’s typists. Paradise Playhouse continues
their love affair with Ray Cooney, the playwright and undisputed master of
farce.
“Playwright
Ray Cooney is the uncontested master of farce. We have produced many
of his scripts here at Paradise Playhouse and our audiences love this genre. ‘Out
of Order’ is a sequel of sorts to his ‘Two Into One’ that we staged last season
and many of those cast members return to reprise their roles. We can hardly
wait for rehearsals to begin on this one. Brace yourselves, as it is side splittingly
funny,” says Executive Director Frank Parrino.
The
show runs Aug. 1 to Aug. 23. Friday and Saturday shows include meals with the
venue opening at 6:15 p.m. Sunday shows are also buffets and the house opens
at noon. Thursday “Just Desserts” evenings start at 7 p.m.
Paradise
Playhouse is located at 101 Spring St., Excelsior Springs. Call 816-630-3333 for more details or visit www.paradiseplayhouse.com.
KCSQP has announced the 2008 schedule:
2008 Summer Program Schedule:
Week 1 Camp: July
28-Aug. 1
Faculty Concert: 6
p.m. Aug.1 at the Kauffman Foundation
Student Concert: 2:30
p.m. Aug. 2 at Pembroke Hill School
Week 2 Camp: Aug.
4-Aug. 9
Faculty Concert: 6
p.m. Aug. 8 at the Kauffman Foundation
Student Concert: 2:30
p.m. Aug. 9 at Pembroke Hill School
www.kcstringquartet.org
