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Up To Date

New artistic director at Kansas City's Unicorn Theatre is ready for more 'experimentation'

By Brian Ellison,
Elizabeth Ruiz
Published July 10, 2024 at 4:00 AM CDT
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Playwright, director and choreographer Ernie Nolan was announced as the new artistic director of the Unicorn Theatre.
Courtesy of Ernie Nolan
Playwright, director and choreographer Ernie Nolan was announced as the new artistic director of the Unicorn Theatre.

Theater-goers will be in for some "surprises," says Ernie Nolan, the new artistic director of the Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City. Nolan assumed the role on July 1, after the retirement of longtime director Cynthia Levin.

The Unicorn Theatre is now under the artistic direction of award-winning playwright and choreographer Ernie Nolan.

Nolan takes over the role from Cynthia Levin, who retired after 45 years with the Unicorn.

"I mean, they're big shoes to fill that legacy, right? And so I am so excited about that and so excited about being passed the baton in this marathon and continuing to run with it, and begin to push the levels of innovation and experimentation, and that sort of redefinition," Nolan told KCUR's Up To Date.

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Brian Ellison
As a host and contributor at KCUR, I seek to create a more informed citizenry and richer community. I want to enlighten and inspire our audience by delivering the information they need with accuracy and urgency, clarifying what’s complicated and teasing out the complexities of what seems simple. I work to craft conversations that reveal realities in our midst and model civil discourse in a divided world. Follow me on Twitter @ptsbrian or email me at brian@kcur.org.
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Elizabeth Ruiz
When you listen to Up To Date, I want you to understand decisions being made in the city, feel inspired by community members, and empathize with people who've had different experiences. As an Up To Date producer, I connect you to the news through conversations with community members and elected officials. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
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