theatre

This year, Kansas City theatergoers have several ways to enjoy "A Christmas Carol," Charles Dickens' holiday story of redemption. Three different actors talk about their interpretations of Ebenezer Scrooge on stages around Kansas City.

This year, Kansas Citians have several ways to enjoy "A Christmas Carol," Charles Dickens' holiday story of redemption, including a musical and modern take. Three Scrooges in Kansas City's live-theater adaptations spoke with KCUR's Up To Date about getting into character and the lessons they take away from the tale.

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.

Tanner Rose plays the eccentric chocolate maker Willy Wonka in The Coterie Theater production of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which runs through Aug. 4. When he's not playing the world's most famous chocolatier, Rose himself works at a Kansas City chocolate shop.

For young Kansas City actors with autism, a new play creates space to "connect with others." Vanessa Severo’s “Rubik" tells the story of neurodivergent teens on the cusp of a new phase of life.

Servicemembers with post-traumatic stress disorder can find healing through re-experiencing traumatic events. A psychologist at a Veterans Affairs hospital and a play at Kansas City's Unicorn Theatre share how virtual reality might help combat veterans overcome the trauma of war.

The Crown Center children’s theater made headlines in 2022 after a former artistic director who worked there for more than 30 years was accused of sexually assaulting young men. Jeff Church was found dead in his Kansas City, Missouri, home days after the accusations became public.

Lyda Conley became the first Indigenous woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court in her efforts to protect a sacred Native cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. A new play by Wyandotte playwright Madeline Easley is bringing Conley's story to the stage.

University of Kansas professor Nicole Hodges Persley's new book illuminates hip-hop’s historical and contemporary significance to musical theater — even beyond "Hamilton."

Battling bipolar disorder, Jeremy Auman at times has struggled to remain hopeful. Auman is sharing his highs and lows on stage at Kansas City's 19th annual Fringe Festival, aiming to help others be more empathetic and understanding.

"Sondheim on Sondheim" is a multimedia exploration of the life and music of Stephen Sondheim. Andy Einhorn — conductor for both the original Broadway show and Lyric Opera of Kansas City's production — speaks with Brooke Knoll about the impact that Stephen Sondheim has had on the world of music, theatre, and himself. Hear performances from Barbara Cook, Audra McDonald, John Williams with the Boston Pops Orchestra, and more.

Christina Anderson's play follows a Black family's journey through the years after desegregating the public pool in their fictional Kansas town. The show will tour 10 Kansas City community centers and libraries, after completing a run at Kansas City Repertory Theatre.