News Release: Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet?
A Family Survival Guide
Kansas City Premiere playing July 10th – August 23rd, 2009

Kansas City, MO: In its first production in the Kansas City area, Are We There Yet? offers a fresh look at the roller-coaster ride we call the “typical American family”. – from childbirth to senior prom, through blind dates and family trips, all the way to empty nests and the joys that can still be had after 60. Using song, dance and sketch comedy, Are We There Yet? has something for everyone. Musical highlights include: “Cause I’m a Mommy,” about juggling cooking, carpooling and child crises; “Whiplash: Divorce Date” about the second time around; and a touching duet, “I Know She’s Out There”. Are We There Yet? runs July 10th through August 23rd, 2009.

American Heartland Theatre has assembled an exciting ensemble of Kansas City favorites for this fantastic summer show that the whole family will love. Ken Remmert returns to AHT after a long absence. He last appeared on our stage in Leaving Iowa in 2006. Quality Hill Playhouse, Starlight, New Theater, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre and Musical Theatre Heritage are among some of the other theatres where Ken has preformed in recent years. Cathy Barnett is also returning to the AHT stage, where she last appeared in the 2008 production of Always, Patsy Cline. Cathy has recently appeared at the New Theater, Actors Theatre of Kansas City, Unicorn Theatre and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Cathy has toured nationally and internationally in both Forbidden Broadway and Forbidden Hollywood as well as traveling across the nation as Louise in Always, Patsy Cline. She has entertained as a stand-up comedienne in New York, appearing at Caroline’s and the West Bank Cafe. She also portrays the Hallmark greeting card character, “Maxine,” and has traveled from coast to coast as this beloved curmudgeon. Tim Scott is pleased to return to AHT where he was last seen rockin’ out in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Tim has been seen onstage at the Quality Hill Playhouse, The Coterie, Starlight, Unicorn Theatre, and Musical Theater Heritage. He has also toured nationally with Beauty & the Beast and the musical production of Robin Hood. Away from the stage, Tim keeps busy doing commercial work and entertaining the crowds during Royals games at Kaufman Stadium. Jessalyn Kincaid will be staying on at AHT where she was last seen as a half-naked accountant in Unnecessary Farce. She has also been seen recently at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, New Theatre, Quality Hill Playhouse, Unicorn Theatre, and the Coterie Theatre. Jessalyn has had the distinct honor of directly working with such music luminaries as Harry Connick, Jr., and Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz.

Anthony Edwards serves as Musical Director for Are We There Yet?, as well as being the Conductor/Pianist. Anthony has appeared with The New Theatre, Quality Hill Playhouse, Starlight Theatre, Theatre in the Park, Unicorn Theatre, Late Night Theatre, Bar Natasha and Epic Entertainment in Kansas City; Casa Manana in Fort Worth, TX; Theatre Under the Stars in Atlanta, GA and The Red Barn Theatre and The Waterfront Playhouse in Key West as musical director. Anthony is the resident musical director for AHT, the Unicorn Theatre, Epic Entertainment, Starlight and All Souls Unitarian Church. Daniel Doss, who serves as Assistant Musical Director and Conductor/Pianist, previously performed at American Heartland Theatre for I Love You Because and Always… Patsy Cline. Musical direction credits include productions at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, Musical Theater Heritage, and Stagedoor Manor in New York. Daniel also enjoys conducting/playing at New Theater Restaurant, Unicorn Theatre, and at the Coterie Theatre, where he currently serves as Musical Director.

Are We There Yet? is directed by Paul Hough and choreographed by Jerry Jay Cranford with set design by Vaughn Schultz, lighting design by Shane Rowse, costume design by Cheryl Weaver, sound design by Donna Miller and props design by William J. Christie.

Written by James Hindman, Ray Roderick and Cheryl Stern with music by John Glaudini, this heart-warming, rib-tickling musical romp will have audiences leaving the theatre humming and feeling better about being human. As the show points out, you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family!

Handicapped entry and seating, as well as assistive listening devices, are available at all performances. An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 7:30PM.

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Next at American Heartland Theatre
Opening Production of the 2009-2010 Season
I’ll Be Back Before Midnight September 11th – October 25th, 2009 Rated PG-13

American Heartland Theatre is one of the city’s leading live theatre establishments and was rated #21 in the top area attractions by the Kansas City Business Journal. The theatre serves over 180,000 theatre-goers every year from Kansas City and five surrounding states. Each season, the theatre presents six productions, including comedies, musicals, dramas and mysteries featuring local, regional and national performers. AHT operates under agreements with Actors’ Equity Association in its 440+ seat intimate theatre. American Heartland Theatre is located downtown in Crown Center and is a proud member of www.kclivearts.org.

Media Contact: Morgan Perry 816-842-0202, ext. 107 mperry6@hallmark.com