Backstage Pass: AHT

Latest Review!

2009-12-02T17:27:00.001-06:00

Check out the great review of It's A Wonderful Life: A LIVE Radio Play from the Pitch!

Family 4 Pack

2009-11-19T21:31:00.002-06:00

We are offering a great new ticket pack for your family this month. The Family 4 Pack is a great way to have a wonderful evening of holiday magic with your family without breaking the bank.

For just $80.00 you'll get 2 Adult tickets and 2 Student tickets to It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play! That is a savings of up to $25.00! Plus with your ticket you'll get 10% off at several great restaurants in Crown Center, including the Brasserie at the Westin which has a great new menu.

Call 816-842-9999 and ask for the Family 4 Pack it's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

Additional tickets can be purchased at $25 per adult ticket and $15 per student ticket. Offer valid for shows thru 11/29/09, subject to availability, not valid with other offers or on weekday matinees.

The reviews are coming in and "Wonderful Life" is indeed Wonderful!

2009-11-12T10:25:00.004-06:00

Here are a few highlights from some of the reviews of "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play".

This crisply directed, well-acted show hits most of the right notes and avoids potential pitfalls.

The “Wonderful Life” narrative is re-created faithfully, although a bit compressed in places, but the cast brings the material to life without making it overly sentimental or campy.

[Ken Remmert is] a show unto himself and his timing is impeccable.

Read more from the Kansas City Star review here.

Read more from the Pitch Weekly review here.

Perhaps the most impressive feat this production accomplishes is that it manages to get the audience thoroughly engrossed in George Bailey’s story even though we’re always aware that we’re watching a radio re-enactment.

Even those who consider “It’s a Wonderful Life” to be an example of “Capra-corn” may fall prey to the nostalgic charms of this good-natured holiday offering.

Read more from the Sun Publications review here.

Changeover Time Lapse Video

2009-11-11T12:10:00.003-06:00

I'm a little biased, but this is one of the coolest things we've done in a while.

It started as an idea that our Tech Director, Shane, and I were throwing around. "What's the possibility of taking photos during changeover and making them into a little movie?" We started a few shows back just by taking photos with our camera phones of various times during the changeover process that showed the set being torn down and rebuilt for the next show, but what we wanted was for the photos to be able to tell a story.

So, after the purchase of a special cord that allows Shane to plug our digital camera into the wall, he set the camera on day one of changeover from I'll Be Back Before Midnight into It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play and allowed it to take one photo every 2 minutes throughout the week. After a few hours of editing, here's the finished product. Be sure to watch closely at the end, where you can see our Shop Foreman, Alex, and one of the carpenters, Dan, in the shots. Alex moves back and forth in the front row of seats and Dan spins around on his back on the stage.

Tim's Take

2009-11-11T11:18:00.006-06:00

Yes, he's that guy from The K. Check out Tim Scott's most recent blog on the Royals MLB website where he talks about upcoming Royals events as well as what he's currently doing in the baseball off-season... working at AHT! Visit Tim's Take now!

A Lovely Note From the Playwright

2009-11-05T14:19:00.003-06:00

Our staff and the actors were pleased today to find an email from Joe Landry, author of It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, in our inboxes. What wonderful encouragement to receive on our opening night. Thanks, Joe!

Dear Lilli,
I'm hoping you can pass this along to the entire cast and creative team of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY. Thanks so much.

Break a leg on your first performance this evening!

Although I can't be with you in person tonight, please know that my kindest thoughts are with you all.

May you enjoy a successful run, and know that you'll be touching people's hearts during every performance. And what better gift is there than that - at Christmas or anytime of year!

Hoping to keep in touch from my home in Connecticut, and, who knows, maybe even try to make an appearance before the end of your run!

Love,
Joe

P.S. It's only through productions that a playwright's work can fly. Thanks for the wings!

Joe Landry
Playwright

Tim Scott Makes Headlines

2009-11-05T09:37:00.006-06:00

Addison Landes, Tim Scott & Lauren Braton star in It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

There's a great article in the KC Star today about Tim Scott, who stars in our production of It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Tim is originally from LA, but in the last few years has made his home in Kansas City, for which the theatre community (and the baseball community) is grateful. Take a moment to check it out by clicking here.

Glorious! Singing Contest

2009-10-20T16:45:00.012-05:00

Do you have a voice that could shatter glass...
...and not in a good way?

Would you love to mimic the amazing voice of
Florence Foster Jenkins and a chance win great prizes?

Then this is the contest for you!

Florence Foster Jenkins loved to sing, it was her greatest passion... unfortunately, she was far from the great singer she believed herself to be. American Heartland Theatre will be bringing her amazing story to life in early 2010 with the play Glorious!, starring Debra Bluford. To get everyone in the spirit of this original "American Idol", American Heartland Theatre brings you the "Glorious! Singing Contest".

Beginning October 21, 2009, fans of AHT can create a video mimicking the style of Florence Foster Jenkins, who has been called the “Worst Singer in the World”. The grand prize winner will receive a Snack Suite party for 36 people in AHT’s private Executive Suite during a performance of Glorious!.

Post a link to your video in the comments section of this post or on our Facebook wall through December 1st, 2009. The staff of AHT will select the top three videos and post them on http://www.ahtkc.blogspot.com/ and the AHTKC Facebook Page.

Prizes are as follows:

Grand Prize: A one-night stay for two at the beautiful Westin Hotel in Crown Center, a Snack Suite party for 36 people in AHT’s private Executive Suite during a performance of Glorious!, a clip from your entry posted on www.ahtkc.com and your bio posted in the AHT Lobby during the run of Glorious!.
Second Prize: 2 tickets to Glorious! at AHT and $50.00 City Tavern Gift Certificate, a clip from your entry posted on www.ahtkc.com and your bio posted in the AHT Lobby during the run of Glorious!.
Third Prize: 2 tickets to Glorious! at AHT and $25.00 City Tavern Gift Certificate, a clip from your entry posted on www.ahtkc.com and your bio posted in the AHT Lobby during the run of Glorious!.
All entrants receive $5.00 off group (12+) tickets to Glorious!

Contest Details:

Participants may only submit one entry.
Any obscenities, racist, sexist, hateful or other material or depictions that, in American Heartland Theatre's judgment, are inappropriate or offensive will disqualify the entry.
For complete terms and conditions, see below.
Players will be able to submit entries starting on October 21, 2009 12:01 am (Central Time). Submissions will be accepted until December 1st, 2009 11:59pm (Central Time). Top three videos will be posted on or about December 8th on both www.ahtkc.blogspot.com and the AHTKC Facebook page. Voting will occur between December 8th and December 28th, 2009. Winners will be announced on or about January 8th, 2010.
Entries will be judged for overall quality, creativity and comparison to Florence Foster Jenkins.

The Glorious! Singing Competition - Official Rules and Conditions
1. ENTRY
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
This is a skill based contest based on the ability to perform a song in the style of Florence Foster Jenkins and compose a short video. Entries will be judged on overall quality, creativity and comparison to Florence Foster Jenkins. In order to enter, contestants must:

Create a 30-second video of themselves singing in the style of Florence Foster Jenkins.

Upload that video to the internet.

Post a link to the music video on either the comments section of this post or on our Facebook Wall with the words “Glorious! Singing Contest Entry”

All entries must be received prior to 11:59pm (Central Time), December 28, 2009 (the "Contest Conclusion").

American Heartland Theatre is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, incorrect, unintelligible or misdirected entries, which will be void. Use of a false name, username, mailing address or email account will disqualify an entry and the individual who submitted the entry. Use of obscenities, racist, sexist, hateful or other material or depictions that, in American Heartland Theatre's judgment, are inappropriate or offensive, will disqualify an entry. American Heartland Theatre is not responsible for hardware or software malfunctions, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete, garbled or delayed electronic or other communications. American Heartland Theatre, in its sole discretion, can disqualify from this contest and any other contest conducted by American Heartland Theatre, any person who, in American Heartland Theatre 's reasonable suspicion, tampers with the entry process or the operation of the web site. American Heartland Theatre has the right to terminate, suspend or modify this contest, in whole or in part, at any time and without prior notice, if, in American Heartland Theatre's judgment, the contest is altered, corrupted or cannot be completed as planned due to computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, technical failures, or other conditions beyond American Heartland Theatre’s control, or at American Heartland Theatre's reasonable discretion. Incomplete entries are invalid, and contestants with incomplete entries will be disqualified

2. ELIGIBILITY
To enter the contest as of October 21, 2009, (a) you must be 13 years of age or older, (b) you must have Internet access, an email account and access to a personal computer, and (c) you must be a legal resident of the United States Employees of American Heartland Theatre, affiliates, subsidiaries, representatives, advertising, promotion and publicity agencies and members of the immediate families (defined as parents, children, siblings and spouse, regardless of where they reside) or households of such employees are not eligible. Contest is void where prohibited, restricted or taxed by law. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.

3. DURATION
The contest period begins on October 21, 2009 and ends at 11:59pm (Central Time) on December 1, 2009. The voting period begins on December 8, 2009 and ends at 11:59pm (Central Time) on December 28, 2009.

4. SELECTION OF TOP THREE ENTRIES
The top three submissions will be determined by representatives of American Heartland Theatre, and will be judged equally on the following criteria: overall quality, creativity and comparison to Florence Foster Jenkins. The top three will be notified via e-mail and announced www.ahtkc.blogspot.com and the AHTKC Facebook page on or about December 8, 2009. By participating in this Contest, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and Conditions and any and all decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all respects.

5. SELECTION OF WINNER
The order of winners will be determined by voting on www.ahtkc.blogspot.com and the AHTKC Facebook page. The winners will be notified via e-mail and announced www.ahtkc.blogspot.com and the AHTKC Facebook page on or about December 8, 2009.

6. PRIZES
Grand Prize: One-night stay for two at the Westin Hotel in Crown Center (Retail Value $145.00) Snack Suite party for 36 people in AHT’s private Executive Suite during a performance of Glorious! ($1380.00 retail value) Clip from your entry posted on www.ahtkc.com and you bio posted in the AHT Lobby during the run of Glorious!. (No Retail Value)
• Second Prize: 2 tickets to Glorious! at AHT and $50.00 City Tavern Gift Certificate ($100.00 Retail Value). Clip from your entry posted on www.ahtkc.com and you bio posted in the AHT Lobby during the run of Glorious!. (No Retail Value)
• Third Prize: 2 tickets to Glorious! at AHT and $25.00 City Tavern Gift Certificate ($75.00 Retail Value). Clip from your entry posted on www.ahtkc.com and you bio posted in the AHT Lobby during the run of Glorious!. (No Retail Value)

If winner cannot be contacted at the email address provided by their Facebook account or Blogger username, or is contacted and does not respond by signing and returning to us for our receipt within the time indicated on the documents, an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release, or refuses or is ineligible to accept prize, the prize may be awarded to the next eligible entrant on or about January 8, 2009. Any prize not claimed by one alternately chosen winner will not be awarded. Prizes are not transferable. No substitution of prize for cash or other goods and services is permitted. If a winner is under 18 or a minor in his or her state of residence, his or her parent must also sign the applicable release and documentation.

7. GENERAL CONDITIONS
By entering into the contest, (a) you agree to all of the terms and conditions of these Official Rules and Conditions, (b) you warrant that your entry is your own original work and that it does not violate any rights of any third party (including, without limitation, any publishing rights of any third party, or is libelous, obscene or otherwise contrary to law), and you assign and agree to assign to American Heartland Theatre all rights, title and interest, including, without limitation, copyright, in or to your entry. (d) you agree that American Heartland Theatre may post your user or real name and hometown on American Heartland Theatre’s website and in any and all publicity and advertising for American Heartland Theatre, this Contest or other promotions by American Heartland Theatre without any further attribution, notification or compensation to you, except where prohibited by law, (e) you agree to be contacted by American Heartland Theatre or its agents by telephone, mail or e-mail, and (f) you agree to sign the documentation set forth in Section 6 above (or have your parent or guardian sign such documentation where applicable or requested by American Heartland Theatre). Entries become the property of American Heartland Theatre and will not be returned. By participating in this contest, you agree that American Heartland Theatre may post your screenshot/photo entries on the Official American Heartland Theatre Web Site (http://www.ahtkc.com/) or on the Official American Heartland Theatre Blog (http://ahtkc.blogspot.com/) at anytime during the contest. American Heartland Theatre, in its sole discretion, may edit and modify any submission before posting. American Heartland Theatre and its parent company, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising, promotion and publicity agencies and all of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns are not in any way responsible or liable for damages, loss or injury resulting from participation in this contest or acceptance, loss or use of any prizes awarded in this contest. You further agree that in any cause of action, American Heartland Theatre's liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the contest, and in no event shall American Heartland Theatre be liable for attorney's fees. You waive the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages. You assume sole liability for injuries, including personal injuries and/or damage to property or prize, caused or claimed to be caused by participating in this contest or the acceptance, loss, shipment, or use of any prize awarded. American Heartland Theatre is not responsible for any failure to contact entrants, whether due to technical or human error. All of American Heartland Theatre's decisions regarding the application and interpretation of the Rules are final.

8. WINNERS LIST
The winners of this contest will be posted on www.ahtkc.blogspot.com and the AHTKC Facebook page on or about January 8th, 2010. A list of winners can also be obtained by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Glorious! Singing Competition Contest, American Heartland Theatre; 2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 314, Kansas City, MO 64108-2516.

Remembering a Friend

2009-10-15T09:32:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday more than 100 members of the AHT family, including staff and theatre patrons, gathered in our lobby to share memories of Steve Davis. Steve passed away this summer after a long illness. He was a long-time member of the AHT family, who brighten the lives of all who knew him.

We'll miss you Steve.

Review: It's Midnight at AHT

2009-09-23T11:24:00.006-05:00

Here are just a few tidbits from the review of "I'll Be Back Before Midnight" from KCMetropolis.com.
Click Here to read the entire review.

Award-winning playwright, Peter Colley's, "I'll Be Back Before Midnight," currently running at the American Heartland Theatre, kept audience members on the edge of their seats and guessing right up until the end. Somewhere between an Agatha Christie mystery and an Alfred Hitchcock thriller, this fast-paced comedy thriller doesn't disappoint.
With its wicked and worrisome twists and turns, "I'll Be Back Before Midnight" is a fearful, yet comedic tale and a good kick-off for AHT's 2009/10 season.

Video Clip from I'll Be Back Before Midnight

2009-09-17T10:58:00.005-05:00

I'll Be Back Before Midnight so much fun. I saw it last night for the first time with lights, costumes and special effects - it was wonderful! I was laughing one moment then genuinely spooked the next. It's the perfect show for this season!

Answers from AHT Actors - James Wright

2009-09-15T18:14:00.007-05:00

I'll Be Back Before Midnight

1. How many times have you performed at AHT? I’ll Be Back Before Midnight is my 12^th AHT show over the years.

2. What is your favorite place to eat in Kansas City? Lydias. Oh, and Sweet Tomatoes. Oh, and the Sonic on 50 Highway in Raytown.

3. How long have you lived in the KC metro? I have lived virtually my entire life in the Kansas City area. I moved here from Dallas at the age of two. I hope I never have to go anywhere else.

4. Which role has been your favorite? So many parts have been special for different reasons. I loved the roles of Ron in Married Alive and The Big Bopper in Buddy here at AHT. I also enjoyed playing Johnny in Frankie and Johnny at The Met, Eddie Lawrence in Shear Madness at The New Theatre and King Herod in Superstar at Starlight. But I think my favorite of all was Greg in Sylvia at The American Heartland. It is such a sweet play and I just loved the relationship he and Sylvia had. It was a highlight for me.

5. Who is your favorite actor? Of all time, Jack Lemmon. He could do anything. Comedy, drama, musicals, stage, film, television, it didn’t matter. He was the best. My mentor in the business, however, is Kansas City’s own Jim Korinke. I have watched him work for over 25 years. His skill and commitment to the theatre is unmatched by anyone in town and he has taught me a great deal. He is a professionals professional.

6. What three words best describe you? Driven, Honest, Spiritual

7. What is your favorite book? I love nonfiction. There’s nothing better than a good biography. I think my favorite was Stephen Sondheim: A Life by Meryle Secrest.

8. Do you have children? If so how many? My amazing kids are Andrew, age 13 and Aubrey, age 9. Andrew is an 8^th grader and enjoys music, martial arts and Boy Scouts. Aubrey is in the 4^th grade and enjoys gymnastics and singing.

9. How about pets? We don’t have any pets. I am allergic to most, actually.

10. What is your favorite movie? Depends on my mood and what I am craving. My favorite film is The Deer Hunter. Young Frankenstein is a close second.

11. Pet Peeves? Passive Aggressive Behavior, Unjustness

12. Do you have anything special in your dressing room? I always have a picture of my wife and kids nearby – and my script.

13. Is there anything special you do right before you go on stage? I spend just a moment or two with a breathing exercise. I don’t have any rituals or superstitions, but I do take several cleansing breaths right before curtain. It settles me.

14. Do you have a nickname? A good friend gave me the nickname of Max while in college. It truly has no origin. I have no idea why he gave it to me. He probably doesn’t either. But it stuck.

15. What got you started in theatre? I never had a desire to play many sports as a kid. I loved sports and am a big fan, but I never played them. Once I got into high school, I discovered performing and from that point on (1976), I knew I wouldn’t do anything else.

16. Is there anything else you'd like to share with the AHT audience? I’m delighted to have a chance to say this: Thank you for supporting me over the years and for supporting Kansas City theatre. Visit me online at www.absolutelywright.com

I'll Be Back Before Midnight opened Friday!

2009-09-14T09:11:00.002-05:00

I'll Be Back Before Midnight began on Friday and had audiences laughing out loud then gasping in horror! One audience member stated after the show, "I kept thinking I had it figured out, then I didn't!" Come and see if you can figure it out before the house lights come up!

Darren Kennedy, Vanessa Severo and James Wright fight for their lives in I'll Be Back Before Midnight.

Vanessa Severo, Jan Chapman and Darren Kennedy star in I'll Be Back Before Midnight.

Photos by Shane Rowse.

Tour of Missouri Poses Parking Problems for 9/13 Patrons

2009-09-09T12:01:00.009-05:00

The Tour of Missouri Bicycle race will be taking place this Sunday, September 13, with the finish line being in front of Crown Center. This race will close off streets all over the downtown area between 1pm and 6pm that day, so if you have tickets to either performance of I'll Be Back Before Midnight that day, please be aware that you may have trouble getting to Crown Center. Allow additional time for delays caused by the race. Below are some instructions given to us by Crown Center and the Tour of Missouri folks that should help you get to the show on time!

The best way to avoid the road closures is to arrive before 1pm to Crown Center. The streets surrounding the Center will close at 1pm and will not re-open until 6pm. After 1pm you may have extreme difficulty getting to the Crown Center parking garages. Come early and enjoy lunch at one of the fine restaurants in Crown Center using the discount coupon on your tickets.

If you are not able to arrive before 1pm, approach Grand from the east. The police will allow crossover traffic on Grand from 9th to 20th Street (AHT is at 25th St). Once the bicyclists pass (there will be 7 passes), traffic will be allowed to proceed through Grand for a limited amount of time. Proceed through Grand to Main then go south on Main to Pershing. Turn east on Pershing. The Westin garage on the south side of Pershing will be available with signs in the garage to direct you to the Crown Center retail garage.

The blue and yellow dashed line on this map indicates the route the bicyclists will be taking and roads that will be closed.

Click for an enlarged version

If you have any questions, please contact our box office or Crown Center for more information.

See you at the show!

AHT Box Office: 816-842-9999
Crown Center Customer Service: 816-274-8444

AIDS Walk Fundraiser A Success!

2009-08-26T09:28:00.003-05:00

Participating in AIDS Walk Kansas City is an annual thing for us at AHT. We love taking part in the walk and seeing all of the people who care about the same cause that we do. This year we held off on doing our fundraiser at AHT until summer (well after the walk in late April) so we would have a cast of local, well-known actors that we knew would love having the chance to be a part of our effort.

We are pleased to announce that, with the help of the Are We There Yet? cast and the generosity of our patrons, we raised $5,345.12! In only 3 weeks! This money will go to the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City, whose mission is to assist in funding organizations which provide food, shelter, medical care, and other services to the diverse communities dealing with HIV/AIDS, their families and friends, and, which promote public education about HIV infection.

If you'd like to join us next April at the Walk, check back here in late March/early April for details - we'd love to see you there!

Are We There Yet? Video Clips

2009-08-06T16:01:00.004-05:00

Haven't had a chance to see Are We There Yet? Saw it and want to re-live your favorite parts? Here's some great video footage of the show!
Video not showin up for you? Check it out on YouTube instead.

Discounts for Military Personnel

2009-08-05T09:07:00.004-05:00

Being in the military is sometimes a thankless job, and being a member of a military family is often overwhelming. Relocation can be the hardest thing to get used to, and this time of year lots of families are settling down in a new town. AHT is trying to make that change a little more fun. As a special thank you to the folks who protect our country, we have a special coupon offer available on MilitaryAvenue.com for military personnel at Fort Leavenworth and Whiteman Air Force Base. This discount is good for groups of 5 or more at a rate of $12.50 per ticket!

This month, the people at MilitaryAvenue.com chose AHT as their featured Military Reward! Check it out by clicking here.

Hopefully, this opportunity to participate in an arts event will help make the transition to a new place a little easier, or even make for a fun outing before summer comes to a close.

Review: Heartland play arrives with poignancy, polish

2009-08-03T14:31:00.004-05:00

Check out the review of "Are We There Yet?" from Russ Simmons in the Johnson County Sun. Just click HERE!

While your checking out the reviews, HERE is the Pitch Weekly review by Alan Scherstuhl.

Video about "Are We There Yet?"

2009-07-27T22:47:00.001-05:00

Pop on over to the Crown Center website and check out this great video about "Are We There Yet?" Just click here!

KC Star Review is in

2009-07-20T08:42:00.001-05:00

"Director Paul Hough has assembled some of Kansas City’s best musical theater talents — Cathy Barnett, Jessalyn Kincaid, Ken Remmert and Tim Scott."

Read the entire review by clicking here.

Guest Blogger - Tim Scott

2009-07-13T12:13:00.005-05:00

Well, after 3 weeks of rehearsal for ARE WE THERE YET? at The American Heartland Theatre we were finally confronted by our first preview on July 10. There is something about rehearsing a musical comedy... after about 2 weeks, nothing seems funny, nothing you or anyone else is doing seems like it’s working and overall there is a general sense of uneasiness amongst almost everyone involved.

To be honest, I was experiencing a bit of Heartburn when we received our “half hour” to curtain call from our Stage Manager, Bill Christie. Now my heartburn could have been caused by nervousness or jitters, but I think it was most likely caused by the Bison Burger and French Fries with Truffle oil that I ate at around 4:30 at Blanc Burgers & Bottles in Westport. Yes, perhaps a poor decision. Regardless, that is how I was feeling at that particular moment of that particular evening.

Fortunately, on the evening of July 10... the audience laughed. Whew... close one. As is the case of every show you work on, there were certainly things that needed to be tweaked and/or ironed out. For example, BERNIE’S BUFFET, one of my numbers late in the 2nd act needed to be re-worked... again. This poor fella had been through the ringer it seemed. The number is about an 85 year old man who has recently lost his wife and is rediscovering his... how shall I put this... “Social Relevancy”.

Anyway, this poor bastard started out with a walker ~ DIDNT WORK
Then we moved to a cane and tried to make it a “song & dance” type number ~ NOPE
And after the 1st Preview we landed on a hybrid of a “Song and dance” number and a lyrical story song.

I think that’s the ticket. People seem to be responding quite well to him.

Our official Opening Night is Wednesday, July 15 and we run through August 23. You can visit http://www.ahtkc.com/ for details on the show and you can also purchase ticket online as well. Hope to see you there!

twitter winner!

2009-07-07T11:19:00.005-05:00

@DanielleConklin was our randomly chosen winner!
Congrats Danielle - You've won 4 tickets to Are We There Yet?

Here are just some of the tweets we recieved about AHT.

-- I love the American Heartland Theatre because there is no such thing as a "bad seat." Plus, A Dog's Life is the best show I've seen!

-- I love getting to meet the cast after the show!

--AHT is awesome and we try to attend every show whenever we are in K.C.

Check back often for your chance to win tickets to upcoming AHT productions.

Tweet for Tickets!

2009-06-30T11:25:00.005-05:00

We want to know what YOU love best about AHT! Follow us on Twitter (we're @ahtkc) and tweet to us what you enjoy most about the AHT experience. The prize is a 4-pack of tickets to Are We There Yet?, opening July 10! One winner will be randomly chosen and posted here on the AHT blog on July 7, 2009, so start tweeting!

News Release: Are We There Yet?

2009-06-29T11:10:00.004-05:00

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

Did You Know?

2009-06-18T12:52:00.004-05:00

Each theatrical lighting instrument we hang to light our stage uses between 575 and 1000 watts of power - that's enough to reheat a frozen pizza at close range! The 132 lamps used to light Unnecessary Farce draw nearly 115,000 watts, and that equals a lot of heat (up to 10-15° warmer than the temp in the seating area) shining down on the actors while they perform. It's hard work to keep a steady temperature in the theatre that makes it comfortable for both the actors and the audience. We try to keep the temp around 70 degrees at all times.