Backstage Pass: AHT

First Look at "The 39 Steps"

2011-04-25T20:53:00.004-05:00

Starring Emily Peterson, Jerry Jay Cranford, Doogin Brown and John Wilson
Rated PG

This is not your typical Hitchcock of Psycho or The Birds (although you may find homages to his classics), rather a zany ride of pure theatrics. Four versatile actors take on the classic spy-thriller by Alfred Hitchcock - The 39 Steps - the challenge: they need to bring 150 characters to life - with only the 4 of them and the props on hand.

3 men and 1 woman tell the entire story of The 39 Steps at a break-neck speed, with minimal sets or costumes. But don't let that fool you; this is a complex and thrilling story with just the right amount of romance! Achieved through fearless engagement with the audience, and a full embracing of theatricality, The 39 Steps is a delightful production that never takes itself too seriously. This is an approach to theatre that says "look, we know we're in a theatre, and we know you're there, so let's just have a good time shall we?" And that is exactly what audiences should expect - a good time!

The New York Times calls The 39 Steps "Absurdly Enjoyable."

You Could Be A Star! AUDITIONS AT AHT!

2011-04-11T09:21:00.001-05:00

AMERICAN HEARTLAND THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR ITS 2011-2012 SEASON

Open auditions will be held for American Heartland Theatre’s 2011-2012 Season.

All auditions will be held by appointment at the theatre.

Dates are as follows:

Sunday, April 17, 2011
4:30-6:00pm Singing
6:00-8:30pm Acting

Tuesday, April 19, 2011
2:00-5:00pm Acting
5:00-6:00pm Singing

Wednesday, April 20, 2011
1:30-4:00pm Acting
4:00-5:30pm Singing

Acting auditions should consist of two contrasting monologues, not to exceed one minute each. Singing auditions should consist of two contrasting songs no longer than 32 bars. An accompanist will be provided.

To schedule acting and singing auditions, please call the theatre at 816-842-9999 Monday through Friday, between 10:00am and 5:00pm. The theatre is located in Crown Center at 2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 314, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. For more information on American Heartland Theatre, visit our website at www.ahtkc.com.

Wow, this show is one of the technically-tightest-tuned shows I've ever worked on!

2011-03-24T17:06:00.001-05:00

By Guest Blogger Jan Kohl - Stage Manager

I'm Jan Kohl, one of the two swing-stage managers employed by American Heartland Theatre. My job is to come on board after Opening weekend and take over the show from Resident Stage Manager William Christie. So in a matter of a few days, I learn the mechanics of calling cues and running the light board for any given show, and I prefer fast-paced musicals which keep me very busy in the booth. This show certainly falls under that category.

And this show keeps me very busy in the booth, keeps the Sound Operator busy in Sound Bay, keeps the 3-person crew backstage very busy, and, of course, keeps the actors very, very busy.

Typically, we run with 1-or-2- person crews; rarely are our shows big and/or busy enough for 3 members. But with literally hundred of props, a turntable to keep different sets arriving and departing smoothly, and lots of costume and wig changes, we need our 3 able crew members. They set all the props and furniture, and this production walks such a fine line that everything must be set exactly right. If not (as we've discovered), one misplaced prop, just slightly misplaced, can wreak havoc. We found that a chair, almost-but-not-quite tucked under the table, can get caught in the turntable. A prop set a titch differently on the shish-kabob cart can alter the entire cart and all its props. So the crew checks and double checks, from their preshow checks until the very end of the show. We speak after each show, making sure that everything ran according to plan, and take notes on anything needing mended or changed. For this show, there are almost always postshow notes which need the attention of various people, whether the set crew, properties designer, costume designer, or all three.

It's an exciting and rewarding show.

First Peek at Maybe Baby, It's You!

2010-12-28T19:58:00.005-06:00

Young Couples

Older Couples

And everything in between!

Finding your soul-mate has never been more fun and more complicated!

We Wish You a Very Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T08:19:00.001-06:00

From all of us at AHT to all of you!

Have a very Merry and Safe Holiday this year!

Chirstmas Music

2010-12-13T12:02:00.002-06:00

By Guest Blogger: Ian Jordan Subsara
Ian plays Jinx in Plaid Tidings

Christmas is a very special time of year for me! My favorite part of the holidays is always Christmas Eve in my hometown on the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. I go to church with my family for the Christmas Eve service at 6pm; it has become a yearly tradition for me to play piano and sing a Christmas song or two at this service.

After wards, my mom’s side of the family always comes over to our house for a Christmas Eve celebration; we have dinner, exchange gifts, and spend the whole night laughing while some of my favorite Christmas music plays in the background. I love the music at Christmas time and I think that’s why I prefer Plaid Tidings to Forever Plaid. We cover SO many traditional Christmas songs in Plaid that I was surprised to find that my favorite wasn’t in it!

I would have to say my all time favorite Christmas song is “Some Children See Him” by Alfred Burt. Here is a rendition sung by James Taylor if you’ve never heard it before; the lyrics and that piano part ARE SO BEAUTIFUL (click here to have a listen!).

My two favorite songs to sing in the show are by far “The Christmas Song” and the closing number, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. The 4-part arrangements of these songs are truly gorgeous. Come see the show and comment on the blog – let me know which song was your favorite!!

It Is Great Being A Plaid!

2010-11-30T13:40:00.004-06:00

By Guest Blogger: Ian Jordan Subsara
Ian plays Jinx in Plaid Tidings

I LOVE being in Plaid Tidings! I have performed in Forever Plaid twice, and it is always such an exciting rehearsal process for these Plaid shows! I enjoy a challenge, and those 4-part harmonies are REALLY hard to learn – although, I usually have it the easiest because the top line is frequently the melody. I have to hand it to those guys who are singing lines that make no sense by themselves – but when put together sound beautiful!!

We all get along really well, which is great because we have to work really hard together as a team to make it a truly solid performance every time. I am tremendously fortunate to have three really talented and hard-working guys to sing with. They are all good musicians and made the process of learning the material very smooth.

And we wouldn’t be what we are without our magnificently brilliant music director Anthony Edwards – who knows everything there is to know about music! During warm-ups before every show, we go over the most difficult parts of the score to keep it fresh in our minds and voices. I adore the music in Plaid Tidings and sincerely look forward to singing it every day!

Bassist Brian Wilson and Musical Director and Pianist Anthony Edwards
provide the accompaniment for The Plaids;
Ian Jordan Subsara, Adam Branson, Grant Golson and Seth Golay

First Time in Kanas City

2010-11-19T07:28:00.003-06:00

By Guest Blogger: Ian Jordan Subsara
Ian plays Jinx in Plaid Tidings

This is my very first time in Kansas City! In fact, this is the farthest west I’ve ever been in my whole life!! This is really a GREAT place to be for theatre – there is so much here. So far, I have gotten to see The Love List at the AHT, Evil Dead at the Off-Center, and The Seafarer at the Unicorn! And I hope to see much more while I am here.

I love working for the American Heartland Theatre, and am so privileged to have such a fantastic cast, creative team, and crew. The theatre puts me up in my own room right at the Westin Crown Center … so I don’t even have to walk outside to get to “work!” I LOVE Crown Center; there is SO much here – it’s almost as if I never have to leave. The Apothecary is a little store downstairs that carries everything you could ever need – and they even have a discount card for Crown Center employees!

I do have my car here – so I have had the opportunity to explore Kansas City a bit. I love the Plaza! During rehearsals, the guys in the show and I took a few trips over there for dinner. We went to Tomfooleries twice; I’ve also dined at Noodles & Co. – which I really enjoyed. It’s definitely not difficult to go shopping here either – aside from the Plaza, I’ve also gone to Zona Rosa and Oak Park Mall. I truly LOVE Kansas City, and hope I get the opportunity to come back and perform here again!

A Different Love List

2010-10-19T20:03:00.001-05:00

By Guest Blogger: Shanara Gabrielle
Shanara plays Justine in The Love List

If Justine had a Love List for Bill:
1. sweetly gullible
2. is a good influence on his friends
3. intelligent
4. a natural red-head
5. a lover of statistics
6. a suspenders kind of guy
7. cautious
8. excitable
9. adorably nerdy
10. realistic, based in reality

Andrea's Love List for Leon:
1. a guy's guy
2. likes coffee and cake
3. tries really hard at darts
4. looks great in hawaiian shirts
5. likes good whiskey, but will drink any whiskey
6. irreverent
7. loves steak and eggs
8. writes books that I can read in a day
9. likes his alone time
10. he recognizes his mistakes

Justine's Shoes

2010-10-14T13:31:00.001-05:00

By Guest Blogger: Shanara Gabrielle
Shanara plays Justine in The Love List

Yes, those shoes hurt my feet a little. But for fabulous shoes, we women will sacrifice a lot.

So, ladies, here it is:

Pair #1 – the black patten leather, 4 ½ in heels: GUESS
Pair #2 – the t-strap teal and maroon be-jeweled wedges: STEVE MADDEN
Pair # 3 – the lacy black mules that every woman slips on after she's slept in on Saturday: FREDERICK'S OF HOLLYWOOD
Pair #4 – the clear floral accent jelly's (at least that what we called them in the 80's): STEVE MADDEN
Pair #5 – the fabulous cream strappy number, that are actually the easiest to walk in!: ALDO
Pair #6 – a reprise of #2
Pair #7 –for the curtain call I reprise #5

...and after the show, if you see me in the lobby, you'll often catch me in my “backstage slippers”!

Review: Pitch Weekly

2010-10-06T13:59:00.000-05:00

American Heartland finds fun in science
By Grace Suh
The Pitch
Tuesday, Sep 28 2010

Playwright Norm Foster is to theater as Danielle Steel is to literature: a happily prolific producer of reliable, mainstream entertainment who makes no pretension to art. Foster's specialty is light theatrical comedy; he has churned out dozens of slick, formulaic, punch-line-stuffed crowd pleasers. Thus the sobriquet (sometimes said as praise, sometimes as condemnation): "the Canadian Neil Simon."
Foster obviously doesn't mind the comparison. The first scene of Love List, one of his most popular comedies, begins as a fairly direct rip-off of Simon's The Odd Couple, with the flattest of mismatched stock characters (fussy, factoid-obsessed statistician Bill and his earthier, commercial-novelist best friend, Leon), a conventionally wacky conceit (Leon signs up confirmed bachelor Bill with a matchmaking service run by a Gypsy) and predictable jokes.
Like an eHarmony questionnaire for dummies, the dating service requires only that patrons list their top 10 criteria for the mate of their dreams (i.e., the Love List). The reluctant Bill fills in the list with qualities such as "ambitious" and "speaks her mind" (and protests Leon's inserted contribution: "likes kinky sex"). Premise in place, the audience is set for an evening of groaners. And yet, there must be something in that old magic after all because, scene by scene, Love List opens up, surprises and, somehow, actually works.
Much of the credit for Love List's success belongs to its three fantastic actors. Veterans Sean Grennan and Scott Cordes exhibit effortless timing and chemistry as flustered workaholic Bill (Grennan) and brash, bawdy Leon (Cordes). But it's St. Louis import Shanara Gabrielle (making her Kansas City debut) who takes the star turn, playing Justine, the embodiment of Bill's love list. A modern-day Judy Holliday, Gabrielle portrays Justine with just the right dizzy charm and effervescent obliviousness. And like slapstick heroines of old, she's comfortable using her bombshell body for comic effect. She gets an assist from director Paul Hough, who deserves credit not only for the production's polished, zippy pace but also for its costumes, which show an impressively nuanced understanding of sluttiness.
Justine's welcome arrival in the second scene sets off a chain reaction that gives the lightweight but well-constructed Love List its dramatic momentum. The play picks up steam as Bill and Leon gradually figure out the workings and consequences of the list. The list subsequently undergoes multiple revisions (as does Justine). Interesting complications result when, like Frankenstein's monster, Justine begins to have consciousness (and criteria) of her own. Gabrielle gets to show off split-second timing as her character turns, and turns again, on a dime.
For a breathless scene or two — and almost despite itself — Love List comes dangerously close to making us think. Big-boob jokes bump up against Schrödinger's cat, parallel universes and cosmic determinism (what Leon describes as "a hole in the cosmic pie crust"). Not to worry. Time wrinkles, and quick as a flash, we're back to Neil Simon territory and a neat but satisfying conclusion. Like Justine, Love List is clever enough to avoid being too smart but is just smart enough to allow your inner snob to enjoy itself.

Review: Johnson County Sun

2010-10-05T13:49:00.001-05:00

Strong performances make “Love List” memorable
by Russ Simmons
Johnson County Sun
September 29th, 2010

As Stephen Sondheim aptly put it, "You gotta have a gimmick if you want to get ahead."
Playwright Norm Foster came up with a pretty clever gimmick for his situation comedy "The Love List," now playing at the American Heartland Theatre.
In a twist reminiscent of John Hughes’ 1985 film "Weird Science," a couple of guys accidentally concoct the "perfect woman" only to discover that perfection isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Upon arriving home after his 50th birthday dinner, a nerdy statistician named Bill (Sean Grennan) is given an unusual present by his pal Leon (Scott Cordes).
The gift is a form to fill out for a dating service run by a strange gypsy woman. Bill is to list, in order of importance, 10 traits to define the perfect woman. Reluctantly, Bill fills out the form and shortly thereafter,voila! A gorgeous, smart and successful woman named Justine (Shanara Gabrielle) appears at Bill’s door.
Carrying on as if they’d been involved in a lengthy affair, Justine makes herself at home. At first, Bill thinks that someone is putting him on. Soon, however, he learns that he can affect Justine’s behavior any time he erases an item from the list and inserts a new trait.
This Frankenstein-meets-Henry Higgins experiment starts going terribly wrong as Bill discovers that getting what you wish for can be dangerous. While there are some funny moments in Foster’s script, his ideas are generally better than their execution.
Grennan makes Bill an awkward everyman, a decent soul caught up in existential dilemma. Cordes provides the right note as Leon, an unapologetic chauvinist who isn’t nearly as cynical as he claims to be. Gabrielle is a real find, displaying great timing and intelligence as the woman of Bill’s dreams. Her ability to quickly shift gears as Bill manipulates his list is an impressive demonstration of sharp acting skills.
Paul Hough’s direction is rock solid. He’s proven able to improve upon the material he’s been given. Thanks to strong performances and slick execution, another otherwise forgettable play is made memorable.
"The Love List" runs through Oct. 24 at the American Heartland Theatre, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo. For tickets, visit www.ahtkc.com or call (816) 842-9999.

Review: Great Comedy at American Heartland Theatre

2010-10-04T13:37:00.000-05:00

By Robert MacLean
Johnson’s County Gazette

So, you wanted to sit back and have a good laugh or two. The Love List at American Heartland Theatre at Crown Center is just what you need. You’ll get far more than a laugh or two. Your side may hurt afterward from laughing.

Only three actors bring to life a cleaver, rather simple idea. One man gets his friend to complete a list of ten qualities he’d like to find in a woman. Before he can turn in the list to a so-called dating service, Shanara Gabrielle, playing Justine, shows up with all those qualities. The med catch on slowly and can’t believe that is happening. Some incredible comedic situations begin to occur as the two men struggle with some of the deeper meanings of life (sort of). Sean Grennan and Scott Cordes bring these fellows to life. You’ll enjoy the comedic abilities of these two. Gabrielle, however, runs away with the show as a beautiful woman who changes each time the men erase and replace an item on the list. For an actress, that’s got to be fun.

Heartland is easy to get to. You park free in the parking garage and walk just steps to the theatre. They don’t give us heavy, avant-garde drama, just the light-hearted productions we need these days. And they do it so vey well.

The Love List runs through October 24. Tickets: 816-842-9999

THE Question...

2010-09-28T19:15:00.000-05:00

By Guest Blogger: Shanara Gabrielle
Shanara plays Justine in The Love List

Usually, THE question that the audience asks about any particular show has something to do with “how did you memorize all those lines”? Now, I actually love that question from audience members because I think I gets at the heart of what we do as actors - at the “how” of becoming a character that says those words in those situations.

But for this show, THE LOVE LIST, it's another question that has become THE question:
What's it like to play a character that has so many different personalities?

Well I tried to get Toni Colette to write for the AHT blog on what it's like to play her character on “The United States of Tara”, but since she hasn't yet responded, I guess you'll have to hear from me. Well, the answer is simple. It's just like acting in anything else, except more fun! Our task as actors is always to come on stage totally present and exist in the current situation. Justine, my character in THE LOVE LIST, is an expert at that. She comes in to a situation, sees what is there, and responds to that and that alone. She recognizes that she's now tidy and tidy is what she does, she understands that she now loves Leon now and she just adores him, she suddenly likes singing and boy does she! It is actually easier than many other characters in some ways because instead of trying do discover the infinite elements of a character's personality, Justine only has 10 at a time and no more. Now, granted, trying to be any guy's perfect woman is tiring – but at least the list is only 10 qualities, not 100!

...and what's the 2nd most asked question --- “where did you get all those fabulous shoes?” ...next blog has the insight on that one!

What's an actress to do in KC?

2010-09-27T19:06:00.003-05:00

By Guest Blogger: Shanara Gabrielle
Shanara plays Justine in The Love List

What's an actress to do in KC?

Well, apparently LOTS! So, last Monday was my first “real” day off since arriving in Kansas City --- you know, during rehearsals and previews, Mondays are usually the day where you work on your lines and process all the notes the director has given. After a successful opening week, I was ready for a real day off. After taking the morning for “life business” and the afternoon for some “catching the last rays of summer” at the lovely Crown Center Westin Pool... it came to happy hour.

Now, not knowing KC, I turned to The Pitch as a guide for my Monday entertainment. So, I ended up at The Majestic, an old 19th century brothel-turned-steakhouse in downtown. What a treat! Not only are their drinks well priced for happy hour, the food on the happy hour menu is delicious! Salmon sliders, risotto balls, and fried green beans - all get an A+ rating from me. But the real treat is the ambiance- a gorgeous dark wood bar, a very informative owner/bartender, and perfectly-cast old-school Kansas City women drinking martinis at 4:30pm. Bram, the house piano player is an extraordinary talent with the kind of freedom, relaxation and ease that all of us artists long for – and he offers the finishing touch on this classy-hole-in-the-wall steakhouse. And by the way, while I was there I learned that this beautiful historic building began as a brothel, then became a speakeasy during the prohibition, and then during the 60's and 70's was mattress store as a facade for a prostitution ring (you know, you could try out the mattress before you took it home – kinda like Bill wants to try-out Justine before he commits). Then became a steakhouse that was apparently a Kansas City staple for many years, and finally was bought about a year ago by the current owner – as a steakhouse with a pretty traditional menu that tries to push the envelope a bit (salmon sliders, not just steak) and stays committed to the local musicians and fosters the old KC Jazz scene. So, my only critique of The Majestic: it needs a face lift, the street presence almost dissuaded me from going in …. lucky for me, it didn't!

Now, my next stop couldn't get farther from The Majestic. If The Majestic is martinis, The Brick is PBR; if The Majestic is risotto, The Brick is hot dogs; if The Majestic is classy ragtime-jazz, The Brick is roots music. Speaking of which, Monday night is Roots music night at The Brick. That means that it is kind of a make-it-up, bring your kids, fake-it-till-you-make-it sort of Jam session. As one of the participants said “it's better than the 500 channels of BS on TV”. True. Well put, sir. But really, the sweet potato fries here were great and the adorable, sorta alternative, totally chill bartender we had was perfect.

And the best thing came later in the night. Karaoke. Oh yes, this girl loves some karaoke. I know, it's trashy, it's stupid, it's often embarrassing, but come on it's FUN! (Justine, my character in THE LOVE LIST, would definitely be a Karaoke fan!) So after presenting my personal versions of “9 to 5” (this was a karaoke favorite before it was put in the show!), “Fever”, and “Let's Hear It for the Boy”, it was time to call it a night. And what a great night it was!

Thank you Kansas City for showing this first-timer a great time.

Review: Kansas City Star

2010-09-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

Good cast elevates a shallow script in
American Heartland Theatre's 'The Love List'

By ROBERT TRUSSELL
The Kansas City Star

There’s fluff and then there’s fluff.

“The Love List,” a romantic comedy by Canadian playwright Norm Foster, has less emotional depth than the Weather Channel on a mild day, but Foster writes crisp dialogue and has constructed his script around an entertaining, Twilight-Zonish idea.

The result is a comedy that starts slow but generates increasing laughter from a willing audience with a quirky sense of humor and offbeat plot. This is a commercial play custom-made for regional theaters, but it’s realized with a sense of style.

The American Heartland Theatre production, directed by Paul Hough, elevates the writing with a good cast. Actors Sean Grennan, Scott Cordes and Shanara Gabrielle get the most out of the material, even if their varied acting styles don’t always mesh.

Grennan, a New York-based actor familiar to Heartland audiences as both a performer and a playwright, plays a Bill, a 50-year-old divorced statistician who’s comfortable dealing with numbers but feels ill-equipped to seek female companionship.

His buddy Leon, played with consummate timing by Cordes, is an author of commercial fiction who gives Bill a unique birthday gift: Membership in a dating service. The first thing Bill must do is fill out a form listing all the attributes he wants in a mate.

Leon takes his leave, Bill nods off and before he knows it Justine, a woman he’s never seen before, swoops into his apartment with a bag of groceries ready to make dinner and be a “perfect” mate for the dumbfounded numbers-cruncher. Shanara Gabrielle, making her Heartland debut, lights up the stage with charisma, beauty and a wicked sense of comedy.

The audience figures out much sooner than Bill or Leon what’s happened. Through some strange metaphysical confluence — or, as Leon puts it, “a tear in the cosmic pie crust” — their imagined perfect woman has come to life.

Then they discover that they can alter her behavior by erasing certain qualities on the list and replacing them with others. Gabrielle is most impressive in her ability to make these leaps — from hostile to affectionate, from ambitious to lazy, from hard-nosed to sensitive — seamlessly. She has to change moods more often than she changes costumes.

Yours truly laughed out loud several times on press night, but I found myself wishing that I might see these actors in a show with a just a little meat on the bone. We must take small pleasures where we find them.

Scenic designer Alex Perry’s realization of Bill’s apartment is a nice piece of work. Not only does he vary from the Heartland’s standard template of having opposing doors at stage left and stage right, he creates a classy environment of polished steel and stained wood. Hough takes credit for the costumes, notable principally for the succession of sexy outfits worn by Gabrielle, and Shane Rowse’s lighting adds depth to the set and creates smooth scene transitions.

The Love List - Advanced Photo

2010-09-03T13:32:00.005-05:00

Sean Grennan, Scott Cordes and Shanara Gabrielle star in The Love List at AHT.

New Release: The Love List at AHT

2010-08-26T13:09:00.001-05:00

American Heartland Theatre Brings
Premiere Comedy The Love List to Kansas City
September 10 - October 24, 2010

Kansas City, MO: American Heartland Theatre opens its 2010-2011 season with a Kansas City Premiere comedy by prolific Canadian playwright, Norm Foster. The Love List is a hilarious play that examines the quest for perfection and the search for love.

What do you get a friend for a 50th birthday present? If he's still single, you buy him a "love list" from the local gypsy. You help him put pen to paper to come up with a list of ten qualities that define the perfect woman and, "Weird Science-style," she appears! But, just as the gorgeous dream woman appears, the scheme starts to go horribly, mysteriously and hysterically awry! It's as if Neil Simon combined The Odd Couple and The Bride of Frankenstein in this insightful and outrageously funny comedy.

American Heartland Theatre brings this charming, romantic comedy to life with three amazing talents including, Sean Grennan who is returning to Kansas City and AHT where he previously appeared in Searching for Eden: The Diary of Adam and Eve, Affluenza and Duck Hunter Shoots Angel. A long-time Chicago resident, his credits there include work with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Court Theatre, and The Goodman Theatre. His TV credits include: Law & Order-SVU, Law & Order-Criminal Intent, Early Edition, Unsolved Mysteries, The Human Factor and The Untouchables TV series. Sean's film credits include The Untouchables and Rudy. As a playwright and lyricist, some of Sean's plays have made their World Premiere at AHT, including: Married Alive!, A Dog's Life, and Another Night Before Christmas.

Scott Cordes has been a professional actor and director in Kansas City for more than 20 years. His Kansas City acting credits include work with The Unicorn, The Kansas City Rep, The Shakespeare Festival, The Coterie, New Theatre, Actor's Theatre of KC and at AHT. His directing credits include work for AHT, The Unicorn, The Living Room. A member of all three acting unions, Scott also works in commercials and film.

Shanara Gabrielle is making her American Heartland Theatre debut. Highlights from Shanara's New York City career include: Queenie in The Wild Party (Columbia Stages), Eve in The Truth (Metropolitan Playhouse), Rose in Meet Me In St. Louis (Musicals Tonight), The American Girls Revue (Original NY Cast), Olivia in Twelfth Night (New Day Repertory), Emma in Lady was a Gentleman, Darla in War Bonds (Theatre for the New City), Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Heights Players), Horatio in Hamlet (Piper Productions), and the first national tour of In The Mood. Her TV and Film Highlights include: Conviction, Guiding Light, and independent films: Books & Beans, The Look, and Lucina as well as a number of commercials.

Paul Hough (Direction) has directed more than 40 productions at American Heartland Theatre. Paul holds L.A. Drama Critic's Awards and Chicago Joseph Jefferson Citations for both Direction and Production and a Kansas City Best of Theatre Award for Production. Set design for The Love List is by Alex Perry, lighting design is by Shane Rowse, costume design is by Paul Hough, sound design is by Donna Miller-Brown and props design is by William J. Christie.

Tickets can be ordered online at www.ahtkc.com or through the AHT Box Office at 816-842-9999. Handicapped entry and seating, as well as assistive listening devices, are available at all performances. An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 7:30PM.

News Release: Only Two Weeks Left To See The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

2010-08-10T12:09:00.004-05:00

Only Two Weeks Left To See
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
at American Heartland Theatre
Closes August 22nd, 2010

By William Finn, Rachel Sheinkin and Rebecca Feldman

Kansas City, MO: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at American Heartland Theatre opened on July 9th, 2010 to rave reviews. The Kansas City Star calls this adorable tale of six young people in the throes of puberty, "a very funny show but it contains just enough reality to become a poignant depiction of adolescence." The show's Tony Award-winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes for whom a spelling bee is the one place they can stand out and fit in at the same time. The Pitch Weekly agrees, proclaiming, "Spelling Bee attests to the power of the musical". Rated PG-13, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a light-hearted, feel-good show that prompts such easy-to-spell adjectives as charming, sweet, endearing and quirky, but may be best for mature audiences.

Four guest spellers, pre-selected from the audience, make every performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee an exciting one. Each speller competes along side the cast to win the coveted spelling bee trophy. Audience members can sign up to be spellers online at www.ahtkc.com or in person by signing up at the "Spelling Booth" in the theatre lobby 30 minutes prior to each production. American Heartland Theatre has already welcomed guest spellers from several local news stations, including Fox 4, KCTV5 and KMBC 9, and hopes to have more local celebrities compete in the Bee in the final weeks.

American Heartland Theatre brings this hilarious and touching musical comedy about trials of adolescence, competition, and trying to find your place in the world, with cast of talented actors under direction from Steven Eubank and Musical Direction from Anthony Edwards. Making their AHT debuts are Jermaine Blackwell (Mitch Mahoney), Jamie Lin (Marcy Park), Olivia Marsh (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre), and Price Messick (Chip Tolentino). Adam Branson (Leaf Coneybear), Lauren Braton (Olive Ostrovsky), Michael Dragen (William Barfée), Colleen Grate (Rona Lisa Peretti) and Ken Remmert (Douglas Panch) are all returning to AHT for the second time in the 2009/2010 season.

Tickets can be ordered online at www.ahtkc.com or through the AHT Box Office at 816-842-9999. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs through August 22nd, 2010. Handicapped entry and seating, as well as assistive listening devices, are available at all performances. An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at 7:30PM.

The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Shane Rowse.

Review: Johnson County Sun

2010-07-21T11:22:00.002-05:00

Area stages feature musicals for all ages, tastes
By Russ Simmons
Sun Publications
Wednesday July 21, 2010

To its credit, the American Heartland Theatre always strives to bring fresh, unfamiliar plays to local audiences.

Sometimes the material selected by the staff doesn’t reach the same high standard they set in every other aspect of their productions.

Happily, the musical comedy "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" proves to be a great match for the theater. It’s got a funny, smart and inventive script that allows the venerable Crown Center theater company to present itself at its very best.

This wildly entertaining show is about a small town spelling bee that shines a spotlight on the strengths and foibles of six awkward adolescents, played beautifully by Price Messick, Olivia Marsh, Adam Branson, Michael Dragen, Jamie Lin and Lauren Braton.

The contest is officiated by the vice principal (Ken Remmert) and a local real estate agent (Coleen Grate). An imposing figure doing community service (Jermaine Blackwell) keeps everyone in line.

While the competitors are mostly nerds and social outcasts, Rachel Sheinkin’s observant script doesn’t hold them up for ridicule. It’s very funny, but also quite empathetic.

Plus, the music and lyrics by William Finn have just the right lighthearted bounce to mesh with Sheinkin’s book. The cast, along with pianist Anthony T. Edwards and drummer Tod Barnard, deliver the tunes splendidly.

Director/choreographer Steven Eubank infuses the show with plenty of kinetic energy, and he makes good use of the inventive set by Paul Hough and Shane Rowse.

The witty show is a bit edgier than some of the Heartland’s other offerings. One number deals comically with a common embarrassment shared by many adolescent males.

But the show dares to be touching, too. Braton plays a young woman whose parents fail to show up for the contest. Her number "The I Love You Song" provides a surprisingly moving moment.

Some audience members are recruited for each show to participate as contestants in the bee. While this is little more than a gimmick, it can provide some spontaneous moments of hilarity.

The correct spelling for the latest AHT entry would be "h-i-t."

"The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee" runs through Aug. 22 at the American Heartland Theatre, 2450 Grand, Kansas City, Mo. For information, call (816) 842-9999 or visit www.ahtkc.com.

Here is a link to the review at Sun Publications!

Review: Kansas City Star

2010-07-15T08:01:00.004-05:00

'Putnam County Spelling Bee' at American Heartland Theatre is funny and poignant

By ROBERT TRUSSELL
July 15th, 2010 - The Kansas City Star

Director /choreographer Steven Eubank captures all the quirky charm of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in his production at the American Heartland Theatre. And he throws in some agreeable quirks of his own.

Eubank has made a name for himself in recent years by directing campy alternative material — the recent "Eating Raoul," "Reefer Madness" and several productions of "The Rocky Horror Show" — and with this production shows himself equally adept at staging more mainstream material.

The humor in this PG-13 show is sometimes broad, sometimes nuanced and unpredictable, but consistently good-natured. Rachel Sheinkin's dialogue and composer William Finn's lyrics are formidably witty. The show is also written to allow theatergoers to be invited on stage as guest competitors in the fictional spelling bee.

The writers imagine a small-town spelling competition between brainy adolescents, all of whom are social outcasts of one sort or another. William Barfee (Michael Dragen) is a kid plagued by allergies. Leaf Coneybear (Adam Branson) goes into a sort of dissociative trance when he spells.

Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Olivia Marsh) has a lisp and two dads. Olive Ostrovsky (Lauren Braton) is sure her absent father will arrive at the competition any minute. Marcy Park (Jamie Lin) is so accustomed to monotonous success that failure looks attractive; and Chip Tolentino (Price Messick) is the reigning champion whose effort to claim the trophy a second time is derailed by the stirrings of puberty.

Running the contest are vice-principal Douglas Panch (Ken Remmert), who has returned as the official pronouncer after an unspecified "incident" five years earlier, and Rona Lisa Peretti (Colleen Grate), a one-time champion who is now Putnam County's most successful realtor. Consoling the kids who are knocked out of competition is Mitch Mahoney (Jermaine Blackwell), an intimidating ex-convict fulfilling his community service.

This is a very funny show but it contains just enough reality to become a poignant depiction of adolescence. Olive, who rides a bus to the contest and whose parents are missing in action, becomes an irresistible character as played by Braton, and her budding friendship with William, played with keen comic timing by Dragen, is a sweet little love story.

Indeed, this is a terrific cast. Remmert once again demonstrates his skill as one of Kansas City's most talented comic actors. Branson sustains a crazed intensity throughout. Grate is a classy presence with an appealing comic sensibility. Messick, as usual, brings an eccentric sense of humor to the show. And Blackwell, Lin and Marsh deliver strong performances in their Heartland debuts.

The two-man band — Anthony Edwards on keyboards and Tod Barnard on percussion — create an impressively full sound. Paul Hough and Shane Rowse teamed up on the inventive scenic design, while Rowse's effective lighting scheme supports the action with subtle shifts in mood. Costume designer Cheryl Weaver had some fun, especially with the outfits for the nerdy teenagers.

If you're looking for deep meaning, you won't find it in this show. You will, however, encounter an enjoyable night at the theater.

ABOUT THE SHOW

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" runs through Aug. 22 at the American Heartland Theatre. Call 816-842-9999 or go to www.ahtkc.com.

Review: Pitch Weekly

2010-07-14T07:55:00.006-05:00

The cure for Bee-ing

by Alan Scherstuhl
Thursday, Jul 15 2010 - Pitch Weekly

Not a month goes by that I don't recall the girl who, during my elementary school's spelling bee, marched up to the microphone and proclaimed with unshakable conviction that should was spelled S-H-O-O-D. The laughter that followed is the closest thing I've seen to the wrath of God unleashed. Years later, she got knocked up by the guy who drove the bus to vo-tech. Nobody will ever convince me that these events were unrelated.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee never dares humiliation this complete. Still, this clever goof of a musical glances against the hard truths of growing up wretched and friendless. One contestant suffers an unwanted boner; another daydreams that her parents have bothered to show up.

Portraying these afflicted children in the American Heartland Theatre production are restrained, convincing adults. Set free for once from playing a romantic lead, Lauren Braton is marvelous fun as Olive Ostrovska, a fidgety kid in love with her dictionary. In the second act, which is admirably darker than the first, she lavishes her considerable voice and technique on a song of raw loneliness that is the show's highlight. Braton is matched by Michael Dragen as William Barfee, an unkempt tub of a kid beset by allergies, sinus problems and an imperial self-regard. Too often cast in forgettable second-banana roles, the nimble Dragen here makes each line not only comical — a phlegmy eruption from a troubled geek — but also entirely believable. Much of the rest of the cast is strong as well. (Also credible are the real people hauled onstage to play along as spelling-bee contestants.)

So, here is as well-calibrated a musical comedy as Broadway has built in years. What a relief to see the craftspeople at The American Heartland Theatre turned loose on a show up to their talents. The gymnasium floor of Paul Hough and Shawn Rouse's set is amusingly scuffed; Anthony Edwards' piano (accompanied by percussionist Tod Barnard) is more full and clear than most larger ensembles; and director Steven Eubank's staging and pacing are ace. The show clips along but
never rushes, and we're invited to linger with the performers in the big moments.
Eubank also handles choreography, to mostly good effect, although the dances usually seem to be making fun of the idea of dances. As in the songs, by William Finn, this is fun but just barely fresh. The numbers are best in the rare moments when they shake free of the parodic mode and instead offer something more human.

Spelling Bee attests to the power of the musical, even in its late and largely self-parodying period, a time when every song seems to recall an earlier and usually better show. It's even hardworking enough to include a couple of dark numbers to please those who are too cynical for crowd-pleasers.

You can read the article at pitch.com as well, by clicking here.

* The italicize and indented text was sent to us by reviewer Alan Scherstuhl. It was cut from his printed review.

Be a Speller in the Spelling Bee!

2010-07-08T16:25:00.003-05:00

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee opens on Friday, July 9th! At every production of "The Bee" we need 4 additional spellers to compete for the BIG SPELLING BEE TROPHY!
If you are interested in competing in the Bee, and have already purchased your tickets by calling 816-842-9999 or on http://www.ahtkc.com/, please click here and complete our “Spelling Test”.

Before you begin the test, find out what performance your tickets are for - you will need to fill that information in so we can reserve your slot for the appropriate Bee.

If you are chosen to be a speller for your performance date, you will be contacted within a week of the performance. If selected, we ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance. If you have not checked in at the Spellers Booth by that time, your spelling slot may be given to someone else.

Because of the demands of being a Speller, we kindly ask that those who take our "Spelling Test" be able to climb stairs, speak loudly and clearly, and move around with ease on stage.

If you are not pre-selected, don't fret! You'll still have an opportunity to sign up at the Spellers Booth in the lobby on the day of your performance, as at least 1 speller will be chosen from the audience per show. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early if you want to sign up!

See you at the Bee!

First Live Theatre Experience Opens Student’s Eyes

2010-06-28T13:04:00.006-05:00

Last week a college professor forwarded the following paper one of his students submitted after coming to see The Dixie Swim Club at AHT.

It is a great reminder about the power of live theatre.

Theatre 130 - Paper One
By Ellie Mullane

The Dixie Swim Club

When I went to attend The Dixie Swim Club on June 9th, I was clueless on what to expect or what the play entailed, only that my mother had heard it was funny. The moment she dropped the f-word, however, was the moment I was sure that that was the play I was going to see. "How could a play actually be funny?" was the first thought to pop into my mind, for being a skeptic on theater when actually having no real experience with it. I thought there was no way I was going to enjoy the following two hours of my life, but being the sucker for comedy that I am, I picked up my best girl friend, and we were off to the theatre.

Now, when I say "off to the theatre", you must understand that that is the first time those words have left my fingertips, at least in that sequence. Naturally, like most American youth, I am fascinated by cinema and television, and the acting and work that are poured into both, but I have never really paid much attention to actual theatre, the basis for both. I wasn't sure I would enjoy the class, or everything we'd be covering, and I was definitely skeptical about having to write a paper on my feelings and reactions to a play I wasn't even sure I would enjoy. Little did I know, I was in for a big surprise.

My friend Katie and I raced to the American Heartland Theatre located at Crown Center and arrived about 7:25 in the evening. We had five minutes to spare before the play was scheduled to start, and we were winded from the sprint from the parking garage to the theatre. We hurriedly collected the tickets my mom had called to purchase just moments before (which ended up being the last two seats available, I was not expecting that). While riding up the escalator to the theatre doors, we took in the other play-goers around us, and they were old. I was surrounded by senior citizens, the majority of them women, a few husbands strewn about here and there, some already decked out in their head-sets, others chatting with girlfriends, etc. "Great." I thought to myself as we were walking in. I was about to see a play that didn't even appeal to people my age, or so I thought considering Katie and I were definitely the youngest in the room, unless she's hiding something from me.

The theatre house seemed small to the eye, seating about 400 people close together around the thrust stage. Even from relatively close to the top of the house and off to the side, I still had a good view of the stage and the scenery. There was no grand drape, just the facade of what appeared to be an old cottage in the back, presumably leading to backstage, and a few homey pieces of furniture decorating the stage floor. After surveying the scene, I hastily made my way to my seat.

As the lights began to dim and the chatter began to turn to silence, I adjusted myself in the chair, turned off my phone, and sat back to watch the show. Without a curtain to keep us in suspense, the stage had to be darkened as to try and mask the actors who were taking their places.

The opening scene pictured Sheree Hollinger, a middle-aged woman dancing around stage, moving her arms in a motion that looked like she was swimming. It was ridiculous to watch, but that's what made it comedic. Slowly but surely, the rest of the cast started to make their appearances alongside Sheree, and the story began to unfold. Five women who had met on
their college swim team, five best friends, and 5 middle aged women stood before me on the stage to share their stories. Sheree Hollinger, Lexie Richards, Dinah Grayson, Vernadette Simms, and Jeri Neal McFeely led me to laugh so hard I had to force myself to stop just so I could catch my breath. They had me in tears when they led me to empathize with their character, but most of all, they made me smile in hope that my 4 best friends and I will one day turn out as they did.

The Dixie Swim Club has a "Golden Girls" meets "YaYa Sisterhood" type of feel to it. The audience only sees them on four different trips during stages of their later lives, but I felt as if I'd known them the whole time, and been a part of their lives before and in between each summer
trip to North Carolina. Watching the personalities begin to shine through the characters had me comparing each one to one of my girl friends, as I sure plenty other women in the audience did as well, and relating my group of friends to theirs. The tragicomedy was such a classic tale of friendship and its ups and downs, and an honest depiction of girl friends, and the bonds they share that can't be broken. It was funny, bittersweet, and touching all wrapped in to one. I left the theatre arm in arm with Katie, immediately calling our other three best friends and telling them they HAVE to go see it, and explaining that, metaphorically of course, we are that group of women.

Every group of girl friends can say that their group is so completely diverse and almost all opposites of each other, but they are perfect that way. And that is just the way this group of women were on stage.

First, there is Sheree. Not only was she the first character to be seen on stage, she is also the self-designated leader and has been since her glory captain days of the swim team. She was the friend who always had a plan and always had an answer for everything, who at times acted more like a mother to the other girls than acting their age. But I loved her for that, simply because she reminded me of my friend Katie, down to the core. Sheree came off as a complete Type-A ersonality, who would have to be reminded by her friends that it was vacation and it was okay not to have a plan all the time, but you know you could always count on her.

Next was Lexie, the second character to appear on the set, and the friend who seems to be more interested in herself and her looks than in her friends. She appears that way, and the audience only sees that side of her in the first two acts, but I knew, just like I'm sure the majority of
other women in the theatre who have a friend like Lexie, that she has a big heart, loves her friends, actually does listen to them, and can surprise you when you least expect it.

Dinah came next, and Dinah, just liked my friend Kate, just screamed independent. She in no way was going to depend on a man or let a man bring her down. She was work and success driven, and loved her alcohol. Her main career focus was to see just how much farther she could get, until we see her lose the first man she ever loved, as a middle-aged woman.

Vernadette was my absolute favorite character. Vernadette had two kids who were in and out of jail, a dead-beat husband, and always had strokes of bad luck. Despite her hardships, however, Vernadette always managed to have the strongest sense of humor, even in her old age when she
had lost her mind. She would leave the audience reeling with laughter, and even the other women on stage would go into fits of laughter after one of her jokes. She was the character I longed to be friends with while watching the play, to know more about her life, to model myself after and emulate.

Lastly, there was Jeri Neal. Jeri Neal was a former nun who decided her real calling in life was to be a mother. In the first scene you see her walk on stage, or "arrive at the cottage", clearly impregnated when none of the girls knew she had even left the convent. Of course this sent
the audience into hysterics, along with the jokes that followed suit. Jeri Neal was the most positive, upbeat, kind spirited, and non-judgmental character to grace the stage. She completed the group with her innocence and love for her friends that she seemed to emit.

Every woman was so different than the other, but after watching the play, it was like they belonged together and it was meant to be that way. I thought the acting was outstanding, even with a line stumbled over or a fit of laughter. The characters seemed like real people, and came across as people I know, which really helped me to empathize along with them. When they were happy, I was happy, and when they were sad, I was sad. They had such excellent illusion that I even shed a tear for "Coach", when he allegedly died, and he had never even made an appearance on stage. I cried merely because they were crying, because he had been the one to bring these women together, and because they loved him.

As I was watching the production and the scenes were unfolding in front of me, I would look around to see if others were enjoying it as much as I was. Katie of course had tears in her eyes from laughing and then crying so hard, but the three audience members who really stood out to me were senior women sitting a few rows in front and to the left of me. The scene on stage was a bonding moment between Dinah and Lexie where we discover Lexie has cancer, and only Dinah knows. The three women in front of me were all holding on to each other, the way friends do during an emotional scene. I noticed the way they kept looking from one another back to the
stage that they related with these women in a greater way than I felt I did, and it made me cry even harder during that scene of the play. When discussing in class that the audience really makes a performance, it was that moment I kept thinking of, and the audience that I was surrounded by. I was surrounded by emotion-happy and sad. The house would fill with laughter, and at times grow completely quiet with sadness. The actresses would have to wait for our laughter, or their own for that matter, to subside before moving on, or feed off of the sad energy of the crowd to make an intense seen even stronger. I had never experienced a play quite like it, and I've realized I need to give theatre more of a chance, because it can really surprise you.

June 9, 2010 was a huge wake up call for me. I went to the American Heartland Theatre expecting to bored out of my mind, and I left feeling more touched, more whole, more happy, and more alive than any piece of art has made me feel. I felt involved with these women's lives, and I felt connected to them just as if they were my own friends. I walked out with only one of my best friends that night, wishing we had all been there together to share in the experience, but also with the hope that years down the road, we will still be as close as we are today.

The Dixie Swim Club was a fantastic play that could put a smile on anyone's face. It's heartwarming, and heartfelt, and I would love to see it again one day. If anyone asked me about it, I would have nothing but raves, and suggest it to anyone who needed an opinion. It was an amazing theatrical experience and I can't wait to experience more.

Can You Spell C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-O-N?

2010-06-22T10:20:00.004-05:00

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is just a few weeks away and we still have spaces open for spellers. At every production of "The Bee" we need 4 additional spellers to compete for the BIG SPELLING BEE TROPHY!

If you are interested in competing in the Bee, and have already purchased your tickets by calling 816-842-9999 or on http://www.ahtkc.com/, please click here and complete our “Spelling Test”.

Before you begin the test, find out what performance your tickets are for - you will need to fill that information in so we can reserve your slot for the appropriate Bee.

If you are chosen to be a speller for your performance date, you will be contacted within a week of the performance. If selected, we ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance. If you have not checked in at the Spellers Booth by that time, your spelling slot may be given to someone else.

Because of the demands of being a Speller, we kindly ask that those who take our "Spelling Test" be able to climb stairs, speak loudly and clearly, and move around with ease on stage.

If you are not pre-selected, don't fret! You'll still have an opportunity to sign up at the Spellers Booth in the lobby on the day of your performance, as at least 1 speller will be chosen from the audience per show. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early if you want to sign up!

See you at the Bee!

Calendar Editor: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

2010-06-16T13:07:00.002-05:00

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
By William Finn, Rachel Sheinkin and Rebecca Feldman

THE SHOW: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is the tale of 6 young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves. A Tony Award winning musical about the unlikeliest of heroes for whom a spelling bee is the one place they can stand out and fit in at the same time. Spelling Bee is a light-hearted, feel-good musical that prompts such easy to spell adjectives as charming, sweet and quirky.

LOCATION: American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center

DATE: July 9th through August 22nd, 2010

SHOW TIMES: Tuesday through Thursday evening performances begin at 7:30pm. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00pm. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:00pm. There are also select Sunday evening performances that begin at 7:30pm as well as select Wednesday matinees that begin at 2:00pm. Select Saturday matinees begin at 2:00pm & select Saturday twilight performances begin at 4:00pm.

FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.ahtkc.com for a complete listing of show dates and times.

RATING:THIS SHOW IS RATED PG-13

PRICE: $12.50 - $35.00 plus service charge.

RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION: Call 816-842-9999; visit the Box Office on the 3rd floor of Crown Center, or visit www.ahtkc.com. Groups of 12 or more may call 816-842-0202 for discounts.

DINING DISCOUNT: Coupon attached to theatre tickets valid for 10% off at various Crown Center restaurants on performance date.

PARKING: Free, inside, and secure with theatre validation.

HANDICAPPED / HEARING IMPAIRED: Handicapped entry and seating, as well as assistive listening devices, are available at all performances. An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 7:30 PM at 7:30pm.

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

Lowcountry Delights with Chef Linda Stutesman

2010-05-25T11:17:00.004-05:00

AHT has teamed up with Function Junction in Crown Center to bring you a great opportunity to enhance your night out! Learn how to cook a delicious Southern meal before heading over to see The Dixie Swim Club.

Indulge yourself with Deep-fried Avocados, Pork Chop with Cider Reduction, Summer Succotash, Tomato Tart and top it all off with Grand Peach Cake served with Cinnamon Cream. The class will be taught in Function Junctionʼs beautiful new Culinary Studio by Chef Linda Stutesman. Chef Linda Stutesman, an Indiana native and honorary southerner, has been building her career in metropolitan Kansas City, combining her passion for food with her skills in marketing and her entrepreneurial drive. Linda's Midwest background brings hearty flavors to her cuisine, mingling with the delicate and luscious flavors of the South, learned and constantly refined from her southern grandmother.

Class Schedule
June 16th
5pm to 7pm

- $40.00 for the class only
- $55.00 for the class and 1 ticket to The Dixie Swim Club
Classes are limited to the first 12 people so reserve your seat today by
calling 816-842-9999 ext 107 or emailing mperry6@hallmark.com.

REVIEW: The Heartland's Dixie Swim Club is a kick

2010-05-13T13:24:00.003-05:00

By Alan Scherstuhl
Thursday, May 13 2010

The American Heartland Theatre's new comedy, The Dixie Swim Club, might more truthfully have been titled "Thank You for Being a Friend." That's not just because at least two running gags and one entire character seem lifted from The Golden Girls, or because Missy Koonce, fresh off her triumphant monologue in Pride & Joy, seems touched here by the spirit of Bea Arthur. Playing a middle-aged Atlanta lawyer who's alternately charmed and exasperated by her four best friends from college, Koonce — tall, dry, husky-voiced, well pantsuited — is so deft at reacting to the silliness around her that her stern-ish poker face is funnier than the written jokes.

As engineered by writers Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, The Dixie Swim Club is as much a thank-you note as it is theater. As it charts the lives of five middle-aged female friends who share a beach house each summer on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, it celebrates the idea of lifelong friendship with enough warmth and insight to inspire even skeptics to feel along with it. (It's probably no coincidence that I phoned two old friends the weekend after opening night.) In through-the-years scenes that find the women cheering and carping right into old age, the show is always funny and tender (more than the norm) and sharply performed. It's also never quite dramatic.

The well-cast comic actresses sell it. Cathy Barnett puffs up the writers' notion of a health-nut mother hen into a full, vital character. Cheryl Weaver finds fresh spirit in an exhausted type (the aging Dixie sexpot). And Jennifer Mays — noticeably younger than the rest, though the women are meant to be the same age — somehow finds coherence in an impossible character, one designed entirely to fit jokes. (I'd complain more specifically, but her first joke, while deeply implausible, is such a doozy that I can't spoil it.)

Then there's the redoubtable Debra Bluford, irresistible as the joke-cracking mother of a jailbird and a cult member. Handing a joke to Bluford is like handing a Marine a knife: She knows a dozen ways to kill with it. "I never knew what happiness was until I got married," she says in a measured, confident way. "By then, it was too late."

She has all the best lines, but she scores with even the lesser ones. "If you had to do it all over again, would you still have kids?" someone asks. "Sure," Bluford responds, her great dimple deepening and the crowd already laughing in anticipation. "Just not the same ones."

This cast keeps The Dixie Swim Club buoyant. The camaraderie that flourishes among its members is more potent than anything in the script (credit to director Donna Thomason). The way Barnett beams at her friends, the way Koonce helps Bluford put her feet up, the way Mays' eyes soften as she reminisces about their days on the college swim team — these gestures evoke a truth that the script, to its credit, never directly states: The people we love most will certainly change, but if we're lucky, the love that we feel will not.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT PITCH.COM HERE

New Release: The Dixie Swim Club

2010-05-05T14:12:00.002-05:00

AMERICAN HEARTLAND THEATRE PRESENTS 
THE KANSAS CITY PREMIERE OF
THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB 
MAY 7TH - JUNE 27TH, 2010

Kansas City, MO: American Heartland Theatre presents the Kansas City Premiere of The Dixie Swim Club, May 7th through June 27th, 2010. Five Southern women, who were swimming teammates in college, reunite each year at the same beach cottage in North Carolina. Free from men, children, and jobs, they laugh, catch-up, and meddle in each other’s lives. As their lives unfold and the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another, through advice and raucous repartee, to get through the challenges (men, sex, marriage, parenting, divorce, and aging) that life flings at them. The Dixie Swim Club, written by prolific Southern playwrights, Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, is the newest “girl-friend” show to sweep the nation, playing in more than 45 theatres this spring alone. “This play is easily the hottest show in the country right now,” proclaims the Danville News.

American Heartland Theatre brings this hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever to life with five great women of Kansas City theatre. Cathy Barnett (Sheree Hollinger) appeared at AHT in last season’s Are We There Yet? and most recently appeared in the Unicorn Theatre's production of the musical Grey Gardens. Cathy has toured nationally and internationally in both Forbidden Broadway and Forbidden Hollywood. She has also traveled 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. Cathy also portrays the Hallmark greeting card character, "Maxine," and can give you directions to anywhere you want to go as a voice on the Garmin GPS Navigation Systems. Debra Bluford (Vernadette Simms) returns to the AHT stage for the second time this season, having starred as Florence Foster Jenkins in AHT's recent hit comedy Glorious, as well as many other Heartland shows including: Leaving Iowa, Menopause: The Musical, Sanders Family Christmas, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Odd Couple, Radio Gals and Sugar Babies to name a few. Deb is the recipient of several Best of Theatre Awards and KC Drama Desk Awards.

Missy Koonce (Dinah Grayson) has recently returned to the stage after a five year stint as bar owner, cabaret singer, music producer and mentor at bar Natasha. Last summer she came back onto the scene in a memorable cameo in bare at the Unicorn, followed by Kimberly Akimbo at the M.E.T. and, most recently, in Pride & Joy… produced by Actors and Artists Against AIDS to benefit AIDS Walk 2010. Jennifer Mays (Jeri Neal McFeeley) is a graduate of UMKC, and has been a professional actress in and out of KC for over 15 years. She has been seen on the AHT stage in The Nerd, Swingtime Canteen, and Moonlight and Magnolias. Cheryl Weaver (Lexie Richards) happily returns to the AHT stage where she was seen in last season's Murder by the Book. Other Heartland productions include The Dinner Party, The Mousetrap and Play It Again, Sam.

Donna Thomason (Direction) returns to AHT, where she last directed Stories My Grandmother Told Me and was last seen in Rose's Dilemma. A 30-year theatre veteran, in the past few years Donna's attentions have turned more toward directing and producing theatre. Donna’s primary business focus is as the President and Creative Director for EPIC Entertainment Inc.

The set design for The Dixie Swim Club is by Del Unruh, lighting design is by Shane Rowse, costume design and is by Paul Hough, sound design is by Donna Miller, and properties design and set dressing are by William J. Christie.

Tickets can be ordered online at www.ahtkc.com or through the AHT Box Office at 816-842-9999. Handicapped entry and seating, as well as assistive listening devices, are available at all performances. An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 at 7:30PM.

Don't Forget - AHT is hosting a Single's Night!

2010-04-15T07:47:00.002-05:00

AHT is hosting a Single's Night on Friday, April 16, 2010 for the 8:00pm performance of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. The fun starts at 7:00pm in the Lobby Lounge for pre-show mingling and light snacks.

Bring some friends, or come and make new friends at AHT's Single's Night. You'll get a great reserved seat, pre-show snacks and $6.00 in drink tickets for our lobby bar - plus you'll get to laugh along with some great new people, all for just $27.50 if you order your tickets in advance!
Order tickets by contacting Ellen Barnes at 816-842-0202 ext 218 or email ebarne2@hallmark.com.

Tickets may also be purchased at the Box Office before the event, but you will not receive drink tickets. So order your tickets today!

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is a musical comedy that features the trials of being in a relationship, from getting ready for that first date to dealing with the in-laws years down the road. It's a hilarious show that everyone will enjoy!

Click Here for more details.

Video: I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!

2010-04-05T14:34:00.005-05:00

Have you checked out this great video about I Love You, You're Perfect Now Change yet?

Great Article: Lawyer Jon Daugharthy states his case on the musical stage

2010-04-05T12:54:00.001-05:00

By ROBERT TRUSSELL
The Kansas City Star - Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Jon Daugharthy understands the fine print better than your average actor when he’s offered a contract to be in a show or shoot a commercial.

That’s because Daugharthy, 35, actually has two careers. He’s an actor who specializes in musical theater, but he also maintains a law practice.

The Overland Park native who obtained an undergraduate degree in political science from Kansas State University is one of four actors engaged in the American Heartland Theatre’s lively production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”

He worked backstage and occasionally performed onstage in high school musicals at Shawnee Mission West. In college he sang in choir. But to this day he has never had an acting lesson.

“I got into this through theme-park work,” he said one evening at the Heartland offices. “I went on a dare in college to an audition at Busch Gardens, Virginia, for a summer job. I got the job singing in an a cappella quartet. And a lot of those people were involved in theater programs in their schools.”

It was the first time Daugharthy had found himself in a culture of professional actors and singers, so he went back the next summer. After he graduated from college, he landed the first of two nine-month contracts at Disneyland Tokyo. Between Tokyo gigs, he performed for Opryland Productions in Nashville.

In Tokyo, both times, he performed a day show — “The Diamond Horseshoe Revue” — and a night show — “The Hoop-De-Doo Revue.” The casts included English-speakers and Japanese performers, and the shows were performed in both languages, which meant Daugharthy had to learn some Japanese phonetically.

“I learned from the Japanese performers at the end of the nine months that a lot of it was indecipherable to them,” he said. “What I heard was not what they heard. But it was a real interesting experience.”

One of his roommates in Tokyo was a Broadway veteran who was 37 at the time. He gave Daugharthy some advice.

“He said, ‘Look, if you don’t have to do this, don’t do this if there’s anything else you can do,’ ” Daugharthy said.

So when he came back to the States he enrolled in law school at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He stayed in Nashville after he graduated, clerking for a trial judge for a couple of years and eventually joining a law firm. He was also married and divorced in Nashville.

About three years ago he found himself back in Kansas City. And he realized he missed performing. He called actress Alison Sneegas Borberg, whom he had known since high school, and she gave him a few contacts.

Since then the stage work has been fairly regular. He played Harold Hill in “The Music Man” at Theatre in the Park; he has performed shows at Quality Hill Playhouse, including the memorable “Musical of Musicals”; he was in “No Way to Treat a Lady” for the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, and he appeared in a revue at the Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre just before the Heartland show opened.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

2010-04-02T16:43:00.003-05:00

at the American Heartland Theatre
A Review by Robert Parris MacLean

No April Fools here. The American Heartland Theatre at Crown Center put on a wonderful musical comedy about love and life. Even the title brings a truth-infused laugh: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. With the book and the lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, you’ll need to have your laughing muscles in good shape.

The show consists of twenty “scenes,” each complete with a song. There are only four remarkably capable actors, two men, two women, who spoof all the aspects of relationships between the sexes, from beginning flirtations to growing old together. There were many clichés, but you welcome them. I did not experience a single lull in the activity on stage. What a delight; I laughed or smiled all evening. I can’t remember a stage production that brought that kind of response from me in years, if ever.

Of the four performers, I enjoyed the sparkle of Jessalyn Kincaid most. She has appeared on most stages in the area, but it was here that she shined the most. She told me she was delighted by a number she performed addressing a TV camera that projected her image on a large screen. This close-up allowed her to express subtleties that are almost never found on a stage. It’s something reserved for movies. Unfortunately, at a performance a few nights earlier, the camera failed and all the intimate opportunity was lost. However, look for her to do more significant things here in K.C.

One unsung hero of the evening was Anthony T. Edwards, who performed the piano accompaniment for the actors/singers. This takes a lot of skill and stamina. He performed seamlessly and we knew the music was in good hands.

Heartland Theatre is a delight. There are no bad seats. The intimate surroundings belie that the theatre seats quite a few people. Parking is inside, just steps away from the theatre and all of Crown Center. You also get a ten percent discount at Crown Center restaurants with your ticket. Don’t let the Heartland slip off your radar. This show was wonderful and the next one, The Dixie Swim Club, is expected to be a fun non-musical comedy.

(Now playing through April 25; The Dixie Swim Club, May 7 to June 27)

Review from the Johnson’s County Gazette
April 1, 2010

2010-2011 Season Promises to be an Exciting One!

2010-03-31T15:45:00.003-05:00

American Heartland Theatre continues its tradition of providing variety in live theatre by showcasing 1 two-time Tony Award winning comedy, 4 Kansas City Premieres, 1 AHT favorite and 1 Richard Rodgers Award Winner in its upcoming season.

Productions include The Love List; Plaid Tidings; Maybe Baby, It's You; No Way to Treat a Lady; The 39 Steps; and The Honky Tonk Angels. This season's productions will feature local and out-of-state performers.

Kansas City Star Review: American Heartland Theatre’s ‘You’re Perfect …’ isn’t a run-of-the-mill revue

2010-03-29T09:44:00.000-05:00

By ROBERT TRUSSELL
The Kansas City Star

Somehow your humble theater critic missed "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," one of the most successful musical revues in recent times, when it was first staged in Kansas City 12 years ago.

So I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the current production at the American Heartland Theatre turned out to be. It’s better than it probably has a right to be.

The word “revue,” of course, often spells trouble for theatergoers looking for a good story, but this show represents a high level of craftsmanship, particularly in Joe DiPietro’s lyrics. The Heartland production, directed by Paul Hough, elevates the material to the highest level possible and showcases four of the brightest young musical-theater actors in town.

The show is a collection of vignettes about the vagaries of love, sex, dating and marriage. Blind dates, bad dates, parenthood (depicted here as a kind of mental illness), the repetitious nature of married life, old age — the show covers most of the bases. And while much of the material feels familiar, DiPietro and composer Jimmy Roberts, find clever things to do with it.

Every now and then they resort to getting laughs with jokes about bodily functions, but even when they go the low road they do so with a certain amount of finesse.

The performers charged with portraying the dozens of personalities crossing paths and bringing the music to life are Jessalyn Kincaid, Natalie Weaver, Jon Daugharthy and Adam Branson.

Kincaid has a sexy, ethereal stage presence and she sings like an angel. But she’s also a skilled comic actress and demonstrates that ability repeatedly in this show.

She also provides the most warmly human moment of the evening as a divorced woman recording her first dating video. Framed by a real camera and projected on a huge screen, Kincaid delivers a nuanced monologue that gives the audience a breather from the hilarity and reveals the writers’ laudable effort to make a few serious points about relationships.

Indeed, for this show to work you need versatile actors, and everyone on stage is up to the task. Weaver shifts from all-business career gal to lonely housewife to widow without seeming to break a sweat. Her solo highlight is “Always a Bridesmaid,” a funny/sad lament by a woman who seems destined to always be a participant in wedding ceremonies but never anything more.

Weaver and Daugharthy kick the proceedings off in a non-musical sequence in which two people who meet through a dating service decide to skip the first and second dates and get down to business. It’s a clever bit of writing and the two actors achieve just the right tone.

Daugharthy steals “Scared Straight,” a sequence in which he plays a prisoner serving seven life sentences who lectures young single people about the dangers of ending up alone.

Daugharthy and Weaver are excellent singers, as is Branson, who shares a couple of nicely played moments with Kincaid, especially in “A Stud and a Babe,” an early sequence in which they play geeks on a date who imagine how intoxicating life would be if only they could be sexy and virile.

The nonstop piano accompaniment is provided by musical director Anthony T. Edwards. Roberts’ music, occasionally injected with a gospel and country feel, is easy on the ears, even if you can’t remember a single melody line after the show.

Del Unruh’s simple but classy scenic design and Sarah Oliver’s clever costume designs are major plusses. Shane Rowse’s lighting affects mood, creates transitions and visually delineates the many scene changes.

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" runs through April 25 at the American Heartland Theatre. For more information, call 816-842-9999 or go to www.ahtkc.com.

To reach Robert Trussell, call 816-234-4765 or send email to rtrussell@kcstar.com.

AMERICAN HEARTLAND THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR ITS 2010-2011 SEASON

2010-03-24T14:02:00.001-05:00

Open auditions will be held for American Heartland Theatre’s 2010-2011 Season. All auditions will be held by appointment only at the theatre.

Dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
2:30 - 4:30pm Acting
4:30 - 6:00pm Singing

Friday, April 9, 2010
2:30 – 4:30pm Acting
4:30 - 6:00pm Singing

Sunday, April 11, 2010
4:00 – 6:00pm Singing
6:00 – 7:30pm Acting

For more information on American Heartland Theatre, visit our website at www.ahtkc.com.

Singles Night!

2010-03-08T10:43:00.010-06:00

We are doing something NEW during the run of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.

AHT is hosting a Single's Night on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 8:00 PM.

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is a musical comedy that features the trials of being in a relationship, from getting ready for that first date to dealing with the in-laws years down the road. It's a hilarious show that everyone will enjoy!

So bring some friends, or come and make new friends at AHT's Single's Night. You'll get a great reserved seat, pre-show snacks and $6.00 in drink tickets for our lobby bar - plus you'll get to laugh along with some great new people, all for just $27.50!

Click Here for more details.

Rehearsal Photos

2010-03-05T14:53:00.003-06:00

Thanks to our Tech Director, Shane, we got some great photos of rehearsal for I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. Swing on over to the AHT facebook page to check them out - and become a Fan of AHT while you're there to get special offers on tickets!

Season Surveys

2010-02-25T10:02:00.003-06:00

Around the middle of January we sent out thousands of surveys via mail and email to subscribers, group leaders and single ticket purchasers. The responses have been amazing, and we're swimming in data... especially data that pertains to what shows we will stage in the 10/11 season. We're pretty jazzed around here, and the whole staff is abuzz with discussions of scripts, actors, shows, etc. It's always exciting to choose a new season! Stay tuned for our season announcement, which will probably come mid-March!

Our Youngest Fans

2010-02-17T10:26:00.006-06:00

Something that has become increasingly important to me is teaching kids to love the arts and giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in this crazy theatre world we live in. So, when the head teacher from Community School #1 called me back in October about the possibility of bringing their small school to AHT for a tour, I was pretty stoked.

We worked out a visit date that fell during It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. That day, Tech Director Shane and I greeted the kids and gave them an all-access tour of AHT. We went backstage, we let them in the costume shop, they saw Shane's office and the Green Room... even the "Vodka Spray" area, which they found fascinating... until we explained that vodka is a pretty amazing smell-remover, so some nights when costumes that are a little stinky, they will get a quick spray-down with Vodka to keep them fresh until laundry day.

We answered many questions from 6 to 12-year-olds that were clever and thought-provoking, then we let everyone come up on the stage and see what it looks and feels like to be an actor under the hot stage lights. Shane and I were both amazed at how bright the group was, and how observant (i.e. the vodka spray area) they were.

Fast forward to this morning, when I unlocked the door to the offices and proceeded through my morning routine. Sign in... grab the items in my mailbox... turn on the lights in my office... turn on my computer... sit down and sift through my mail. Today there was a big white envelope from the CS #1 kids, and I tore into it. It was stuffed full with a beautiful chain of hand-written thank you notes cut and pasted into heart shapes! Each kid had written about what they liked best about the tour, and thanked us for taking the time to show them the theatre. How sweet!

I promptly hung the chain in our hallway so everyone can look at it. Every once in a while when you work in the arts, something like this happens that reminds you why you toil away creating something for people that is so fleeting. This was one of those moments for me.

Hopefully we created some theatre-lovers solely through the simplicity of showing them "how the magic happens".

Make Valentine's Day Perfectly Sweet!

2010-02-03T12:44:00.005-06:00

Since you love American Heartland Theatre,
why not share the love?

American Heartland Theatre can help you sweep your sweetheart off their feet with tickets to a show, free drinks at the AHT bar and a discount at many of the fantastic restaurants in Crown Center. Pick your package below and pick up the phone - one call to our Box Office means no more worrying about what to get that special someone! Book your ticket package for Valentine's weekend and get an extra special sweet treat from Chip's Chocolate Factory! Call 816-842-9999 to order today.

Two For Fun Package $50.00
2 tickets to AHT
2 drink tickets for the Lobby Bar

Sweetheart Special
Purchase a Two For Fun or Two For Fun Gold package and book the tickets for Valentine's weekend (2/12 - 2/14), and we'll sweeten the dealwith a special treat from Chip's Chocolate Factory

Two For Fun GOLD Package $100.00
2 tickets to AHT
2 drink tickets for the Lobby Bar
$50.00 Crown Center Gift Certificate valid at every Crown Center shop, restaurant and hotel!

Call 816-842-9999 to order your package today!

Make this Valentine's Day one they'll remember
by giving the gift of a wonderful night out!

*Some restrictions apply. Tickets not valid for all performances. Speak to ticket agent for complete details.

Reviews for Glorious!

2010-01-22T11:06:00.003-06:00

Kansas City Star:
"a first-rate cast for this comedy, which delivers clever jokes, absurd humor and just a whiff of serious intent"

"[found] find myself laughing out loud"

Johnson County Sun:
"Glorious! delivers the laughs"

KC Metoropolis:
"Debra Bluford, an American Heartland Theatre regular, stars as Florence Foster Jenkins. Her performance was vivacious; her singing dreadful (as it should've been). She was charming, and found the difficult note of self-confidence without arrogance."

"The message of this show is simple and somewhat cliché. Follow your dreams. In this case, however, it is truly inspiring to know that Jenkins pursued her dream of singing, even when she was declared "no good" by any reputable critic."

Learning to see the "glorious".

2010-01-13T13:36:00.004-06:00

by Guest Blogger, Jonas Cohen

Forgive me those few and faithful who might be reading this blog. It's been nearly 2 weeks since my last entry and even this entry is behind the times. Nevertheless I hope you'll enjoy:

With 2009 drawing to its inevitable conclusion we did our inevitable run-thru of the entire show. It seems fitting to finish the year with a kind of review - a culmination of the work we've done in rehearsal thus far. This particular run-thru had a particular energy to it though as we had a bit of an audience. In attendance were our house manager Mary Alice, our Executive Director Liliy Zarda, our sound designer Donna Miller, our lighting designer Shane Rowse, our musical director Anthony Edwards, and our marketing supervisor Tricia Kyler Bowling. Officially this is known as a producer's run-thru. It's a chance to show the boss what you've been up to all this time. Just so everybody knows we're not only laughing, giggling, eating treats and drinking coffee. (Speaking of treats Bill whipped up a batch of banana muffins that elicited cries of ecstasy and heavenly praises from the cast - but I digress). The run-thru also helps our designers begin to tailor their designs for this particular production.

Sometime before we started the run, Paul told us a fascinating story. He'd been watching a play recently that he was not enjoying in the least. Now as you might think, theater folk have different critical standards when they go to the theater. The more you know about what it takes to put on a play, the more theater you've seen, the more theater you've helped create, well... invariably it's gonna affect how you watch a play, right? So it was with Paul. He freely admits he was watching the play with his own opinion of what makes something successful or not. Although the first act of this play wasn't quite cutting it for him, he said that by the end of the second half his opinion had changed. The show had impacted him quite positively. And the reason was fascinating... "I didn't give up hope," he said. "I stuck it out. And I realized by the end, 'don't let your critical standards keep you from seeing the glorious.'" A fitting message for life and for our play. It's made me think.

At one point in our play, Glorious, the character I'm playing says,

"The world was in chaos. But even so, if you searched carefully you could still find people living in their own cocoons. Determined to live their lives exactly as they wanted and to view everything about them through rose tinted spectacles, all appearing bright and pink and happy. Now I happened to own a pair of rose tinted spectacles, but these were only worn on rather obscure occasions and failed in my experience to make anything look prettier than it actually was. It took several drinks to achieve that. But I'm not as skilled as some people in the art of finding everything delightful. And I now realize that that's a shame."

I have to confess that on a personal level I identify with that view. I find it very hard to view things and take them in and discover what's delightful about everything I encounter. It's ironic then because actors strive to encounter the world with wonder and curiosity the way a child would. Part of creating truthful behavior onstage is to view things in that way. I had an acting teacher who reminded us that to enter the 'kingdom of heaven you must be as a child..." In other words, to approach each moment onstage with the same wonderment and curiosity a child does would yield our strongest work as actors. I suppose how one chooses to live one's life and how one chooses to approach one's work are different things - or at least they can be. Nevertheless it'd be nice to find a little more delight - I'm working on it...

Insofar as playing the part of Cosme though it's very helpful. I can take that cynical aspect of my personality and slide it quite neatly into place for this show. Acting is a form of self-exploitation. We take certain parts of our own lives and personalities and amplify, enhance, heighten and augment those aspects to create a character. After all, inside each of us there is a great lover, an imperious dictator, a poet, an athlete, an orator, ok ok... you get the idea. The fact is we are all capable of just about anything. For actors this is very good news because it means that we can play many different parts. Perhaps we learn along the way. In tracking the journey of Cosme in this play. He starts off excited at the prospect of having a well-paying job as a piano accompanist, frets when it's for a woman who can't carry a tune, acquiesces to the lure of the money, finds himself moved by the audacious spirit that Florence has - a spirit he lacks and can stand to learn a thing or two from. Ultimately he learns to admire, and respect the determination, confidence, and joy with which she devours life. In essence, he learns to love her. I think we seek out these kinds of people don't we? People who have in abundance those qualities that we admire and want to cultivate in ourselves.

I do hope that when our audiences come to see the show they will be entertained, but perhaps consider something that I've learned from working on this play. Don't let your critical standards keep you from seeing the glorious. I'm not talking about whether people should like this play or our production of it - although I do hope they will. What I mean is I hope people will walk away with a renewed sense of the importance, the art if you will, of seeing the delightful in everything - even those people, ideas, situations, etc that might otherwise run counter to everything you believe in. We don't have to change our beliefs or our values - sometimes those are the most important things we have. But what would happen if we chose to find the delightful in everything even those things we're sure we could never find delight in? What would that look like?
Ultimately it's just beliefs not facts. It's amazing I suppose how far belief can take you, isn't it? Some folks'll start wars over beliefs. Florence Foster Jenkins creates a wonderful life and career for herself that reaches its zenith with a performance at Carnegie Hall. Belief can take you pretty far. Finding delight can take you even further. I'm working on it.

The First Rehearsals

2009-12-30T09:30:00.001-06:00

by Guest Blogger, Jonas Cohen

Friends will ask me how I like going out-of-town so often - that's the parlance for an actor who leaves their home base and goes to another city to work. Are you kidding? I love it! A chance to go away for a few months to a new city and do what you love and get paid to do it? What could be better? The stressful part though is getting acclimated to new surroundings and new co-workers. Just imagine starting a brand new job every few months!

In some ways, perhaps that's why the first few days of rehearsals can be the scariest. Beneath the warm smiles and hearty handshakes of the first day cast members who have nothing in common beyond the play at hand, try to bury their fears that they don't get put in a dressing room with someone they quietly loathe, size up which actors they get to kiss onstage versus those they HAVE to kiss onstage, pray that no one else is questioning why they were cast as much as they're wondering themselves, decide 'I've never met these people before but I'm going to at least try to pretend I trust them!', and then hope for the best. For our first day we smile and shook hands, sorted through administrative business, took a tour of the theater, and before long we were laughing and chatting like old friends who'd agreed to get together to do a play called GLORIOUS by Peter Quilter.

The actors in the company include Deb Bluford as aspiring opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins. Bruce Roach as Florence's love interest St. Clair Bayfield. Marilyn Lynch as Florence's best friend and biggest fan Dorothy. Katie Kalahurka tackles two roles - Maria, Florence's somewhat aggressive Mexican maid and Mrs. Verrinder-Gedge one of Florence's more outspoken detractors. And then there's yer man (Jonas Cohen) as Cosme McMoon - Florence's piano accompanist. With the exception of Deb whose terrific work makes her a fan favorite here in Kansas City, this is the first time these actors are working at the American Heartland Theater. So thank you to Paul Hough our director for bringing us all together and for not hitting us in the face when we misbehave.

One of the challenges of the play is the significant amount of live music that is performed. You'll get to hear Deb/Florence put her unique stylings on songs from Mozart to Cole Porter. Yep she's just that versatile. Towards the end of our first rehearsal day Deb and I spent time with our musical director Anthony Edwards (come hear him play piano in It's A Wonderful Life!) and set to work on all things music. The real challenge for Deb is that the part requires the actor to play a character who sings badly but tries EARNESTLY to sing well. On top of that, the character believes she's succeeding... and does she? Well, not so much. I looked on bemused as Anthony and Deb figured out how and when to sing badly.

Another challenge for us is staging the play in just such a way that the audience sitting on three sides of the action can see us all clearly at any given moment. Paul's got the right eye for that. No easy feat that. How DO you get two people to stand next to each other and have a conversation in such a way that everyone in the audience can see? Audience members have sometimes asked, "once you know the lines and know where you're supposed to go, what do you do in rehearsal?" The answer is that the rehearsal process is like creating new habits. How does this character walk, talk, stand, sit, move, when DO they pick up the cup, etc? You decide which habits you want to create and spend as much time as possible practicing them until they become like, well... like a habit - you don't have to think anymore. As I write this we've just finished our third day of rehearsal. We've accomplished a lot (the entire first act is staged) but we still have plenty to go. We went back and reviewed what we've accomplished so far - making tweaks and adjustments along the way - and so far ... not too shabby. Things aren't quite a habit yet, but they're getting there.

Have I mentioned our stage manager Bill Christie? Bill keeps things running, notates the staging, sets the props and furniture in their proper places, makes the schedules, files rehearsal reports, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The biggest challenge for him though must be keeping us on task. We're a playful group. It's like being on vacation and getting paid. What could be better?

A Glorious Christmas.

2009-12-28T14:17:00.005-06:00

by Guest Blogger, Jonas Cohen

I've always had a problem with Christmas. For someone who's jewish - and jewish friends and relatives will corroborate this - it's a sad lonely time. While many people are singing songs, spending time with their families, going to church, eating bountiful meals, exchanging presents, and engaging in any number of holiday related rituals and traditions, many jewish people will often eat Chinese food and go to the movies. Now on any given day, there's nothing wrong with eating dim sum and getting the chance to catch up on the numerous soon-to-be-Oscar-nominated films that are all released this time of year. But knowing that a large percentage of the population is having a joyous holiday while you're eating out of white cardboard containers is akin to having chicken pox and having to sit on the side while the rest of the kiddies get to play in the pool.

For actors it can be a difficult time of year as well if they're unemployed. There are only so many parts to go around in any show so invariably, someone's gonna end up without a job. Imagine being unemployed during the holidays? Yech. If you don't have a lot of money, than affording a plane ticket to see family isn't exactly in the cards. Spend time with friends you say? Many of my friends (both gentile and some who are jewish) are often out of town at this time of year. Lots of folks are too busy it seems to answer an email or answer the phone. And so I confess I've been a VERY grumpy actor at Christmas time. And while lots of folks have tried in vain to reach out to me at this time of year, I fixedly remained a curmudgeon.

The cast of Glorious had the day off for Christmas and I spent most of it in the comfort of my room at the Westin watching videos and eating snacks and napping. Not bad, right? But I was miserable. And somehow, content to be so. I guess when you get into a habit of being grumpy every 25th of December it gets so comfortable that to let go of the grumpiness just ain't easy. You've lived with it so long with the discomfort you almost don't want to let it go.

When we came back to rehearsal today (Dec 26th) I was still a sour puss (in Yiddish we say a 'farbisina punim' - a grim bitter face). I sat at the piano trying to give the day's work its due attention. After lunch Deb and I worked on music with Anthony. As I've said Deb has the challenge of singing badly. She's also creating a character that is based on a real person. Now it's important to understand that professional opera singers are fiercely proud of what they bring to a piece of music. They each have their own interpretations of the great arias in the canon. A diva's gift is her own true voice and Florence Foster Jenkins was no exception. To that end, Anthony and Deb have been very precise about honoring Madame Jenkins original phrasing and interpretations so that you can get a sense of what it was like to hear this highly unusual songstress. Deb will listen to a passage of music and then sing it a half tone sharp or flat on purpose. Imagine singing one song while someone else was singing something entirely different in your ear. Yet even while I marvelled at this I realized I didn't have much 'oomph' myself. Come on Jonas! Get with it brother!

As it happened the theater was not being used for the early part of the day so Paul opted to rehearse in the theater on the set of It's A Wonderful Life. We'll have an entirely different set of course, but since many of us in the company are new to the theater this gave us a chance to get accustomed to working in this somewhat unusual space. Sitting at the piano during a down moment I continued to feel listless. Why was I still in this funk? It was as though some bratty kid inside of me was set on being annoyed at Christmas no matter what. I thought to myself, 'Christmas is not my holiday! I wasn't raised with it. I've not been to a Christmas mass and although I know the story of the Nativity and of the life of Christ and know of his teachings it's never been a part of my consciousness. What I know of Christmas is not based on years of family tradition and fond holiday memories, but, like an outsider looking in, from the post-Thanksgiving songs on the radio and what I see in the movies. When someone says Merry Christmas to me it makes me bristle.' I sat and brooded.

As I sat at the piano letting my attention wander I noticed the script for It's A Wonderful Life on the music stand. I flipped through the pages but still couldn't focus. Looking over at the actors as they rehearsed I thought of the lovely new friends I've made here in the last few days. Deb, who's been so kind and encouraging and who's laugh is completely infectious. Marilyn who invited me to her home on Christmas Day for chili and who introduced me to all of her friends as 'my new friend Jonas'! Bruce who opened his home to me for Christmas Eve and welcomed me into his family. Katie who fearlessly gives so much onstage. Mary Alice - who introduced me to as many people as she could on the first day. Lily and Bill and Jeff who have made sure I had everything I needed to be comfortable. Paul who let me know how very glad he is I'm here. Anthony who is fiercely dedicated and finds such joy in what he does.

I'm darn lucky to be doing something I love with artists who work hard and know how to have fun doing it. What's more, they are as open-hearted in their lives as they are in their work. They have a ready laugh and a smile and always a word of encouragement. I'd been so fixated on feeling low about the holiday time that I'd neglected to see what was right in front of me - joy for the work and for the people I get to share that joy with. I shouldn't kvetch right? I've got a job. I'm not stuck eating by myself with only chopsticks and DVDs to keep me company. This year, my gift has been these new friends, this experience, this theater. And then, wouldn't you know, as I sat at the piano in rehearsal I just happened to flip to the final moments of It's A Wonderful Life. The main character George Bailey is given a copy of Tom Sawyer. He opens it and reads the inscription that his new friend a newly winged angel named Clarence has penned for him: "Dear George, Remember, no man is a failure who has friends. Clarence."

Check back frequently for more from Guest Blogger, Jonas Cohen, and others as we take Glorious! from the rehearsal hall to the stage.

And So It Begins...

2009-12-23T11:18:00.003-06:00

by Guest Blogger, Jonas Cohen

A New York City taxi made its way through 14 inches of snow to the LaGuardia airport at 8:30 am on Sunday. Sitting in the backseat I wondered would the flight to Kansas City be cancelled as hundreds of others had been? Would the airport be a sea of stranded would-be passengers trying to make it home for the holidays? Would there be a delay on the tarmac filled with drinks that were more ice than drink, little bags of pretzels that leave you sucking on the ice cubes and debating whether or not to actually push the call-button for a refill, and a sore backside?

Hello, American Heartland Theatregoers. My name is Jonas Cohen. I'm an actor playing the role of Cosme McMoon in Peter Quilter's play "Glorious! - The True Story of Florence Foster Jenkins the worst singer in the world..." The title says it all. Glorious! is the true story of a woman - Florence Foster Jenkins - whose desire to sing opera far exceeded her ability to sing it. At no time though, does the play belittle or make fun of Florence's less than dulcet tones. Instead it celebrates her will to succeed and a belief in herself that was infectious and delightful. That belief carried her fans, her supporters, and even some of her nay-sayers along with its unflinching optimism. As we start rehearsals this week I know the company is hoping you'll be carried along as well.

Thus begins the online blog for this show. I hope it'll provide an inside look at the rehearsal process as a company of actors, director, designers, technicians administrative staff, volunteers, all toil to bring this comedy to the stage. At one time the phrase, 'it takes a village' was used to death. But without a doubt that is exactly what is required to realize this or any piece of theatre. What's also required is the support of audiences and donors especially 'in this economy...'. Now there's a phrase that's even more worn out. It makes my eyes cross just to type it. But please know that we are so very grateful to you all. Right now, for many of us, not just artists, we can't help but be concerned about what life has in store for us. It can be overwhelming. Yet a dear friend and director told me recently that despite those concerns the theater should continue to serve one of its very important functions. In the musical Cabaret, he said, we are exhorted to forget our cares and that "in here [the theater] life is beautiful" - maybe for a little while we can do just that.

Whenever I leave my home in New York for an acting project - there is invariably a certain amount of terror. What will my collaborators be like? Will I be any good in this part? How WILL I learn all those lines? Lots of little voices in our heads fretting, asking questions, and saying, 'uh oh!' I guess artists learn to love 'uh oh.' We trust against the odds, that somewhere between reading the script for the first time and stepping into the rehearsal room inspiration will strike. It always does. Isn't that true for all of us?

As it turned out the gods of the airlines were in a beneficent mood that day. The flight left on time. People were not stranded and shoelessly moved through security with nary a delay. And most importantly the airline not only provided us with drinks but also warm cookies that didn't require a credit or debit card for purchase! Landing in Kansas City, MO I was greeted with blue skies, no sign of snow, the ebullient American Heartland Theatre house manager Mary Alice, and the huge comfy king-size beds at the Westin Hotel. Ah life upon the wicked stage...

Check back frequently for more from Guest Blogger, Jonas Cohen, and others as we take Glorious! from the rehearsal hall to the stage.

CALENDAR EDITOR: Glorious!

2009-12-22T12:38:00.003-06:00

Glorious!
 A True Story about the World’s Worst Singer
Written by Peter Quilter

THE SHOW: Joyful New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins had a passion for singing, but a voice of disastrous proportions which left audiences crying with laughter. Spinning from her bizarre recording sessions, unbelievable recitals and an ultimate triumph at New York’s Carnegie Hall – this is a true, heart-warming, side-splitting comedy about a group of eccentric friends who lived their dreams.

LOCATION: American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center

DATE: January 8th – February 21st , 2010

SHOW TIMES: Tuesday through Thursday evening performances begin at 7:30pm. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00pm. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:00pm. There are also select Sunday evening performances as well as select Wednesday matinees. Select Saturday matinees begin at 2:00pm & select Saturday twilight performances begin at 4:00pm.

FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.ahtkc.com for a complete listing of show dates and times.

RATING: THIS SHOW IS RATED PG

PRICE: $12.50 - $35.00 plus service charge.

RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION: Call 816-842-9999; visit the Box Office on the 3rd floor of Crown Center, or visit www.ahtkc.com. Groups of 12 or more may call 816-842-0202 for discounts.

DINING DISCOUNT: Coupon attached to theatre tickets valid for 10% off at various Crown Center restaurants on performance date.

PARKING: Free, inside, and secure with theatre validation.

HANDICAPPED / HEARING IMPAIRED: Handicapped entry and seating, as well as assistive listening devices, are available at all performances. An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for February 17th, 2010 at 7:30 PM.

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.

###
______________________________________________________________

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.

It's Video Time!

2009-05-29T09:17:00.002-05:00

Check out this quick video about Unnecessary Farce (just click here) and then order your tickets at www.ahtkc.com!

Spend the Weekend at Crown Center!

2009-05-22T12:44:00.003-05:00

Lots of good stuff happening at Crown Center this weekend! Get the family together and head down for the Jiggle Jam on Saturday and Sunday - many bands will be playing, including one of my personal favorites, They Might Be Giants. Spend the day rocking out, playing, crafting and hanging with the kids. Then, in the evening, drop those nose-miners off with the babysitter and have an evening out at AHT! Great seats are still available for all performances this weekend, and we are pretty sure you'll have a good time (though I suppose we are fairly biased). For more info on Jiggle Jam, check out http://www.kcjigglejam.com/

A Great Review AND A Great Deal for YOU!

2009-05-14T14:42:00.004-05:00

Well, the show is open and audiences love it! Robert Trussell wrote a great review which can be found here. And, as promised, here's a final shot of the set now that it's all finished.

(Look! There's Tech Director, Shane Rowse, coming in the far right door!)

Do you have your tickets yet? Call now and get a special deal - Buy one ticket at regular price, get the second at half price! This offer is valid on performances through May 31, 2009 only, so book your tickets today! Call 816-842-9999 and mention code DH0589SN. This special offer is subject to availability and not valid with any other offers.

See you at the show!

Unnecessary Farce Opening May 8th

2009-04-27T13:52:00.005-05:00

Set in a hotel with two connecting rooms, Unnecessary Farce takes a sting operation to silly new heights that will have audiences rolling in the aisles! Slamming doors abound in this hilarious farce featuring two likable cops operating out of their league, a possibly crooked mayor and his innocent-acting wife, a shy accountant with a tendency to drop her drawers, a double agent who’d like to get IN those drawers and a Scottish hit man with a brogue that gets thicker the angrier he gets! This dazzlingly funny comedy has more tasty twists than a bag of Twizzlers! Unnecessary Farce runs May 8th to June 21st, 2009.

Unnecessary Farce features a hilarious cast of familiar faces and brand new talent.

Some familiar faces include:

Kevin Albert was last seen on the AHT stage as understudy to the jolly fat guy in Another Night Before Christmas.
Craig Benton stars in his 11th show on the AHT stage as Agent Frank.
Cynthia Hyer stars as Mary Meekly. Cynthia previously played Jessica in AHT’s production of Communicating Doors.
Jessalyn Kincaid stars as Karen Brown. Her tenure at AHT includes a groom-stealer in Perfect Wedding, a tail-chasing dog in A Dog's Life, and a bratty sister in Leaving Iowa.

New to AHT:

Jill Szoo makes her AHT debut as Billie Dwyer. Jill has been featured in over 20 commercials, directed several university productions and made her KC acting debut at the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre as Rose in The Woolgatherer.
John Wilson is also making his AHT debut as Eric Sheridan. A SAG and AEA member, Wilson has been working professionally on stage and in commercial and film for nearly two decades.
Zach Woods is making his professional theatre debut as Todd. He is a native of Kansas City, MO, having grown up in Grain Valley. He attended Central Missouri State University, where he received a B.F.A. in Theatre Performance.

William J. Christie, who has been part of the AHT family since 1987, directs Unnecessary Farce. Christie has served AHT as an usher, actor, director, resident stage manager, floral designer and holiday tree decorator during his tenure. He last directed A Lion In Winter for AHT in the Spring of 1992. Christie is a fixture of AHT, and we are pleased to have him back in the director’s chair.

Named one of the “50 To Watch” – “writers of exceptional merit and promise” – by The Dramatist magazine in 2007, playwright Paul Slade Smith is pleased his second play, Unnecessary Farce, is being produced in Kansas City, as well as 17 other locations across the country this year.

Unnecessary Farce is not to be missed!

Getting Set for Farce

2009-04-24T11:05:00.009-05:00

All of the banging and clattering coming from the theatre must mean that the crew is building the new stage for Unnecessary Farce, which opens May 8. The setting is two adjoining hotel rooms, and designer Alex Perry is creating a pretty unique take on that idea. I snuck in and took a couple of photos - one on Wednesday and one just now so you can see how it's developing.

Taken April 22, 2009

Taken April 24, 2009

In the second photo, the person in the white shirt and dark pants just left of center is Alex Perry. Alex is the AHT Shop Foreman, which means he is responsible for taking the scenic designs given to him and turning them from 2-dimensional ideas on paper into 3-dimensional, life-size sets. For Farce, we are lucky enough to have him designing the set! Alex is currently in his 3rd year as a graduate student in the Lighting Design program at UMKC

I'll keep checking on how the set is progressing and post a new photo when it's closer to being finished!

Season Renewals

2009-04-09T14:30:00.003-05:00

After 2 days of hard work stuffing envelopes, season renewals are ready to hit the mail. I meant to take a picture while we were working, but I completely forgot, so instead here's a picture of Garrett putting postage on them.

You can see all the trays of envelopes on the floor - that's not even all of them. Marketing Assistant Megan and I had already taken 5 full trays to the post office! That's over 2,800 envelopes that will be going in the mail today!

I certainly could not have done this job alone - I had some amazing helpers that put a lot of hard work into getting this project done quickly. Lots of thanks to Karla (Accounts Payable) for bringing her daughter, Jessicah, in to help. Also, Ellen's (Group Sales) children, Dominique and Jamaal joined us for a few hours. Our Executive Director, Lilli, even came in to help for a while (it didn't hurt that we had movies playing on a little tv set, and she was hoping to see Twilight!). Finally, my husband came and put in some time - he always gets roped into this sort of stuff for the theatre! :)

So, if you are a current season subscriber, check your mailbox this weekend for your renewal packet with all the info about the 09/10 season!

AHT to hold auditions for the 2009-2010 season

2009-04-02T12:04:00.005-05:00

Open auditions will be held for American Heartland Theatre’s 2009-2010 Season at the theatre.

All auditions will be held by appointment only at the theatre.

Dates are as follows:

Wednesday, April 15, 2009
2:00 - 3:00pm Acting
3:30 - 5:00pm Singing

Thursday, April 16, 2009
2:00 - 3:00pm Acting
3:30 - 5:00pm Singing

Sunday, April 19
2:00 – 4:30pm Acting
4:30 - 6:00pm Singing

Acting auditions should consist of two contrasting monologues, not to exceed one minute each. Singing auditions should consist of two contrasting songs no longer than 32 bars. An accompanist will be provided.

To schedule acting and singing auditions, please call the theatre at 816-842-0202 Monday through Friday, between 1:00pm and 4:00pm. The theatre is located in Crown Center at 2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 314, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. For more information on American Heartland Theatre, visit our website at www.ahtkc.com.

We are all exited to see the talent that will grace our stage next season!

Happy Birthday, AHT!

2009-04-01T09:16:00.004-05:00

Though most of our country spends today playing pranks and finding ways to fool their friends, at AHT we spend April 1 thinking about our founder, Jim Assad, who founded American Heartland Theatre on April 1, 1987. Today we celebrate 22 years of great American theatre. 22 years of laughter, music, talent and friendship. Thanks to all of our subscribers and patrons who have kept us going for 22 years - we look forward to the next 22!

Season Renewal Time

2009-03-31T10:53:00.004-05:00

Every spring we at AHT are all a-buzz with plans for our new season. Even though you may be thinking about easter or spring break, we're already planning for next December and the summer of 2010! It's our own personal time spring renewal to pick a new set of shows and get excited about staging them.

Along with picking the season comes getting our season ticket-holders their invoices so they can renew their seats for the coming year. This is one of the biggest parts of my job as Marketing Supervisor. It's a lot of ducks to line up in a row, and a lot of work that often has to be smashed into a short period of time. Our season subscribers may not know it, but we put each renewal packet together ourselves. We don't pay a company to do it for us! We set up shop, often in the rehearsal hall, with up to 7 different "inserts" (brochure, reply envelope, letter from our Executive Director, etc.) and a stack of DVD's to watch. I spend 3 days straight executing an assembly line that gets the new season info out into the hands of our favorite people - our subscribers! I have lots of help, and we push through papercuts, tired arms and dry skin all for the sake of renewals. As repetitive as the process is, it's also a lot of fun, and gets me away from my desk for a few days, which is a nice change of pace.

Right now I'm waiting on our Systems Administrator, Sandy, while she enters every single performance and every season price code into our ticketing system. This is quite a task. Once she gets finished and replicates the season (creates a new season order for each of our current season ticket-holders), I can start my process of pulling lists, merging data, printing invoices and getting all of the inserts ready to go.

All this work just for each season subscriber to get an envelope in the mail from us! This year we have some exciting benefits for our subscribers, and a list of shows that you won't want to miss. If you are a 2008/2009 subscriber, keep an eye out for your renewal packet - it should arrive the 3rd week of April. If you aren't a subscriber and would like information on joining our family, visit http://www.ahtkc.com and click on the "Join our Mailing List" button. We'll be happy to send you a brochure with pricing and details about the benefits subscribers receive.

Stay tuned for our announcement of shows for the 2009/2010 season!

The American Heartland Taps Out a Ginger Rogers Tribute

2009-03-24T11:26:00.005-05:00

Alan Scherstuhl of the Pitch Weekly had this to say about Backwards in High Heels:

"The American Heartland Theatre's Backwards in High Heels: The Ginger Rogers Musical is a high-spirited tribute to the headstrong Texas hoofer who walked away from her partnership with Fred Astaire at the peak of their success. It earns its keep on sweat, hustle and a score I'm tempted to call swell — especially when the talented ensemble taps through "We're in the Money" or "I Got Rhythm."
Musical director Anthony Edwards finally gets songs worth his talent. Dancers come in twos and fours, in solos and in full-ensemble extravaganzas, executing director Jeremy Benton's choreography with dash and verve."

Click HERE to read the entire review at the Pitch Weekly Online.

Ginger & Fred

2009-03-16T15:03:00.008-05:00

Here's some amazing video of Ginger and Fred dancing together. While our stars, Vanessa and Erik, aren't THE Ginger and Fred, they are pretty darn close!

"Some seriously talented actors"

2009-03-13T16:19:00.002-05:00

Read the review from the Kansas City Star

The first review is in!

2009-03-13T16:09:00.005-05:00

Check out what infozine thinks about Backwards in High Heels!

"Backwards in High Heels" at American Heartland Theatre, Review

Backwards in High Heels on KCUR

2009-03-12T16:41:00.002-05:00

Have a listen to Steve Walker of KCUR's interview with actors Vanessa Sonon (Ginger) and Licia Watson (Ginger's mother) and director Jeremy Benton.

Opening Night!

2009-03-06T14:14:00.004-06:00

Things have changed monumentally in the theatre since Morgan posted the photo of the stage under construction on Wednesday - Here's what the stage looks like as of last night:

On the right in the cherry-picker you can see Tech Director, Shane Rowse, checking the lightbulbs to make sure they are wired correctly. This set has quite a few pieces that move in and out in order to clearly change location during the show. It will be exciting to see it all in action. I'm sure the nerves are setting in for the actors, as tonight will be there first performance. Break a leg!

For a special discount, visit our facebook fans page (there's a link over there to the right) where you'll find a code for a buy one, get one half off promotion - book your seats now, as they are going fast!

Change-Over

2009-03-04T15:32:00.002-06:00

The air smells like saw dust and the sounds of drills echo in the halls - it must be change-over week!

Change-over is one of my very favorite weeks in the theatre. It is very exciting - you never know what is going to happen next. The set from the last show is taken down and the new set is built. I really enjoy seeing the stage between sets - it reminds me how infinite the possibilities are. This stage has been a beauty parlor, an Iowa cornfield, and the entire city of Tuna, TX. It’s been home to Snoopy’s dog house, Buddy Holly’s recording studio and Marilyn Monroe’s Hollywood bungalow. Last week it was a living room where a murder takes place and next week it will be the setting for the life story of Ginger Rogers.

Since this is part of the theatre that the audience never gets to experience, I thought we’d give you a quick glimpse. The stage is being set for Backwards in High Heels, which opens March 6th. Be sure to come see how the stage is transformed this time!

Polishing Those Dancing Shoes

2009-03-03T10:45:00.005-06:00

The cast of Backwards in High Heels is hard at work putting the final touches on their steps and songs to bring you the Ginger Rogers musical! With the show opening in just a few days everyone is in top form and ready to bring you a fantastic evening of song and dance.

Enjoy this sneak peek of rehearsal.

Vanessa Sonon, Erik Floor, Larissa Klinger and Chance Blakeley
learn their steps under the direction of Jeremy Benton.

The cast takes a moment to rest and study their scripts.

Sean Montgomery goes over a song with musician Daniel Doss.

The cast practices a tricky dance step.

A New, Old Face at AHT

2009-03-02T10:38:00.004-06:00

Well, not too old, I hope!

Hi, I’m Morgan Perry the new Publicist at AHT. I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to our blog readers.

I’ll be taking over for Susan Dustin who is leaving to spend more time with her fantastic son, Will. This isn’t my first position at AHT – it is actually my 4th! Originally, I interned with Bill Christie to be a Stage Manager - which was a fantastic experience, but taught me pretty quickly that I didn’t really want to be a stage manager after all! During my internship I also worked as the front desk receptionist and, a few months later, I took on the Marketing Assistant position. I then left the theatre to work for a non-profit foundation for a while. Now, a little over 5 years later, I’m back as Publicist and couldn’t be happier. AHT is a wonderful place to work, as well as a great place for an evening of entertainment.

On a personal note I have a 3 month old son, Greyson, who keeps me on my toes; a black Goldendoodle named Tallulah, who looks like a Muppet; and a fantastic husband, Michael, who also spent some time working for AHT. I’m a graduate of William Jewell College, where I got my B.A. in Theatre.

I’ll be posting on here quite often, so if there is anything about AHT that you want to know more about, just leave a comment or email me at mperry6@hallmark.com and I’ll do my best to post about it.

AHT on Channel 9

2009-02-25T16:25:00.009-06:00

Be sure to tune in to the Channel 9 morning news tomorrow (Thursday, February 26) on Channel 29, KCWE from 7:30 - 8:30am. They'll be doing live interviews with Backwards in High Heels director, Jeremy Benton and actors Vanessa Sonon and Erik Floor! Pretty exciting stuff, if you ask us!

Press Information about Backwards in High Heels!

2009-02-24T15:16:00.004-06:00

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - February 17, 2008

Backwards in High Heels
An enchanted evening of the Ginger Musical!
Kansas City Premiere – March 6 thru April 19, 2009

Kansas City, MO – Backwards in High Heels dances through the extraordinary life of Ginger Rogers. The evening starts with young Ginger realizing her destiny as she taps her heart out to the tune “Tame These Feet.” We follow Ginger’s life, including her glorious Oscar-winning moment. The evening glides and swirls through such memorable standards as “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Change Partners,” “Embraceable You,” “A Fine Romance” and “We’re in the Money.” It’s a wonderful tribute and evening of music and dance. Backwards in High Heels runs March 6 through April 19, 2009.

The AHT production of Backwards in High Heels stars Vanessa Sonon as Ginger Rogers. She comes to AHT from the Broadway cast of Spamalot. Other Broadway credits include 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer u/s-ensemble). Regional shows include LA cast of White Christmas (Judy u/s-enemble), On the Town (Ivy Smith), and BABY (Pam).

Sean Montgomery stars as Man #1. Regional credits include Oklahoma! (Atlanta TOTS), Show Boat (Gateway Playhouse), Les Miserables, The Pajama Game, Hello, Dolly! (MUNY), Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty (La Comedia), Big Tent, Last Starfighter (NYMF).

Erik Floor stars as Fred Astaire and Man #2. Regional credits include Singin’ in the Rain, The Producers, The Will Rogers Follies, Crazy Love, Pal Joey, Sugar, Dames at Sea, West Side Story, Urban Cowboy and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Chance W. Blakeley stars as Man #3. Chance just finished working in New York with the Little Orchestra Society at Lincoln Center on the Victor Herbert operetta Babes in Toy Land. Other credits include working Summer Stock with Lyric Theatre, City Rep., Light Opera of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Musical Theatre, Opera Performing Arts and Casa Manana. His performances include Urine Town, Forum, The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, Fiddler on the Roof and The Gift.

Licia Watson stars as Lela. Credits include The Nerd and Menopause The Musical (AHT), Hank Williams: Lost Highway (KC Rep), A New Brain (Eubank Productions), Barefoot in the Park (Great Plains Theatre), Our Town and Book of Days (staged readings for Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre), A Man of No Importance (MET) and Radio Gals (AHT and, most recently, the Chestnut Fine Arts Center).

Larissa L. Klinger stars as Woman #3. She has a BA in Music Education and a minor in Theatre from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Credits include 42nd Street, Gypsy, 1776, Nunsense, The Robber Bridegroom, Once Upon a Mattress, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Singing in the Rain, and West Side Story.

Nathanael Card stars in the Ensemble and serves as an understudy. He was last seen on the Coterie stage in And Then They Came For Me. Mr. Card is a BFA graduate of Stephens College of the Performing Arts.

Backwards in High Heels was conceived and developed by Lynnette Barkley and Christopher McGovern. Book/Original Songs & Arrangements are by Mr. McGovern as well. The production is directed by Jeremy Benton. His credits for direction and choreography include the Broadway production and national tour of 42nd Street. Film credits include The Producers. Regional productions include Mame and White Christmas. World/American Premieres include Ken Ludwig's An American In Paris, Ace: The New Musical, The Witches of Eastwick, Lonestar Love, and Stormy Weather.

Scenic design is by Jeremy Doucette, set construction is by Alex Perry, and Bill Christie and Jan Kohl are serving as stage managers. Finally, sound design is provided by Roger Stoddard, with lighting by Shane Rowse.

To purchase tickets, call 816-842-9999, visit the box office in Crown Center, or view us online at www.ahtkc.com. Groups of 12 or more may call 816-842-0202 for reservations (group discounts available).

Tuesday through Thursday evening performances begin at 7:30pm. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00pm. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:00pm. There are also select Sunday evening performances, as well as select Wednesday matinees. Select Saturday matinees begin at 2:00pm & select Saturday twilight performances begin at 4:00pm.

Visit http://www.ahtkc.com/ for a complete schedule. Tickets have an attached coupon for discounts at several Crown Center restaurants on the date of the performance. Parking is inside, secure and free with theatre validation. Handicapped seating and assistive listening devices are available.

Backwards in High Heels Calendar Editor

2009-02-24T15:15:00.003-06:00

CALENDAR EDITOR
Release Date - February 3, 2009

Backwards in High Heels
An enchanted evening of the Ginger Musical!
Kansas City Premiere playing March 6 – April 19, 2009

THE SHOW: This biographical musical dances through the extraordinary life of Ginger Rogers. The evening starts with young Ginger realizing her destiny as she taps her heart out to the tune “Tame These Feet.” We follow Ginger’s life, including her glorious Oscar-winning moment. The evening glides and swirls through such memorable standards as “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Change Partners,” “Embraceable You,” “A Fine Romance” and “We’re in the Money.” It’s a wonderful tribute and evening of music and dance.

LOCATION: American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center
DATE: March 6, 2009 through April 19, 2009

SHOW TIMES: Tuesday through Thursday evening performances begin at 7:30pm. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00pm. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:00pm. There are also select Sunday evening performances as well as select Wednesday matinees. Select Saturday matinees begin at 2:00pm & select Saturday twilight performances begin at 4:00pm.

RATING: THIS SHOW IS RATED PG
PRICE: $17.50 - $33.50
RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION: Call 816-842-9999; visit the Box Office on the 3rd floor of Crown Center, or visit www.ahtkc.com. Groups of 12 or more may call 816-842-0202 for discounts.
FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.ahtkc.com for a complete listing of show dates and times.

DINING DISCOUNT: Coupon attached to theatre tickets valid at various Crown Center restaurants on performance date
PARKING: Free, inside, and secure with theatre validation
HANDICAPPED / HEARING IMPAIRED: Handicapped entry and seating, as well as assistive listening devices, are available at all performances.

A Special Guest

2009-02-18T09:58:00.012-06:00

Rehearsals started this week for Backwards in High Heels, which opens March 6. In the offices we can hear all sorts of crazy tapping coming from the rehearsal hall. These kids can dance!

One of the rituals of beginning a new show is having a Meet & Greet with the new cast. This gives the AHT staff who aren't directly involved in the show a chance to meet the actors, and allows the actors to know who's who in the offices - who does paychecks, whose computer they can borrow in a pinch, etc.

Last night we had a special guest at the Meet & Greet, whom the actors were excited to meet. Bruce Rogers, half brother of Ginger Rogers, was present with stories to tell and a special photo for the star of our show, Vanessa Sonon. Luckily, cast member Sean Montgomery had his camera on hand and allowed us to snap a great photo of the event.

Vanessa Sonon with Veda & Bruce Rogers

AHT Goes Social

2009-02-17T17:26:00.004-06:00

As we tie up loose ends on the new website design and welcome our new Publicist, Morgan, we have begun to take on the craziness that is Social Media. There are so many avenues now to get your name out in front of people, and utilizing all of the social networks that exist is an easy way to bring attention to your product to a variety of different demographics.

Personally, I am a huge fan of getting "insider info". I like knowing all of those special tidbits about a production. There's really something fun about having a little more background information on the show you are going to see. Our goal in the future is to be able to use the many different types of social media to allow our patrons to have that true "Backstage Pass" to know what's happening at AHT.

To begin, we set up a Facebook page where fans can find links to reviews, production photos and videos, special discounts and offers and even discuss productions with each other. Check us out and become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kansas-City-MO/American-Heartland-Theatre/57284835646

Today we took another step into giving patrons an opportunity to get insider information on our shows and staff. We created a Twitter account - follow us and you'll get short snippets about what's happening right now at AHT. Set up your own Twitter account and let us know - we'd love to follow you, too! You can find us on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/AHTKC

New AHT Website Coming!

2009-01-21T14:06:00.003-06:00

With the new year we've decided to go out with the old, and bring in the new.

We've had the same website for quite a while now, and it seemed like it was high time to mix it up. Right now the new website is in the works, and will hopefully be up and running by mid-February.

Our goal for this website is to create a more user-friendly environment, making it easier to navigate and find the things you are looking for. An entirely new menu system has been created which will help visitors move from page to page.

The new look is fresh and we are so excited to unveil it! Keep checking www.ahtkc.com to see the new face of AHT!

Kansas City Premiere!

2009-01-06T13:09:00.005-06:00

Murder by the Book - Actors

The AHT production of Murder by the Book stars Cheryl Weaver as Imogen Piper. Cheryl has been seen at AHT in The Dinner Party, The Mousetrap, and Play It Again, Sam. Other theaters include Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Unicorn Theatre, New Theatre Restaurant, and The Coterie. Regionally, Cheryl has performed all over the country from Dallas, Houston and Detroit to San Francisco. She also has many film and commercial credits, and is represented in Kansas City by Exposure Agency.

James Wright stars as John Douglas. James is a veteran of local stages and returns to American Heartland where he was last seen in the world premiere of Married Alive! Other AHT performances include Twigs; Sylvia; The 1940’s Radio Hour; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and Funny Money. Other area performances include appearances at Quality Hill Playhouse, New Theatre Restaurant, Starlight Theatre, Kansas City Repertory, Musical Theatre Heritage, Metropolitan Ensemble, and The Unicorn. James has just released a new CD entitled Center Stage: Songs of Spirit which is available now throughout the city and at http://www.absolutelywright.com/.

Jennie Greenberry stars as Christine Scott. A recent graduate from Stephens College, Jennie was previously seen at the Coterie Theatre in Seussical and Once on This Island. Jennie has also performed at the Okoboji Summer Theatre in Leading Ladies and Godspell.

Scott Cordes stars as Selwyn Piper. A native of Nebraska, Scott has been a professional actor and director in Kansas City for more than 20 years. His Kansas City acting credits include work with The Unicorn, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Shakespeare Festival, The Coterie, New Theatre Restaurant, and Actor's Theatre of KC. His directing credits include work for AHT (What the Butler Saw, Sherlock's Last Case), The Unicorn (Eyes Wide Open), and UMKC (Carvings for Princess Squid, TymeWork's Killer Joe, and Pig Farm). A member of all three acting unions, Scott also works in commercials and film.

Pete Weber stars as Peter Fletcher. He was recently seen in Liquid Morality at the Unicorn Theatre's Jerome Stage and in the Coterie Theatre's production of Night of the Living Dead. Pete graduated from Avila University with a BFA in Acting in 2007.

Murder by the Book was written by Duncan Greenwood and Robert King. The production is directed by AHT Director of Production Paul Hough.

Killer Entertainment is Coming!

2009-01-06T13:08:00.005-06:00

Murder by the Book
An evening of killer entertainment is coming to AHT!
Kansas City Premiere

THE SHOW: Witty barbs exchanged between master thriller writer, Selwyn, and his estranged wife, Imogen, turn fatal ... or do they? When the writer is found dead by his loyal secretary, and the amateur detective neighbor insists on solving the crime, the twists and turns begin. Crisp and funny, this light-hearted and inventive thriller unfolds with a series of deadly games. This is one mystery that will keep you guessing and laughing as it unfolds to its sinister conclusion.

LOCATON: American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center
DATE: January 9, 2009 through February 22, 2009
SHOW TIMES: Tuesday through Thursday evening performances begin at 7:30pm. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00pm. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:00pm. There are also select Sunday evening performances as well as select Wednesday matinees. Select Saturday matinees begin at 2:00pm & select Saturday twilight performances begin at 4:00pm.

FOR MORE INFO: Visit http://www.ahtkc.com/ for a complete listing of show dates and times.
RATING: THIS SHOW IS RATED PG
PRICE: $17.50 - $33.50
RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION: Call 816-842-9999; visit the Box Office on the 3rd floor of Crown Center, or visit http://www.ahtkc.com/. Groups of 12 or more may call 816-842-0202 for discounts.
DINING DISCOUNT: Coupon attached to theatre tickets valid at various Crown Center restaurants on performance date
PARKING: Free, inside, and secure with theatre validation
HANDICAPPED/HEARING IMPAIRED: Handicapped entry and seating, as well as assistive listening devices, are available at all performances. An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for February 18, 2009 @ 7:30PM.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-11T13:42:00.004-06:00

As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, we hope that you and your loved ones have a lovely holiday season full of laughter and fun. See you in the new year!

Special Discount Helps KC Area Communities

2008-11-19T10:39:00.003-06:00

American Heartland Theatre is teaming up with Harvesters, Kansas City’s only food bank, to make this holiday season a little merrier for Kansas City residents in need. From November 6 through December 28, any patron who brings a can of tuna or other canned, non-perishable food item to the AHT Box Office will receive $5 off their ticket for A Tuna Christmas. This discount is available for the entire run of the production, which is special as discounts are not typically available between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve at AHT.

Harvesters is a clearinghouse for the collection and distribution of food and related household products in and around Greater Kansas City. By providing food they give sustenance and hope to those in need. Harvesters also works toward long-term solutions through nutrition education, hunger awareness and advocacy. Their network includes more than 550 not-for-profit agencies throughout the 13-county direct service area, including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, children’s homes, homes for the mentally disabled and shelters for battered persons. Their network provides food assistance to nearly 60,000 different people each week.

We're proud to be able to offer this discount to our patrons and partner with Harvesters to make a difference in the lives of Kansas City area residents.