New Release: The Love List at AHT

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

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.

New Release: The Dixie Swim Club

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.

2010-2011 Season Promises to be an Exciting One!

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.

AMERICAN HEARTLAND THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR ITS 2010-2011 SEASON

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

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.

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

News Release: Are We There Yet?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AHT to hold auditions for the 2009-2010 season

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!

Press Information about Backwards in High Heels!

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.