Showing posts with label Theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theatre. Show all posts

Friday, April 24, 2009

Getting Set for Farce

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!





Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Happy Birthday, AHT!


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!







Friday, March 6, 2009

Opening Night!

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!



Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Change-Over

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!




Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Kansas City Premiere!

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!

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.