Hairspray at Kansas City Starlight Theatre {Review}

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this event. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own. 

The cast of Hairspray. Photo by Andrew Mather. Photo courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

Welcome to a whirlwind of energy, laughter, and pure joy - Hairspray has arrived at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre and it is a show not to be missed!

Erin Riley as Amber VonTussle, Don Denton as Corny Collins, Eric Geil as Link Larkin
and the cast of Hairspray. Photo by Andrew Mather. Photo courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

Hairspray originally opened on Broadway in 2002 and went on to win eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show hasn't been at Starlight since 2006, so this is a welcome treat to the season lineup this year!

Broadway veteran and two-time Tony nominee Brad Oscar leads the cast as Edna Turnblad. Oscar was previously seen at Starlight in The Producers in 2010. The supporting cast boasts the talent of many Kansas City actors and the local support was evident throughout the show during opening weekend as the crowd cheered for their favorite performers.

Brad Oscar as Edna Turnblad, Jessica Alcorn as Tracy Turnblad and the cast of Hairspray.
Photo by Andrew Mather. Photo courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

If you're not familiar with the story, here's the synopsis from Starlight Theatre:

Set in 1960's Baltimore, Hairspray tells the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad, who intends to groove her way onto TV's most popular dance program, "The Corny Collins Show." After auditioning and winning a role with the show's dance company, Tracy becomes an overnight sensation and uses her nnewfound influence to advocate for the show's racial integration. With the help of her fellow cast mates, Tracy tries to change the workd, dethrone the reigning Teen Queen and win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin...all without denting her 'do!

Stephen Scott Wormley as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Katie Karel as Penny Pingleton and the cast of Hairspray.
Photo by Andrew Mathers. Photo courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

The cast was full of energy and it was easy to believe that they were enjoying the evening just as much as those of us in the crowd. Kansas City natives Jessica Alcorn (Tracy Turnblad) and Eric Geil (Link Larkin) took us on a wild journey as they learned to stand up to those who opposed change and progress. Standout characters included Stephen Scott Wormley (Seaweed J. Stubbs), who spent much of the show wowing the attendees with his flexibility and dance skills, and Katie Karel (Penny Pingleton), who continually brought those of us in the audience to uproarious laughter with her wit and antics. 

Catch the show before it's too late - it's playing now through August 2!

The cast of Hairspray. Photo by Andrew Mather. Photo courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

Tickets for Hairspray at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $14+. Tickets are available online at Starlight Theatre, by calling 816.363.STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m.

Thanks to Starlight Theatre for providing my tickets to the show. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

The King and I at Kansas City Starlight Theatre {Review}

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this event. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own. 

Elena Shaddow and the royal children in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

It's summer in Kansas City again, and that means that it's time to spend some evenings out under the stars at the iconic Starlight Theatre. Starlight has a lineup of many Broadway shows to entertain and astound you this year - and this week is your chance to catch the Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I.

Elena Shaddow as Anna Leonowens in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

The King and I originally opened on Broadway in 1951 and played for nearly three years. It has since had many revivals, most recently at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, where the production won four Tony Awards in 2015.

Elena Shaddow, Baylen Thomas and Rhyees Stump in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

If you're not familiar with the story, here's the synopsis from Starlight Theatre:

One of  Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works,  THE KING AND I boasts a score that features such beloved classis as "Getting To Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers," "Shall We Dance," "I Have Dreamed," and "Something Wonderful." Set in 1860's Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher, whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

Jose Llana and Elena Shaddow in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

This production, led by Jose Llana (The King of Siam) and Elena Shaddow (Anna Leonowens), is absolutely visually stunning to watch. It was not difficult to believe that we had left the Western world and entered into an unfamiliar, breathtaking place in Siam. The Tony-Award winning costume design by Catherine Zuber left me wishing I could touch each of the vibrant colors and rich textures of the fabrics used. I could have watch Anna dance in the "Shall We Dance?" ballgown for much longer than the song allowed!

The cast is strong and supports each other well. Overall, this production is well worth spending an evening under the stars for - and you will have missed something truly wonderful if you let it leave Kansas City before you've seen it!

Q Lim as Tuptim and Kavin Panmeechao as Lun Tha in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Tickets for The King and I at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $14+. Tickets are available online at Starlight Theatre, by calling 816.363.STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m.

Thanks to Starlight Theatre for providing my tickets to the show. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

Tuck Everlasting at Kansas City's Coterie Theatre {Review}

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this production at The Coterie Theatre. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

It may just be barely springtime in Kansas City, but at the Coterie Theatre - located inside Crown Center - you can already feel the sweltering, overbearing heat of the first week of August. The Coterie has been transformed into the small town of Treegap, and a visit to this odd little place is a must for KC area families this spring. 

Aurelia Power (as Winnie Foster), Fisher Stewart (as Jesse Tuck), Gary Neal Johnson
(as Angus Tuck), Nancy Marcy (as Mae Tuck), Tyler Rowe (as Miles Tuck), and
Jonathan Lloyd Schriock (as Stranger in the Yellow Suit) in Tuck Everlasting
by Natalie Babbitt and adapted by Mark J. Frattaroli. Directed by Jeff Church.
Live on stage at The Coterie, February 27 - April 5, 2018.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of Coterie Theatre.

Tuck Everlasting tells the story of Angus and Mae Tuck and their boys Miles and Jesse, who live an extraordinary life thanks to a spring of water they discover in the woods of Treegap. After drinking from the spring, they never age - not a single day. The family separates to throw off suspicions, but they reunite once every ten years near the spring where it all started. It just so happens that young Winnie Foster runs into Jesse Tuck near the spring during one of the family's reunions...and before she knows it, she is drawn into their secretive and adventurous world.

Gary Neal Johnson (as Angus Tuck), Nancy Marcy (as Mae Tuck), and Aurelia Power
(as Winnie Foster) in Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt and adapted by Mark J. Frattaroli.
Directed by Jeff Church. Live on stage at The Coterie, February 27 - April 5, 2018.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of Coterie Theatre.

As usual, the Coterie has put together a production that is thought-provoking, charming, and heartwarming all at once. Each of the characters brings their own piece to the story, and their lives are all undeniably changed by the friendships which are made as the show unfolds. 

Aurelia Power (as Winnie Foster) and Fisher Stewart (as Jesse Tuck) in Tuck Everlasting
by Natalie Babbitt and adapted by Mark J. Frattaroli.
Directed by Jeff Church. Live on stage at The Coterie, February 27 - April 5, 2018.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of Coterie Theatre.

The cast features Gary Neal Johnson, Nancy Marcy, Fisher Stewart, Tyler Alan Rowe, Jonathan Lloyd Schriock, George Forbes, Aurelia Power, and Bonita Hanson. The cast worked well together as an ensemble and created a magical world onstage that was easy to believe. Gary Neal Johnson may be recognized by Kansas City audiences as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at the KC Rep, and I enjoyed the chance to see him portray another character as Angus Tuck. Fisher Stewart, who played Jesse Tuck, kept the audience in stitches with his acrobatics and comedic timing.

Gary Neal Johnson (as Angus Tuck) and Aurelia Power (as Winnie Foster) in
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt and adapted by Mark J. Frattaroli. Directed by Jeff Church.
Live on stage at The Coterie, February 27 - April 5, 2018.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of Coterie Theatre.

The production is recommended by the Coterie for families with children who are 9 or older. The show runs about 65 minutes with no intermission and is a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening while exploring Kansas City.

Aurelia Power (as Winnie Foster), Fisher Stewart (as Jesse Tuck), Tyler Rowe
(as Miles Tuck),and Gary Neal Johnson (as Angus Tuck) in Tuck Everlasting by
Natalie Babbitt and adapted by Mark J. Frattaroli. Directed by Jeff Church.
Live on stage at The Coterie, February 27 - April 5, 2018.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of Coterie Theatre.

Tuck Everlasting plays now through April 5 at the Coterie. Tickets are available online.

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this production at The Coterie Theatre. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

We Shall Not Be Moved: The Student Sit-Ins of 1960 at Kansas City's Coterie Theatre {Review}

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this production at The Coterie Theatre. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

The Coterie Theatre has been one of my favorite performing arts venues in Kansas City since I was very young. The Coterie has always offered productions that both entertain and challenge their audiences. The theatre has just kicked off its 39th season, and they are off to a very thought-provoking start with We Shall Not Be Moved: The Student Sit-Ins of 1960.

Left to Right: Darrington Clark (as Young Man), Antonia Washington (as Yvonne),
Khrystal L. Coppage (as Dierdre), and Robert E. Coppage III (as Eugene Conrad)
in The Coterie’s production of, We Shall Not Be Moved, by Ed Simpson.
Directed by Jeff Church, on stage September 19 - October 22, 2017.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

Written by Ed Simpson and directed by Jeff Church, the production tells the story of the student-led sit-in at segregated lunch counters which inspired a movement of non-violent protests. The play shows us how the students (inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.) and their non-violent demonstration eventually gained momentum to inspire an entire generation to stand up for their Civil Rights. Similar to The Coterie's Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was produced back in 2014, We Shall Not Be Moved was deeply moving and motivating.

Left to Right: Robert E. Coppage III (as Eugene Conrad) and
Khrystal L. Coppage (as Dierdre) in The Coterie’s production of, We Shall Not Be Moved,
by Ed Simpson. Directed by Jeff Church, on stage September 19 - October 22, 2017.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the play is the interactive audience-participation, which allows those who are watching the production to ask questions of the performers and have them answer while still in character. Many of the young kids in the audience the day I attended brought up questions that otherwise might not have crossed the mind of the audience - such as When did segregation begin? and Why did you not want your child to be involved in the sit-ins? Hearing the actors answer the questions while still in character made it much easier for the kids to absorb the history lesson rooted in this production. Audience members of all ages participated when asked what they thought was the motivation behind the characters making certain choices throughout the show.

It might seem like the show would come to a screeching halt with the addition of a question and answer segment in the middle of the performance, but the production quality is high and the actors were able to carry on after ending the interactive segment as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

Left to Right: Khrystal L. Coppage (as Dierdre), Antonia Washington (as Yvonne), 
Darrington Clark (as Young Man), and Alisa Lynn (as Jenny) in The Coterie’s production of,
We Shall Not Be Moved, by Ed Simpson. Directed by Jeff Church, on stage September 19 -
October 22, 2017. Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

We Shall Not Be Moved is a uniquely compelling piece. I am certain that many audience members will leave the production and look at their world through a different lens. Change comes when people are willing to stand up for what is right. I hope that this production reaches as many people as possible during its short run. It will be truly inspirational for young people, teens, and adults alike to see what is possible when even just one person decides to take a stand for what they believe in.

Left to Right: Khrystal L. Coppage (as Dierdre), Antonia Washington (as Yvonne), 
Darrington Clark (as Young Man), Tommy Waller (as Newspaper),
Daniel Eugene Parman (as Mike Perkins), Roan Ricker (as Jerry Bigelow),
Alisa Lynn (as Debbie), Matthew J. Williamson  (as Phil Perkins), and
Deanna Mazdra (as May) in The Coterie’s production of, We Shall Not Be Moved,
by Ed Simpson. Directed by Jeff Church, on stage September 19 - October 22, 2017.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

The show runs approximately 75 minutes with no intermission. The performance is designed to be enjoyed by adults, teens, and young people aged 11 and older, but  the day I attended, there were a lot of young kids in the audience and they stayed engaged throughout the production.

Left to Right: Matthew J. Williamson (as Publisher) and Darrington Clark (as Young Man)
in The Coterie’s production of, We Shall Not Be Moved, by Ed Simpson.
Directed by Jeff Church, on stage September 19 - October 22, 2017.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

We Shall Not Be Moved: The Student Sit-Ins of 1960 plays now through October 22 at the Coterie. Tickets are available online.

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this production at The Coterie Theatre. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

Grease at Kansas City Starlight Theatre {Review}

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this event. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own. 

Is there a specific show that you would say defines summer theatre? Perhaps one of the most iconic, well-loved musicals is Grease, and this week only, you can catch this production at Kansas City's own Starlight Theatre!

Photo Courtesy of Starlight Theatre

Grease originally opened on Broadway in 1972, where it ran for eight years and 3,388 performances. Now an entertainment franchise, the show has earned seven Tony® Award nominations and two Drama Desk Awards, spawned a hit movie (1978), two Broadway revivals (1994 and 2007), a TV reality show “Grease: You’re the One That I Want” (2007), and, most recently, the Grease, Live! TV performance starring Aaron Tveit on FOX (2016). "Grease: You're the One That I Want" was my favorite TV show back in 2007 and I have to tell you that I voted for the eventual winners, Max Crumm and (the incredible) Laura Osnes every week!

Photo Courtesy of Starlight Theatre

If you're not familiar with the story, here's the synopsis from Starlight Theatre:

At the heart of the musical’s story is the budding romance of bad boy Danny Zuko and virtuous
new girl Sandy Dumbrowski. When the two wind up at the same high school in the fall, their
summer love is put to the test by the familiar forces of peer pressure and close-knit cliques,
personified by Danny’s gang of Greasers and Sandy’s soon-to-be-friends, the Pink Ladies.
Through the halls of Rydell High to the Burger Palace, drive-in movie and pajama parties,
Starlight audiences will ride along as Danny and Sandy navigate the trials of young love.

Photo Courtesy of Starlight Theatre

The lead roles of Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski are played by Timothy Michael Quinn and Heidi Webster, respectively. They each brought these classic characters to life and the Starlight audience on opening night seemed to thoroughly enjoy their interpretation of the roles. Standout characters during the performance include Eric Geil (Roger), Anthony Norman (Doody), and Anthony Sullivan (Teen Angel). The number Beauty School Dropout had the entire audience rolling with laughter.

The production is directed by Philip Wm. McKinley, who has returned to Kansas City to direct his 11th musical at Starlight. McKinley’s most recent Starlight directing credits are Disney’s Mary Poppins (2015) and The Sound of Music (2014).

Photo Courtesy of Starlight Theatre

Note for parents - Grease is a classic, but it includes some adult themes and mild language. I personally would recommend it for older teenagers and up. Or, just make sure that you look up the show content before bringing the youngest Broadway fans so that you know what to expect!

Tickets for Grease at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $15-$143+. Tickets are available online at Starlight Theatre, by calling 816.363.STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m. Enjoy one of 2017's last few summer nights out under the stars - and make sure you bring your dancing shoes for the singalong during the curtain call!

Thanks to Starlight Theatre for providing my tickets to the show. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

An American in Paris: A New Musical at Kansas City Starlight Theatre {Review}

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this event. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own. 

An American in Paris touring company. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

I wasn't really sure what to expect from this week's touring production of An American in Paris at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre. I hadn't heard the original cast recording and I missed the Tony's the year the production won four awards. So I was very excited to see what this show was all about! 

McGee Maddox and Sara Esty in An American in Paris. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Set in Paris in the late 1940's (just after the end of WWII), An American in Paris follows the story of an American soldier, Jerry Mulligan, and the lovely yet elusive ballerina he falls for, Lise.

The lead roles of Jerry Mulligan and Lise Dassin are played by McGee Maddox (National Ballet of Canada) and Sara Esty (Miami City Ballet). Joining them in the principal cast are Etai Benson (Wicked) as Adam Hochberg, Emily Ferranti (Wicked, Dreamgirls)as Milo Davenport, Gayton Scott (Gypsy, The Women) as Madame Baurel, and Nick Spangler (The Book of Mormon, Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella) as Henri Baurel.

An American in Paris touring company. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

The whole show feels like something out of a classic film - with lots of singing, dancing, and magical moments. The score features many familiar tunes such as “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “’S Wonderful,” “But Not forMe,” “I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise,”and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and “An American in Paris.”

There have been many times I have not been impressed with the use of pre-existing music as score for a new musical, but in this case it works - and it works well. The storyline flowed easily and the music seemed to be made to tell this tale.

Nick Spangler, McGee Maddox and Etai Benson in An American in Paris. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

The visuals provided by the always-moving set design were simply lovely and they contributed to the overall romantic feel of the piece. Several times the dance numbers made me think of the 2016 film La La Land - and I wonder if An American in Paris perhaps inspired that movie to some degree. 

A note for families - there was some mild sexual humor and quite a few instances where the characters cursed onstage. It wasn't overt, but parents of little ones may want to be aware before making the decision to take the whole family. It was definitely appropriate for teens and up and I think it's safe to say could be enjoyed by all ages. I wish I could see it again!

Nick Spangler and the An American in Paris touring company. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Tickets for An American in Paris at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $15-$143+. Tickets are available online at Starlight Theatre, by calling 816.363.STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m.

Thanks to Starlight Theatre for providing my tickets to the show. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at Kansas City's Coterie Theatre (now through December 31)

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this production at The Coterie Theatre. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

Two years ago, one of my favorite theaters in Kansas City - The Coterie - put on a joyous holiday production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. I saw it back then (read my review here) and was so excited to see it return to the Coterie stage for this holiday season as well. My kids enjoyed the show last time, but weren't really old enough to remember it after the fact. This time around? I don't think they will soon forget how magical the production was to watch!

Ron Lackey as Sam the Snowman in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ® The Rudolph Co., L.P.
All elements under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.

It's hard work bringing iconic characters to life, but the design and directing team at the Coterie has again done a spectacular job. It felt like we could have been watching the classic cartoon special!

Left to right: Drake Taylor, Hannah Thompson, Zoe London, and Allison Banks (as Elves),
Emily Nan Phillips (as Mrs. Claus), and Zachrey York (as Santa Claus) in Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. Photo by J. Robert Schraeder. Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer ® The Rudolph Co., L.P. All elements under license to Character Arts, LLC.
All rights reserved.

My four year old daughter was a little nervous going into the show because she's not a big fan of the Abominable Snow Monster in the TV special. Happily, she made it through the production without any big complaints and said after "he wasn't as scary as I thought!" Kudos to the Coterie for making an impressive looking villain come to life onstage with staging that prevented the youngest audience members from being terrified!

Background: Tony Pulford (as Rudolph), Foreground
(Left to Right): Elise Campagna (as Clarice) and
Jacob Valle (as Puppeteer) in Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer: The Musical. Photo by J. Robert Schraeder.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ® The Rudolph Co., L.P.
All elements under license to Character Arts, LLC.
All rights reserved.

Even if it's been a few years since you've seen the original on TV, you will still be able to appreciate the very authentic characters portrayed on the stage this winter. The cast is strong all around, with each member completely immersing themselves in their role and making the most of it. The kids in the audience were all in stitches over the Boss Elf, Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, and of course, Rudolph himself. I wish we could have seen it several times!

Left to right:  Drake Taylor, Zoe London, Hannah Thompson, and Allison Banks (as Elves),
David LeVota (as Hermey), and Evan C. Phllips (as Boss Elf) in Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer: The Musical. Photo by J. Robert Schraeder. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ®
The Rudolph Co., L.P. All elements under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.

With a 60-minute runtime, this show is the perfect introduction to theater for young kids - or just a delightful part of a day's adventure at Crown Center. I am so excited to live in Kansas City, where we have excellent children's theater in our own backyard. Put this entertaining show - and future Coterie productions - on your must-see list!

Left to right: Jake Walker (as Yukon Cornelius), Tony Pulford (as Rudolph), and David LeVota
(as Hermey) in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. Photo by J. Robert Schraeder.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ® The Rudolph Co., L.P. All elements under license to
Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.

If you're in Kansas City, you don't want to miss this heartwarming holiday production! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer plays now through December 31at the Coterie. Contact The Coterie for more info!

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this production at The Coterie Theatre. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre {Review}

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this event. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own. 

If you live in Kansas City and you haven't made it to Starlight Theatre yet this summer, it's not too late! This week (through 8/14), you can catch the Tony Award winning show A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder out under the stars and the night sky.

This show is a stylized piece that features a toy stage inside a larger proscenium, which constantly opens to reveal new two-dimensional settings. The score has echoes of Gilbert and Sullivan, Lerner and Loewe and English music hall - it sounds very proper and refined, while some of the plot (it's about murder, after all) being played out onstage is anything but genteel.

The story begins as we meet Monty Navarro, a man who should have been born into a family of wealth and splendor, but who has instead spent his days poor and without connections. Upon learning he is eighth in line to inherit an earldom, he sets off to meet (....and possibly murder?) all of his distant relations.

The relatives are nearly all played by the same actor - in this production, John Rapson. I have seen a lot of theater and a lot of quick costume changes, but I was astounded by the way this one actor transformed into so many different characters - usually within a few seconds. Beyond the basics of a costume change, he adapted to completely different personalities right and left. It was amazing! I want to watch the whole show again so that I can time all of the costume changes.

This show is a bit unlike most other musicals - it had its very own flare and I enjoyed the new feel. I wouldn't recommend for kids or young teens due to some suggestive content and stylized violence, but for date night (or girls night), it was very fun!

Tickets for A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $15-$143+. Tickets are available online at Starlight Theatre, by calling 816.363.STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m.

Thanks to Starlight Theatre for providing my tickets to the show. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

Beauty and the Beast at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre {Review}

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this event. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own. 

There's no better way to spend a night out under the stars in Kansas City than at Starlight Theatre! A classic show has rolled into town for just this week, and it's one you will not want to miss. NETworks presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast - a family favorite that is a wonder to behold.

Brooke  Quintana as Belle and the cast of Disney's Beauty and the  Beast. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

You're in for a treat with this touring Broadway adaptation of Disney's 1991 animated film. This particular tour has been on the road for eleven months, but that doesn't stop them from bringing a high-energy, visually stunning production right here to Kansas City!

The show features the famous songs from the movie including Belle, Gaston, Beauty and the Beast, and Be Our Guest, plus additional numbers created for the expansion of the show on Broadway. I was a little disappointed that two songs were cut from those included in the original Broadway production (No Matter What and Maison de Lunes), but all the favorites are there!

Christiaan Smith-Kotlarek  as Gaston and the cast of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

The original creators of the 1994 Broadway musical came together again to launch the NETworks’ touring production. The show is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with costume design by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award® winner for the Broadway production), lighting design by Natasha Katz, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, sound design by John Petrafesa Jr. and music supervision by Michael Kosarin.

My three-year-old daughter attended the show with me - it was her first Starlight production! While she was a little frightened of the wolves and the Beast's roaring, she adored all of Belle's dresses and hasn't stopped talking about them. It was magical to share such a special night with my girl - and we didn't even mind the heat.

Brooke  Quintana as Belle and the cast of Disney's Beauty and the  Beast. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

The touring production uses 81 wigs and 580 costume pieces, including some from the original Broadway costumes. Make sure you arrive early at Starlight to go on a tour of the theater - you might get to go backstage and catch a glimpse of all those wigs waiting for their actors and actresses.

The production design lends itself to a storybook feel, with a vine-covered proscenium encircling the cast as they move from Belle's provincial town to the Beast's castle and back again. Be Our Guest was a crowd favorite for sure, with streamers shot out into the audience multiple times. I saw little girls in Belle dresses holding tight to some of those streamers on their way out of the theatre.

The Enchanted Objects of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Thank you, Starlight, for bringing this wonderful production to Kansas City. This experience with my daughter is one I will never forget. I'm sure she and I will share many more magical evenings at this beautiful theater in the future.

Sam Hartley  as the Beast and Brooke  Quintana as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Tickets for Beauty and the Beast at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $15-$143+. Tickets are available online at Starlight Theatre, by calling 816.363.STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m. and there is a Saturday morning show at 10:00 a.m.

Thanks to Starlight Theatre for providing my tickets to the show. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

The Coterie Theatre Presents MADAGASCAR: A Musical Adventure - Now through 8/7/16

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this production at The Coterie Theatre. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

There are a lot of days here in Kansas City when the heat is just too much and we moms have to find something engaging to do with our kids without fear of heatstroke. Last week was so warm, I didn't want to go outside at all. So we spent the week coloring endless pictures, reading books, using our imaginations, and - my favorite - heading to one of our most-loved local spots, Crown Center, for a day of fun.

In addition to hosting amazing free kid-friendly exhibits that change throughout the year, Crown Center is the home of The Coterie Theatre - one of my favorite places in Kansas City! This summer, you'll find that The Coterie has been transformed into a tropical paradise featuring some familiar characters that kids will be delighted to see onstage: Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe!

Left to right: Enjoli Gavin (as Gloria), Patrick Beasley (as Alex), Joey Boos (as Melman) and
Donovan Woods (as Marty) Madagascar – A Musical Adventure, featuring, based on the DreamWorks
animation motion picture, with book by Kevin Del Aguila, original music and lyrics by George Noriega
& Joel Someillan, and directed by Jerry Jay Cranford, receiving its world premiere as part of The Coterie’s
Lab for New Family Musicals in its 2015/2016 Season, June 14 – August 7, 2016.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

This world premiere show, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure follows the hilarious antics of these four rambunctious friends on their madcap journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the beaches of Madagascar. With ten memorable new songs added to a pop favorite from the original score, their journey goes from the wilderness to just plain wild when they are tracked by Skipper and his always plotting penguins, and then learn to “Move It! Move It!” from King Julian and his loyal lemur subjects. The story is brought vividly to life on stage by imaginative sets, colorful costumes, and a high energy, dance-filled production.

We were able to catch a matinee performance of the show that was filled with children of all ages. Their energy filled the air with anticipation and before the show even began, we were treated to cast members teaching us several dance moves in preparation for the "Move It! Move it!" dance break partway through the show.

The show features excellent pacing and the cast does a fantastic job of keeping their young audience engaged at all times. My kids are three and five years old and while they were a little fidgety, they never asked to leave the show. They were pretty mesmerized by the animal characters and asked questions about the story. My daughter (she's three) did not enjoy the "Foosa" song and hid her face for a minute, as she thought that was a little scary. But otherwise, she loved it - and once I told her that the "Foosas" were just people in costumes, she was okay.

Left to right: Donovan Woods (as Marty) and Patrick Beasley (as Alex) in The Coterie’s summer musical,
Madagascar – A Musical Adventure, based on the DreamWorks animation motion picture, with book by
Kevin Del Aguila, original music and lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan, and directed by
Jerry Jay Cranford, receiving its world premiere as part of The Coterie’s Lab for New Family Musicals
in its 2015/2016 Season, June 14 – August 7, 2016.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

Standout characters for me were the four primary animals: Marty (Donovan Woods), Alex (Patrick Beasley), Gloria (Enjoli Gavin) and Melman (Joey Boos). Each of these actors displayed personalities that were evident from every corner of the theater. The supporting cast was phenomenal, as well. The songs are catchy and led to much dancing in our seats as we watched the show. The "Move It! Move It!" dance break truly has to be experienced in person - you won't be sorry! It was so much fun. Plus, a big shout out to the writers, directors, or cast members who decided to throw in some references to other popular Broadway shows. I laughed until I cried when Marty the Zebra alluded to a certain recent Tony-winning production. You'll just have to go see it to find out what I'm talking about!

The cast of The Coterie’s summer musical, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure, featuring
Enjoli Gavin (as Gloria), Patrick Beasley (as Alex), Donovan Woods (as Marty) and Joey Boos (as Melman),
based on the DreamWorks animation motion picture, with book by Kevin Del Aguila, original music and
lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan, and directed by Jerry Jay Cranford, receiving its world premiere
as part of The Coterie’s Lab for New Family Musicals in its 2015/2016 Season, June 14 – August 7, 2016.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

Make sure you check out the remaining schedule of special extras that are included with certain performances -

Friday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and August 5, 7:00 p.m.: Friday Family Fun Night. Post performance autograph session and photo op with cast members.

Saturday, July 9, 2:00 p.m.: Interpreted performance in American Sign Language. 

The cast of The Coterie’s summer musical, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure, featuring Donovan Woods
(as Marty), Patrick Beasley (as Alex), Enjoli Gavin (as Gloria) and Joey Boos (as Melman), based on
the DreamWorks animation motion picture, with book by Kevin Del Aguila, original music and lyrics by
George Noriega & Joel Someillan, and directed by Jerry Jay Cranford, receiving its world premiere as
part of The Coterie’s Lab for New Family Musicals in its 2015/2016 Season, June 14 – August 7, 2016.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

Hats off to the entire crew and creative team for bringing to life a show that so many kids will recognize and enjoy. I am actually not very familiar with the original Dreamworks film, but I still had a grand old time. Get your tickets and head to The Coterie - just make sure you're ready to dance!

The cast of The Coterie’s summer musical, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure, featuring Francisco Javier
Villegas (as King Julian), based on the DreamWorks animation motion picture, with book by
Kevin Del Aguila, original music and lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan, and directed by
Jerry Jay Cranford, receiving its world premiere as part of The Coterie’s Lab for New Family Musicals
in its 2015/2016 Season, June 14 – August 7, 2016.
Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

If you're in Kansas City, you don't want to miss this outrageously fun show! Madagascar: A Musical Adventure plays now through August 7 at the Coterie. Tickets are available online.

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this production at The Coterie Theatre. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.