This week in Wichita: What’s going on Jan. 22-28
‘Death of a Salesman’ at Wichita Community Theatre
Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning tale of put-upon salesman Willy Loman has been a cultural mainstay since its Broadway premiere in 1949. If you’ve never seen it, here’s your chance – courtesy of Wichita Community Theatre – to see the American Dream elude Loman right in front of your eyes.
Details: 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Jan. 27-Feb. 6, 2 p.m. Feb. 7, Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain. $10 Jan. 27 only; $14; $12 seniors, students and military. 316-686-1282, www.wichitact.org
‘F*sh’ opening at Crown Uptown
If you want to see on-stage antics that hit a little closer to home, check out “F*sh,” a play making its world premiere in Wichita. Wichita playwright Lisa Sillaway has penned a story about a troubled family in Mulvane whose dysfunctions come to the surface when the three children come home to celebrate their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. This show, which Sillaway began writing more than three years ago, is intended for mature audiences.
Details: 8 p.m. Thu., Crown Uptown, 3207 E. Douglas. $10. 316-612-7696, www.crownuptown.com
Casey Donahew Band at the Cotillion
Known for singles like “Double-Wide Dream” and “Whiskey Baby,” the Casey Donahew Band has been bringing its touch of Texas country to fans for the better part of a decade. The band is bringing five albums’ worth of material to the Cotillion this weekend for two shows. Fellow Texan Cameran Nelson will also take the stage, as will local favorite the Adam Capps Band.
Details: Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., The Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg. $21.50-$25. 316-722-4201, www.thecotillion.com
Hairball at Kansas Star Arena
Many thought the age of big personalities, bigger hair and sick guitar shredding was over, but Hairball isn’t hearing any of that nonsense. Billed as more of an event than a mere concert, Hairball harkens to the fog-filled arena days of Kiss and Van Halen. Until they invent time travel, this is likely your best bet to relive the rock ‘n’ roll days of yore.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Sat., Kansas Star Arena, 777 Kansas Star Drive, Mulvane. $22. 21-and-over to attend. 317-729-5000, www.kansasstarcasino.com
Vicki Lawrence at the Fox Theatre
“Carol Burnett Show” alum Vicki Lawrence is bringing her comedy stylings to Hutchinson’s Fox Theatre on Thursday, and she isn’t coming alone. Lawrence’s most famous character, “Mama” aka Thelma Harper (star of the 1980s sitcom “Mama’s Family”), will also be around to provide knee-slapping antics in this “two-woman show.”
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thu., Fox Theatre, 18 E. First Ave., Hutchinson. $35-$45. 620-663-1981, www.hutchinsonfox.com
David Wax Museum at Barleycorn’s
In the crowded indie rock genre, it’s important to stand out. David Wax Museum does just that with its unique blend of indie rock, Mexican folk and American roots, which its calls “Mexo-Americana.” Bandmates and spouses David Wax and Suz Slezak have released five studio albums since 2008, including the latest, “Guesthouse.”
Details: 8 p.m. Sun., Barleycorn’s, 608 E. Douglas. $10. 21-and-over show. 316-866-6792, www.barleycornswichita.com
America’s Best Cheerleading Wichita Championships at Hartman Arena
One of the only sports that truly has no off season, cheerleading doesn’t just exist to entertain the crowd at football or basketball games. America’s Best is holding its Wichita cheerleading championship at Hartman Arena, where competitors can earn bids to attend the national championship in Kansas City. This is your chance to see some impressive athleticism and choreography.
Details: Doors open at 9 a.m., competition begins at 10 a.m. Sat., Hartman Arena, 8151 N. Hartman Arena Drive, Park City. $13 at the door. www.hartmanarena.com
Greater Kansas RV Show at Century II
If you dream of someday packing up your belongings and living on the open road, you can get a taste of what’s available at the Greater Kansas RV Show. Dealers from across the state will be available with a large selection of low-priced models.
Details: noon-9 p.m. Thu. and Jan. 29, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 30, noon-5 p.m. Jan. 31, Century II, 225 W. Douglas. $7 general, free for kids 13 and under. www.kansasrvshows.com
Dead Shoes, Damn Kids and Digital Wizardry at The Elbow Room
Rock fans who want to see an abundance of local talent all in one venue should look no further than The Elbow Room this weekend. Wichita acts Dead Shoes, Damn Kids and Digital Wizardry will display their brands of rock music at this 21-and-over show.
Details: Doors open at 8 p.m., show at 10 p.m. Sat., The Elbow Room, 1507 E. Pawnee. $5.
‘The Challenger Tragedy: 30 Years Later’ at the Cosmosphere
Jan. 28 marks the 30th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger’s explosion just over a minute after launch, one of the worst disasters in NASA’s history and a stark reminder of the danger of space travel. The tragedy is the focus of the new Cosmosphere exhibit, which includes artifacts, photos and more.
Details: Opens Sat., runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. through April, Kansas Cosmosphere, 1100 N. Plum, Hutchinson. Included in admission. 800-397-0330, www.cosmo.org
‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ at Vertigo 232
Wichita is brimming with local artistic talent that looks to push the creative envelope with their work, and some of that will be on display at “Night of Noise” at Vertigo 232. See the cutting edge of local artistic achievement with works by more than a dozen artists, as well as sound art and musical performances by Matter Under Mind, Hidden Heaven, Living Ghost and Mr. Machine.
Details: 7-9 p.m. Sat., Vertigo 232, 232 N. Market. Free. 316-264-2450
This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 7:55 AM with the headline "This week in Wichita: What’s going on Jan. 22-28."