Much in store this season for Wichita theater

Good news abounds for Wichita theatergoers, who can choose from at least 93 shows in 18 venues for 2011-2012. The Murdock Theatre is expanding its live-from-London HD broadcasts from the National Theatre to include Shakespeare from the Globe Theatre.

The Murdock, which carries live operas from New York's Metropolitan Opera, also is close to finalizing a deal for live broadcasts of a couple of current Broadway offerings like it did "The Importance of Being Earnest" earlier this year. Titles and dates for these two new series aren't yet available.

And a group assembled by Ray and Diane Gans, who have owned the Kansas Dance Academy for 26 years, purchased Crown Uptown Theatre at Hillside and Douglas after it shut its doors abruptly in June.

Its first show will be the stage musical version of "White Christmas," set to open Thanksgiving weekend. The full season, which will include seven shows — both musicals and comedies, plus a slate of children's "lunch theater" shows — has not been announced.

Also, theatergoers have the launch of the new Forum Theatre for the Performing Arts in the renovated former Immanuel Baptist Church at 147 S. Hillside, just around the corner from Crown Uptown. (Visit Kansas.com/entertainment for a complete story, including the venue's schedule of events.)

Here's a look at what local theaters are offering from fall through spring, including a few showing this week.

PROFESSIONAL

Cabaret Oldtown

Details: Performances upstairs at 412 1/2 E. Douglas; shows at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7) Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Tickets: $19. Appetizers and drinks available. Holiday show tickets: Dinner/show, $36; show only, $21. Call 316-265-4400.

* "Evil Dead: The Musical" (through Oct. 30) Wichita premiere of 2006 Off-Broadway spoof of three 1980s-90s blood-soaked cult horror flicks about college kids versus demons in an isolated cabin during spring break.

* "Amazing Christmas" (Nov. 11-Dec. 22) Holiday-themed original musical-comedy revue written by Christi Moore and Kyle Vespestad.

Three spring-summer 2012 shows not finalized.

Wichita Center for the Arts

Details: Performances in Irene Vickers Baker Theatre at the Center, 9112 E. Central; shows at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Season and flex tickets (four shows): $72, $62 members/seniors. Individual show tickets: $20, $18 members/seniors, $10 students. Call 316-634-2787.

Info: www.wcfta.com

* "Bill W. and Dr. Bob" (through today) Based on real people, this drama by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey tells how an alcoholic failed stockbroker and a closet drunk doctor almost accidentally form Alcoholics Anonymous during their search for personal redemption.

* "Road to Rouen" (Nov. 16-20) Original drama by Wichitan Anne Welsbacher about a famous composer who uses bequests in her estate to try to reunite her husband and their estranged daughter by performing the woman's final and very special composition.

* "Round and Round the Garden" (Feb. 15-19) Britain's beloved playwright Alan Ayckbourn crafts a funny and touching tale proving "love is a many splintered thing" as various members of a family run aground in their romantic relationships.

* "The Merchant of Venice" (April 18-22) Shakespeare's tale about Jewish money-lender Shylock who sues the merchant, Antonio, for a literal "pound of flesh" to compensate for his daughter, Portia, eloping with a Christian.

Orpheum Theatre

Details: Theatre at First and Broadway.

Tickets: Available at Select-a-Seat at 316-755-7328 or online at www.selectaseat.com.

Info: www.wichitaorpheum.com

* "Cirque Mechanics: Boomtown" (7:30 p.m. Oct. 19; tickets: $37.50 orchestra, $32.50 mezzanine, $27.50 balcony) Acrobatics and dance using innovative mechanical props tell the brawling, sprawling 1860s story of rival saloon owners who set up shop in the small mining town of Rosebud to capitalize on the gold rush.

* "In the Mood" (3 and 7 p.m. Oct. 27; tickets: $28 orchestra, $23 mezzanine, $18 balcony) Sentimental, romantic, jazzy and patriotic celebration of 1940s Big Band, Swing and World War II era through musical vignettes by authentically costumed and coiffed cast.

* "Hal Holbrook: Mark Twain Tonight" (7:30 p.m. Nov. 12; tickets: $62.50-$55.50 orchestra, $45.50 mezzanine, $37.50 balcony) The legendary actor brings America's irreverent 19th century wit and social critic to life using Twain's own words.

National Theatre Live!

Details: Live HD broadcasts from London onscreen at Murdock Theatre, 536 N. Broadway.

Tickets: $24 adults, $18 students. Call 316-263-1665.

Info: www.murdocktheatre.com

* "The Kitchen" (1 p.m. Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7) Blackly funny tale of life lived at reckless speed as chefs, waitresses and porters from various countries and cultures argue and flirt over everything in the steamy milieu of a London restaurant kitchen.

* "Collaborators" (1 p.m. Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2) New play by John Hodge ("Trainspotting") about an imagined encounter between Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and Russian playwright Mikhail Bulgakov.

Two more plays TBA for 2012.

DINNER THEATER

Mosley Street Melodrama

Details: Performances at 234 N. Mosley in Old Town; shows at 7:50 p.m. Thursday-Saturday (doors open at 6, dinner 6:15-7:30). From Nov. 26-Dec. 23, shows at 7:50 p.m. nightly plus 1:50 p.m. Saturday matinee (doors open at noon, buffet 12:15-1:30 p.m.).

Tickets: Dinner/show, $26 adults, $22 seniors 60 and older, $20 children under 12; show only: $16 all ages. Call 316-263-0222.

Info: www.mosleystreet.com

* "The Devil Wore Wranglers" (running through Oct. 29) Original comic melodrama written by local radio personality Carol Hughes spoofing "The Devil Wore Prada," followed by musical-comedy revue.

* "Goodnight Gracie! Did You Lose Your Garland?" (Nov. 10-Dec. 30; no shows Nov. 24 or Dec. 24-25) Original Christmas-themed melodrama written by local actor/director/teacher Tom Frye, followed by musical-comedy revue.

* Original melodrama as yet untitled by Frye (Feb. 2-March 24) Followed by musical-comedy revue.

* "East Side/West Side" (March 29-May 19) Original melodrama by Hughes spoofing traditional local rivalries, followed by musical-comedy revue.

* Original melodrama by local actor/director Mike Roark (July 19-Sept. 1) Followed by musical-comedy revue.

Prairie Pines

Details: Performances at 7:50 p.m. nightly at 4055 N. Tyler Road (doors open at 6:45, catered dinner at 7:15).

Tickets: $32. Call 316-303-2037.

Info: www.prairiepines.com

* "Murder at the Cafe Noir" (nightly Dec. 1-23) Comic murder mystery with audience participation (voting on plot twists) is a spoof of 1940s noir movies. A young woman flees from her wealthy, controlling father to hide on the tropical island of Mustique, which leads to murder. Between acts during meal is holiday musical revue.

NON-EQUITY

Wichita Community Theatre

Details: Performances at 258 N. Fountain; shows at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets: $12 adults, $10 seniors/military/students. Call 316-686-1282.

Info: www.wichitacommunitytheatre.com

* "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" (Oct. 20-23, 27-30, Nov. 3-6) John Bishop's 1987 murder-mystery spoof set in a New York mansion full of colorful weekend guests from the theater community with lots of secret doors and hidden passageways.

* "The Last Christmas Show Ever (This Time We're Serious)" (Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18) Original script from local writers headed by Phil Speary.

* "The 39 Steps" (Jan. 26-29, Feb. 2-5, 9-12) Patrick Barlow's 2005 quick-change farce sending up the serious 1915 spy novel and 1935 Hitchcock film with all characters played by only four actors.

* "The Boys Next Door" (March 14-18, 2012) Tom Griffin's often humorous but respectful drama about lives of four mentally challenged men in a group home.

* "King Lear" (April 19-22, 26-29, May 3-6) Shakespeare's tragedy about a king who plunges into madness and destruction after foolishly dividing his estate among two of his three scheming daughters.

Guild Hall Players

Details: Performances in St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas; shows at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets: $10, $5 students. Call 316-683-5686.

Info: www.stjameswichita.org/players.html

* "The Glass Menagerie" (Oct. 6-9) Tennessee Williams' classic drama about a poet who learns he can never leave his past behind.

* "The Spitfire Grill" (Feb. 9-12) 2001 musical version of inspiring 1996 movie about a young woman newly out of prison who begins new life in a small town.

* "Heaven Can Wait" (March 22-25) Harry Segall's lovable comedy about a boxer who gets the ultimate second chance.

* "Mary's Sons" (May 3-6) Original script by local playwright Speary about a woman of faith who reflects on the lives of her heroic sons, Jesus and James.

Theatre on Consignment

Specializing in cutting-edge and experimental shows, the avant garde TOC is late in announcing its new season because of unforeseen circumstances, says Cherice Henderson, theater president.

There will be three shows (November, February and May) with three performances each (8 p.m. Thursday-Friday-Saturday) in the First Metropolitan Community Church, 156 N. Kansas.

Check the website for titles and dates in the near future at www.theatreonconsignment.com.

CHILDREN'S THEATER

Wichita Children's Theatre & Dance Center — Main Stage

Details: Performances at Wichita Center for the Arts, 9112 E. Central (unless noted).

Tickets: $5.50; special pizza shows, $7 (group discounts available). Call for show times and reservations at 316-262-2282.

Info: www.wctdc.com

* "Disney's Cinderella (Kids)" (Oct. 6-8 at 201 Lulu) Musical stage adaptation of the beloved animated film about a scullery maid who dreams of becoming a princess.

* "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (Dec. 12-18) A local holiday tradition is this funny, inspiring romp about children who help everyone discover the true meaning of the season when they try to put on a pageant.

* "A Christmas Carol" (Dec. 15 and 18) Another annual local tradition is this musical adaptation of Dickens' classic tale of Scrooge and ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future by local playwright Kevin Reese.

* "Into the Woods Jr." (March 8-10) Stephen Sondheim's musical (adapted for kids) gives a witty, sophisticated spin to traditional fairy tale folk like Jack and the Beanstalk, Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and the Wicked Witch.

Heather Muller Black Box

Details: Performances at 201 Lulu; shows at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (unless noted).

Tickets: $12.50 and $8.50. Call 316-262-2282.

* "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" (Oct. 21-23) New version of the popular 1967 musical adds Sally Brown — Charlie's little sister — to the cast with Lucy, Linus, Schroeder and Snoopy.

* "Cheaper by the Dozen" (April 27-29) Classic comedy about joys and trials of living in a large family.

Once Upon a Time Series

Details: Performances at 201 Lulu by adult professionals encouraging participation by audience members ages 2-8.

Tickets: $5.50; special pizza shows, $7 (group discounts available). Call 316-262-2282 for show times and reservations.

* "Trick or Treat Street" (Oct. 28-30) Imaginative musical teaches kid how to trick-or-treat safely.

* "The Three Little Kittens" (Nov. 10-12) The kittens have lost their mittens but the audience will help find them.

* "The Gingerbread Man" (Dec. 2-3, 7-10) When the gingerbread cookie you got for your birthday doesn't want to stay for the party, what do you do?

* "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" (Jan. 26-28) Goldilocks is surprised by Papa, Mama and Baby Bear in this comic twist on the familiar tale.

* "Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day" (Feb. 22-25) Adaptation of Judith Viorst's beloved book about a boy who can't seem to get anything right.

* "The Three Little Pigs" (April 18-21) Out on their own for the first time, the three clever porkers teach the Big Bad Wolf lessons in how to get along.

Music Theatre for Young People

Details: Performances in Mary Jane Teall Theater in Century II; shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets: $12 adults, $10 students; at WichitaTix at 316-219-4849 or www.wichitatix.com.

* "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella" (Oct. 7-9) 1957 musical adaptation infused with humor and heart about a scullery maid, a handsome prince and a glass slipper that brings them together.

* "Urinetown" (Dec. 9-11) Hilarious musical political satire about greed, corruption, love and revolution in drought times when water is worth more than gold and people must "to pay to go."

* "Les Miserables (school edition)" (March 2-4) Reformed ex-con Jean Valjean is relentlessly pursued by the obsessed cop Javert during the French Revolution in one of the most popular musicals ever written.

* "Seussical" (April 27-29) Magical musical that brings to life Dr. Seuss' beloved characters like The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and Lazy Mayzie.

Signature Theatre

Details: Performances in Scottish Rite Auditorium, 332 E. First St.; shows at 7 p.m. Sunday-Monday (unless noted).

Tickets: $10 adults, $7 students at the door (unless noted).

Info: 316-263-4218.

* "Murder at the Wichita Scottish Rite" (Oct. 30) Special fundraising show and event with local talent to support Wichita students. Tickets: $50-$75.

* "Celebrate: A Christmas to Remember" (Dec. 4-5) Musical tribute to the holiday season written by Josh Larson.

* "Disney's Aristocats (Kids)" (March; dates TBA) Musical stage adaptation of the animated film about a rag-tag group of Parisian alley cats who inherit a fortune.

Two summer shows for 2012 TBA.

UNIVERSITY

Wichita State — Main Stage

Details: Performances in Wilner Auditorium (unless noted) on WSU campus, 1845 Fairmount; shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets: Musicals/opera $16, $14 seniors/faculty, $6 students; Non-musicals $10, $8 seniors/military, $6 students. Call box office at 316-978-3233.

* "Good News" (Thursday-Oct. 2) Delightful revamped vintage musical about college life in the giddy 1920s, featuring such songs as "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries," "Button Up Your Overcoat" and "Varsity Drag." Click to read more about "Good News."

* "The 39 Steps" (Oct. 27-30)

* "The Coronation of Poppea" (Nov. 10-13) Monteverdi's masterpiece is this satirical opera (in Italian with English subtitles) about Roman emperor Nero's obsession with the wife of one of his generals.

* "The Sausage" (Feb. 23-26) Completely improvised dialogue, based on a given scenario, celebrates the Renaissance commedia dell'arte form.

* "The Journey to Reims" (March 15-18 in Miller Concert Hall) Rossini's comic opera (in Italian with English subtitles) tells of travel complications that keep a group of fancy guests from ever making it to the coronation of French King Charles X.

Second Stage

Details: Performances in Welsbacher Theatre in Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th St. North. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (unless noted).

Tickets: $10, $8 seniors/military, $6 students. Call box office at 316-978-3233.

* "Something Slavic" (Nov. 30-Dec. 4) This absurdist dark comedy by John Brown of New York University is the winner of last year's WSU playwriting contest.

* "The Glass Menagerie" (April 4-7)

* "Ordinary Days" and "Edges" (April 26-29) Two one-act musicals by Broadway's new breed of songwriter. The first, by Adam Gwon, is a humorous but truthful look at making connections in the city that never sleeps. The second, by Pasek & Paul, is a quirky coming-of-age tale of four young adults seeking love, commitment, identity and meaning.

Friends University

Details: Performances in either Sebits Auditorium or Alumni Auditorium on the Friends campus, 2100 W. University. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday (unless noted).

Tickets: Musicals, $15, $12 students/seniors; non-musical, $8, $5 students/seniors. Call 316-295-5537.

* "The Pirates of Penzance" (Oct. 21-23 in Sebits) Gilbert & Sullivan's tongue-twisting 1879 comic opera about the star-crossed romance between an apprentice pirate and the daughter of a major general.

* "Nicest Kids in Town" (Oct. 28-29 in Sebits) Third annual original showcase by music, theater and dance students.

* "Pilgrim's Progress" (Nov. 17-20; all evenings, no matinee, in Alumni) Kansas premiere of Patrick Dorn's 2008 contemporary comic allegory about a traveler seeking the promised land, based on the 17th century classic.

* "Harvey" (Jan. 27-29 in Sebits) Mary Chase's Pulitzer-winning comedy tells of a gentleman who claims to be best friends with a six-foot white rabbit named Harvey, much to his family's embarrassment.

* "The Beams Are Creaking" (March 29-April 1; all evenings, no matinee, in Alumni) Douglas Anderson's powerful, award-winning drama about German clergyman Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who becomes a martyr by working to defeat Hitler's Nazi regime from within.

Newman University

Details: Performances at 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 2 Saturday in either Jabara Black Box Theatre or DeMattias Performance Hall.

Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students.

Tickets and info: 316-942-4291, ext. 2196.

* "Lend Me a Tenor" (Nov. 17-20 in Jabara) Ken Ludwig's slapstick farce about a famous, temperamental opera singer and the unlikely understudy forced to take the stage in his absence.

* "Pippin" (March 8-11 in DeMattias) Hirson-Schwartz musical about Charlemagne's son Pippin who searches as both lover and warrior for the meaning of life.

Coming to Kansas.com

Find out about what Music Theatre of Wichita has in store for its 2012 season.

This story was originally published September 23, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Much in store this season for Wichita theater."