SPINNING TREE THEATRE PRESENTS ‘AMADEUS’ — The power struggle between two musical geniuses in 18th century Vienna is at the center of Peter Shaffer’s play “Amadeus” that will be presented by Spinning Tree Theatre, April 28 through May 15 at the Arts Asylum, 1000 E. 9th St., Kansas City, Missouri.
Spinning Tree Co-founder Michael Grayman directs “Amadeus,” which features two of Kansas City’s finest actors, Robert Gibby Brand in the role of Antonio Salieri, the nemesis of the young Mozart, and Walter Coppage as Emperor Joseph II. Michael Reiser makes both his professional and Spinning Tree debut in the title role of the gifted composer Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart.
The Spinning Tree production will be performed on a three-quarters thrust stage, bringing the audience closer to the action in the two-act play.
In true Spinning Tree fashion, this production of “Amadeus” will focus on both Shaffer’s excellent script and the talents of the high caliber local cast assembled to perform the work.
“We are taking ‘Amadeus’ — traditionally seen in huge houses with lavish productions — and bringing to it roots,” Grayman said. “We are taking its theatrical clothes off, stripping of its opulence and taking it to its essence.”
Grayman and Spinning Tree Co-Founder Andrew Parkhurst have wanted to include “Amadeus” in a Spinning Tree season for some time.
“It is a piece we have loved for years,” Parkhurst said. “It is a gorgeous piece of theater that transports people. It seemed like the perfect time to include it in our season.”
The story of “Amadeus” focuses on the bitter rivalry of the young musical genius — Mozart — versus the established court composer Salieri, brilliant but tortured by this competition. Shaffer’s work digs into how human ambition can destroy one’s soul.
Both matinee and evening tickets for “Amadeus” are available by calling Spinning Tree Theatre 816-569-5277 or online at www.spinningtreetheatre.com.
“Amadeus” is the final offering in Spinning Tree Theatre’s fifth season. Spinning Tree Theatre recently announced its 2016-2017 season that will include “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” Aug. 18-Sept. 3; the Kopit-Yeston musical “Nine,” Nov. 3-20; “Shipwrecked: An Entertainment – The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as told by Himself),” Feb. 9-27, 2017; and the Sondheim musical “Assassins,” April 27-May 13, 2017. Season tickets are now on sale.
‘RAGTIME’ NATIONAL TOUR TO BE IN K.C. — At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing … and anything is possible. “Ragtime,” an all-new touring production that Bloomberg News hails as “explosive, thrilling and nothing short of a masterpiece,” will be in Kansas City May 17-22, 2016 at The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts as part of the 2015-2016 Kansas City Broadway Series.
Winning Tony Awards® for Best Book and Best Musical Score, this 13-time Tony Award-nominated musical is a timeless celebration of life — what it could and should be. The stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold — set in turn-of-the-century New York — all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow. Their compelling stories are set to theatre’s richest and most glorious Tony Award-winning score.
“Ragtime,” E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel, won the National Book Critics Circle award and sold 4.5 million copies. It became a film in 1981 and a Broadway musical in 1998. The original 1998 production ran on Broadway for 834 performances. A 2009 Broadway revival received rapturous reviews and is now on tour throughout North America.
Tickets for “Ragtime” are on sale now and are available online at BroadwayInKC.com, KauffmanCenter.org, at The Kauffman Center box office or by calling 800-745-3000.
