The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J will reopen following a two-month renovation with a production of "A Chorus Line," running Nov. 7-22 in Overland Park.
The musical, which was the first production staged at the White Theatre when it opened in fall 2005, will launch the venue's 2026-27 Theatre Series. The renovations include new seating, improved acoustics and better sightlines.
"It's important to us that audiences not only see an extraordinary production, but also experience theatre in a space that has been thoughtfully designed with them in mind," said Jonah Greene, director of Arts & Culture at The J. "From the moment guests walk through the doors to the final curtain, we want them to feel that they are experiencing something special!"
Set during a single Broadway audition, "A Chorus Line" follows 17 dancers competing for eight spots in a new show's chorus. Under the direction of a character named Zach, the dancers share their personal stories, including how they became performers, what motivates them and the sacrifices they are willing to make for a place onstage.
The musical won the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and nine Tony Awards. Its songs include "What I Did for Love," "One" and "At the Ballet."
Christina Burton, who is directing and choreographing the production, said she hopes to honor the show's legacy while finding contemporary ways to tell its story.
"It is exciting to be a part of its re-production, and I cannot wait to honor the tradition of the show, while creating contemporary ways of telling this timeless story," Burton said. "I hope audiences are entertained by the dancing, inspired by their stories and in awe of the talent on stage that makes Kansas City theatre some of the best in the nation!"
The cast includes Kacy Christensen as Zach, Liz Golson as Cassie Ferguson, Brian Houchin as Larry, Taylor Rand as Diana Morales, Raleigh Peterson as Sheila Bryant, Lacy Goettling as Maggie Winslow and Mckenna Lewis as Bebe Bensenheimer.
Also appearing are Willa Walberg as Judy Turner, Mckenna Wilson as Kristine Urich, Ella Bentley as Val Clark, Weston Thomas as Bobby Mills, Cody Kreutzer as Mark Anthony and Austin Shively as Greg Gardner.
Evening performances of "A Chorus Line" will be held Wednesdays, Nov. 11 and 18; Thursdays, Nov. 12 and 19; and Saturdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are scheduled for Nov. 8, 15 and 22 at 2 p.m.
The production is recommended for ages 12 and older. Tickets are available at TheWhiteTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 913-327-8054. The theatre is located at 5801 W. 115th St. in Overland Park.