Ed Asner, the legendary star of TV, stage and film, is coming “home” to Kansas City on Father’s Day, June 16. He’s giving us all a gift — one performance only of the play “A Man and His Prostate,” in the Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City.
In this hysterical play, based on a true-life experience, a man discovers his inner self in more ways than one. A near tragedy is masterfully transformed into this one-man comedy, perfectly portrayed by Asner in his hilarious visit to the hospital in preparation for surgery he doesn’t want.
Performance time is 5 p.m., with a special VIP “meet and greet” immediately after the show. While the special VIP experience tickets are already sold out, remaining tickets are still available through the box office by calling 913-327-8054 or sending email to . The White Theatre box office is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Born Yitzhak Edward Asner, the American actor grew up the youngest of his Jewish family in Kansas City, Kansas, and played football for Wyandotte High School. He developed his acting chops in Chicago, establishing himself as a versatile and solid performer. With more than 100 television credits to his name, Asner is perhaps best remembered for his turn as gruff newsman Lou Grant in the long-running award winning sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” followed by the dramatic series “Lou Grant.” Asner is the only actor to have won an Emmy Award for the same role in both a comedy and a drama; in total, he has won seven Emmys.
His extensive film work includes portraying Santa Claus in “Elf,” “JFK” and “Up.”
No stranger to Broadway, Asner returned to the Great White Way in the play “Grace” that also starred Jewish Kansas City actor Paul Rudd. Asner also toured in the one-man show “FDR.” To mark Israel’s 60th anniversary in 2008, Asner played another Kansas City native son — Eddie Jacobson — in The White Theatre production of “Harry and Eddie” that showcased Jacobson’s relationship with business partner and president, Harry Truman.
A longtime activist, Asner served two terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild and supported organizations including The Ed Asner Family Center, focused on promoting self-confidence in differently abled individuals and bringing balance and wellness to them and their families. Now 89-years-young, Asner continues to perform across the country, including the June performance at The J.
“We are absolutely delighted to bring Ed Asner back to The White Theatre stage,” said Keith Wiedenkeller, The J’s director of Arts +. “It’s not every day we get to host a legend of this caliber, and we’re lucky to have him share his special gifts with us here, helping us fulfill our mission for the Jewish community and the Kansas City community at large. Mr. Asner’s unique humor and charm will no doubt leave our audiences wanting more.”
Assisted Listening devices are available for all White Theatre performances, including Asner’s show. Theatre patrons will be able to purchase beer, wine and cocktails prior to the show. Tickets for this production range in price from $17.50-$31.50 for J members; non-member tickets are $25-$45. For more information, please visit thewhitetheatre.org.