An exciting season awaits at The White Theatre, located at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J). Now entering its 15th year, The White Theatre’s 2019-2020 season offers everything from self-produced Broadway shows, to robust concert fare, to educational programs and once-in-a-lifetime visiting artists for all to enjoy.
Comprised of a Theatre Series, a Concert Series and lineup of special engagements, The White Theatre season is produced by The J’s Arts + Culture Department in a state-of-the-art 500-seat performing arts community theatre. The theatre is both welcoming and inclusive, providing handicap-seating options, access without steps, assistive listening devices and The J’s signature open captioning system at select performances, making live theatre accessible for all patrons.
The 2019-2020 season features something for everyone, including The White Theatre’s first Shakespeare production, performances by The J’s artists-in-residence the Kinnor Philharmonic as well as the hit Broadway Musical “Billy Elliot” featuring music by Elton John, co-produced with The Coterie Theatre.
”I’m especially proud of the variety we’re offering this season,” said Keith Wiedenkeller, director of Arts + Culture at The J and managing artistic director of The White Theatre. “We’ve got everything from Rodgers and Hammerstein and Cole Porter to Elton John; from classic Shakespeare comedy to pre-World War II family drama; from the best in modern dance to our annual family/kids show; and everything in between … all produced at the high levels of professionalism our audiences have come to expect.”
The Theatre Series includes four locally produced shows with some of the region’s best talent, including:
“ANYTHING GOES” (Nov. 2-17):
Music, dance, laughs and the age-old tale of Boy Meets Girl — no musical puts it on stage better than “ANYTHING GOES.”
“A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM” (Feb. 8-16):
Featuring devious kings and queens, arranged marriages, unrequited love, unintended consequences … this production will honor the memory of Heart of America Shakespeare Festival founder Marilyn Strauss.
“LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO” (March 14-22):
This Tony-Award winning comedy/drama by Alfred Uhry (“Driving Miss Daisy” and “Parade”) tackles teen angst, social ambition and differences within the Jewish community, all against a backdrop of the 1930s deep South.
“BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL” (June 27-July 19):
Brought to life by the award-winning creative team behind the 2000 film and featuring iconic music by Elton John, “BILLY ELLIOT” is an extraordinary theatrical experience that has captivated audiences around the world. Co-produced with The Coterie Theatre.
The White Theatre’s Concert Series includes:
“A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S MUSICAL REVUE” (Dec. 7-8):
Taste and imagination, the two key ingredients for a first-rate revue, are in abundance in this fresh take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein canon conceived by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie.
KINNOR PHILHARMONIC WINTER CONCERT – “Kinnor Goes Klezmer!” (Jan. 1, 2020):
The New Year's Day concert will feature the artists in residence with internationally-acclaimed guest clarinetist David Krakauer. The afternoon performance promises the sounds and influences of the Klezmer musical tradition.
“FIDDLER IN CONCERT” (March 28-29):
This production will treat audiences with the most-loved music from the Broadway musical classic “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.”
KINNOR PHILHARMONIC SUMMER CONCERT (June 7):
The Kinnor Philharmonic will, again, honor the musical contributions of violinist Tiberius Klausner by presenting the winner of the Young Artist Competition.
The White Theatre’s Special Engagements include:
“OPEN STAGE AT THE J” — Dance & Choreography showcase (March 1):
This dance extravaganza features Kansas City’s premier companies and best dancers showcasing original works from hip-hop to classical ballet and more.
“THE JELLYBEAN CONSPIRACY” (April 4-5):
Join “THE JELLYBEAN CONSPIRACY” cast for a show celebrating —- and performed by — differently-abled students and their families.
“THE BEN HECHT SHOW” (April 25-26):
A legendary playwright (“The Front Page,” “Twentieth Century”) and screenwriter (“Nothing Sacred,” “Wuthering Heights,” “Gone With The Wind”), Ben Hecht was one of the first (and few) American journalists to write about the Nazi atrocities before and during World War II. Using Hecht's own words, actor James Sherman presents the wit and wisdom of this important writer and social activist.
JOANIE LEEDS AND THE NIGHTLIGHTS (Sept. 13-2 p.m.):
Joanie Leeds’ music, tailored especially to young audiences, has received rave reviews in People Magazine, Parents Magazine, The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Full descriptions and performance times for each event are available at TheWhiteTheatre.org. Season tickets for The White Theatre season are now on sale with three ticket package options. Full Season (eight shows), Theatre Series (four shows) and the Concert Series (four shows). Season ticket holders receive many benefits including:
- Up to 40 percent discount versus individual show prices
- First selection of seats
- Discounted additional tickets
- Free and easy ticket exchanges (up to the day before the show)
- No online ticketing fees
- Flexible payment options
- First opportunity to buy tickets to special engagements, at a discounted price
Tickets may be purchased online at TheWhiteTheatre.org, by calling the box office at 913-327-8054 or in person. The White Theatre box office is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as 90 minutes before curtain on performance days.