EVITA, A RAISIN IN THE SUN & More Set for KC Rep's 2016-17 Season

Eric Rosen, Artistic Director of Kansas City Repertory Theatre has announced KC Rep's 2016-17 season, a diverse mix of cutting edge world premieres and re-imagined American classics.

"An incredible line up of searing classics and exciting new plays, the 16-17 season is among the most ambitious seasons that KC Rep has produced," Rosen said. "We're proud to offer a robust, vibrant season that deeply engages with global politics and the connective tissues that bind a family. In this critically important upcoming election cycle, our 16-17 season brings a series of rich, buoyant conversations to the stage."

KC REP's 2016-17 SEASON

Evita
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by Eric Rosen
Spencer Theatre
September 9 - October 2, 2016

There's no shortage of theatrics in U.S. politics but if you're looking to escape the drama of our election year, come travel back to the time of Argentine political leader Eva Peron. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this rock opera explores the role of women in politics, the power of populism and the romantic rags-to-riches story of Evita's life and charity work. Playful storytelling tempers the serious subject matter, turning this classic show into a celebration of one politician's ability to connect with people and the issues that mattered most.

The Invisible Hand
Kansas City premiere
Written by Ayad Akhtar
Directed by Jerry Genochio
Copaken Stage
October 14 - November 13, 2016

Forget what you know about global terrorism and human nature, and prepare for a new perspective that's equally frightening and enlightening. Like a game of chess, two captors and their American hostage maneuver through life in a holding cell, where the hostage tries to negotiate his way out using stock market secrets. This intense show reveals the complicated truth behind our simple perceptions of good versus evil, as we discover the invisible hand that moves the global market and shifts the power to those you least want to have it.

The Fabulous Fitches
Kansas City premiere
Book by Robert Cary & Benjamin Feldman
Music by David Gursky
Lyrics by Robert Cary
Directed by Scott Schwartz
Spencer Theatre
January 27 - February 19, 2017

KC Rep is proud to present the premiere of the largest theatrical production in our history. Laugh your way through this 1930s screwball musical comedy with a modern-day spin. A colorful cast of characters jockeys for position in the wealthy, glamorous but highly eccentric Fitch family, triggering a cavalcade of mishaps and mix-ups that explore gender roles, race, sexuality and relationships of every kind. Kansas City audiences will help shape this new Broadway bound musical and become forever part of its DNA. You are cordially invited to come be among the first to meet THE FABULOUS FITCHES!

Constellations
Kansas City premiere
Written by Nick Payne
Directed by Eric Rosen
Copaken Stage
February 24 - March 26, 2017

If you could hit rewind on a relationship, you might discover the nuances of choice and destiny, and how the two intersect. This spellbinding, heartbreaking love story removes the boundaries of time and space, delving into the infinite possibilities of a couple's relationship to reveal how the slightest change in conversation might send you down an entirely different path. The scene re-sets again and again, in a fascinating look at love and life from one parallel universe to the next.

A Raisin in the Sun
Written by Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by TBD
Spencer Theatre
March 17 - April 9, 2017

The classic story of the Younger family remains universally relevant and deeply relatable more than 60 years after it first hit Broadway. In pursuit of the American Dream, this dynamic African American family wrestles with the push to assimilate into a white Chicago neighborhood, and the pull of their cultural roots. These opposing forces both unite and divide the family, as each grapples with the social issues that challenge their identity - and the personal choices that will determine their future.

Origin KC New Works Festival
Copaken Stage
April 21 - May 21, 2017
Curated by Marissa Wolf, Director of New Works

What Would Crazy Horse Do?
A World Premiere
Written by Larissa FastHorse
Directed by TBD

KC Rep proudly presents the world premiere of a new play by preeminent Native American writer Larissa FastHorse. Twin siblings, the last members of their tribe, have just lost their grandfather when the KKK comes knocking with hopes of forming an alliance to ensure the continuation of their race. A chilling look at the notion of racial purity, this story reveals the challenges contemporary Native Americans face when fighting extinction in a world that seems to have already forgotten they exist. The siblings attempt to find their voices in the outside world, while preserving the heritage that is now theirs alone to carry forward.

Man in Love
A World Premiere
Written by Christina Anderson
Directed by Marissa Wolf

In a segregated Depression-era city, rent parties rage above, while men hungry for work and love roam the streets. A string of murders occurs but no one suspects the killer is the quiet, charming librarian, Paul Pare Jr. Reactions vary across the city, and as we watch the word spread from person to person, we wonder if the killer's violence will extend to those closest to him. Written by Kansas City native Christina Anderson the story examines a world where a criminal and his victims can get lost in the crowd.

KC REP'S GREAT HOLIDAY CLASSICS RETURN!

A Christmas Carol
Based on the book by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Barbara Fields
Directed by Jerry Genochio
Spencer Theatre
November 18- December 24, 2016

Kansas City's favorite holiday tradition is back for its 36th season, presented in the magnificent new Spencer Theatre! A ripping good telling of the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the curmudgeonly businessman who requires the intervention of a few spectral guides to understand the true meaning of Christmas and life. Complete with lively musical numbers, ornate costumes, and dashing stagecraft, Dickens' classic tale of hope and redemption continues to remind us what's really worth celebrating - at the holidays, or any time!

The Santaland Diaries
Written by David Sedaris
Adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello
Directed by Eric Rosen
Copaken Stage
December 8 - 24, 2016

David Sedaris' hysterical tale of elfin' woe is a hilarious send-up of his brief, misguided career as a Macy's elf. KC Rep's hit production returns, featuring a hilarious score of twisted holiday favorites against the twisted landscape of Sedaris's unmatched wit. The Santaland Diaries skewers our sentimental love of all things Christmas-in a production that has become a beloved part of KC Rep's annual celebration of the darker side of the holidays.

2016-17 season tickets range in price from $72 to $317. For subscription and ticket information for Kansas City Repertory Theatre's 2016-17 season, please contact the Box Office at 816.235.2700 or visit www.KCRep.org.

Season ticket holders receive many benefits including:

-Free ticket exchanges
-Co-operative arts discount card good for special ticket discounts from local performing arts partners
-Babysitter rebates for subscribers with young children

-Special discounts at over 20 participating area restaurants- Check www.kcrep.org for a complete list of participating restaurants in the Plaza (near Spencer Theatre) or downtown (near Copaken Stage)

-Monthly emails with exclusive insider info on upcoming events and special offers

-20% off items at our lobby gift shop

-Up to 15% off tickets for Holiday Shows or additional tickets to regular season shows

-Free Parking at both theatres!

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