Healing Power Of The Arts Takes Center Stage In FIRE IN THE HEART

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J) and The White Theatre are proud to announce the touring company of FIRE IN THE HEART, arriving in Kansas City for two performances: Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. This exhilarating theatrical event features dance, gospel, hip-hop, classical music, poetry, autobiography and film to celebrate how the arts helped each performer pull through trauma-and pass on what they've learned to others. Through this performance, the audience gets an intimate look at how art can help us process, heal, and remain resilient not only with our personal challenges, but in the face of chaotic, difficult times.

While the core artists of FIRE IN THE HEART are part of a national touring company, the production incorporates local performers in each city it tours. "The show brings audiences to their feet as we share what helps us rise together and strengthen each other," said the show's directors, Deborah Allen and Delores Burgess. The women also perform in the production.

In addition to Allen and Burgess, FIRE IN THE HEART is working closely with choreographer Tyrone Aiken of Kansas City's Friends of Alvin Ailey. Other local Kansas City performers involved with the production include storyteller Dr. Peter Van Veldhuizen, poet Jose Faus, filmmaker Aimee Larrabee, jazz saxophonist Max Levy, contemporary Indian dancer Anjali Tata Hudson, and KC SuperStar finalist Jaeda Dickens.

All these Kansas City artists will join the national company, which includes music director and recording artist Stephan Terry, Concert Cellist Lisa Lancaster, Actress Brittney Buffo and Memoirists Tom North and Judith Sarah Schmidt.

Preceding the performances is an exhibition by visual and literary artists who, like those who will appear on stage, experienced the healing power of creative expression. "Fire in the ART" features the work of over a dozen professional artists and student groups. Included will be artwork created by students which will be made into buttons representing this year's Seven Days program sponsored by the Faith Always Wins Foundation, a unique jacket produced by participants in Poetry for Personal Power, a quilt created by The UMKC Women's Center and much more.

Beside each work of art will be the artist's story. The exhibit opens at the Jewish Community Center on March 24 and continues through April 20. The art exhibit is open to the public free of charge.

"We're proud to be able to bring a show to our community that reinforces the importance of the arts as more than just entertainment," said Keith Wiedenkeller, The J's Director of Arts + Culture. "FIRE IN THE HEART leverages the universal languages of music, story, and dance to build bridges of understanding and empathy...something we need much more of in today's world."

FIRE IN THE HEART is working with over 20 community partners to share the message of healing through the arts, including SevenDays-The Faith Always Wins Foundation, ArtsTech, Interurban ArtHouse, The Second Missionary Baptist Church, Susan G. Komen, Kansas City Suicide Prevention Center, Jewish Family Services, The Johnson County Sheriff's Department, and more. Major sponsors of FIRE IN THE HEART include HCA Midwest Health, Hopecality, The John Weil Uhlmann Foundation and the Patricia Werthan Uhlmann Foundation.

Advance tickets for FIRE IN THE HEART are $18 to $40 and are now on sale online TheWhiteTheatre.org or at the White Theatre Box Office, 5801 W. 115th Street, Overland Park, KS 66211, (913) 327-8054.

FIRE IN The HEART has been seen by thousands across the United States. It was first produced and performed in Long Beach, CA in 2014. The show brings together performers from around the country to powerfully convey how art can become a catalyst not just for personal healing, but also community resilience and support. More information on the April 2019 show can be found at TheWhiteTheatre.org.

Established more than 100 years ago, the non-profit Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City-The J, provides a warm welcome to families of all backgrounds. The J's all-in-one hub for health, fitness, sports, theatre, arts + culture, senior adult programming and youth services including summer camps and child development. The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre, housed at The J was built in 2005. It is a 500-seat, state-of-the-art facility, featuring the latest amenities in terms of seating, sound and lighting technology, and regularly hosts a mix of top talent from the region and around the world. Called "the best kept secret" in Kansas City's theatre scene, The White Theatre's mission is to provide enriching, thought-provoking entertainment that builds on Jewish cultural values, enhancing wellness, meaning and joy for people of all cultural backgrounds.

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