Kansas City’s Summer Theatre Scene Heats Up with Exciting Lineup Including ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Disney’s Newsies’, and ‘Moulin Rouge’

Entertainment Heats up with Kansas City’s Live! Onstage July and August Lineup

Kansas City, the dynamic Midwestern hub for arts and culture, is hosting an array of theatre events this summer season. A number of well-known international and regional productions like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Disney’s Newsies, and Moulin Rouge are featured in the July and August lineup. In a recent initiative to promote the arts, KC Studio has compiled a list of plays, music performances, and artistic presentations that are set to grace various city stages in the coming months.

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

In a splash of color and confection, Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” has been cleverly adapted into a theatrical marvel. This enchanting play, featuring songs from the hit Broadway show along with popular numbers from the film adaptation, such as the “Candy Man,” “Oompa Loompa Song,” and “Pure Imagination” will run through August 4 at The Coterie.

‘Disney’s Newsies’

New Theatre Restaurant is putting on an energetic and engaging interpretation of “Disney’s Newsies”. This production, which opens on July 5 and runs until September 8, promises to deliver a delightful family experience marked by exciting dance performances and a heartwarming love story.

‘Disney’s Little Mermaid’

The Starlight Theatre will be hosting a live performance of “Disney’s Little Mermaid” from July 9 to July 14. This Disney classic, a touching and thrilling musical with a wonderful score, is an event meant for audiences of all ages.

‘KC Fringe Fest’

The much-anticipated annual ‘KC Fringe Fest’ will be held from July 12 to July 18. Now in its 20th year, the festival will offer an explosion of performing arts across multiple venues in the city, showcasing over 600 local, regional, and international artists.

‘Alice in Wonderland’

Theatre for Young America brings Lewis Carroll’s timeless story “Alice in Wonderland” to life on the City Stage at Union Station from July 16 to July 27. This family-friendly production is a musical journey that the audience is bound to remember, filled with whimsy, adventure, and surprises.

‘Shrek The Musical’

Starlight Theatre will be featuring “Shrek The Musical” from July 26 to July 28. This stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated film is bound to captivate audiences with its memorable characters, intriguing plot, and engaging performances.

‘Moulin Rouge’

“Moulin Rouge” will be drawing crowds to Music Hall from July 26 to August 5. Baz Luhrman’s cinematic mind-bending mash-up of rock and roll and romantic melodrama is a must-watch musical event.

‘La Cage Aux Folles’

From August 1 to August 18, the Musical Theater Heritage in Crown Center will be featuring “La Cage Aux Folles.” Jerry Herman’s heartwarming musical about family commitment and acceptance has won seven Tony Awards®, making it a must-see for theatre lovers.

‘The Songs of Richard Rodgers’

Quality Hill Playhouse will be featuring beloved Broadway hits from Richard Rodgers from August 2 to August 25. Kent Barnhart and his company will be saluting the composer responsible for the timeless classics of “Oklahoma”, “South Pacific”, “The King and I”, and “The Sound of Music”.

‘Come From Away’

Starlight Theatre presents “Come From Away” from August 6 to 11, a remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded on 9/11, and the compassion of a small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.

‘Trouble in Mind’

City Stage at Union Station will be presenting “Trouble in Mind,” a play exploring racism, identity, and egos in the high-pressure world of 1950s Broadway. Brought to the city by KC Actors Theatre, it will be played from August 7 to August 25.

‘West Side Story’

The Starlight Theatre will be bringing “West Side Story”, one of the greatest Broadway musicals, to life from August 20 to 25. This modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is a fervent tale of love conquering hate, making it an unmissable classic.