Exciting Times Ahead for Kansas City’s Theatre Scene!
Hey there, Kansas City! Get ready because some big news has just dropped that’s sure to shake things up on the local theatre scene. Central Standard Theatre (CST) has officially announced that the award-winning playwright John Clancy will be stepping into the role of Playwright in Residence for 2025! That’s right, folks – this vibrant artistic hub is gearing up to embark on an incredible journey with a true titan of theatre.
A Little About John Clancy
You may be wondering, who is this John Clancy guy? Well, buckle up for a crash course! Clancy boasts an amazing resume that includes being the mastermind behind the New York Fringe Festival, and serving as the Executive Director of the League of Independent Theatres in NYC. He’s even snagged an OBIE Award for his hard work and creativity!
His collaborations with The Present Company have produced amazing works like Fatboy, The Event, and The Apocalyptic Road Show, which have all won multiple awards at the prestigious Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe Festivals. Now, he’s ready to channel all that brilliance into the artistic community in Kansas City, where he believes there’s a real love for innovative theatre vibes!
Excitement from Clancy
Speaking about this new opportunity, Clancy expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am looking forward to joining and contributing to the vibrant cultural community of Kansas City. I’ve been fortunate to get to know the town a little bit over the past few years. Now I’m all in! I want to thank Central Standard Theatre for this opportunity. We can make great things happen.”
And let’s be honest, we couldn’t be more excited! Bob Paisley, a representative from CST, shared his thoughts, saying, “John is a playwright who challenges his audiences to think beyond the obvious and experience what more theatre can be… Moving, shocking, coarse, sacred, John uses many voices to share what’s inside his head. We are fortunate to collaborate with such a driven and talented artist.”
Dazzling Productions Await!
There is even more to look forward to, Kansas City! In the meantime, Broadway lovers will be thrilled to know that the beloved musical FUNNY GIRL is lighting up the stage! Currently playing at the New Theatre Restaurant, the show features the amazing Leah Platt as the lead, Fanny Brice. If you’ve never seen this American Musical Theater classic, now is the time to catch it! Leah’s voice is as powerful as a freight train roaring down the tracks as she tackles that fantastic score.
And there’s more! Starting now and running through February 2, 2025, there is a delightful production of the Off-Broadway Musical Review, NUNSENSE. This hilarious show features a comedic quintet of Sisters from the “Little Sisters of Olathe.” Audiences can expect laughter and joy, as these talented performers bring tons of entertainment to the stage.
Getting to Know the Stars
One of the perks of working in theatre journalism is getting the chance to meet and interact with some of the incredibly talented touring performers bringing Broadway magic to Kansas City. Their stories, experiences, and remarkable skills help create a vivid patchwork of creativity that truly enhances our local arts community.
So, Kansas City, buckle your seat belts! With John Clancy in the mix and phenomenal productions like FUNNY GIRL and NUNSENSE on the way, it looks like the future of our theatre scene is looking brighter than ever. Stay tuned, and remember to grab those tickets!
