Download Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ellen McDonald
816.213.4355
[email protected]
FOR TICKETS: Box Office at
816.235.2700 or www.KCRep.org
Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Opens 2016-17 Season with
Evita
September 9 through October 2
at Spencer Theatre
Kansas City, MO (August 16, 2016) – Kansas City Repertory Theatre kicks off its 2016-2017
season with Evita, directed by KC Rep Artistic Director Eric Rosen. Travel back to the times
of revered and controversial Argentine icon, Eva Perón. The Tony Award-winning rock opera
with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice uses playful storytelling to
explore serious social topics. This beloved, romantic rags-to-riches story of Evita’s life and
charity work is a celebration of a leader’s connection with her citizens, exploring the role of
women in politics and the power of populism.
Evita begins Sept. 9 and runs through Oct. 2, at KC Rep’s mainstage Spencer Theatre, located on
the UMKC campus.
KC Rep, Kansas City’s premiere equity theater, has a reputation for energizing classic musicals
with fresh infusions of perspective and creativity. “This production is about framing the
conversation during this election year about who we are and what are we becoming,” says
Rosen. “Evita is about a woman who came from nowhere and through her political will and
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 1
genius, brought about revolution still being felt today. This production could not be more timely
as we watch American politics being redefined in historic measure.”
The ensemble cast, drawn from Kansas City and across the country, includes: Mariand Torres
as Eva Perron, Keely Bierne as Chorus, Nick Duckhart as Juan Peron, Kimberly Immanuel as
Chorus, Abdur Rahim Jackson as Chorus, Nikko Kimzin as Chorus, Tony Pulford as
Chorus, Tim Scott as Magaldi, and Emily Shackelford as Mistress. The actor as Che Guervara
will be announced shortly.
Press night is scheduled for Opening Night Friday, September 16. High-res rehearsal photos can
be found here. Scenic design renderings can be found here. Appropriate for ages 13+.
Conversation Series
Patrons are invited to attend FREE post-show forums to learn more from the artists and creative
teams about the production.
Scholars’ Forum: Sat., Sept. 24, following the 2pm performance
Actor’s Forum: Sun., Sept. 25, following the 2pm performance and Wed., Sept. 28, following
the 7 pm performance
About the Artists
Eric Rosen (Director) was the founding Artistic Director of Chicago’s About Face Theatre
(AFT) from 1995 to 2008, and is a writer, director and producer. Original projects include Venice
(KC Rep, Center Theatre Group-LA, Public Theater-NYC, “Best Musical of 2010”–TIME
Magazine); Wedding Play (Steppenwolf/AFT, Jefferson nomination); Winesburg, Ohio (Steppenwolf/AFT-Jeff Award, Philadelphia’s Arden Theatre Company—Barrymore Award, KC
Rep); Clay (AFT, Lookingglass Theatre-Chicago, Center Theatre Group, KC Rep, Lincoln
Center/CT3-Drama Desk Nomination, Jeff Award); and Undone, Whitman and Dream Boy (Jeff
Award, several productions across the country). In addition to Venice, other KC Rep directing
credits include: Clay; Winesburg, Ohio; world premiere of A Christmas Story, The Musical! (a
hit musical on Broadway—three Tony nominations, including Best Musical); Cabaret; August:
Osage County; The Whipping Man; Pippin; Death of a Salesman; Romeo and Juliet; and Vanya
and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Additional directing credits include productions at Lincoln
Center, Center Theatre Group, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Alliance, Lookingglass, Chicago
Shakespeare, Hartford Stage, 5th Avenue, Prince, Cincinnati, Melbourne (Australia) and
workshops at Sundance, O’Neill, Playwrights Horizons, and the Public Theater. He has
developed and produced over 40 world premieres, including Doug Wright’s Pulitzer Prize- and
Tony Award-winning I am My Own Wife and work by Mary Zimmerman, Frank Galati, Stephen
Flaherty, Moisés Kaufman, David Cale and The Civilians, among others. He holds a doctorate in
performance studies from Northwestern University, has twice served as an NEA panelist, and
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 2
serves on the Board of Directors of Theatre Communications Group, the national organization of
non-profit theatres.
Darrell Grand Moultrie (Choreographer) KC Rep: debut. Off Broadway: Invisible Thread
(co-choreographer). Regional Choreography: Witness Uganda (American Repertory Theatre);
multiple works for The Juilliard School, Colorado Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, BalletMet
Columbus, Ailey 2, Sacramento Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Cleo
Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Dance, Tulsa Ballet, Richmond Ballet, and Smuin Ballet.
Opera El Publico (Federico Lorca world premiere, Teatro Real in Madrid, Spain). Other:
Grammy Award-winning recording artist Beyoncé selected Moultrie as one of her
choreographers for her ‘Mrs. Carter Show’ world tour. Mr. Moultrie also has collaborated with
Tony Award-winners Savion Glover and director Diane Paulus. Performer: Broadway:
Hairspray, Billy Elliot (original cast). International: West Side Story (La Scala Opera House,
Milan, Italy). Awards: Princess Grace Choreography Fellowship Award. Upcoming: new works
for Washington Ballet and NBA Ballet in Japan. Education: The Juilliard School.
www.Darrellgrandmoultrie.com
Keely Beirne (Ensemble) KC Rep: debut. Regional: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 42nd
Street, Mary Poppins, and Phantom of the Opera at Pittsburgh CLO Hairspray (Merry-GoRound Playhouse). National Tours: After Midnight, Smokey Joe’s Café (Brenda) and Memphis.
Education: BA, Penn State University. Instagram @keel_b www.keelybeirne.com AEA
Member
Fabiola Cabrera (Youth Ensemble) KC Rep: debut. Local: Big Fish (The Culture House at
Kauffman Center); Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck); Sweeney Todd (Featured Ensemble);
Harvey (Nurse Kelly); Anything Goes (The Culture House); Night at the Wax Museum (Ethel
Lockhart) and the title role in Annie (Aubrey Bend Middle School). Film: We are the Night
(Mia) directed by Judah Reilly. Faby is a native of Puerto Rico and a freshman at Blue Valley
Southwest High School.
Mia Cabrera (Youth Ensemble) KC Rep: debut. Local: School of Rock (Madison, Music
Theatre Kansas City); Big Fish (The Culture House at Kauffman Center); Seussical the Musical
(Gertrude Mc Fuzz), The Little Mermaid (Windward, Stingray & Baby Swan), Alice in
Wonderland Jr. (Queen of Hearts), Charlotte’s Web (Little Wilbur, Fairgoer & Townspeople),
Shrek (The Culture House). Mia is 10 years old, a native of Puerto Rico, and attends Morse
Elementary School.
Nick Duckart (Juan Peron) KC Rep: debut. Regional: Carmen: An Afro Jazz Musical
(Directed by Moises Kaufman, Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo) and Evita (Olney Theatre
Center); Cuba Libre (LaJolla Playhouse); Cuba Libre (Artists Rep); Evita (North Carolina
Theatre, Raleigh); In the Heights, Godspell, Ragtime, First Date, Next to Normal,
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 3
Joseph…Dreamcoat (Actors Playhouse, Miami); Man of La Mancha, Company, 110 in the
Shade, Zorba! (Palm Beach Dramaworks); A View from the Bridge and Venus in Fur (Gulfshore
Playhouse); Assassins (Zoetic Stage); Farragut North and Masked (GableStage, Miami).
Television: Burn Notice and The Arrangement (USA Network). Awards: Carbonell Award for
Best Actor in a Musical; Carbonell Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. Education:
BFA, University of Florida/New World School of the Arts. AEA Member
Kimberly Immanuel (Ensemble) KC Rep: debut. Off Broadway: The Fantasticks (Jerry
Orbach Theatre). Regional: Waterfall (5th Avenue Theatre and Pasadena Playhouse); Miss
Saigon, 42nd Street (Interlakes Theatre). Educational: Crazy for You, Love’s Labour’s Lost: The
Musical, Lysistrata Jones (NYU Tisch). Education: BFA, New York University, Tisch School
of the Arts. www.KimberlyImmanuel.com AEA Member
Abdur-Rahim Jackson (Ensemble/Dance Captain) KC Rep: debut. Broadway: Soul Doctor
(Circle in the Square Theater). Regional: Amazing Grace (Goodspeed Musical and Capital One
Theater, Chicago). Film & TV: Annie, Black Nativity; Z-The Beginning of Everything (Amazon
Prime), The Knick (Cinemax), Smash (NBC), Juilliard (American Masters). Dance Company:
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Choreographer: L'Oreal and JCPenney Salons HairFashion Shows, Orlando Ballet, Beyoncé Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show, "Crazy in Love"
(LED Screen), Salt-N-Peppa (Lane Bryant Campaign), Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theater, (Co-Choreographer) Beyoncé "Halo" music video. Education:
BFA, Juilliard. www.saagency.com/abdurrahimjackson AEA Member
Nikko Kimzin (Ensemble) KC Rep: debut. Broadway: West Side Story (Bernado, Engeman
Theater). International Tours: West Side Story (Chino). Regional: Sister Act (Pablo), La Cage
Aux Folles (Jacob) (North Shore Music Theatre); The Buddy Holly Story (Ritchie Valens, Casa
Mañana); King and I (Lun Tha, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre); Anything Goes (Luke, Phoenix
Theatre); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Riverside Theatre). Other
credits: My Fairytale (U.S. Premiere), Into The Woods, Hairspray, [title of show]. Awards:
Broadway World Award for Best Performance of a Leading Male as Bernardo in West Side
Story. Mr. Kimzin is the Producing Director of Epoch Creative NYC
www.epochcreativenyc.com. Education: BFA in Musical Theater, University of Arizona.
www.nikkokimzin.com AEA Member
Julia Masterson (Youth Ensemble) KC Rep: A Christmas Carol. Local: School of Rock (Music
Theatre Kansas City); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Theatre in the Park);
Bells Are Ringing (Broadway at Baker. Julia is a freshman at Blue Valley Northwest High
School, tumbles at Valley View Dance Studio and studies at the Miller Marley School of Dance
and Voice.
Tony Pulford (Ensemble) KC Rep: debut. Local: Tomás and the Library Lady; A Charlie
Brown Christmas; The Miracle Worker; Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat, Rudolph The Red-Nosed
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 4
Reindeer: The Musical (The Coterie); West side Story (Spinning Tree Theatre); Jesus Christ
Superstar (Musical Theatre Heritage). Mr. Pulford as also an actor with The Coterie’s Dramatic
Health Education Project. Education: BA in Theatre, Northwest Missouri State University.
Robin Robles (Youth Ensemble) KC Rep: debut. Local: Big Fish (The Culture House at
Kauffman Center); High School Musical (Zeke Baylor); The Addams Family (Pugsley);
Seussical the Musical (Mr. Mayor); The Little Mermaid (Flounder); Charlotte’s Web (Story
Teller); Children’s Letter’s to God (Spy); The Wizard of Oz (Lollipop Guild); Annie (Olathe
Christian School). Robin studied this summer with the Kansas City Lyric Opera, and is currently
taking voice and choir at The Culture House.
Tim Scott (Magaldi, Ensemble) KC Rep: Hair: Retrospection Local: Aladdin, Footloose, The
Sound of Music (Starlight Theatre); Hands on a Hardbody, Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play,
Tick, Tick... Boom! (Unicorn Theatre); The Addams Family (New Theatre), Evita, Sunday in the
Park with George, Into the Woods, Guys & Dolls, Brigadoon, The Pajama Game, The
Fantasticks (Musical Theater Heritage); Seussical, Shrek, Lucky Duck, Ferdinand the Bull (The
Coterie); It's a Wonderful Life, No Way to Treat a Lady, Are We There Yet? Buddy: The Buddy
Holly Story (American Heartland Theatre); Pete 'n' Keely, The Musical of Musicals (The
Musical!) (Quality Hill Playhouse). Off-Broadway: Lucky Duck (New Victory
Theatre). National Tour: Beauty & the Beast. Television: Correspondent KCTV-5, Better
Kansas City. Affiliations: Producer/Director - Musical Monday and Tuesday, A Night on the
Town Performance Series (Musical Theater Heritage). Mr. Scott is perhaps still most identified
for his previous work as the award-winning Emcee for the Kansas City Royals.
www.TimmyScott.com Twitter: @timscott411 Instagram: @timmyinkc AEA Member
Emily Shackelford (Mistress, Ensemble) KC Rep: The Fantasticks, Stillwater, Hair
Retrospection, The Foreigner, Cabaret. Regional: Nunsense II, Quality Street, Secret Garden
(Okoboji Summer Theatre). Local: By The Way Meet Vera Stark (Unicorn Theatre); A Year with
Frog and Toad, Afflicted: Daughters of Salem, School House Rock Live, Seussical, Spring
Awakening, The Wiz, Lucky Duck (including the New York production at New Victory Theatre),
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (The Coterie); Kiss Me Kate
,1776 (Musical Theater Heritage); Eating Raoul (EGADS! Theatre Company); Aladdin (Starlight
at the Kauffman Center); Bingo! The Winning Musical (American Heartland Theatre); Pride and
Prejudice (Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre); Death of Cupid (Written and Directed by Kyle
Hatley, The Living Room Theatre) Education: BFA in Theatre Arts, Stephens College. Ms.
Shackelford is a cast member of the Chicago sketch comedy group “Bevvy”. Instagram
@emilyareti. AEA Member
Mariand Torres (Eva Peron) KC Rep: debut. International/National Tours: Prince of
Broadway (Japan World Premiere/Directed by Harold Prince/ Susan Stroman); Wicked
(Elphaba). Off Broadway: Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Original Cast/ Cast
Recording); School of Rock (Gramercy Theatre, World Premiere directed by Laurence Connor);
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 5
The People Vs. Mona (Ground-up Productions). Regional: Spamalot (Connecticut Repertory
Theatre); Giant (World Premiere, Signature Theatre); Murder Ballad (Actors’ Playhouse),
among others. Workshops: Lempicka (Yale Repertory Theatre/dir. by Mark Wing-Davey); The
Sting (directed by John Rando); Mortality Play (Yale Institute for Musical Theatre/dir. by Mark
Brokaw); Like Water for Chocolate (Sundance Theatre Lab); Tina Girlstar (New York Stage and
Film); numerous works with LAByrinth Theatre Company, among others. TV: Madam
Secretary. Awards: Carbonell Award for Featured Actress in a Musical, Carbonell Award for
Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical. Education: BM in Musical Theatre, University of Miami.
www.mariandtorres.com AEA Member
The design and production team includes Anthony T. Edwards (Music Director), Jack Magaw
(Set Design), Jeffrey Cady (Lighting Design), Lindsay W. Davis (Costume Design), Alex
Hawthorn (Sound Design) and Jason H. Thompson (Projections Design) Darrel Moultrie
(Choreography), and Calyn P. Swain (Production Stage Manager).
Subscriptions and Tickets
Tickets to Evita start at $30. For 2016-17 season subscription and ticket information, please
contact the Box Office at 816.235.2700 or visit www.KCRep.org.
Gala 2017
Save the date for Saturday, May 20, 2017. Proceeds helped ensure that KC Rep can continue to
create professional productions that garner regional and national acclaim and provide lifelong
learning opportunities through our Education and Community Programs which benefit more than
10,000 Kansas City area students each year. For more information, please contact Amanda
Middaugh at [email protected] or 816.235.1489.
About Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Kansas City Repertory Theatre, one of the nation's oldest and most respected regional theaters, is
the center of a great theatre town. KC Rep produces theatrical excellence, creating and sharing
stories at the center of our nation’s creative crossroads. KC Rep’s mission is to advance the art
form while cultivating passionate audiences, artists, and advocates to invest in our region’s
creative future. We build community by connecting people through productions and outreach
that educate, entertain, challenge and inspire. Lauded by The Wall Street Journal, TIME
magazine, Variety and The Toronto Sun, KC Rep produces mainstage plays and special events at
Spencer Theatre, where it serves as the professional theatre in residence at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), and Copaken Stage located in downtown Kansas City. KC Rep
employs more than 250 professional artists, technicians and administrators, and serves more than
100,000 patrons and 12,000 school children annually. Kansas City Repertory Theatre is led by
Artistic Director Eric Rosen and Executive Director Angela Lee Gieras.
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 6
Social and Digital Media
Receive daily updates by ‘Liking’ KCRep’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KCREP
and follow KC Rep on Twitter at @KCRep or on YouTube by visiting
https://www.youtube.com/user/kansascityrep. High resolution photos can be downloaded here.
B-roll is available upon request.
2016-2017 Season At A Glance
Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Kansas City Repertory Theatre ticket office 816.235.2700
Purchase tickets online at www.kcrep.org.
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 times 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
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 7
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
March 3 – April 2, 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 resets 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
Co-Directed by Chip Miller and Marissa Wolf
Spencer Theatre
March 24 – April 16, 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 28 – May 28, 2017
Curated by Marissa Wolf, Director of New Works
What Would Crazy Horse Do?
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 8
A World Premiere
Written by Larissa FastHorse
Director 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 Field
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
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 9
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. Last year’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.
Subscriptions and Tickets
2016-17 season tickets start at $218. 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!
###
Please direct all media inquiries to: [email protected].
For further information, please visit our Web site at www.kcrep.org.
For Tickets: 816.235.2700 or www.kcrep.org.
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Opens 2016-17 Season with EVITA
Page 10