A B O U T
In The Heights
June 5-10
The Addams Family July 3-8 Memphis
July 10-15
Peter Pan
July 24-29
by Nancy Norton, Editor
There is more going on at Starlight than ever before. If it’s been a while since you’ve been, it’s time for another visit.
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Aida Aug. 3-12 La Cage Aux Folles Aug. 28 - Sept 12 For ticket information visit www.kcstarlight.com or call 816.363.STAR (7827).
f you have lived around Kansas City all your life or just moved here, chances are you know about Starlight Theatre. Starlight has been operating as an outdoor theatre since the summer of 1950, and is one of only three left in the United States today. We thought it would be fun to take a peek behind the scenes at Starlight. Although productions are typically held during the summer, it might surprise you to know that the schedule of Broadway shows is chosen and set long before summer arrives. Each year, Starlight audiences are surveyed to find out what they want to see in the next few years. The staff works hard to come up with a mix of Broadway show types, including everything from Tony Award winners and classic titles to family friendly musicals. The final list of Broadway shows is ready by October or November for the next summer. The musicals with na-
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Narnia the Musical April 6-8, 2012 Friday, April 5 Saturday, April 7 Saturday, April 7 Saturday, April 7 Sunday, April 8 Sunday, April 8
7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
For ticket information visit www.kcstarlight.com or call 816.363.STAR (7827). Starlight Theatre Academy Need information about Starlight Theatre summer classes and camps? Email education@kcstarlight.com or call 816.997.1134.
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H O RSEA NDA CA DEMY. C O M
T O W N
What’s Up at Starlight
Broadway 2012 Season
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Ap r i l 2 0 1 2
tional tours bring their own cast to Starlight, while auditions are held in New York and Kansas
does it? Acting is a lot harder than it looks! While we are on the subject of hard work,
Photos courtesy Starlight Theatre
Starlight at night. Photos courtesy Starlight Theatre
City to cast parts in Starlight’s own productions. Most Starlight productions get just over one week for rehearsal! The exception in the 2012 season is Aida, Starlight’s only regular season show being performed at the Kauffman Center. This will allow Aida to get between 11 to 13 days of rehearsal time. That doesn’t seem like much time when you consider that most Broadway productions are about two and a half hours long,
keep in mind that the actors work in all kinds of weather. While guests can exchange tickets within 24 hours of a show if a weather forecast looks bad, performers will keep working until seeing a lightening storm or other dangerous condition. The stage is climate controlled, which helps when actors are in heavy costumes and it is 100 degrees outside. And if you are the Cowardly Lion, a little ice packed into your costume makes
