Jewish Community Center to feature locally produced plays during 20th anniversary

There will be something for everyone during the 2024-25 season of The White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City.

“I’m so excited to be able to present such a wide diversity and abundance of offerings for our 20th season,” Artistic Director Keith Wiedenkelle said. “Our team has assembled an amazing season with something for everyone, from tried-and-true iconic titles to groundbreaking original works … and we’re fitting more programs into this season than ever attempted before.”

The theater series includes four locally produced shows with some of the region’s top talent. With matinee and evening performances available for the duration of each run, it includes:

• “The Music Man” (Oct. 26-Nov. 17, 2024). “The Music Man” follows a fast-talking traveling salesman, as he cons people into buying instruments and uniforms for a community band that he vows to create. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for someone who transforms him into a respectable citizen. A perfect production to open the 20th season, this award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution.
• “Hairspray” (Feb. 1-23, 2025). This musical is coproduced with The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City. The 1950s are out, the 60s are in and change is in the air. “Hairspray,” winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical, is a family friendly show, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, deliriously tuneful songs and a powerful message of unity.
• “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time “(March 15-30, 2025). 15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. Finding himself under suspicion after the untimely death of his neighbor’s dog, Christopher is determined to solve the murder mystery, and his detective work takes him on a thrilling journey that upends his world. Directed by Khalia Davis, new artistic director of The Coterie Theatre, this show also will offer weekday school matinees.
• “West Side Story” (July 5-27, 2025). This musical will be coproduced in a historic partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks, making “West Side Story” one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Featuring music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this iconic show promises to deliver an awe-inspiring experience.

For more information, visit www.thewhitetheatre.org.

–Anita Widaman | Metro Voice