Kechi Playhouse

CASTING CALL in KECHI!

2011-07-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

The Kechi Playhouse will hold auditions for ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN on Tuesday, July 12 starting at 7:00 in the evening. The script, based on the well-known book by Robert Fulghum, is a collection of stories and reflections, some funny, others serious. It has a flexible cast, which means there might be a perfect place in the show for YOU! Rehearsals will start August 6th and there will be 16 performances during September with shows on Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings and Sunday Matinees. Reading material will be provided. The Playhouse is located at North Oliver and 61st Street North. For more information call (316) 744 - 2152. We hope to see you soon!

Comedy about Fake Fortune Teller predicted to be a HIT!

2011-06-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Everyone should love our July show, a darling, new play about a fake fortune teller. Even cast members, Glen Sharp, Tanya Anderson and Viviano Legorreta are laughing while they work to nail down lines for opening night. The show, a new comedy entitle, The Psychic by Sam Bobrick, will run June 30 through July 31. Performances are Thursday - Saturday evening at 8 pm and Sunday Matinees start at 2:30. Tickets on Thursdays and Sundays are $10, while Fridays and Saturdays are $11. We love both walk in traffic and reservations, so it's your choice to surprise us by showing up or to have us put your name in our book. Just be sure to get to the Kechi Playhouse before the fun ends July 31st! For more information call 744 - 2152.

Auditions for Comic "Murder Mystery" in Kechi . . .

2011-06-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

Kechi Playhouse will hold auditions for A Little Murder Never Hurt Any Body by Ron Bernas on Tuesday, June 14^th starting at 7:00 p.m. The Playhouse is located at north Oliver and 61^st Street, or for those of you with GPS systems,100 East Kechi Road.

The play, a very silly comedy with parts for 2 women and 4 men, will run for 16 performances, August 4 – 28.

The story opens on New Year’s Eve with Julia and Matthew announcing their resolutions for the coming year. Julia, after declaring that she has decided to read Dr. Zhivago, is taken aback upon learning that Matthew’s resolution is to kill her before the year is out! Other characters are their rather addle-brained daughter Bunny, her finance Donald, Buttram the Butler and a hard working, if somewhat inept, detective named Plotnik.

Shows are Thursday through Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees starting at 2:30. Rehearsals will run through July. Reading material will be provided, so come on out and bring a friend!

RASHOMON, the first show for 2011, opens in Kechi

2011-06-05T23:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone's hard work this last month has paid off – our first show for 2011, Rashomon, opened at the Playhouse June 2nd and we want everyone to come see a performance! Perhaps these production photos will tempt you to drive over to Kechi and check it out for yourself. Showtimes on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is 8 pm while Sunday matinees start at 2:30. Tickets are $10 on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons and $11 on Fridays and Saturdays. Rashomon will run until June 26 and, while we recommend reservations, they aren't necessary – come on out and we will find space for YOU!

Planting Time in Kechi!

2011-05-24T01:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone driving by the corner of North Oliver and 61st Street knows the Kechi Playhouse is about to open when they see the flower pots filling up with new spring flowers, and this year is no exception. The cast of Rashomon is busy almost every night rehearsing and by June 2nd everyone should be ready to open our 150th production. David Dennis and Abri Geist have created some marvelous sword fights and Christy Railsback is stitching up costumes like mad. Our 29th season is opening with a bang and you don't want to miss it. Come take a mythical trip with us back to Old Japan. We'll see you at the theater!

Coffee, Anyone??

2011-05-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

This photo was taken at Crown Center in Kansas City May 14th when I went up to see the American Heartland's production of The 39 Steps. What a wild and crazy show! Five of us went Cyrstal Meek, Mark Schuster, Charlene Grinsell and sister Storme and we all had a great time.
On the Playhouse front, rehearsals for Rashomon are underway with David Dennis and Abri Geist creating and teaching the big samurai sword fight to Jason LaCoss and Paul Snyder. It is so exciting to see this Japanese folk tale come to life on our stage. Thanks to Mark Anderson and his brother we now have one of the tall plaforms from Wichita Community Theater's production of To Kill A Mockingbird on stage waiting to be turned into the Big Rashomon Gate, and all the actors are working hard on their parts. We should be ready to open by June 2nd so mark your calenders and come get in on all the fun! See You Soon!

Japanese Murder Mystery Cast at Kechi!

2011-05-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

2011-04-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well, the photo isn't really Japan – it's the Wichita temple where I saw the Jade Buddha as he was traveling through on his way to his new home in Australia, but it seems like a good picture for this blog entry, because auditions for RaSHOmon (Accent on the second vowel, please) will be April 25th and 26. Rashomon is a tale of mystery set in old Japan and we think it will be an amazing show. Two of the roles have been taken, but we are still looking for lots of people, and not only for our June show but for our July show as well when we will be doing a comedy called The Psychic. Readings start at 7:00 in the evening both days and we would love to see you here. The Playhouse is at North Oliver ad 61st street. Hope to see you there!

Look what's coming up in 2011 ~

2011-04-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Rashomon June 2 – 26

A tale of mystery set in old Japan.

The Psychic June 30 – July 31

A new comedy about a fake fortune teller.

A Little Murder Never Hurt Any Body Aug 4 - 28

The laughs grow as Matthew plots to kill his wife.

ALL I Need to Know

I Learned In KINDERGARTEN Sept. 1 – 25

A collection of comic and thoughtful vignettes.

The Woman in Black Sept. 29 – Oct 30

A classic ghost story for Halloween.

Tickets are now $10 on Thursdays and Sundays

$11 on Fridays and Saturdays

Only a few more chances to see Giant Spider!

2010-10-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

IX'TICHA** Spider-God of the AMAZON!!! only runs until October 31st. Call and make reservations! Shows are Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays at 8:00 and Sunday Matinees start at 2:30. Tickets are $9 on Thursdays and Fridays and $10 0n Fridays and Saturdays.

IX'TICHA Spider-God of the AMAZON at Kechi!

2010-10-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

Our last show for 2010 opened Septembr 30th and the following cast, names from left to right

Glen Sharp, Dana Ellison with Tesha, Dave Bailey, Mark Schuster and Crystal Meek. Not pictured is IX'TICHA** the Spider-God played by Mike Shryock. Costumes are by Christy Railsback and lights by Tom Harms with Casey Eubank as Stage Manager. The play is set in the Amazon rain forest and the production is a world premiere.
X'TICHA** is a spoof modeled after the "B" Sci-Fi horror movies of the 1950's. If you enjoy seeing humanity triumph over creatures from the Black Lagoon, irradiated dinosaurs, spacemen from distance planets and scientific experiments gone awry, then we think you will get a kick out of IX’TICHA**. Shows are at 8:00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and our Sunday matinees begins at 2:30. IX'TICHA** SPIDER-GOD of the AMAZON!!! runs until October 31st, so if you are looking for some Halloween fun come on down to the Kechi Playhouse at North Oliver and 62st street.
If you see only one show about a giant spider this year, make it IX'TICHA**

'TIL BETH DO US PART, opens at Kechi Playhouse

2010-07-06T08:39:00.001-07:00

And It Is Funny! Just check out these photos ~

Kayla Winn as Beth in Kechi's production of 'Til Beth Do Us Part
with her boss Suzannah, played by Deanne Zogleman

Gibby, played by Michael Criss, dreams of a new life far from Cincinnati.

Best friend Margo, played by Brandi Hill, puzzled by her inability
to get a date, laments the lack of a good man in her life.

Completing the cast are performers
Casey Eubank and Charlene Grisell.

'Till Beth Do Us Part will play until August 1st.

Showtimes are 8:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, while Sunday matinees start at 2:30. Tickets on Thursdays and Sundays are $9, and tickets on Fridays and Saturdays are $10.
Walk-in or call ahead, 744 - 2152, but don't miss the Kansas premiere of this delightful new comedy! We Hope To See You Soon!

Hurry - Last Week To See Crossing Delancey!

2010-06-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that our first production of the summer is almost over, but this will be the last weekend for Crossing Delancey at the Kechi Playhouse. It is a charming show with some wonderful performances, so if you have not seen it yet, plan on making a short trip to Kechi.
Also, the Kechi Fair will be this Saturday, June 26, so you might want to take that in as well. If you have never been to the Kechi Fair, there are lots of things to do. There is a pancake feed at the Kechi Methodist Church in the morning, an arts and crafts show, turtle races (bring your own turtle!) and new this year, a cake baking contest. Entries for the baking contest will later be used as prizes for the cake walk. There is a parade in the morning, inflatables for the kids, and in the evening there will be a street dance. This is Kechi's opportunity to howl - think funnel cakes and free ice cream!
In conjunction with the fair, Karg Art Glass Studio will be having it's yearly Ridiculous Sale, the only time all year when Karg discounts his work and people start lining up at dawn for a chance to get some glass for up to 2/3 off. It is a fabulous deal and well worth the wait to get in.
When you stop to thnk about it, Kechi is THE place to be on Saturday.
Be There or Be Square!

2010-06-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Check out these photos from the Playhouse's June production of Crossing Delancey. From top to bottom we have Abri Geist and Sally Pedruzzi in the kitchen, Abri and Beckie Jenek in the park, and finally Beckie and Duane Bristow in the bookshop. Come see these fine performers on stage through June 27th.

Don't Miss Our First Show!

2010-06-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Starring, Beckie Jenek, Abri Geist, Duane Bristow, Sally Pedruzzi and Nick Bishop.
Showtimes are 8:00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and matinees always start at 2:30 on Sunday.
Call 744 - 2152 to make reservations - or walk in anytime!

2010-05-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

If you don't get one in about a week, call and leave your address on our
phone machine or, just pick one up when you come to the first show,
CROSSING DELANCEY June 3rd!

Graduation the Ticket for Kechi Office Girl

2010-05-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

You’ve seen her in our box office for years – whenever you buy tickets or soda pop, she’s the person who takes your money while dispensing smiles for free. But just look at her now – our little Shelby Gegen is all grown up! This graduation photo, taken of her and sister Maddie, shows what a beautiful young woman Shelby has become! This fall she plans to continue her education as a college freshman, but in the mean time, luckily for us, she’ll still be helping out around the Playhouse this summer.

Kechi has a cast for Crossing Delancey!

2010-05-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

It's official - rehearsals are underway for our first show and we have a marvelous cast! Pictured right is Sally Pedruzzi who will be playing our Jewish Matchmaker. Sally has appeared on the Kechi stage numerous times, most recently as the grandmother in There Goes The Bride. Other cast members will be Beckie Jenek as Izzy, Duane Bristow as Tyler, Nick Bishop as Sam and newcomer, Abri Geist as Bubbie. What a way to kick off our 28th year!

2010-04-08T17:35:00.001-07:00

Auditions for the first three shows of the 2010 season will be held on Tuesday/Wednesday, April 27th and 28th at the Playhouse located at the corner of North Oliver and 61st St. starting at 7:00 p.m. All 3 shows are comedies and the parts are as follows ~

Crossing Delancey June 3 – 27

Izzy, a modern woman who owns a book store
Bubbie, Izzy's grandma
Hanna, a Jewish yenta
Tyler, a man Izzy finds interesting
Sam, a man who makes Kosher pickles

‘Til Beth Do Us Part July 1 – August 1

Suzannah, an over-worked executive for Carmichael's Chocolates
Gibby, Suzannah's nice laid-back husband
Margo, Suzannah's close friend
Hank Russell, Margo's husband and Gibby's friend
Beth, Suzannah's new, efficient assistant
Celia Carmichael, the owner of Carmichael's Chocolates

Nobody’s Perfect August 5 – 29

Leonard, a single dad who has written a romance novel
Dee Dee, his teen-age daughter
Gus, Leonard's "swinging" senior citizen father
Harriet, a publisher

Reading material will be provided. We will post a second audition later in the season for the September and October shows.

Kechi Kitties Caught Cat Napping!

2010-04-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here newest family members surround the gray Grande Dame herself. Counter-clockwise from upper left we find Fluffy, Buba, Claude, and Sarah. Will the "youngsters" continue the tradition of their predecessors by greeting audience members as they enter and exit the Playhouse? Only time will tell. However, if, like the tower of London, which is suppose to stand only as long as ravens grace the lawn, Kechi needs cats to insure its existence, we have enough for many years to come!

Late Snow ZAPS Flowers at KECHI PLAYHOUSE!

2010-03-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true, The snow buried all our early flowers, but don't worry, they are still bravely hanging in there, looking just a little worse for wear.
I love seeing the flowers come up every year, because it tells me it's almost time for the Playhouse to open up. It's been a long winter and it will be nice to get rolling once more.

It's kind of hard to believe but when we open on June 3rd this year it will be our 28th season! And our 140th production! Come October that total will be up to 144. We are only able to say that because of our loyal audience members and the many great performers who have supported us through all those years.

Writing, Writing, Writing!

2010-03-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

No, that's not me writing the latest blog entry, it's Michele Marshall playing Ann Landers in our one woman production of The Lady With All the Answers. I hope you got to see it - she was wonderful!

And speaking of one woman shows, the reason I have not been blogging lately is I've been busy writing a one woman play of my own to send in to the Off Off Broadway Playwrighting Contest sponsored by Samuel French. It was sent off to New York with the necessary postmark on the last day that submissions were being accepted. Yes, I know, that was cutting it a little close!

Judges will select 40 finalists to be staged and from those 40 productions, six plays will be selected as winners to go into this year's anthology. I have never sent a play into a contest before, so it is all very exciting. We should find out if the play made it into the top 40 sometime in May. Cross Your Fingers!

2010-02-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

Here is Kechi's own artist, Storme Maynard towering above her sister at the Mary Jane Teall awards in 2006. Each year Storme is charged with creating five original works of art to grace the season's programs. We are very proud of our programs covers!

Storme has worked for Hallmark cards in Kansas City for over 32 years. She has seen a lot of changes in that time, most significantly the move to creating digital artwork.

Storme's interests include writing poetry, flash fiction, and lately the month of November has been dedicated to writing 50,000 word novels with fellow NaNoWriMo's all over the world. On summer weekends you can usually find her helping out in the Playhouse box office or taking production photos for posterity.

2010-02-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

It's cold in Kechi!

As you can see, Kechi got hit with winter weather! I keep telling myself that it won't be long until it's spring again. Whenever I am out running errands, I meet customers who tell me they, too, are eager for the Playhouse to open again.

Our 28th Season! How can that be possible? In fact, we will be opening with our 140th show! The season is still being finalized, but we are hoping to find some fun shows because we know how our audience loves to Laugh!

This blog is a new adventure, so you will probably see it changing before your eyes as I learn more and more about blogging. It's a modern world and I am running to catch up!