Kirby season runs the gamut

The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts recently announced its upcoming season, featuring a full slate of theatrical entertainment, music, dance and even a little magic. But before the magic appears on stage to delight audiences, quite a bit of hocus-pocus needs to happen behind the scenes. And not just with costumes, props and lights. By the time performers’ tour buses pull into Public Square, Kirby Executive Director Marilyn Santarelli and her staff have already performed quite a few tricks, matching programming needs with audience desire, touring schedules, stage designs and ticket prices. When all the elements come together, it’s nothing short of magical for both on-stage talent and the audience, not to mention Santarelli and the rest of the Kirby wizards. Without further ado, here are just a few of the tricks the devoted Kirby staff will pull out of their sleeves this year.

‘Whose Live Anyway’

A good script is often an essential part of a quality theatrical production, but in this case, the script has gone out the window. Join Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Chip Esten and Jeff B. Davis for an uproarious night of off-the-cuff comedy and song where audience suggestion makes the show. Featuring improv games popularized on the Emmy-nominated TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway” as well as some new ones, “Whose Live Anyway” makes audience ideas (and even some audience members) part of the performance, ensuring a night of entertainment that truly is like no other. (Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m., $25-$45)

‘The War of the Worlds’ / ‘The Lost World’

L.A. Theatre Works is bringing some science-fiction adventure to the Kirby radio-theatre style with this double-feature. First up is “War of the Worlds,” a chilling tale of alien invasion. First told by H.G. Wells, the story took on a terrifying realism when adapted by Howard Koch and performed by Orson Welles live on-air in 1938. But the excitement isn’t quite over. Audiences will be treated to an expedition into the Amazon jungle and a trip way back in time courtesy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Lost World.” Trapped in another time, a group of explorers are forced to content with whizzing arrows, rushing rapids, ape-men and dinosaurs, knowing that the very future of mankind is at stake. (Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., $20-$32.50)

‘The Wizard of Oz’

There’s no place like home, and for two brief, wonderful days, home will be the Kirby for this vibrant production of “The Wizard of Oz.” While paying Technicolor tribute to the classic 1939 film, the stage production brings the art deco world of Oz to life, complete with Dorothy, Toto and all their friends. Of course there’s a tornado, a wicked witch and some flying monkeys to contend with before making it safely over the rainbow, but with classic songs, dazzling choreography and spectacular special effects, the trip is sure to be a treat. (Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $25-$52.50)

‘100 Years of Broadway’

Neil Berg and a talented cast bring 100 years of Broadway magic to life all in one night in this stunning musical review. In just two and a half hours, the audience will be treated to the best-of-the-best musical moments from the Big Apple. This production features not only the songs but also the stars from such unforgettable shows as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables, CATS,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Jekyll & Hyde.” Quite a treat all for one ticket. (Feb. 6 at 8 p.m., $20-$39.50)

Of course, this is just some of the magic the F.M. Kirby Center has in store. Nobel Peace Prize-winner Elie Wiesel will stop by the stage, as will “The Great Russian Nutcracker,” a host of children’s programming and the real magic of the Spencers and their “Theatre of Illusion.” But will all of this theatre magic translate into theatrical success? And how does the Kirby define a successful season?

“Three ways,” began Santarelli. “The audience at every show had a great time. We provided quality performances of different genres and arts education to all members of our community at affordable prices. And we sold the amount of tickets we planned to cover costs.”

w

0 COMMENTS