Dangerous Obsession by N. J. Crisp. American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd. September 10 – October 24; Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm, some Wednesdays at 11am and 1pm, some Saturdays at 2pm and 4pm. Ticket prices: $12.50 -- $24.50. For reservations: (816) 842-9999. For group sales: (816) 842-0202.

Director: Mark Ciglar

Cast: Susan Angelo, Christopher Coddington, Stephen Paul Johnson

Beautiful Sandy Driscoll is surprised in the conservatory when vengeful John Barrett appears and refuses to leave. When Sandy’s rich husband Mark returns home, things become dangerously intriguing. John is obsessed with pinning the death of his wife on someone, and he doesn’t mind shattering lives and trusts to get what he wants. "So powerfully applies the tricks of suspense that the audience dared not to cough for fear of missing the next turn of the screw." – The Times, London

The Nerd by Larry Shue. Goppert Theatre, Avila College, 11901 Wornall. September 30 – October 3; Thursday through Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. Dinner theatre October 1 and 2. Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $25 for dinner theatre. For reservations: (816) 942-8400, extension 2299.

Director: Bill Warren

The Passion of Dracula by Bob Hall and David Richmond. Old Shawnee Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Drive. October 29-31; Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 5pm and 8:30pm, Sunday at 2pm. For information: (913) 381-4004.

Director: Shelly Stewart

Count Dracula has set his sights on Wilhelmina Murray to be his Queen of the Night, but a nosy reporter, a clever professor, and a madman get in the way. A campy version of Bram Stoker's Dracula.

The Terry Stinger Show by Carlos Perez. Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs. September 4 – October 17; weekends, Labor Day and Columbus Day, five shows daily.

Director: Jim Hammer

Cast: Gail M. Andregg, Russell Bucher, Aaron Couser, Laura Hubbell, Josh Johnson, Mateo Moreno, Ryan Payne, Megan Trealout, Rosemarie Woods

Romeo and Juliet hits the talk show circuit!

The Last Night of Ballyhoo by Alfred Uhry. Highlander Theatre, CMSU, Warrensburg. October 6-9; Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm. Ticket prices: $5 for adults, $4 for students. For reservations: (660) 543-8811.

Director: Ed See

Cast: Alan Bush, Macaela Carder, Kacy Christensen, Lindsay Francis, Heather Kinion, Jeremy Lobaugh, Jayme Overstreet

Gone With the Wind is having its world premiere and Hitler is invading Poland, but Atlanta’s German Jews are much more concerned with who is going to Ballyhoo, the social event of the season. Especially concerned is the Freitag family, which gets pulled apart and then mended together with plenty of comedy, romance and revelations along the way as the characters face where they come from and are forced to deal with who they really are. Winner of the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play.

The Revenge of the Space Pandas or Binky Rudich and the Two-Speed Clock by David Mamet (children’s theatre.) Highlander Theatre, CMSU, Warrensburg. October 23; Saturday at 10am and 7:30pm. Ticket prices: $5 for adults, $4 for students. For reservations: (660) 543-8811.

Journey through the galaxy with Binky Rudich, his friend Viv, and his sheep Bob as they spin off into space with the help of a two-speed clock. Excitement mounts as they land in Goolagong, a world in the grip of Supreme Ruler George Topax and his Great Space Pandas. Laughs and entertainment for the whole family!

Juanita and the Magical Paintbrush. October 19 - November 12. For more information on show times and locations: (816) 221-PLAY.

A Harlequin Romance and The Misadventures of Frog-Girl by Carlos Perez. Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs. September 4 – October 17; weekends, Labor Day and Columbus Day, seven shows daily.

Director: Randall Gist

Cast: Diane Bulan, Andi Bysfield, Carlos Perez, David Ross

Enchanted Forest. George Owens Nature Park, 1601 Speck. October 23-24, 29-30. Ticket price: $2. For information: (816) 325-7367.

This is the annual non-scary Halloween event for the young and young-at-heart. A huge success every year, costumed guides escort groups through The Enchanted Forest where storybook and fairy tale characters come to life in original skits. Come and enjoy this safe and entertaining Halloween adventure with your family.

ComedyCourts. ComedyCity, 512 Delaware. Wednesdays at 7:35pm. Ticket price: $12. Group rates available. For information: (816) 842-2744.

An improvisational comedy show set in a courtroom. You, the public, can sue anyone for any reason, just like the real courts! We provide the judge, attorneys, bailiff, witnesses, even the DNA testing! The jury is selected from the audience. It’s legal hilarity.

ComedySportz. ComedyCity, 512 Delaware. Thursdays at 7:35pm, Fridays at 7:35pm and 10:05pm, Saturdays at 5:05pm, 7:35pm and 10:05pm, Sundays at 7:35pm. Ticket price: $12. Group rates available. For information: (816) 842-2744.

Competitive improvised humor played like a sporting event complete with astro-turf, the National Anthem, referee, penalties, and fouls. Kansas City’s longest running comedy show, suitable for all ages.

The Little Tommy Parker Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show by Carlyle Brown. Level One of the Crown Center Shops, 2450 Grand Ave. October 5-31. For reservations: (816) 474-6552.

Set in a Pullman porter railroad car outside Hannibal, Missouri, four black minstrel players talk show business to a fascinated 17-year-old as they wait for curtain time. This deep evocation of what 19^th century life was like for these men is driven home when Percy, a member of their troupe, bursts in pursued by a mob. In an attempt to save him, the men elect to blacken their faces in full minstrel mask to camouflage Percy’s identity.

Most appreciated by adults, teens and young people ages 12 and older.

Breakfast with Les and Bess. Wyman Place Theatre, 108 Dunbar. September 24-25, October 1-3; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm. Ticket prices: $6 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. For reservations: (816) 637-ESCT.

Full Frontal Comedy members Darren Sextro and Shelly Stewart (foreground) at an improv workshop. The troupe performs at Winnetonka High School on October 1.

The "Halloween" Show – improvisational comedy. Winnetonka High School Arena Theatre, 5815 NE 48^th St. October 1, Friday at 8pm. Ticket prices: $8, $4 for NAE season ticket holders. For information: (913) 493-2278. May contain adult language and situations.

Audience members are welcome to come in costume.

Coming November 5: The "Sacred Cow" Show.

SIX: The U.S. Improv Festival. Westport Coffee House Theatre, 4010 Pennsylvania. October 14-16; Thursday and Friday at 8pm and 10pm, Saturday at 8pm. Ticket prices: $10 on Thursday and Friday, $12 on Saturday. For more information: (816) 276-2022. For reservations: (816) 756-3222.

Thursday’s and Friday’s performances are by eight improv comedy troupes from around the country (two in each show): Black Sheep (Chicago), Conspiracy Theater Co. (Chicago) Drunk Baby Collective (Minneapolis), Funny Outfit (Kansas City), The Evente (NYC), Pavlov's Dogs (Dallas), SAK Theatre (Orlando), and The Screwpuppies (Chicago). Saturday’s Improv Jam is directed by Armando Diaz (writer, Comedy Central’s Upright Citizen's Brigade), Dan O'Connor (Los Angeles Theatresports), and Rebecca Sohn (Chicago's Annoyance Theater).

Plan 9 from Outer Space, the musical by David g. Smith, Mark Knowles and David Brisco Luby through special arrangement with the film’s owner, Wade Williams. Alanz Theatre, 624 E. 63^rd St. September 29 - October 30; Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm with special performances October 30 at 11pm and October 31 at 7pm. For information: (816) 471-APES.

Resurrecting the play that started it all, Gorilla Theatre celebrates its ten-year anniversary with one of its most popular productions. Based on the Ed Wood film recognized as "the worst movie ever made," Plan 9 add music and fun to this terrible story about graverobbers from outer space.

Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov. Black Box Theatre, Carlsen Education Center, JCCC, 12345 College Blvd. October 7-10; Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. For reservations: (913) 469-4445.

Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley. Performing Arts Center, KCKCC, 7250 State Avenue. October 7-10, 14-16; Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. Ticket prices: $6 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. For reservations: (913) 334-1100, ext. 688.

Director: Dr. Charles Leader

Cast: Dustin Baxter, Melissa Legg, Kelly Mipanyarak, David Ruiz

The Canterville Ghost (dinner theatre). Kearney Knights of Columbus Hall, 705 N. Jefferson, Kearney, MO. October 28-30; Thursday through Saturday at 6pm. Ticket price: $10 for adults, $7 for children 10 and under. For information: (816) 792-2539.

Director: Dave Rowell

Cast: Pam Bair, Alison Bowen, Megan Daulton, Rick Daulton, Amanda Davis, Diane Gardner, Doug Gill, Sarah Griggs, Erica Johnson, Kaycee Johnson, Abby Miller, Jenna Morgan, Jennifer Nevins, Kelly Nickles, Jonah Rinehart, Linda Sheridan, Tammy Walker, Mike Walter, Andrew Withee, Dan Withee

A funny, not very scary story, with ghosts, castles, and an American family in England just trying to deal with it all. Children may "trick or treat" the ghosts after the show.

Fiddler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire. September 24-26, September 30 – October 3, 7-10; Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2:30pm. For information: (785) 843-7469.

The story is set in the little village of Anatevka with the family of Tevye, a poor dairyman. Tevye is trying to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community while coping with poverty, a shrewish wife, and a lame horse. But times in Anatevka are changing. Social pressures from the outside coupled with growing anti-Semitism in Tsarist Russia are toppling time-honored traditions.

Rich in historical and ethnic detail, the show features such songs as "Tradition," "Matchmaker," and "Sunrise, Sunset."

Quilters by Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek. Second Baptist Church, 309 E. Franklin, Liberty. October 1; Friday at 7:30pm. Admission is free, with donations being accepted for Love, Inc., a group sponsored by the Liberty Ministerial Alliance. For information: 781-8152.

Director: Carolyn Rutherford

Choreographer: Mark Riggs

Cast: Stephanie Dahlberg, Rebecca Dempsey, Caroline Dever, Juliana Jenkins, Adair Moran, Ann Reed, Alison Smith

The musical tells about pioneer women through stories and songs such as "Rocky Road," "Thread the Needle," "Quiltin’ and Dreamin’," and "Hands Around." The women share their experiences of sorrow and joy. Through it all, they show their faith in God. Quilt patterns are the symbols upon which they hang their stories. Some of the quilt patterns used are "Dugout", "Lone Star," "Log Cabin," and "Crosses and Losses."

Helping to make this production possible are Mark Anderson and the Liberty Chamber of Commerce; Liberty’s Theatre Company; Second Baptist Church; Liberty Ministerial Alliance; Robinson’s; Bratcher Cooperage; Love, INC; and William Jewell College Theatre Department.

The Longview Actors Guild production of Arsenic and Old Lace runs October 8-30. (Pictured from l to r): Robert Hudson, Justin Howe, Alice Kolvy and Janice Wilt.

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring. Campus Center, Longview Community College, 500 SW Longview Road. October 8, 15, 22, 29; (cabaret theatre) Fridays at 7:30pm. October 9, 16, 23, 30; (dinner theatre) Saturdays at 6:30pm. Ticket prices: $6 for cabaret, $20 for dinner theatre. For reservations: (816) 672-2299.

Director: Joyce S. Kuhn

Cast: Steve Eubank, Justin Howe, Robert Hudson, Alice Kolvy, Thad McCullough, Jennifer Morris, Aaron Phillips, Gill Sanders, Eric Sharda, Patrick Simpson, Josh Sisk, Mac Smith, Dawn Stevenson, Janice Wilt

The famous comedy success produced by Lindsay and Crouse. We meet the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously "acceptable" roomers, their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt; and their nephew, Broadway drama critic Mortimer Brewster.

Cosi Fan Tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Lyric Theatre, 1029 Central. October 30, November 1, 3, 5, 7. For reservations: (816) 471-7344.

"Can women be faithful? I think not!" proclaims the old bachelor to his two young friends. "I’ll wager that if you wine them, woo them, masquerade as visiting Albanians and try to wed them under false pretenses, they’ll cheat on you WITH you!" (Sounds tricky to me!) "It’s a bet!" cry the earnest suitors. (I’ll lay you 50-to-1 odds they lose – any takers?) It may not be PC, but it’s definitely fun!

Performed in Italian with electronic display translations.

And I Love Loosey. Running through October 16; Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm. Ticket price: $38.50 for show, dinner, coffee/tea and tax. For reservations (required): (816) 361-9889.

The Curse of the Mummy or Let’s Wrap, plus the Vaudeville revue Pet Pizazz. September 27 – November 7; Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 4:30pm and 8:30pm, Sunday at 3pm. Ticket prices: $8.99 (show only), $14.99 -- $18.99 (all-you-can-eat buffet and show). Discount rates available for seniors, students and groups. For information: (816) 942-7576.

Director: Jeanne Beechwood

Cast: Sara Gentry, Jeff Harrison, Julia Othmer, Kattie Post, Marcie Ramirez, David Reyes, Patrick Reynolds, Laurie Schwab

Georgie and the Noisy Ghost. Unity on the Plaza, 47^th and Jefferson. October 12-17; Tuesday through Friday at 10am and 12pm, Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 11am and 1pm, Sunday at 1pm. Ticket price: $6. For reservations: Central Ticket Office, (816) 235-2700.

The season opens with a spooky, fun, Halloween treat based on the popular children’s book by Robert Bright. The Paul Mesner Puppets brings this adventure to the stage using a cast of marionettes. Georgie is a gentle little ghost who solves problems with kindness and cleverness rather than by frightening people. With his pals, Herman the cat and Miss Oliver the owl, Georgie makes friends with the Noisy Ghost and saves the day. Fun for the whole family!

The Professional Training Company at UMKC. See listing under University of Missouri - Kansas City.

Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig. New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster. Running through November 7; Tuesdays through Sundays at 6pm, Sundays and Wednesdays at noon. Ticket prices: $18.95 - $37.95 includes show and dining. For reservations: (913) 649-SHOW.

Cast: Craig Benton, Dodie Brown, Etta Marie Carlisle, Jamie Farr, Kevin Fewell, Gary Holcombe, Cheryl Weaver, Kari Wahlgren

George and Charlotte Hay are an acting team that once headlined on Broadway but now have landed in Buffalo, New York. Fate has given George and Charlotte one more shot at fame – George is up for a starring role in a Frank Capra film epic, The Scarlet Pimpernel, because screen idol Ronald Colman just broke his leg.

As Mr. Capra makes his way from California to view their performance, several issues emerge. Will Charlotte appear on stage or run off with their agent? Will George be sober? Will their daughter straighten out their lives, as well as her own love life?

Six Women with Brain Death, or Expiring Minds Want to Know, written by Cheryl Benge, Christy Brandt, Rosanna E. Coppedge, Valerie Fagan, Ross Freese, Mark Houston, Sandee Johnson, & Peggy Pharr Wilson, music and lyrics by Mark Houston. Winnetonka High School Arena Theatre, 5815 NE 48^th St. October 7-9, 14-16; Thursday through Saturday at 8pm. Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 55+. For information: (913) 493-2278.

Director: Jay Coombes

Cast: Stasha Case, Diane Garrett, Jane Loutzenhiser, Kristi Mitchell, Cindy Stout, Leira Tillmon

Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig. Buddy Rogers and Family’s Playhouse, 500 E. Loula. September 17-18, 24-25, 30 – October 2; all performances at 8pm. Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children 12 and under. For reservations: (913) 782-2990.

Director: Geff Moyer

Cast: Bill Arndt, Don Carlton, Pat Cleary, Kathy Kane, Kerri McCoy, Jim Montemayor, Karen Montemayor, Gary Smith

An acting couple – not exactly the Lunts – are on tour in Buffalo, New York in 1953 with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward’s Private Lives. Fate has given these thespians one more chance in The Scarlet Pimpernel, with Frank Capra coming to see the production. Will Charlotte Hay appear or run off with her agent? Will George Hay be sober enough to emote? Will Capra see Cyrano, Private Lives, or a hilarious mixture of both?

Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie. Jenkin and Barbara David Theater, Alumni Hall, Park College, 8700 River Park Drive. October 15-16, 22-23; Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Ticket prices: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children. For reservations: (816) 741-2000, ext. 6450.

Director: marsha m. morgan

Cast: Brad Baska, Christifer Burton, Elizabeth Cooper, Sarah Egan, Angela Fiedler, Leon Fields, Aaron Houx, Justin Kuder, Michael Mangus, Mario Munoz, Richard Sutton, Samantha Wade, Courtney Wilson

Based on Christie’s 1940 novel And Then There Were None, the play concerns eight guests and two servants invited for a week-long getaway to isolated Indian Island off the coast of Devon, England. Upon arrival at the mansion house, they are entertained by a framed version of an old nursery rhyme about ten little Indians and how – one by one – they met their fates. Their amusement is short-lived as, also one by one, each guest meets a fate parallel to those detailed in the rhyme. Who is the murderer? On an island with no access to the mainland and nowhere to hide, it can only be one of the ten.

3 Billy Goats Gruff and Other Norwegian Tales, adapted by Christopher Thomas Clegg and Lisa Jorgensen with musical production by Kelly Werts. Blue Valley Recreation, 6545 W. 151^st St. October 20-23; Wednesday and Thursday at 10am, Friday at 2pm, Saturday at 3pm. Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive. November 3-13; Wednesdays at 10am and 1:30pm, Thursdays at 10am and 4:15pm, Fridays at 10am and 7pm, and Saturdays at 11am. Ticket prices: $5, $3.50 each for groups of 20 or more. For information: (816) 333-2871.

A beautiful and musical play based on the folk tales and traditions of Norway. Piccadilly has picked a collection of stories that highlight the humor and wonderment of a magnificent country and every child’s heart. Come experience a world of smart princesses, singing goats, and lumbering trolls. As only Piccadilly does, we will have you laughing with the trolls, and cheering for the heroes and heroines.

The Pit: poetry open mic night. Prospero’s Books, 1717 W. 39^th St. October 24 (fourth Sunday of every month), Sunday from 7pm to 10pm. For information: (816) 960-7202.

Noel and Cole, a cabaret revue. Carlsen Education Center, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd. October 15-16; Friday and Saturday at 8pm. For reservations: (913) 469-4445.

Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10^th St. October 17 – November 14. For information: (816) 421-1700.

Celebrate the wit, sophistication and beautiful melodies of two of the world’s greatest composers, Noel Coward and Cole Porter.

Reach... a movement collective will perform at the Mid-America Dance Network Conference on October 2. Photo courtesy Tom Probasco

Carey and Tranquillissimo. Mid-America Dance Network Conference, Macklanburg Playhouse, Stephens College, Columbia, MO. October 2, Saturday. For MADN performance information: (573)876-7145. For Reach information: (913) 441-2401.

Company members: Sandi Bodge-Kay, Tina Cazort, Andrea Estep, Candace Linn, Richard Parsons, M. Suzanne Ryan

Carey is a five-woman "fun in the sun" dance filled with quick light-hearted movement choreographed by Andrea Estep. Tranquillissimo, a duet, is an exploration of strength, and peace due to loss choreographed by M. Suzanne Ryan.

Reach... a movement collective is a non-profit corporation promoting dance, theatre, and improvisation in the Kansas City area.

All My Sons by Arthur Miller. Mabee Theater, Sedgwick Hall, Rockhurst University, 1100 Rockhurst Rd. (53^rd and Troost.) October 7-10; Thursday through Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. Ticket prices: $5 for adults, $4 for students and seniors. For information: (816) 501-4607.

Director: Alan Nichols

Cast: Annie Bahner, Ryan Berg, Sean Brennan, Clint Hall, Kathleen Kennedy, Mary Carol Mazza, Luke Mohatt, Greg Scott, Crystal Viles, Charles White

All My Sons focuses on two American families whose lives are irrevocably changed by a single business decision. During World War II, Joe Keller and Steve Deever ran a machine shop that made airplane parts. Because some of these parts were defective, many young airmen lost their lives, and Deever was sent to prison; however, Keller went free. In this gripping drama, the adult children of these two men learn what really happened, much to their horror… and ours.

Preview of Plays. The Theatre, Carlsen Education Center, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd. October 3, Sunday at 1:30pm. Admission is free. For information: (913) 381-4004.

See all six short plays of the Senior Barn’s 22^nd season: Who Was That Masked Man? by Mattie Choice, Perfectly Murder by Rachel Commer, The Belle of Backwater by A. Ross Shepherd, Cooking Good? by Stephanie Shute Kelsch, Roses Are Red by Charles Cagle, and The Changing Game by Rachel Commer.

Divertimento #15 (Balanchine/Mozart), Arena (Bolender/Mobberly), and Suite Kander (Reinking/Kander). Lyric Theatre, 1029 Central. October 7-10; Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. For reservations: (816) 931-2232.

In the Wings. Carlsen Education Center, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd. October 22-24; Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm.

For reservations: JCCC Box Office, (913) 469-4445.

A Choreographic Workshop which provides an opportunity for the dancers of the State Ballet to explore new territories as they develop new ballets.

The Toughest Kid in the World. Mission Center Mall, 4881 Johnson Drive. September 20 – October 1. Ticket price: $6. For reservations: (913) 831-2131.

Director: Gene Mackey

Cast: Carla Davenport, John Mulvey, Gabriella Munoz, Ron Simonian

A musical play full of humor and heart, The Toughest Kid in the World dramatizes the adventures of TK, a modern youngster dealing with real problems of anger, conflict and violence. TK redefines "tough" for himself and learns personal skills that empower him to reject violence. Appropriate for grades 4 through 12.

The True Pocahontas. Mission Center Mall, 4881 Johnson Drive. October 9-29; Tuesdays through Thursdays at 10am and 12pm, Fridays at 10am and 1pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Also Monday, October 25 at 10am and Friday, October 29 at 7pm. Ticket price: $6. For reservations: (913) 831-2131.

This exciting play tells the true story of Pocahontas, a young Native American girl who saved the life of Captain John Smith, the English officer who led the Jamestown settlement in colonial America.

Appropriate for grades 1 through 8.

Expressions! – an evening honoring youth excellence in the performing arts. Mission Center Mall, 4881 Johnson Drive. October 30; Saturday at 7:30pm. Ticket prices: $12 for adults, $10 for students. For reservations: (913) 831-2131.

See page 3 for details.

Old Wicked Songs by Jon Marans. October 15 – November 7, previews October 13-14; Wednesdays through Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, Sundays at 3pm. Ticket prices: $17.50 -- $20, $13 for previews. For reservations: (816) 531-PLAY, ext. 10.

Director: Mark Robbins

Cast: Robert Gibby Brand, William Harper

A young American piano prodigy travels to Europe to regain his passion for music. In Vienna he encounters a strict and esoteric professor who teaches the young prodigy about his Jewish heritage, and how to combine sadness with joy to fuel the passion for his art.

Schoolhouse Rock Live! by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough and Scott Ferguson. Crafton-Preyer Theatre, Murphy Hall, University of Kansas, Lawrence. October 8-9, 15-17, 21-23; Thursday through Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2:30pm. Ticket prices: $16 for adults, $15 for seniors, $8 for students. For reservations: (785) 864-3982.

Machinal by Sophie Treadwell. William Inge Theatre, Murphy Hall, University of Kansas, Lawrence. October 28-31, November 2-6. For information: (785) 864-3982.

A young woman, stifled by the confines of the workplace, a dependent mother, marriage, motherhood, and a general lack of freedom, is emboldened by the joy she derives from a brief romantic affair.

Machinal is the fourth major production for the University Theatre and the Institute for the Exploration of Virtual Realities (i.e. VR), which integrates new media and live performance. Live actors will perform in front of three rear-projection screens that will display the stereoscopic projections and surround the stage on three sides. The breadth of these screens will provide the live audience with a sense of immersion within the fictive environment, and polarized glasses will enable them to view the virtual scenery in 3D.

Michael Rice and Kyndra Jones in UMKC's Boesman and Lena, running through October 3. Courtesy: Don Ipock Photography

Boesman and Lena by Athol Fugard. Grant Hall Theatre, UMKC campus, 52^nd and Holmes. September 29 – October 3, Wednesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. Ticket price: $6. For information: Central Ticket Office, (816) 235-2700.

Director: Jacqee Gafford

Cast: Kyndra Jones, Stephen Moore, Michael Rice

Amidst the lifeless mud flats of South Africa, two archetypes walk aimlessly. Beaten down by racism and humiliation, Boesman is the embodiment of the state of the black man in the apartheid era. Lena, his wife, bearing the brunt of his anger and resentment, trudges courageously despite their aborted dreams. The play is a moving testament to the tenacity of human spirit and hope.

Professional Training Company

Merrily We Roll Along, book by George Furth, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Helen F. Spencer Theatre, Performing Arts Center, UMKC Campus, 4949 Cherry. October 22, Friday at 8pm; October 24, Sunday at 2pm; October 27, Wednesday at 7pm; October 28 and 30, Thursday and Saturday at 8pm. Ticket price: $15. For reservations: Central Ticket Office, (816) 235-2700.

Director: Dale AJ Rose

Musically we roll along… backwards in time! A fortysomething famous film producer throws a party to celebrate his smashing new premiere. Two of his longtime friends are there. From there we follow all three backwards to their early twenties, discovering their successes and setbacks and the compromises they made along the way. In one of his most inventive works, Sondheim’s soaring and beautiful songs remind us that life’s sweetest friendships are the ones that endure the growing pains of change.

As You Like It by William Shakespeare. Helen F. Spencer Theatre, Performing Arts Center, UMKC Campus, 4949 Cherry. October 23 and 29, Saturday and Friday at 8pm; October 30and 31, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Ticket price: $15. For reservations: Central Ticket Office, (816) 235-2700.

Director: Theodore Swetz

A playful tale of laughter and love. Young lovers and friends are banned from court to an enchanted forest where they muse, mock, romp and woo to the very end, when everyone tells the truth, gets married and returns home. Exactly as we would like it!

The Hot L Baltimore by Lanford Wilson. Peters Theater, Brown Hall, William Jewell College, 500 College Hill, Liberty, MO. October 6-9; Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm. For information: (816) 781-7700, ext. 5419.

A bittersweet comedy about a cavalcade of characters living in a hotel slotted for demolition.

Dark of the Moon by Howard Richardson and William Berney. Performing Arts Center, Kansas City Kansas Community College, 7250 State Avenue. October 21-24, 29-31; Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2:30pm. For information: (913) 621-2047.

Director: Lawrence A. Gorsuch

Cast: Johnnie Bowls, Jr., Bobbilynn Burns, David Campanella, Chase Evans, Eric Henry, Sara House, Stuart Kahn, James Lendman, John Lutjen, Lyn Martin, Kerri McCoy, Mike Menosky, John Oyer, Julie Oyer, Alice Kay Reynolds, Laura Robinson

Tom Strumillo, Rebecca Elaine Tashkoff, Renee Turner

Set in and around the Smoky Mountains, this enchanting folktale concerns young Barbara Allen, who falls in love and marries a mysterious stranger named John. Their love is soon tested as Barbara’s friends begin to suspect John and his motives.