OCTA's Gala Fundraiser A Collective Cy Stars an All-Star Cast

April showers bring May flowers, and also the premiere of A Collective Cy, the gala fundraiser for OCTA.

Director Shelly Stewart and Music Director Kevin Hershberger have assembled a cast of some of the finest vocalists in Kansas City to celebrate the works of composer Cy Coleman.

The star-studded cast includes Jake Borowski, Stasha Case,  Val Dodd,  JC Dresslaer, Phil Eatherton, Chris Gleeson, Vanessa Harper,  Pam Haskin, Courtney Koval,  Kristin Leathers, Christina Schafer Martin, David Martin, Kipp Simmons, Greg Toplikar, Stacey Stofferahn, and Reed Uthe.

Cy Coleman was a prolific composer who wrote some classic jazz standards like “The Best Is Yet To Come” and “Witchcraft” as well as Broadway smash shows like Sweet Charity, The Will Rogers Follies, City of Angels, Little Me, The Life, and Barnum.

Director Stewart says “A few years ago Kevin had this idea for putting together a revue of Cy Coleman music.  He has tremendous passion for the man’s music.  That passion is pretty contagious, so we decided to make his dream come true and presented the idea to the OCTA board.  We want to create a special evening for OCTA supporters.  I think it’s the first time a baby grand piano will be on the OCTA stage, courtesy of Bob and Kaye Martin.  We’ll also have a 9-piece band and 16 wildly talented performers to bring Cy’s music to life.”

Music Director Hershberger has spent the last year arranging the music for the 9-piece band.  “It’s been a labor of love for Kevin”, says Stewart.  “I think OCTA audiences are in for a special treat – a show created just for them.”

Advance purchase tickets are $25 each.

At-the-door tickets run $35 each.

For our season ticket members, all tickets are $15.

Call for reservations and to purchase your advance tickets using Visa or MasterCard at 913-782-2990.

Performances are scheduled for May 7, 8, 9*, May 14, 15, 16*.

Our Sunday matinee begins at 2:00 PM and all other shows begin at 8:00 PM.

Auditions for Our Town

Auditions for Thornton Wilder's Our Town, directed by Darren Sextro, will be held June 10 and June 16.

Open Audition Dates:
Thursday, June 10, 6:00-9:30pm
Wednesday, June 16, 6:00-9:30pm

It is not necessary to be at both audition dates. No appointment necessary.

Auditions will be held at the theatre, 500 E Loula.

Audition Requirements:

• Please bring one headshot or photo of yourself, which we will keep.
• Prepare a 1- to 2-minute monologue, which you can either perform if memorized…or simply read. The audition also will include cold readings from the script.
• You are enthusiastically encouraged to read or at least familiarize yourself with the play in advance.

For more information, click here.