Wednesday, Jun. 03, 2009

Benefit kicks off 40th season

The Theatre in the Park celebrates its 40th anniversary Friday with a “Backstage Bash and Benefit” on the stage in Shawnee Mission Park.

Festivities begin at 7 p.m. with entertainment, refreshments and a large dose of nostalgia. There is no admission charge and the public is invited.

“This celebration is a free event for everyone young and old who has been a fan of this program over the years,” said Melissa Wyckoff, Theatre in the Park’s executive producer. “We will be taking a walk down memory lane and we hope to reconnect with past performers who have gone on to other things.”

As someone used to dealing with the unpredictable weather conditions facing outdoor theater Wyckoff has a backup plan. If it rains Friday night, the event will move to Saturday at the same time at the park, 7700 Renner Blvd.

Wyckoff is calling the 2009 season of The Theatre in the Park, which opens June 12 with “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” the “Hooray for Hollywood” season because all four shows were movies before being produced on stage.

“The Theatre in the Park has been a summer activity for children and adults for many years. We hope this special event will attract participants not only from this year’s shows but from all the shows over the years,” Wyckoff said.

Past performers are encouraged to send photos and information about shows they were in and what they are doing now, Wyckoff said.

Lynn Reddick, whose first part in Theatre in the Park was in chorus for “Oklahoma” in 1982, will be master of ceremonies for the Bash. Reddick has been in 17 productions as a performer, stage manager and assistant director since his debut in

“Oklahoma.” He’s been a member of the Theatre Advisory Council since 2003.

Entertainment will be provided by theater alumni. There will be a fundraiser raffle and commemorative merchandise, including T-shirts and other items will be on sale. Donations will be accepted.

Adam McAdoo and Amy Hurrelbrink will lead the season opener next week as Adam Pontipee and his young bride, Milly.

“The show is just good, old-fashioned fun,” Wyckoff said.

The plot isn’t difficult to follow. Milly is a strong-minded young woman who devises a plan to marry off her husband’s six rowdy brothers to save her marriage.

Jim Shelton of Overland Park is the show’s director.

Hurrelbrink of Shawnee is making her fourth appearance at The Theatre in the Park, her first in a lead role. She previously was in the chorus of “Grease” and “Bye Bye Birdie” and was a featured dancer in “Footloose” in 2007. McAdoo also is making his fourth appearance at Theatre in the Park. He was in the chorus of “Grease” and “Singin’ in the Rain,” and last year had a featured role in “Titanic, the Musical” as Harold Bride, the radioman.

Summer shows

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: June 12-14 and 18-21

High School Musical: June 26-28 and July 2-5 and 9-12

The Wedding Singer: July 17-19 and 23-26

The Wizard of Oz: July 31-Aug. 2 and Aug. 6-9.

Curtain time is 8:30 p.m. The box office opens at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for youths 4 to 10 and children three and under are free.

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