Wichita Live Theatre Guide: Fall & Holiday 2022

One of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, "Macbeth" is a tale of ghosts, prophecy, madness and murder. When three witches tell Scottish thane Macbeth that he will rule, he plots with his wife, Lady Macbeth, to kill the old king and ascend the throne. But this is only the beginning. As his paranoia grows, so too does Macbeth's body count, until civil war erupts and the very land itself moves to overthrow him.

You can see "Macbeth" at area parks September 9–25. Wichita Shakespeare Company's Facebook page has the latest information and schedule.

Kechi Playhouse closes out its landmark 40th season with two very different but beloved favorites. Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" returns to the Playhouse for the first time in decades. This classic "memory play" runs September 9–25 with a stellar cast you won't want to miss.

And then for something completely different…"IX'TICHA** Spider-God of the Amazon!!!" returns to the Playhouse to get you in the Halloween spirit. This hilarious send-up of 40s and 50s B-movie monster flicks will have you screaming with laughter. Catch it September 30–October 23.

"If you see only one show with a giant spider this year, make it IX'TICHA!"

Two upcoming holiday-themed shows at Mosley Street Melodrama are sure to sell out quickly, so don't wait to snag your tickets! Each Mosley Street show features an audience-interactive comedy in the first act, followed by a musical comedy revue after intermission.

"The Witches of Eastborough," running September 16–October 19, is a returning favorite by Carol Hughes. It's sure to get you in the Halloween spirit—but just like the real Eastborough, don't speed on your way there!

From November 11–December 23 you can see "Scrooge You! A Bad Christmas Carol" by Tom Frye, featuring a cast of Mosley Street all-stars.

The Forum Theatre Company presents one of its dream shows with "Titanic," setting sail September 22–October 9. A new small ensemble version enables the Forum to produce this soaring musical for the first time in Wichita. Epic and majestic, with moments of heartbreaking intimacy, "Titanic" captures the triumph and tragedy of the hopeful passengers on the ill-fated Ship of Dreams.

If "Elf" is one of your must-watch holiday films (or even if you've never seen it), you won't want to miss the stage musical adaption. After all, "Even the biggest Cotton-Headed-Ninny-Muggins will leave the theatre with a warm festive glow!"

As a young orphan, Buddy mistakenly crawled into Santa's bag of gifts and was transported to the North Pole. He was raised as an elf and has no idea he's actually human, until his enormous size and lack of toy-making skills cause him to face the truth. This hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy runs December 1–18.

Running October 13–16 at St. James Episcopal Church, "The Country Girl" is a poetic and moving drama about love, theatre and redemption. It was adapted into the 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly.

Frank Elgin is an alcoholic Broadway star whose fame has long faded. He is given a second chance with a role in a new play. The director, Dodd, believes that Frank's ever-present wife, Georgie, is the cause of her husband's failures and self-destructive behavior. But as a relationship develops between Dodd and Georgie, the truth comes to light.

Do the Time Warp again! "The Rocky Horror Show" is now an annual Halloween tradition at the Crown Uptown Theatre. In this live theatrical experience, you'll travel with wholesome sweethearts Brad and Janet as they encounter libidinous mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter for a night of creation, lust and rock n' roll. This cult classic musical runs October 14–30. Dressing up is encouraged, and prop packs are available for purchase at the door.

You don't have to travel to NYC for a Christmas spectacular—it's available right here in Wichita! Running November 18–December 18, the all-ages "Crown Holiday Spectacular" will dazzle you with high-energy singing, dancing and comedic acts.

What's better than a good mystery on a spooky fall night? And who does mystery better than Dame Agatha Christie? Wichita Community Theatre presents Christie's classic "The Mousetrap" October 20–30. (Shhh…don't reveal the twist ending!)

If you can't get enough of Regency romance and want to see something comfy-cozy for the holidays, you're in luck. WCT brings "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley" to Wichita for the first time December 1–11. This sequel to "Pride and Prejudice" features familiar faces like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, but it's bookish middle sister Mary Bennet who is in the spotlight. Will she find independence, an intellectual match…and maybe love?

Following Roxy's October tradition of B-movies made into musicals, "Carrie" comes to the stage October 27–November 12. Starring Christi Moore in a gripping adaptation set in modern day, this production is sure to become a cult favorite.

For the winter holiday season, Roxy's presents "A Cabaret Christmas" November 25–December 23. We don't know much about this show yet, but like all of Roxy's holiday shows, we're sure it will be a crowd-pleaser.

There are just five shopping days left until murder!

Prairie Pines Playhouse Mystery Theatre presents "Demise at the Department Store" as its holiday show, running November 18–December 23. Prairie Pines offers an all-inclusive evening of entertainment, with the high-energy interactive murder mystery played between three courses of a holiday meal. Tickets go fast, so schedule ahead!

Music Theatre Wichita begins a new tradition this year with the first annual Live Holiday Special! This all-new show will feature Broadway veterans, local favorites, the MTWichita ensemble, and talented youth singing and dancing to holiday classics. Catch it at Century II Concert Hall December 9–11.

Any recommendations or upcoming shows we missed? Let us know!