Wichita Live Theatre Guide: Summer 2022

There are three audience-interactive comedies to enjoy at Mosley Street Melodrama this summer. All Mosley Street shows feature a melodrama in the first act followed by an olio (musical comedy revue) in the second. Tickets are available for show only or show plus dinner or brunch.

You'll have the time of your life at "Dirty Square Dancing," a returning favorite by Carol Hughes. After intermission, you'll enjoy songs from beloved films with "Let's Go to the Movies." This cinematic matchup runs through July 9.

Nineties fashion is back in vogue, so why not have it on stage, too? "Revenge of the Beanie Babies: A Hella Fly '90s Melodrama" plays July 22–September 3. We don't know much about this new show by Molly Tully and Ryan Schafer, but we bet it will be a "tubular" time!

Get in the Halloween spirit with a Mosley Street favorite: "The Witches of Eastborough" by Carol Hughes. It runs September 16–October 19. (And just like the real Eastborough, don't speed on your way there!)

Music Theatre Wichita is back home and ready to dazzle audiences at Century II Concert Hall this summer.

The joyous and exuberant "Kinky Boots" struts into its MTWichita debut July 6–10. With a heartwarming true story and a score by Cyndi Lauper, you won't want to miss this tale of a faltering shoe factory that comes back from the brink by embracing a fabulous new clientele.

From one pair of sparkly heels to another…the season continues with "The Wizard of Oz," running July 27–31. Though we Wichitans may get our fill of Oz jokes from out-of-towners, this spectacular family-friendly favorite will be sure to sell out.

A charming and nostalgic salute to classic musicals, "The Drowsy Chaperone" returns to MTWichita August 17–21. Wayne Bryan also returns to his award-winning role.

School may be out for summer, but it's in full swing on Roxy's stage with "Heathers: The Musical." This rock musical adaptation of the wickedly funny '80s film proves that it's murder being popular. Catch it July 7–23.

August brings us a very different adaptation with "Big River," based on Mark Twain's classic "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Huck and Jim flee aboard a raft on the mighty Mississippi River—Huck to escape the confines of society, and Jim to free himself of the bonds of slavery. The two build a friendship and mutual understanding as they encounter peril and adventure. This acclaimed musical features a bluegrass and country score, and runs August 4–20.

Get out the cheesecake—Roxy's brings the summer to a close with our favorite gals from Miami. "The Golden Girls" returns September 9–23 with new three new "episodes" and one "rerun" to bring on the laughter and memories. This production always sells out, so get tickets early.

Kechi Playhouse celebrates its 40th season this year, and the second production is sure to be a special treat. "Everybody Loves Opal," playing July 8–31, stars two beloved Playhouse favorites—Misty Maynard in the title role and resident theatre tabby Newman as Mr. Tanner the cat. (We're sure he'll be purrrrfect in the part.) In this comedy, three con artists on the lam take refuge at reclusive Opal's tumbledown mansion…and decide what she needs is a big life insurance policy and a hasty demise.

The season continues with two originals: "Copper Moon" in August and an all-new play by Storme Maynard in September. We'll let you know when we know more!

As you've probably noticed by the lineup so far, nostalgic adaptations are big with Wichita theatres this summer. (And with all we've been through the past two years, it's no wonder!) Crown Arts Collaborative continues the trend with "The Wedding Singer," playing July 15–August 7. Based on the hit film and set in the '80s, this sparkling musical takes you to a time when hair was big and wedding singers were the coolest guys in the room.

"Calendar Girls," running August 26–September 18, is also a stage adaptation of a film. Based on true events, it tells the inspiring and warmly comedic story of a group of older women from Yorkshire who raise money for cancer research by posing nude for a calendar. While the calendar is a complete success, newfound fame puts friendships to the test.

Wichita Community Theatre wraps up its 76th season with a community theatre show about a community theatre show! In "An Evening of Culture – Faith County II: The Saga Continues," the good folk of Mineola County are staging a production of "Romeo and Juliet." The set is falling apart, the lines aren't memorized, Juliet "doesn't look 50," and there's a dog barking offstage that just won't stop, but the valiant players are going to give it a go. As you might image, shenanigans ensue. This rip-roaring comedy runs July 21–31.

In September is a very different story about small town life. WCT opens their 77th season with Thornton Wilder's classic, "Our Town." It tells the story of two families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually—in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre—die. If you read this play in high school but have never seen it performed, it is an entirely different experience and one you won't want to miss. "Our Town" runs September 8–18.

The Guild Hall Players bring romance and a sophisticated score to the stage this summer with "The Light in the Piazza," running July 28–31. In this acclaimed musical, an American mother and daughter visit 1950s Florence. When the daughter falls in love with a local young man and wants to marry, her mother must confront secret fears, hopes and regrets.

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 throughout September. Wichita Shakespeare Company's Facebook page has the latest information and schedule.

Bonus theatre trivia: Did you know that many actors won't say the word "Macbeth" inside a theatre because it's considered bad luck? Instead, it is called "The Scottish Play."

Any recommendations or upcoming shows we missed? Share in the comments!