From musical theater to standup comedy, here are 10 summer shows on Columbia stages
All the world might as well be a stage this summer, as mid-Missouri theater troupes and touring performers beckon audiences into theaters for moments of cool escapism and deeply humane expression.
Per usual, the summer theater slate is stacked around Columbia. Here are just 10 of the performances you can catch in the coming months. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll give standing ovations!
June 4: Comedies in Concert at University of Missouri
Offered annually, but different with each iteration, this performance revolves around 10-minute laugh riots; this summer, "the evening will celebrate all things country western." Tickets are $5. Visit https://theatre.missouri.edu/ for more information.
June 12-16: "Charlotte's Web" at MU
E.B. White's classic children's novel spun everlasting messages in silk; those messages of affirmation, community and self-worth translate to the stage in this adaptation. Tickets are $15.
June 20: Chris Porter at The Blue Note
The Kansas City native has delivered his standup everywhere from Jimmy Kimmel's show and "Last Comic Standing" to his own Comedy Central special; in an Everyman tone, Porter opines on the minefields of adult conversation, what might be let go in the heat of a given moment, and our age's unbridled stupidity. Tickets are $25-$35. Visit https://thebluenote.com/ for details.
June 20-30: "Pippin" at Columbia Entertainment Company
CEC stages this wonder-filled Schwartz-Hirson-Fosse musical about a young royal seeking his "corner of the sky." Tickets are $15-$20. Visit https://cectheatre.simpletix.com/.
June 27: Josh Blue at The Blue Note
A win on "Last Comic Standing" more than 15 years ago propelled Blue into a career with stops all across the TV, radio and podcast dials; he also spent a meaningful stint with the U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team. Tickets are $30-$35.
July 18-21, 25-28, Aug. 1-4: "9 to 5" at Maplewood Barn Theatre
It's time to go to work with this dynamic musical adapted from the hit Dolly Parton-Lily Tomlin-Jane Fonda comedy by the American treasure, Parton herself. Visit https://maplewoodbarn.org/ for ticket information.
July 19-21: TRYPS presents "The Addams Family" at Columbia College
Merely mention the Addams family, and you can almost hear the snaps in their iconic TV theme song. Columbia's longstanding kids' theater troupe promises their own delightful take on all the brood's ghoulish misadventures. Visit https://www.trypskids.com/shows.
Aug. 9: Bored Teachers at Missouri Theatre
A suitable bridge from summer back toward the next school year, this tour features teachers as comedians, who school audiences with their humor. Tickets are $39-$59. Visit https://concertseries.missouri.edu/ for more information.
Aug. 9-11, 15-18: "Church and State" at Talking Horse Productions
Promising an experience as "simultaneously funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting" as our political climate, this show follows the foibles of a Republican senator whose careless words might speak volumes about what he actually believes. Tickets are $18-$20. Visit https://www.talkinghorseproductions.org/ for more information.
Aug. 17-25: "Noises Off" at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre
Few companies are better prepared to tackle this behind-the-curtain farce about the stumbles and successes of a British troupe. The Lyceum crew will no doubt bring a winking dash of self-awareness to Michael Frayn's show. Tickets are $20-$45. Visit https://lyceumtheatre.org/ for more information.
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Here are 10 shows to see on Columbia stages this summer
