June 11, 2021
K-State theatre professor directing reopening for Starlight KC
Submitted by Jerry Jay Cranford
As safety procedures change daily, live theatre is beginning to return after a near 15-month shutdown. K-State Associate Professor of Theatre Jerry Jay Cranford has been hired through SDC — the national stage directors and choreographers union — to direct and choreograph the reopening production for the outdoor 8,000-seat Starlight Theatre of Kansas City.
It will be a 50th-anniversary celebration of "Godspell," featuring many K-State theatre alumni onstage and off: Darrington Clark, Noah Lindquist, Shon Ruffin, Emily White-Winter and Teva Spencer. The cast also includes Eric William Geil, "Book of Mormon," and Patrick Lewallen "Rock of Ages." The production runs June 22-27 and tickets can be purchased at kcstarlight.com.
Cranford is also helming "Annie The Musical" for the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City, starring two K-State alumni: Franci Talamantez-Witte as Miss Hannigan and Lauren Taylor as Lily. In-person and streaming options are available — filmed by K-State alumni Ryan Andrew Bruce. In-person performances run July 3-25 and more information can be found at thejkc.org.