Top Rated Shows of 2009

from the February 2010 issue of KC Stage

This year’s top rated show was My Name is Rachel Corrie, produced by Martin Tanner Productions at the Unicorn Theatre’s new Jerome Stage. Here’s what some of KC Stage’s reviewers have said about this show:


“I was pleased to see this play brought to Kansas City but had doubts that it could be as impactful as Rachel’s journals had been. I am happy to say it not only met but exceeded my expectations. Katie Gilchrist’s performance was amazing. She absolutely captivated the audience. I was with a friend that does not follow the conflict at all and even she was moved by Katie’s performance.” ~ blarmore

“What an incredibly moving production of My Name Is Rachel Corrie. I understand why you chose Katie Gilchrist, who captured so well the spirit of Rachel. The story is one of sadness but also one of inspiration.” ~ JBaker

“Herman’s direction and staging were wonderful, but of course the true ‘star’ of the production is Katie Gilchrist as Rachel. Katie was brilliant. Her pacing and passion for the script made the entire play a thought-provoking blur of 85 minutes. She truly embodied the character!” ~ EdwinHanson

“Katie Gilchrist’s acting was terrific. She recreated Rachel’s energy and commitment to justice for Palestinians.” ~ Matt

The top rated shows are selected based on our online ratings and review system and represent the opinions of the audience members. If you would like your productions considered for our 2010 Top Rated Shows list, encourage your audience members to go online at www.kcstage.com and rate your shows.

Have you seen a show you think was great, terrific, awful, or so-so? Let others know which shows to see and which shows to avoid. It’s free. It’s easy. Your vote counts, and maybe it will make it on next year’s top rated shows list. If you really want to speak your mind, you can even write a review of the show to share with the theatre community with our online review system. You must be a registered user to rate or review a show. Registration is fast and free. The time to rate each show is limited, so be sure to vote while the experience is still fresh.

Top Rated Shows (10 vote minimum)

• My Name is Rachel Corrie • Martin Tanner Productions (4.36)
• The Secret Garden • The Barn Players (4.22)
• Little Shop of Horrors • River City Community Players (4.14)
• Into the Woods • Kansas City Repertory Theatre (4.13)
• Stop Kiss • The Barn Players (4.07)
• Hair • Mind’s Eye Theatre (3.95)
• The Wizard of Oz • The Theatre in the Park (3.94)
• The Arabian Nights • Kansas City Repertory Theatre (3.92)
• The Scarlet Pimpernel • CenterSeason Theatre (3.90)
• 110 in the Shade • Olathe Community Theatre (3.89)

Top Rated Equity Shows (8 vote minimum)

• The Glass Menagerie • Kansas City Repertory Theatre (4.38)
• Into the Woods • Kansas City Repertory Theatre (4.13)
• The Arabian Nights • Kansas City Repertory Theatre (3.92)
• Speech & Debate • Unicorn Theatre (3.56)
• Unnecessary Farce• American Heartland Theatre (3.42)
• Glengarry Glen Ross • Kansas City Actors Theatre (3.40)
• A Flea in Her Ear • Kansas City Repertory Theatre (3.25)
• Winesburg, Ohio • Kansas City Repertory Theatre (3.20)
• Are We There Yet? • American Heartland Theatre (3.09)
• U:BUG:ME • Unicorn Theatre (2.88)

Top Rated Professional Shows (3 vote minimum)

• How to Eat Like a Child • Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre (5.00)
• Best of Full Frontal Comedy: Ten Years! • Full Frontal Comedy (4.50)
• My Name is Rachel Corrie • Martin Tanner Productions (4.36)
• Hedda Gabler • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre (4.25)
• Altar Boyz • Sonlight Productions (3.67)
• Seascape • Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre (3.67)
• Lingerie Shop • Kansas City Fringe Festival (3.56)
• Kiss of the Spider Woman • Metropolitan Theatre Ensemble (3.44)
• Galileo • Metropolitan Theatre Ensemble (3.33)
• Murder in the Cathedral • The Theatre Gym (3.33)

Top Rated Community Shows (25 vote minimum)

• The Secret Garden • The Barn Players (4.22)
• Little Shop of Horrors • River City Community Players (4.14)
• The Wizard of Oz • The Theatre in the Park (3.93)
• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers • The Theatre in the Park (3.68)
• Ragtime • CenterSeason Theatre (3.53)
• Footloose • Gladstone Theatre in the Park (3.53)
• Songs for a New World • Olathe Community Theatre (3.50)
• The Producers • The Bell Road Barn Players (3.35)
• The Wedding Singer • The Theatre in the Park (3.30)

Top Rated Academic Shows (1 vote minimum)

• Dreamgirls • Ruskin High School (5.00)
• Crazy for You • Shawnee Mission South (5.00)
• Smile the Musical • Music Theatre for Young People (5.00)
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) • Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts (5.00)
• All Shook Up • Music Theatre for Young People (5.00)
• Closer Than Ever • Johnson County Community College (5.00)
• Bat Boy • Center High School Players 58 (5.00)
• Beau Jest • Emporia State University (5.00)
• Footloose • Shawnee Mission West (4.75)
• Killer Joe • UMKC Theatre (4.00)