The Hallelujah Girls
When life throws a curveball, this group of women decides to throw one right back.
Hallelujah Girls follows a circle of friends who turn an abandoned church into a day spa and rediscover their strength and the joy together. And along the way, one of the gals rekindles the heat of an old flame with the good-old-boy who's installing the hot tub.
Filled with razor sharp humor, and heart, this feel-good comedy is about second chances, bold choices, and refusing to fade quietly into the background.
Starring Richard Karn from the hit 90s show HOME IMPROVEMENT and Tudi, his real-life wife (who met and fell in love doing, what else, an Off-Broadway show).
SEP 10, 2026 - NOV 15, 2026
Meet the hilarious Cast of Hallelujah Girls!
Richard Karn
Richard Karn was born in Seattle, Washington, the son of Gene and Louise Wilson. He has a sister named Sue. His birth name was Richard Karn Wilson, but he shortened it to Richard Karn because there was already a Richard Wilson registered with the Screen Actors Guild. He did his first acting in the fifth grade and was very active in drama in high school. He spent six months in England and attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1979 with a degree in drama. During his career, Richard has performed in many off-Broadway productions. His filmography includes 11 feature films and several made-for-TV movies and television series, including 8 years as Al Borland on Home Improvement with Tim Allen.
Tudi Roche
(Sugar Lee Thomkins) is thrilled to be back at New Theatre, having previously appeared in their production of SHEAR MADNESS along with her husband Richard Karn. Career highlights include: Broadway: A DAY IN HOLLYWOOD/A NIGHT IN THE UKRAINE, HARRIGAN ‘N HART, THE MAGIC SHOW. Off-Broadway: PREPPIES, THE OTHER SHORE, MAN ENOUGH, ALL GIRL BAND and THE VIEW FROM HERE. Film and television: HOME IMPROVEMENT, BREACH OF CONTRACT, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, CITY OF ANGELS and PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. Tudi has appeared in countless commercials, and has done over 300 voiceovers for television, radio, cartoons and video games. Vocal soloist with The Boston Pops and Scottish Opera Orchestra at The Edinburgh Festival. She is a member of SkyPilot Theatre Company in Los Angeles.
Cathy Newman
Cathy Newman* (Carlene Travis) is grateful and excited to be returning to The New Theatre. Audiences here may remember her as the ridiculous Mrs. Peacock in last year’s production of CLUE. She has performed in eight National Tours, traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea & China. Highlights include: U.S. and Chinese premiere of LES MISÉRABLES (with Colm Wilkinson); Lincoln Center’s SOUTH PACIFIC; The National Theatre of Great Britain’s MY FAIR LADY; LA CAGE AUX FOLLES; and Deaf West Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of BIG RIVER. Hallelujah for live theatre! Thanks for coming out to support us.
Teri Adams
Teri Adams (Nita Mooney) is thrilled to be making her debut at The New Theater Restaurant! A familiar face to KC audiences, Adams has appeared on regional stages for over three decades. In recent years she has starred in the National Tour of Menopause The Musical (And now, it’s sequel!). Local credits include: BLUES IN THE NIGHT, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, I LOVE YOU BECAUSE (American Heartland Theater), RUTHLESS!, DIRTY BLONDE, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL, RIGHTNEXT TO ME (Unicorn Theater), FOOTLOOSE (Starlight Theater), AND THE WORLD GOES ROUND, MARRY ME A LITTLE (Quality Hill Playhouse), SKIN OF OUR TEETH (MET), MOTHERFREAKINGHOOD THE MUSICAL (The Black Box).
Peggy Friesen
Peggy Friesen (Mavis Flower) is thrilled to be working at New Theatre for the first time! Over four decades, she has performed in numerous productions around Kansas City, including WIT (Unicorn Theatre); THE LITTLE FOXES (American Heartland Theatre); MRS.CHRISTIE, MORNING’S AT SEVEN, GRAND HORIZONS (Kansas City Actors Theatre); and THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING (Spinning Tree Theatre). Numerous productions at Kansas City Repertory Theatre include THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, OUR TOWN, ANGELS IN AMERICA, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, THE FANTASTICKS, and THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. Film credits include RIDE WITH THE DEVIL (Ang Lee), KANSAS CITY (Robert Altman), and KING OF THE HILL (Stephen Soderbergh). Peggy lives in Brookside with her husband Royal and plays concert harp.
Ashley Pankow
Ashley Pankow (Crystal Hart) has been seen on the NTR stage in BOEING BOEING, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, JOSEPH AND THE ATDC (Narrator), JOHNNY & JUNE, SISTER ACT, ADDAMS FAMILY, and more. KC Rep: ONCE, OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON, WIZARD OF OZ. Kansas City Actors Theatre: A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN, REALISTIC JONESES. Spinning Tree: CARRIE. Unicorn Theatre: H.O.T. THE MUSICAL. Music Theatre Heritage: NEXT TO NORMAL (Diana), SOUTH PACIFIC (Nellie). Starlight: SCHOOL OF ROCK, FOOTLOOSE. QHP: MUSICAL OF MUSICALS, JUDY BARBRA LIZA. National Tour/ Regional Favorites: THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES (First National Tour), MAMMA MIA (Donna) SHREK (Fiona), ANNIE (Miss Hannigan). Voice Teacher/Audition Coach. www.ashleypankow.com
Jan Rogge
Jan Rogge (Bunny Sutherland) is happy to return at New Theatre where she was last seen in ALONE TOGETHER with Barry Williams. She has also been in RUMORS, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU and standby for Sally Struthers in AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER and COME BLOW YOUR HORN. Her additional Kansas City credits include THE ROOMMATE, GRAND HORIZONS, THE PRICE, NIGHT MOTHER, BLITHE SPIRIT, and WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at Kansas City Actors Theatre; Queen Elizabeth in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE and HAMLET at Heart of America Shakespeare Festival; UNRELIABLE at KC Repertory Theatre; CASEY & DIANA and SWEAT at Unicorn Theatre.
Greg Butell
Greg Butell (Porter Padgett) Greg is excited to be back on the NTR stage with this stellar cast. He was most recently seen here last summer as Mr. Boddy in CLUE. His NTR credits include CATCH ME IF YOU CAN & FUNNY MONEY (both with Jim O’Heir), DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER (with Morgan Fairchild), SOLID GOLD CADILLAC, SOUTH PACIFIC. Other KC credits include DEATH OF A SALESMAN (KC Melting Pot Theatre). MORNINGS AT SEVEN, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (Kansas City Actor’s Theatre), GYPSY (Music Theatre Heritage), SWEAT (Unicorn Theatre), MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM (Black Repertory Theatre Co), ROOM SERVICE (Kansas City Repertory Theatre), LOVELY (Ghost Theatre). As always, thanks and love to Trevor and Champ.
Craig Benton
Craig Benton (Assistant Director, u/s Bobby Dwayne Dillahunt and Porter Padgett) A regular performer here for over 30 years, Mr. Benton is pleased to assist Dennis Hennessy again, continuing to explore creative storytelling through directing, as he did in last season’s NOBODY’S PERFECT with Jim O’Heir. He considers it a big bonus to work with friends Richard Karn and wife Tudi again for this show. Craig just returned from Wichita where he directed the Forum’s production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, debuting in their new venue. He’ll be back on stage this holiday season at the Warwick Theatre in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, and here again at New Theatre to kick off 2027 in BOEING BOEING with French Stewart.
Shanna Jones
Shanna Jones (u/s Carlene Travis) New Theatre credits: LEGALLY BLONDE, NUNSENSE, FREAKY FRIDAY, ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID, MAMA MIA, SISTER ACT. Local credits: DRACULA, EMMA, ONCE, BETWEEN THE LINES, SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, STILLWATER, HAIR: RETROSPECTION, SANTALAND DIARIES, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (KCRep); TROJAN WOMEN MCI (Unicorn); NEXT TO NORMAL (Kansas Rep); CHARLIE AND THE
CHOCOLATE FACTORY (Coterie). New York credits: PHAEDRA’S FLOATING CABARET, UNDONE, DECLINE AND FALL (New York Theatre Workshop). Regional credits: TUG OF WAR; FOREIGN FIRE & CIVIL STRIFE (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); LES MISÉRABLES (Pioneer Theatre Company); ROMEO AND JULIET (Utah Shakespearean Festival); MAN OF LA MANCHA, INTO THE WOODS, MIRACLE WORKER, 42ND STREET, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Hale Center Theatre); SATURDAY’S VOYEUR (Salt Lake Acting Company). Education: BFA Actor Training Program University of Utah, AEA Member.
Franci Talamentez
Franci Talamentez (u/s Sugar Lee Thomkins) is delighted to return to New Theatre, where audiences last saw her as Cook in CLUE. She recently appeared as Googie Gomez in THE RITZ at Unicorn Theatre and served as the student advocate for NEWSIES at Starlight Theatre. In 2023, she made her Off-Broadway debut in PREJUDICE AND PRIDE. She is a director, choreographer, teaching artist and coach, passionate about empowering young performers. Thank you to everyone for their love and support.
Jenny Hines
Jenny Hines (u.s Nita Mooney) is an actor, singer and dancer who spends time in both Kansas City and New York City. She came back to the acting world after a brief (36 year) break and has since become a sought after character actress! She studied acting while in college, and has since upped her game with an array of training (acting, voice, and even dance), proving that you can, indeed, teach an old dog new tricks.
Represented by Moxie Talent Agency in Kansas City, and Firestarter Entertainment in New York, she is ecstatic to be making her New Theater debut!
She finds her light on the theatrical stages of Kansas City and beyond. From rapping to roller skating and everything in between, her special skills have been highlighted in many of her roles. Some favorites include Dottie (Halftime), Lily (A Man of No Importance), Jack's Mom (Into the Woods), and Betty Blast (Footloose) She firmly believes that it's never too late to do what you love
Jasmine Hall
Jasmine Hall (Backstage Dresser, u/s Crystal Hart) (she/her) is thrilled to be making her New Theater debut and with this stellar cast of artists too! You may have seen her around KC in shows at MTKC, Worlds of Fun, Padgett Productions or the Arts Asylum! She would like to thank her family and friends who have supported her throughout this crazy career, her loving partner Drew, and you in the audience who continue to support live local theater. Stay jazzy! @thejasminehall
Jeanne Averill
Jeanne Averill * (u/s Mavis Flower) has been performing and doing understudy work at this theater and others in town for many years! She was in SISTER ACT with other earlier roles as Vernadette in THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB, Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Mrs. Brice in FUNNY GIRL. She has also enjoyed performing at Kansas City Rep in THE FRONT PAGE, LITTLE WOMEN, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL; at Kansas City Actors Theater in THREE VIEWINGS; at MTH in TITANIC, and as iconic mothers Marmee and Ma in LITTLE WOMEN and LITTLE HOUSE plays at The Coterie. National performances include her one-woman show about the great British Shakespearean actress, Fanny Kemble, at The Denver Performing Arts Center and Charlotte in MOON OVER BUFFALO at South Dakota’s Black Hills Playhouse. She has an extensive resume in film and commercials and has appeared on screen with Martin Sheen, Patty Duke, John Hurt, Ari Graynor, Colin Hanks, Brooke Shields, and Jeffrey Tambor, among others. Her latest screen credit is in a co-starring role on this year’s recently released TED LASSO, season four episode one as a chain-smoking cat lady. She is so happy to be a part of the New Theatre family as well as a founding member of her own delightful, age-varied Averill troupe at home.
Kasey Johnson
Kasey Johnson (u/s Bunny Sutherland) is overjoyed to be returning to the stage! A longtime musician and former music teacher, her past adventures include musical theatre, touring with a singing group, directing and writing musicals, and leading worship. She currently serves as Director of Learning Enhancement at Kansas City University and is incredibly grateful to be part of this production.
Scroll down the page for show descriptions!
Always... Patsy Cline
ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE tells the loving and joyous story of an unexpected friendship between a superstar and her biggest fan, brought to life through humor and unforgettable music.
A live, concert-style experience blended with humor, this is an unforgettable theatre experience. It combines laughter with the music of one of the most powerful voices in country music history. Featuring such favorites as "Crazy", "Walkin' After Midnight", and "Fall to Pieces". Reprising her role as Patsy's comedically adoring fan is Cathy Barnett.
NOV 19, 2026 - JAN 31, 2027
Meet the Cast of Always... Patsy Cline
Bethany G. Perkins
Bethany Gwen Perkins* (Patsy Cline) is thrilled to make her Kansas City debut at NTR in the role of Patsy Cline in ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE. A Brooklyn-based vocalist and composer, Bethany has traveled the country performing this role and celebrating one of country’s most iconic voices. She recently earned her Master’s Degree in Jazz Voice from the Manhattan School of Music where she studied under Theo Bleckmann, graduating in May 2026. She is the 2024 People’s Choice Award Winner of the American Traditions Vocal Competition and Second Place Winner of the Michael Feinstein American Songbook Competition. Her musical influences span jazz, blues, and American roots music, drawing inspiration from vocal legends including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and (of course) Patsy Cline. Bethany has performed at venues including Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, Feinstein’s/54 Below, Rockwood Music Hall, and Mercury Lounge, to name a few. Her recorded work can be heard on several concept albums including “Three Points of Contact”, “Her Sound Vol. 2”, and “Ghostwriter”. She is currently working toward the release of her debut EP.
Cathy Barnett
Always, Patsy Cline and the role of Louise hold a special place in Cathy’s heart. The first time she portrayed Louise was at The American Heartland Theater in 1995, with Becky Barta as Patsy Cline. It was at that time that she met the real Louise, who shared with Cathy the original letters that she and Patsy wrote to each other. It was in that moment that Cathy truly felt the friendship that these two women had forged and how it endured in Louise’s heart through the years. During that same production, she had met the daughter of one of the musicians who toured with Patsy, who shared with Cathy the memory of how Patsy would sing her lullabies when she was a child. Both Cathy and Becky also recall how many audience members told them they had been at Patsy’s last concert in Memorial Hall in Kansas City, KS. Cathy has gone on to perform Louise in theaters across the nation from New York to California.
Cathy has been appearing on Kansas City stages for more than 30 years at New Theater & Restaurant, The Unicorn, Kansas City Actors Theater, Kansas City Repertory Theater and the Coterie Theater.
She most recently appeared in Cactus Flower at New Theater with Marilu Henner. Prior appearances at New Theater include Rumors, Squabbles, Always a Bridesmaid, Condomonium, Johnny & June, Don’t Dress for Dinner, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sister Act, Funny Money and The Addams Family. Other performances about town include The Ritz and Poor Clare at the Unicorn Theater and Steel Magnolias with Nick Padgett Productions.
Cathy is also a professional voice over artist. She voices the Hallmark greeting card character, “Maxine,” and has brought her to life in the live musical, Maxine’s Christmas Carol! She was also the original voice in the Garmin navigation system. Yes, that was Cathy “re-calculating” for you whenever you made a wrong turn.
Film credits include Raising Jeffrey Dahmer and The House on Pine Street.
Cathy would like to dedicate her performance to Earl “Big Earl” Bishop Aldridge and Sherman Lee Dillon, who were in her Patsy Cline band when she performed in Jackson, Mississippi. They passed recently within days of one another. Both gifted musicians. Both wonderful human beings.
Joy Zimmerman
Joy Zimmerman (Fiddle) is delighted to be making her debut at the New Theatre on fiddle, guitar and harmony vocals in this wonderful show. Joy is an award-winning songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist from Kansas City. She cultivates joy and community as a touring artist and has recorded nine albums of original music. joyzimmermanmusic.com
Russ Wever
Russ Wever (Steel Guitar) plays the Steel Guitar, putting the “cry and the moan” into country music. Russ is glad to be back at NTR after LOST HIGHWAY, JOHNNY & JUNE, and ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE. Russ has been in Musical Theatre since the 1990's, performing in the Grand Palace in Branson, Toronto's Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and the Schubert Theatre in Times Square. Originally from Chicago, Russ resides locally with his lovely wife, Carla and their adorable puppies. When not on a musical theatre stage, Russ is a regular at various Steel Guitar concerts around the country.
David Sonneborn
David Sonneborn* (Bass) is happy to be returning in the New Theatre’s production of ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE, and spending this Fall and Winter in his second home of Kansas City! He was an original cast member of the MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET National Tour with stops throughout the United States (including both KC's Starlight Theatre and The Kauffman Center), Canada and Japan, and toured nationally in ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE. He also played bass in JOHNNY AND JUNE and ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS at the NTR. A native of Cincinnati, he studied drums and percussion at Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music and theater at Ohio State University. Love to Becky and Carol in KC, and Audrey, Jon, Maya, and Leon in NYC!
Sam Wisman
Sam Wisman (Drums/Percussion) is happy to be back performing at NTR… this time above ground! He most recently played for LEGALLY BLONDE. Sam is a member of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra and has performed with the KC Symphony and Lyric Opera. He has multiple credits at KCRep, Starlight, The Music Hall and Coterie Theatre. Sam is also Production Director for 91.9 Classical KC. Love to L, J, & Z!
Jeff Freling
Jeff Freling (Guitars) Originally from Kansas City, Jeff spent 11 years in Chicago, IL performing with the blue man group on electric zither at the Briar Street Theatre. Since returning to KC in 2012, he has traveled the world performing with the guitar/ukulele duo “Victor & Penny” alongside his wife and co-conspirator, actor/musician Erin McGrane. More recently, he has composed music for film, TV, and Kansas City’s new multi-media experience ATLAS 9. He is delighted to return to the New Theater after performing in ELVIS + ELTON earlier this year.
Daniel Doss
Daniel Doss (Musical Director/ Conductor/ Pianist) is a Music Director, Conductor, Composer, Arranger, and Collaborative Pianist with credits spanning more than 100 musical theater productions worldwide since 2002. His national tour credits include the Broadway musicals THE COLOR PURPLE, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and RAGTIME. Since 2012, Daniel has served as Music Director for more than 25 productions at New Theatre & Restaurant, in addition to work with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Starlight Theatre, and many other regional theaters across the country. He also serves as Music Director for Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church. www.danieldoss.com
Mckenna Shaw (u/s)
McKenna Shaw* (u/s Patsy Cline) is delighted to be back at NTR! You may have seen her as Vivienne in LEGALLY BLONDE this summer! Originally from Pittsburg, KS, McKenna grew up performing in the KC Metro area and is back after singing and dancing aboard Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas! Credits include: JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN (KCRep), SISTER ACT, THE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR, KINKY BOOTS (Red Mountain Theatre Company), FREAKY FRIDAY (MT Wichita). She wants to thank her amazing support system, without whom she wouldn't be anywhere. Love and light to her father for instilling her love of theatre and for continuing to watch over her. UAB BFA Musical Theatre! themckennashaw.com @mckenna.sha
Boeing, Boeing
A charming bachelor in the 1960s has three fiancees (all airline stewardess) and one perfectly timed out schedule. That is until flight schedules collide and carefully balances secrets unravel.
Fasten your seatbelts for take-off, the destination is comedic chaos!
Starring French Stewart of 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN!
FEB 3, 2027 - APR 11, 2027
Meet (some of) the Cast of Boeing Boeing
French Stewart
Milton French Stewart is an American actor. He played Harry Solomon on the NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, Inspector Gadget in the superhero comedy film Inspector Gadget 2 and Chef Rudy on the CBS sitcom Mom.
"French Stewart’s performance as Harry Solomon is an unforgettable masterclass in physical comedy, turning a bizarre alien squint and unhinged energy into one of the absolute funniest breakout roles in sitcom history." - LA Times
Remember Me?
Is she dreaming, is it a fantasy, or does she need to see a psychiatrist? What happens to a happily married woman when her hunky boyfriend from the past suddenly walks back into her life? But wait, there's a catch... no one can see him but her.
This clever, contemporary comedy is both a fntasy and a married couple's guide to happily-ever-after. Starring Patrick Duffy of Dallas alongside Linda Purl (Fonzie's girlfriend from HAPPY DAYS). And by the way, the rumor is true... Patrick and Linda are indeed "going steady".
APR 14, 2027 - JUN 27, 2027
Meet (some of) the Cast of Remember Me:
Patrick Duffy
Patrick Duffy is an American television actor and director widely known for his role as Bobby Ewing on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas (1978–1991). Duffy returned to reprise his role as Bobby in a continuation of Dallas, which aired on TNT from 2012 to 2014. He is also well known for his role on the ABC sitcom Step by Step as Frank Lambert from 1991 to 1998, and for his role as Stephen Logan on the CBS daytime soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful (2006–2011, 2022, 2023). Duffy played the lead character's father in the 2014 NBC sitcom Welcome to Sweden.
Linda Purl
Linda Purl is an American actress. She is known for her roles as Ashley Pfister (Fonzie's girlfriend) on Happy Days (she originally played Gloria as Richie’s date in season-two episodes 1, 2, 6, and 7), Sheila Munroe in the 1982 horror film Visiting Hours, Pam Beesly's mother Helene in The Office, and Ben Matlock's daughter Charlene Matlock for the first season of the television series Matlock.
She recently starred off-Broadway in “Crazy Mama: A True Story of Love and Madness” for which she received unanimous rave reviews. BroadwayWorld described her performance as “absolutely magnificent”.
Mean Girls
High school is a battlefield. Regina George is the general.
Based on the iconic film written by Tina Fey, Mean Girls explodes onto the stage with razor-sharp humor, powerhouse pop music, and painfully relatable social politics. New girl Cady Heron learns fast and surviving high school isn't about fitting in. It's about figuring out who you are when the pressure is on.
The Burn Book is open. The secrets are out. Nothing is safe.
It's bold. It's hilarious. It's unapologetically smart!
Written by Tina Fey with music by her real-life husband. Jeff Richmond, this show broke Broadway records!
JUL 1, 2027 - SEP 5, 2027
