By David Markham

With subjects ranging from six mid-pubescents vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime, to a carnivorous alien plant that wreaks havoc at a flower shop, to the world of Dr. Seuss, the Theatre in the Park is planning a variety of shows for 2023.

Of the eight shows set for the local theatre’s 54th season, only one has been produced previously on the local stage.

The lineup includes three indoor productions at The Black Box Theatre located inside the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, and five outdoor shows on TIP’s outdoor stage in Shawnee Mission Park. Entrance to the theater facility is at 7700 Renner Road, Shawnee.

“I’m excited about the variety of shows we have this season. There is something for everyone,” said Producing Artistic Director Tim Bair. “We’ve only produced one of our 2023 season shows before; ‘Footloose’ back in 2007.”

Up first is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” at JCAHC from March 10-26. The show is rated PG16.

Upcoming outdoor summer productions include:

• Disney’s “Freaky Friday,” rated G, June 2-10
• “Meet Me in St. Louis,” rated G; June 16-24
• “13,” rated PG, June 30 through July 8
• “White Christmas,” rated PG, July 14-22
• “Footloose,” rated PG, July 28 through Aug. 5

Show time is 8:30 p.m. The box office opens at 7 p.m. followed by the gates to the seating bowl at 7:30 p.m. Performances last about 2½ hours with a 15-minute intermission. Ticket prices for outdoor productions are adult admission $10, youth $6, and children 3 and under free (but require a ticket for entrance).

The fall indoor production at JCAHC will be “Little Shop of Horrors,” rated PG, from Oct. 6-22. TIP’s December production at JCAHC will again be “Seussical the Musical,” rated G, from Dec. 8-23.

Auditions for outdoor summer musicals are set for April 15 and 16 at JCAHC. Around 150 people will be cast in summer shows, while another 50 or so will be cast for indoor shows. No prior experience in theater is needed to audition.

Audition information for summer shows will be available in March at theatreinthepark.org where more information about the 2023 season is also available.

David Markham is communications specialist at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.