THE ACADEMY presents THE 2025 JESTER AWARDS
The Jester Awards program recognizes the extraordinary amount of work, creativity, and dedication that faculty and students pour into their high school theatrical productions. Recognition is given to casts and crews, directors, designers, and all who work to stage these great works of musical theatre in Kansas.
WAITRESS
Life's a little sweeter with pie and a side of dreams! From the pen of pop icon Sara Bareilles comes Waitress, featuring main character Jenna - with a talent for baking pies as extraordinary as her dreams. This show's a slice of life, served warm with humor and a whole lot of soul. Rated PG-13 for language and adult themes. Ages 5 and older. ASL Provided: June 21 @ 2:00pm.
CRAZY FOR YOU
Get ready for a high-energy adventure filled with mistaken identities, hilarious hijinks, and the timeless music of George and Ira Gershwin. Crazy For You follows Bobby Child, a wealthy New Yorker with a passion for show business. He is sent to foreclose on a rundown theater, but when he falls head over heels for the owner's daughter, his plans tkae an unexpected turn. Crazy For You is a feel-good escape. Rated G. Ages 5 and Older. ASL Provided: July 12 @ 2:00pm.
DISNEY'S NEWSIES
Seize the day and join the fight for what's right! Disney's Newsies is an explosion of song and dance that'll have you cheering for the underdog. Based on the real-life newsboys strike of 1899, this inspiring story follows a charismatic dreamer who rallies his fellow newsies to take a stand against injustice. This show will leave you singing and dancing all the way home. Rated PG. Ages 5 and older. ASL Provided: August 2 @ 2:00pm.
SOMETHING ROTTEN!
All's fair in love, war, and musical comedy! Travel back to the Renaissance in Something Rotten!, a side-splitting show that puts a new spin on Shakespeare. Nick and Nigel Bottom, brothers desperate to outshine the Bard, stumble upon a revolutionary idea: the world's first musical. Filled with show-stopping numbers and a healthy dose of Shakespearean satire, Something Rotten! will leave you rolling in the aisles with laughter. Rated PG-13 for some saucy innuendos. Ages 5 and older. ASL Provided: August 23 @ 2:00pm.
A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING
From Oklahoma! to The Sound of Music, this fresh take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein songbook has all your favorite hits. A Grand Night for Singing is a joyous celebration of the iconic songwriting duo behind some of the Broadway's most beloved shows. Experience timeless classics like "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'" and "Shall We Dance?" in a fresh, new light. This Tony-nominated musical weaves together unforgettable songs with clever staging nad heartwarming stories. Rated G. Ages 5 and older. ASL Provided: September 6 @ 2:00pm.
