The Fishtank Theater Inaugurates Space with Famed Radio Drama

The Crossroads is rife with art galleries but lacking in performance space. Downwind from the mammoth PAC-in construction sits a new performance parlor called The Fishtank Theater.

"During my time in Kansas City, I have lived on the line between the fine artists and the actors” says Fishtank’s Executive Director and actress, Corrie Van Ausdal. “I created the Fishtank as a small-scale space where the actors and visual artists, the filmmakers, dancers, musicians, performance artists, and drag superstars can come together to create madness and magic."

Madness and magic culminate together in the debut performance of Sorry, Wrong Number. Van Ausdal says "I first heard the play in college some Tuesday night when I was delivering pizzas, and I was riveted.  I got to the address and I just sat in the car and let the pizzas get cold so that I could find out what happened.  That's a good sign for a script!  But it was a bad sign for my tip."

"I've been wanting to do the play for seven years, but I didn't get that bolt of lightning until I saw the windows at the Fishtank.  The sense of isolation and impending doom our heroine feels plays out perfectly behind a 30 foot bank of plate glass."

This performance will star Corrie Van Ausdal and is directed by Katie Gilchrist, with sound design by David Kiehl. Sorry, Wrong Number will open on June 27 and run, July 3, July 6 and July 11, 2009. Though the production will be indoor in the windows, the audience will view from the sidewalk with seating available. "We have an opportunity, during the economic downturn, to rewrite the rules.  At the Fishtank we can offer $5-10 shows, or try off-the-wall projects.  We can cap the audience at 10 people or transform the space into a parlor for chamber theater.  Anything's possible right now."

For more information, please visit www.fishtanktheater.com or call 913-621-1304 for ticket prices and availability.