When Barry treads the boards next month in Married Alive at the New Theatre Restaurant in Kansas City, he’ll be acting and singing in a venue that has hosted many TV celebrities since its initial season in 1992. Some of television’s most beloved sitcoms have seen their alumni grace the New Theater stage, from The Odd Couple‘s Jack Klugman (Aspirin and Elephants, 2002) to All in the Family‘s Sally Struthers (Club of Hearts, 2005). Even Charlotte Rae of Facts of Life fame has entertained the dining audiences of Kansas City (in The Solid Gold Cadillac, 1997).
Interestingly, some TV shows have sent multiple performers to the New Theatre. Love Boat, for example, may boast appearances by both Gavin MacLeod (Lend Me A Tenor, 1998) and Bernie Kopell (Leading Ladies, 2007). One Day at a Time has sent along not only Bonnie Franklin (Same Time Next Year, 2000; 2 Across, 2005) but also Pat Harrington (Father of the Bride, 2002). Tom Bosley (Beau Jest, 2002) and Marion Ross (Steel Magnolias, 1995; Over the River and Through the Woods, 2001 and 2006; Barefoot in the Park, 2004) have both acted there since leaving Happy Days. And though The Andy Griffith Show‘s Elinor Donahue only showed up at the New Theater once (Never Too Late, 1997), colleague Don Knotts returned for a total of four shows (Harvey, 1994; You Can’t Take It With You, 1996; On Golden Pond, 1999 and 2003; Norman, Is That You?, 2001).
For sheer volume of appearances, however, one must admire the cast of MASH. Larry Linville got the ball rolling (Weekend Comedy, 1995), to be followed by Jamie Farr (Don’t Dress for Dinner, 1996; George Washington Slept Here?, 1998; Moon Over Buffalo, 1999; Catch Me If You Can, 2003; Busybody, 2007), Loretta Swit (Song of Singapore, 2000), Gary Burghoff (Marvin & Mel, 2003), and William Christopher (Funny Money, 2006; Church Basement Ladies, 2007). That’s five cast members in a total of ten productions! And they said AfterMASH wouldn’t last!
Though Barry will be the first of his sitcom siblings to appear at the New Theater, his upcoming performance is not without a very Brady precedent: Ann B. Davis wowed ‘em in Kansas City, too (Arsenic & Old Lace, 1996). Alright, Barry – let’s give the 4077th a run for their money!
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New Theatergoer
on Sep. 29th, 2009
Either Kansas City liked Barry or Barry liked Kansas City, because he is giving William Christopher that run for the 4077th money. Barry is starring in Church Basement Ladies 2
Drew Jansen
on Nov. 16th, 2009
I’m one of the composers of Church 2. Barry was AMAZING in the show! What an honor to have someone with his gifts singing my songs! (Along with the songs of the incredible Dennis Curley!) Barry is a great guy…as friendly and down-to-earth as anyone you’d want to meet.
And what a healthy attitude he has toward the role that “put him on the map!” I really respect him for the way he’s managed his career. Count me among the most ardent fans of Johnny Bravo! Bravo, Mr. Williams!
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