History

The Chestnut Fine Arts Center opened its doors in May, 1998, as a sole proprietorship, and it operated in a small one-room theatre. Throughout the next four years, the Chestnut flourished and in July, 2002, became fully incorporated as a non-profit organization within the state of Kansas and was granted 501(c) (3) status by the Internal Revenue Service.

Located in Olathe, KS, the Chestnut was created to allow individuals to participate in high quality, enriching arts activities, and is committed to furthering the performing arts opportunities for adults and children in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Chestnut currently hosts a theatrical season of six plays and/or musicals per year, in addition to sponsoring numerous children’s workshops, talent shows, recitals, concerts, performances by the Dickens Carolers and a vocal and piano educational studio.

The Chestnut has had huge growth and now entertains over 12,000 patrons annually. Several renovation projects have been completed on the theatre space, adding more seating capacity, a larger lobby area, dressing room facilities, and a technical booth.

In 1998, productions ran for two weeks. Runs were increased to three weeks during the 2003-04 season, and beginning with the 2006-07 season, production runs again increased to four weeks. Season ticket holder numbers have risen rapidly.

The Chestnut is proud of its top-quality entertainment -- all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend all performances.

Chestnut Board of Directors

Brad Zimmerman, Executive Director
Curt Crespino, President
Carolyn Robinson, Vice-President
Dalene White, Treasurer
Terri Babbitt, Secretary
Perry White, Board Member
Karen Rae Hight, Diversity & Inclusion

This program is presented in part by the Kansas Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation
deserves great art.

July 10 - August 3

"I LEFT MY HEART"
A Tribute To Tony Bennett

This jazzy new revue is a tribute to Tony Bennett – a man whom Frank Sinatra called "the greatest singer in the world".  I Left My Heart – A Musical Tribute to the Music of Tony Bennett features four tenors singing Bennett’s most well-known songs, including Stranger In Paradise, The Best Is Yet To Come, I Wanna Be Around, Steppin’ Out with My Baby, I Left My Heart in San Francisco and many more.  In August, 2006,Tony Bennett celebrated his 80th birthday.

I Left My Heart is a celebration of his long musical career and will be an unforgettable walk down memory lane. (Created by David Grapes and Todd Olson)

Adults $16 - Seniors $15 - For Info, Call 913-764-2121
(No shows on Mon, Tues, Wed)

This program is presented in part by the Kansas Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Coming in October - "Always...Patsy Cline"

Starring Krista Eyler and Stasha Case Directed by Brad Zimmerman (This show is NOT part of our regular season) Krista Eyler and Stasha Case will recreate their roles as the beloved Patsy Cline and her good friend, Louise Seger.  You LOVED these gals before … You’ll LOVE them again in October! The show is based on the true story of Patsy Cline's friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger.  Always...Patsy Cline is a song-filled evening of beautiful ballads, honky-tonks and an intimate and uplifting look at the life of country music’s most beloved singer.  You’ll hear many of Patsy’s biggest hits -- Crazy, Back in Baby’s Arms, Walkin’ After Midnight, I Fall to Pieces, Your Cheatin’ Heart, Sweet Dreams, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Always, Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray, and so many more. This will be the Chestnut’s 4th production of Always…Patsy Cline!  All previous performances have SOLD OUT, so make your reservations early!  Always … Patsy Cline has been one of the most produced musicals in America. (Written and Created by Ted Swindley)

Call 913-764-2121 for Information and Reservations Adults $18 Seniors $17