Summer Fun: Central Missouri Repertory Theatre to Present Touring Production of ‘Space Kids’5/29/2025 Editor's Note: School is out; summer has arrived! Grain Valley News will highlight opportunities for families to get out and keep their minds and bodies active over the summer months. Search the "Summer Fun" category on our news feed for ideas or visit the free community calendar on our website. WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Families across west central Missouri are invited to tag along on a space adventure this summer as the Central Missouri Repertory Theatre (CMR) at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) presents “Space Kids.” The 2025 season marks the 40th anniversary of CMR bringing live children’s theatre productions to west central Missouri. “Space Kids” is about two teenagers who find themselves on the adventure of a lifetime when they accidentally travel to a distant, strange planet. To get home, the pair must navigate this dangerous new world. Along the way, they discover things about who they are and the importance of family. It is an exciting, humorous and endearing new play for young audiences, written and directed by Dr. Aaron Scully, assistant professor of Theatre. “Space Kids” is appropriate for all ages and runs about 40 minutes. “I really wanted to explore two things: identity and family, and how important our family is in shaping who we become as people, which I think is something that we take for granted sometimes,” Scully said of his inspiration for “Space Kids.” “However different we may feel from others, there is a familiarity we have with family that provides a home when other places may feel strange. Beyond that, I love science fiction and adventure and wanted to take our audiences on a journey that is original, thrilling and funny!” “Space Kids” will be on tour in June at several sites in west central Missouri. Public performances include 10 a.m. June 4 at the Farris Theatre in Richmond, 10:30 a.m. June 5 at Legacy Park Amphitheater in Lee’s Summit, 10 a.m. June 9 at the Highlander Theatre at UCM in Warrensburg, and 10 a.m. June 11 at The Lex in Lexington. Admission is free. The company includes Raegan Weber as Lisa, Trae Selemaea as Jimmy and John Plasencio as Dad/Oracle/Maulingobler. The crew includes Director/Production Manager/Playwright Dr. Aaron Scully, Stage Manager Chris Schilligo, Scenic Designer/Technical Director Hannah Vath, Costume/Hair/Makeup Designer Cassie Kay Hoppas, Sound Designer Gabe Sokolowski, Sound Engineer Aleksandra Combs and Public Relations/Social Media Manager Madison Keep.  
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The Jacomo Chorale announced the selection of Noila Ortega as its director, and Hemdah Salonimer-Horner as its accompanist, to begin the Chorale’s 43rd season August 22nd.  Born in Cuba and now residing in the Heart of America, Noila Ortega is a well rounded professional musician, conductor, and bilingual educator. Coming from a family of influential musicians, Ortega started piano at seven and graduated high school from National School of Art with an emphasis in Music Theory, Piano and Chamber Music Teaching. She continued her studies and graduated from the University of Arts in Havana, Cuba with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus in Orchestral Conducting and Musicology. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Foreign Languages (Spanish) from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Ortega has a broad range of experience in performing and conducting orchestras from large ballets to youth orchestras, accompanying ballet classes and choirs, as well as teaching all ages and levels. Currently, she is the head of the Music and Spanish departments at Outreach Christian Education, is a piano accompanist at the Kansas City Ballet, has a private teaching studio, and freelances as a conductor and accompanist.  Hemdah has been an accompanist and piano instructor since 1984, bringing extensive experience to her role. Since August 2014, she has served as the accompanist at William Chrisman High School, currently under the direction of Timothy Gorski. Hemdah has collaborated on musicals with her husband, Dr. John Horner, as the director, as well as with Julie McDaniel at Blue Springs City Theatre. She has also worked on a musical at Blue Springs High School and accompanied choirs at Southeast Junior High and the former O’Hara High School on James A. Reed. She looks forward to working on the Penguin Project’s production of Annie Jr. at Blue Springs City Theatre this coming season. Hemdah has 40 years of experience as a piano instructor, specializing in teaching autistic and ADHD students. She also coaches music teachers on supporting their autistic and ADHD students in sensory regulation, helping them stay calm, focused, and able to reach their potential and thrive in both music and life. Hemdah has a BA in Music Education from Graceland College, and a MM in Performance (Piano) from UMKC. The Jacomo Chorale, a non-auditioned choral group, is located in Blue Springs, MO and welcomes singers from around Eastern Jackson County and surrounding cities. It is a 501(c)3 organization. For additional information, contact Nancy White at [email protected] or https://jacomochorale.org/. The Chorale meets at Mission Woods Community of Christ 2800 NW Duncan Road, Blue Springs, rehearsing each Thursday night from 7-9 PM. Additional information is available from Nancy White at [email protected] or by calling 816.560.9148. https://jacomochorale.org/ https://www.facebook.com/jacomochorale  |
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