Summer Fun: Central Missouri Repertory Theatre to Present Touring Production of ‘Space Kids’

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.