Comedy, history & pop music: Starlight Theatre announces Broadway shows coming to KC in 2023

The summer concert and theater season is just coming to a close, but Starlight is already making moves for next year.

Starlight Theater’s newly announced 2023 Broadway Season is lined with everything from musical tributes to modern classics. The theater’s upcoming series will include a total seven shows as a part of its AdventHealth Broadway Series.

“I’m especially excited for next summer’s blockbuster Broadway season,” Starlight CEO and President Rich Baker said in a statement.

The Broadway Series will include outdoor performances of shows like the rock-opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” and comedic musical “Tootsie.”

“These shows deliver a mix of classic stories, stories retold, and contemporary Broadway. We’re celebrating important moments in history through a musical lens,” Baker said. “It’s going to be an incredible summer featuring highlights of shared history in poignant and moving ways.”

Season tickets for next summer’s Broadway shows start around $62 for certain seats and go up to about $446. The 10-story stage house and theater are located in Swope Park on Kansas City’s Southeast side.

Here are next summer’s shows in the 2023 AdventHealth Broadway Series.

“Tootsie”

May 19-21, 2023

“Tootsie” is a comedy musical that tells the story of how actor Michael Dorsey lands the role of a lifetime, aftering struggling to find work. “Tootsie” will be a weekend special and will not be available with season tickets, but can be added on later on when tickets become available.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”

June 20-25, 2023

Next summer you can enjoy a 50th anniversary performance of this rock opera, which is part rock concert, part retelling of the final week of Jesus Christ’s life.

“1776”

July 25-30, 2023

Inspired by the story of America’s independence, this musical follows twelve individuals as they try to put their differences aside for their nation.

“Rain-A Tribute to The Beatles”

July 21-23, 2023

This tribute musical will include all your favorite Beatles songs, specifically songs from “Abbey Road” and “The Rooftop Concert Live.” Rain will be a weekend special and will not be available with season tickets, but can be added on later on when tickets become available.

“Jagged Little Pill”

Aug. 1-6, 2023

Based on Alanis Morissette’s hit album, “Jagged Little Pill” will follow an American family sorting through the woes and joys of life.

“Come From Away”

Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 2023

This Canadian musical highlights a town’s compassion and shock after the 9/11 attacks in New York City.

The theater has announced six of the seven shows set for next season. The seventh will be announced at kcstarlight.com later this year. You can buy season tickets here.