Wichita is known for its rich art and culture experiences through Music Theatre Wichita, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, the Wichita Grand Opera and Theatre League Wichita. With so many options, you can catch a show just about any time of year. Theatre League Wichita begins its 2017-18 season in late October and has performances through April. Here’s a look at what’s coming to Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center this season:

RENT
Oct. 30-Nov. 1

One of the more controversial shows on Broadway has survived more than two decades. RENT is a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning, in-your-face, defiant anthem for artists. A group of seven people of different backgrounds come together as they struggle with addiction and health issues in New York City. The musical written by Jonathan Larsen carries a message of hope through turmoil and the act of facing your fears. Pushing away material, worldly desires, the group quickly learns life and success should be measured by the only thing that truly matters – love. RENT is intended for mature audiences only.

Motown the Musical
Dec. 5-7

It is the story of Berry Gordy, the featherweight boxer turned music mogul responsible for catapulting the careers of people like Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and more. Motown the Musical takes audiences on a journey back to when R&B and soul music ranked supreme in the industry, and when Motown one of the biggest groups in Hollywood. The musical contains some adult themes and is recommended for children ages 12 and up.

Kinky Boots
Jan. 9-11

Now hold on a minute, don’t be afraid of the name of this musical. It does not have any foul language and is suitable for kids as young as 10. As the story goes, Charlie Price is forced to return home to take over the family business, a shoe factory in need of revitalization. Looking for a way to save his father’s legacy, he finds inspiration in a vibrant entertainer named Lola, who is looking for a new pair of heels. The pair works to restore the factory by created “kinky boots” for men, and learn they have more in common than they originally thought. Kinky Boots, with a score by Cyndi Lauper, is based on a true story and indie movie of the same name.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
April 17-19

This Tony Award-winning production tells the story of Monty, who’s in line for his family’s inheritance. In order to stake his claim, he hatches a plot to kill the eight relatives in his way. While satisfying his greed, Monty also has to juggle a mistress and his fiancé. A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder has many adult themes and his not recommended for children under the age of 13.

The Illusionists: Live from Broadway
Jan. 30-31

Do you believe in magic? Capture some of the most exciting illusions and death-defying stunts right before your eyes with The Illusionists: Live on Broadway. With turn of the century grandeur, entertaining marionettes, clairvoyants and comedy, The Illusionists invite you to step in an imaginarium of sorts as they woo you with their mystic and wonder. This performance has shattered box office records continually worldwide. This show is suitable for all ages, but some acts might be a little scary for small children.

Let It Be
March 22

When you find yourself in times of trouble, swap for this show and you can see the latest Beatles tribute, Let It Be. The musical brings an incredible look into the Fab Four’s through their careers as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Catch songs never performed live on stage and the old favorites like, “Hey Jude,” “Back in the USSR,” “Woman,” “Live and Let Die,” and many more. This musical is suitable for children ages 8 and up.

For information on the other cultural experiences available in Wichita, click here.