Last year, the new Kirkwood Performing Art Center (KPAC) opened. Since then, there has become a huge opportunity for residents of Kirkwood to attend professional plays and musicals. The modern look of the new theater has caught the attention of first-time viewers and has provided a source of entertainment for already existing theater fans. The current production at KPAC is A Chorus Line. Maddie Rowan, senior, has been attending theater productions her whole life. 

“We have a subscription [to KPAC] because theater is really important.” Rowan said. “My mom is a drama teacher, so she really cares about going to see theater and I’ve grown up watching shows.”

Rowan said when KPAC switched venues, it was a big deal to her family and they were all excited. Rowan will be going to see A Chorus Line with her friend and grandmother on Oct. 1. Gretta Bischoff, senior and Rowan’s friend, said she will also be attending the production. Bischoff said that she has also seen and been in shows in the past that were performed at the Robert Reim Theater, the old home of KPAC. was also a part of some shows when she was younger. She said she heard about the play from Rowan, but was also aware of it through other people she knows. “I’m honestly really bad at keeping up with shows that are going on there,” Bischoff said. “My friend’s grandma is really into it so he keeps me updated on what’s going on … I’m excited to see [A Chorus Line] because I want to go to more [shows],” said Bischoff.

Chloe Popp, freshman, went to see A Chorus Line with her mom and said she was a huge fan. While Popp had already seen shows in the past and already developed a love of theater, she revealed that this show was an incredible experience for her.

“This was my first time seeing [A Chorus Line]  and it was phenomenal,” Popp said. “I was so impressed.” 

Popp said she had gone to see Mamma Mia! at the old theater, and was already a fan before the new performing arts center was built. She said that her favorite part of the performance was the dancing. 

“The choreography was so impressive,” said Popp. “I give the performance five out of five stars. I will definitely be going to see more shows in the future.”

As more people are drawn to the new performing arts center, many young people are becoming fans of theater themselves. According to Rowan, most students at KHS simply don’t appreciate the theater enough. Thanks to the new KPAC, however, people of all ages are able to come and enjoy a show.