We’ll Take What We Can Get

The bad news is that the Actors Theatre of Kansas City, this paper’s choice for Best Theater of 2008, is able to mount just one show in 2009. The good news is that the show is David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, a bellicose treat for actors. And the caliber of the actors playing the shouting salesmen — Scott Cordes, Brian Paulette, John Rensenhouse (who also directs) and pedigreed KC newcomer Victor Raider-Wexler — fairly guarantees a fine, harrowing night of drama. All the boy talk means some of the area’s best actresses are sitting this summer out, but even this is trumped by the best news of all: No matter what, the Actors Theatre soldiers on, one distinguished production at a time. The play runs through August 16; the curtain rises tonight at 7:30 at Union Station’s City Stage (18 West Pershing). For tickets, call 816-235-6222. And, sorry, one more bit of bad news: Alec Baldwin’s “fuck or walk” speech about balls and closing? Mamet wrote that just for the movie. See kcactors.org for additional performances.

Thu., July 30, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., July 31, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 2, 2 p.m.; Tue., Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 9, 2 p.m.; Wed., Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 16, 2 p.m., 2009