Now showing at the Walter Cronkite Memorial on the campus of Missouri Western State University is “Cronkite,” a live multi-media performance. The Memorial and show are part of a field trip opportunity that Missouri Western is making available to schools, tour groups and other organizations at no charge.
“Cronkite” is a one-man show adapted from an appearance by the legendary newsman on CNN’s “Larry King Live” in September 2002. As he reflected on the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Cronkite also recalled other major events he covered, including World War II, the Vietnam War and the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The show incorporates audio, video and still photographs to bring those historic events to life.
The part of Cronkite is played by Jim Korinke, a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. Korinke has been a professional actor for 42 years, having performed in more than 120 stage performances. He has also appeared in some two dozen feature films, including The House on Pine Street, due out this fall; and hundreds of commercials for such clients as the U.S. Army, Coca Cola, McDonalds, Hy-Vee and Honda. He was the voice of Walmart for four years.
“This project has been particularly rewarding,” Korinke said. “I can’t think of anyone I respected, admired or aspired to more than Mr. Cronkite. I am so honored and humbled to have been asked to bring his words and wisdom to life again.”
The show was conceived and edited by Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president, and directed by Dr. Bob Willenbrink, founding dean of Missouri Western’s School of Fine Arts.
Occasional public showings of “Cronkite” will be scheduled, and the show is also part of a “Walter Cronkite Field Trip Package” that Missouri Western is offering to schools, tour groups, senior centers and other groups. The package includes a showing of a Cronkite-narrated film on America’s space program and moon landing in the immersive Bushman Planetarium, a guided tour of the Walter Cronkite Memorial, a performance of “Cronkite” (either live or recorded, depending on the size of the group), lunch and a campus tour. Other options include the Potter Art Gallery and the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex, summer home of the Kansas City Chiefs. All activities are free to school groups; the only charge for other groups is a small fee for lunch.
Groups wanting to arrange a field trip can call the Western Institute at 816-271-4100.
Walter Cronkite was born in St. Joseph on Nov. 4, 1916. The Walter Cronkite Memorial, in the atrium of Spratt Hall on the Missouri Western campus, was dedicated last year on what would have been his 97th birthday. The 5,000 square-foot display features images and videos of Cronkite’s life and the many historic events he covered as a journalist. The Walter Cronkite Memorial is open daily except Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter, and admission is always free. For more information, visit www.waltercronkitememorial.org.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.