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Now Playing Onstage in Kansas City - Week of 6/16/2013

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 10:00:00 PST

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WIDESPREAD PANIC
Kansas City Starlight Theatre
6/22-6/22/2013
Widespread Panic cut its teeth, like so many of its forebears, on the southern bar circuit, where winning fans and influencing patrons takes a unique combination of musical panache and from-the-gut persistence. John Bell and Michael Houser had spent the better part of five years writing, playing and racking up life experiences as collaborators and friends by the time the fully-coalesced band's first official show took place in 1986. From there, the Panic spread stealthily but immutably. Panic separated themselves from the crowd by working both ends of the sonic spectrum -- crafting tightly-wound and memorable songs and using those as jumping off points for improvisations that turn heads and then keep them bobbing.
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SOUTH PACIFIC
Excelsior Springs Community Theatre
6/7-6/22/2013
Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile. Nellie learns that the mother of his children was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, refuses Emile's proposal of marriage. Meanwhile, the strapping Lt. Joe Cable denies himself the fulfillment of a future with an innocent Tonkinese girl with whom he's fallen in love out of the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile is recruited to accompany Joe on a dangerous mission that claims Joe's life, Nellie realizes that life is too short not to seize her own chance for happiness, thus confronting and conquering her prejudices.Music by Rodgers, Richard; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Book by Oscar Hammerstein II & Joshua Logan; Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel
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MISS ABIGAIL'S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING & MARRIAGE
American Heartland Theatre
5/10-6/23/2013
MISS ABIGAIL'S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING, & MARRIAGE is the story of Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her sexy sidekick Paco, as they travel the world teaching Miss Abigail's outrageously funny "how-to's" on dating, mating and marriage!
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WITH A BANGO ON MY KNEE
Chestnut Fine Arts Center
5/16-6/23/2013
WITH A BANJO ON MY KNEE intertwines homespun humor with old-time music - bluegrass, country, folk and gospel! You'll enjoy banjo and guitar pickin' and songs that live in your memories - Old Joe Clark, Do Lord, Go Tell Aunt Rhody, Oh Susanna, I'll Fly Away and more! We're gonna have some FUN with this show!
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THE MOUNTAINTOP
Unicorn Theatre
6/5-6/23/2013
The Mainstage: - Katori Hall.
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PUSS IN BOOTS
Paul Mesner Puppets, Inc
6/5-6/30/2013
Paul Mesner Puppet Studio: - adapt: Mike Horner, Paul Mesner.
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LYLE THE CROCODILE
The Coterie Theatre
6/18-8/4/2013
What a croc! Loveable Lyle livens up a summer's day. When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, their son Joshua is surprised to find a crocodile in the tub. The multi-talented Lyle quickly becomes part of the family, but a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile, and it is only a matter of time before he accuses Lyle of frightening his cat. Lyle is shipped off to the zoo, but his old showbiz partner, Hector P. Valenti, jailbreaks him just in time to save the day when Mr. Grumps' brownstone catches fire.
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LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE
The Coterie Theatre
6/18-8/4/2013
- adapt: Richard Gray from Bernard Waber; dir: Missy Koonce, Ron MeGee.
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Now Playing Onstage in Kansas City - Week of 6/09/2013

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 10:00:00 PST

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YOUTH SYMPHONY JOINS THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
6/11-6/11/2013
The Kansas City Symphony and Youth Symphony of Kansas City will present a free side-by-side performance in Helzberg Hall on Tuesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. Side-by-side performances give students an opportunity to play with professional musicians, and it is a great experience for all 150 musicians involved. Program includes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, Mussorgsky/Rimsky-Korsakov's A night on Bald Mountain, Grieg's Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt and Smetana's "The Moldau", No. 2 from Ma vlast.
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MAMA WON'T FLY
Greenwood Little Theatre
6/13-6/16/2013
An outrageously hilarious race against the clock begins when Savannah Sprunt Fairchild Honeycutt agrees to get her feisty mother all the way from Alabama to California in time for her brother's wedding. Savannah's problem: Mama won't fly. With only four days to make it to the ceremony, this determined daughter has no choice but to drive cross-country with her equally willful mother, Norleen Sprunt, in Mama's vintage sedan. As Savannah steels herself for this hastily conceived road trip, another outrageous complication arises: the bubbly, over-eager bride-to-be arrives unannounced. Hayley Quinn, delighted to finally meet her future in-laws, is convinced that traveling together to her wedding is the perfect way to bond. The folly of her decision quickly becomes apparent when the journey begins and comedic chaos ensues.
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CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Kansas City Starlight Theatre
6/11-6/16/2013
Based on the hit film and the incredible true story that inspired it, Catch Me If You Can is the high-flying, Broadway musical that tells the story of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forgEd Checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer - living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. Don't miss this big-hearted musical adventure based on an astonishing real-life story of being young, in love?and in deep, deep trouble! Catch Me If You Can follows the adventures of Frank Abagnale Jr., a suburban kid in the early 1960s who leaves home before graduating from high school and parlays a gift for telling tall tales and forging checks into an around-the-world spree. Doggedly pursued by FBI agent Carl Hanratty, Frank manages to pose as an airline pilot, an emergency room doctor and a lawyer, winning the heart of nurse Brenda Strong along the way. The charming young con artist is greatly influenced by his father (who has his own brushes with the law) and forges an unlikely friendship with Hanratty.
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SOUTH PACIFIC
Excelsior Springs Community Theatre
6/7-6/22/2013
Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile. Nellie learns that the mother of his children was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, refuses Emile's proposal of marriage. Meanwhile, the strapping Lt. Joe Cable denies himself the fulfillment of a future with an innocent Tonkinese girl with whom he's fallen in love out of the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile is recruited to accompany Joe on a dangerous mission that claims Joe's life, Nellie realizes that life is too short not to seize her own chance for happiness, thus confronting and conquering her prejudices.Music by Rodgers, Richard; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Book by Oscar Hammerstein II & Joshua Logan; Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel
Click Here for More Information
MISS ABIGAIL'S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING & MARRIAGE
American Heartland Theatre
5/10-6/23/2013
MISS ABIGAIL'S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING, & MARRIAGE is the story of Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her sexy sidekick Paco, as they travel the world teaching Miss Abigail's outrageously funny "how-to's" on dating, mating and marriage!
Click Here for More Information
WITH A BANGO ON MY KNEE
Chestnut Fine Arts Center
5/16-6/23/2013
WITH A BANJO ON MY KNEE intertwines homespun humor with old-time music - bluegrass, country, folk and gospel! You'll enjoy banjo and guitar pickin' and songs that live in your memories - Old Joe Clark, Do Lord, Go Tell Aunt Rhody, Oh Susanna, I'll Fly Away and more! We're gonna have some FUN with this show!
Click Here for More Information
THE MOUNTAINTOP
Unicorn Theatre
6/5-6/23/2013
The Mainstage: - Katori Hall.
Click Here for More Information
PUSS IN BOOTS
Paul Mesner Puppets, Inc
6/5-6/30/2013
Paul Mesner Puppet Studio: - adapt: Mike Horner, Paul Mesner.
Click Here for More Information
LYLE THE CROCODILE
The Coterie Theatre
6/18-8/4/2013
What a croc! Loveable Lyle livens up a summer's day. When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, their son Joshua is surprised to find a crocodile in the tub. The multi-talented Lyle quickly becomes part of the family, but a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile, and it is only a matter of time before he accuses Lyle of frightening his cat. Lyle is shipped off to the zoo, but his old showbiz partner, Hector P. Valenti, jailbreaks him just in time to save the day when Mr. Grumps' brownstone catches fire.
Click Here for More Information
LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE
The Coterie Theatre
6/18-8/4/2013
- adapt: Richard Gray from Bernard Waber; dir: Missy Koonce, Ron MeGee.
Click Here for More Information

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Audra McDonald Kicks Off GO BACK HOME Summer, Fall 2013 Tour

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 00:30:00 PST

According to Audra McDonald's official website, the singer will be taking her first solo album in seven years, Go Back Home, on a national tour. Go Back Home was released May 21 on Nonesuch Records. McDonald's new tour dates across North America will kick off with a performance at the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, MI, tonight, June 8. Scroll down for a full list of tour dates!

Go Back Home features songs by composers with whom Audra has long been associated (Adam Guettel, LaChiusa, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim) and some, like the Kander & Ebb title track, relatively new to her repertoire; in addition, Audra continues to champion works by an emerging generation of composers, represented on this recording by Adam Gwon, Heisler and Goldrich, and Will Reynolds.

After four seasons spent in Los Angeles playing Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC's hit medical drama Private Practice, the acclaimed singer and actress returned to New York and Broadway last year, winning her record-tying fifth Tony Award for her role in The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. With Go Back Home, the Grammy Award-winning soprano, whose voice Stephen Sondheim has hailed as "one of the glories of the American theater," makes her highly anticipated return to recording, presenting her most personal album to date.

Born into a musical family, McDonald grew up in Fresno, California, where as a child she began singing in her local community theater (her first audition piece was Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Edelweiss," which she has recorded for Go Back Home). A year after graduating from Juilliard, she won her first Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for Carousel. She won two additional Tonys in that category, for Terrence McNally's play Master Class (1996) and his musical Ragtime (1998), earning her an unprecedented three Tony Awards before the age of 30. In 2004 she won her fourth, for A Raisin in the Sun, and in 2012 she won her fifth Tony and her first in the leading actress category for her role in The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. (Julie Harris and Angela Lansbury are the only other people to have won five performance Tony Awards.)

A familiar face on PBS, McDonald has headlined telecasts including an American Songbook season-opening concert, a presentation of Sondheim's Passion, a tribute concert to Rodgers and Hammerstein titled Something Wonderful, and four galas with the New York Philharmonic: a New Year's Eve performance in 2006, a concert celebrating Sondheim's 80th birthday, Carnegie Hall's 120th Anniversary Concert, and, most recently, "Marvin Hamlisch: One Singular Sensation," a New Year's Eve tribute to the late composer. She was also featured in the PBS television special "A Broadway Celebration: In Performance at the White House," singing at the request of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. This season McDonald hosts nine telecasts as part of her new role with Live From Lincoln Center.

McDonald's previous Nonesuch releases are Build a Bridge (2006), Happy Songs (2002), How Glory Goes (2000), and Way Back to Paradise (1998). To purchase 'Go Back Home' on Amazon, click here.

NEW TOUR DATES:

JUNE 8, 2013
Midland Center for the Arts
Midland, MI
Tickets on sale April 15

JUNE 15, 2013
Colonial Theater Association / Berkshire Theater Group
Pittsfield, MA

JULY 6, 2013
Guild Hall
East Hampton, NY

JULY 12, 2013
Napa Valley Festival del Sole
Calistoga, CA

AUGUST 3, 2013
Caramoor
Katonah, NY

AUGUST 24, 2013
Film Night at Tanglewood
Tanglewood
Lenox, MA

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala
Davies Symphony Hall
San Francisco, CA

SEPTEMBER 5, 6, 2013
Bravo! Professional Performing Arts at BYU Presents Audra McDonald
de Jong Concert Hall, Brigham Young University
Provo, UT

SEPTEMBER 7, 2013
Austad Auditorium, Weber State University
Ogden, UT

SEPTEMBER 15, 2013
Hill Auditorium, University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

SEPTEMBER 21, 2013
An Evening with Audra McDonald
Krannert Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL

SEPTEMBER 28, 2013
Royal Conservatory of Music
Toronto, ON

OCTOBER 12, 2013
An Evening with Audra McDonald
Symphony Center
Chicago, IL

OCTOBER 19, 2013
Brown Theater, Wortham Center
Houston, TX

OCTOBER 20, 2013
Long Center
Austin, TX

OCTOBER 25, 2013
Balboa Theater
La Jolla, CA

OCTOBER 26, 2013
Audra McDonald One Night Only
Los Angeles Music Center
Los Angeles, CA

NOVEMBER 2, 2013
Reynolds Performance Hall, University of Central Arkansas at Conway
Conway, AR

NOVEMBER 8, 2013
Whitney Hall
Louisville, KY

NOVEMBER 15, 2013
The Sheldon
St. Louis, MO
Friends of The Sheldon Benefit

NOVEMBER 16, 2013
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Kansas City, MO
A Benefit Concert for Arts Education

NOVEMBER 22, 2013
McCarter Theatre Center
Princeton, NJ

NOVEMBER 23, 2013
Staller Center for the Arts
Stonybrook, NY

DECEMBER 21, 2013
Audra McDonald with The Phoenix Symphony
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa, AZ

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Dashes into Starlight Next Week

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:37:02 PST

Based on the hit DreamWorks film and the incredible true story that inspired it, the first national tour of the high-flying Broadway musical Catch Me If You Can will land in Kansas City at Starlight Theatre June 11-16.

Catch Me If You Can captures the astonishing true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a world-class con artist who passed himself off as a doctor, a lawyer, and a jet pilot-all before the age of 21. With straight-arrow FBI agent Carl Hanratty on Frank's trail, we're off on a jet-setting, cat-and-mouse chase, as a jazzy, swinging-sixties score keeps this adventure in constant motion. In the end, Agent Hanratty learns he and Frank aren't so very different after all, and Frank finds out what happens when love catches up to a man on the run.

This engagement follows hot on the heels of the recent Broadway run, where the show received considerable acclaim. The New York Times exclaims, "Hot diggity! This portrait of the con artist as a young man comes to ecstatic life." WOR Radio calls it "absolutely marvelous" and proclaims Catch Me If You Can "A real BROADWAY musical with showstoppers to enthrall just about everyone." And Vanity Fair says "Catch Me will move you to live life to the fullest and dance past anything standing in your way," and urges "Get your seats now!"

Catch Me If You Can is based on Frank Abagnale's New York Times bestselling autobiography, published by Broadway Paperbacks, and the hit 2002 film of the same name was directed by Steven Spielberg with screenplay by Jeff Nathanson and book by Frank Abagnale, Jr.

"I remember watching Frank Abagnale, Jr. on the 'Johnny Carson Show in the late '70s,'" said Denton Yockey, President and Executive Producer of Starlight Theatre. "His stories were the kind you think can only be written by a fiction writer, but these were real life. When his life story, Catch Me If You Can, came out in 1980, it quickly became and still remains one of my all-time favorite books.

"The film and musical of Frank Abagnale, Jr.'s life deviate a little from his autobiography, but they still are the same great, fun story," Yockey said. "I had the privilege of meeting Frank Abagnale, Jr. on Broadway when the musical first opened. He has a winning smile. He's gregarious. He's immediately your friend. Maybe that's why he was such a good con man."

Nominated for four Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN features a Tony Award-winning creative team, with a book by Terrence McNally (The Full Monty, Ragtime), an irresistible score by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman (Hairspray), choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Legally Blonde) and direction by Jack O'Brien (Hairspray, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels).

Scenic design for CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is by David Rockwell (Hairspray), costumes based on the original design by five-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long (The Producers), lighting design is by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (Wicked) and sound design is by Peter McBoyle.

Tickets to Catch Me If You Can are now on sale for $10 - $85. Season ticket holders can save up to 36 percent off the price of a single ticket to Catch Me If You Can plus receive exclusive discounts including free parking, concession stand and shopping discounts, and free exchanges. Tickets are available at kcstarlight.com, by calling 816-363-STAR (7827) or in person at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road. Box Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Discounted ticket prices for groups of 15 or more can be ordered by contacting Stacey Million, Starlight's group sales manager, at groups@kcstarlight.com or 816-997-1137.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. Dining options for Catch Me If You Can include pre-show dining in the VIP Club catered by Plaza Catering that includes hot buffet items, extensive salad selections, a veggie garden bar, upscale desserts, children's menu and Bistro fare items such as salads and sandwiches. Reservations may be made in advance; walk-ups are also welcome. The menu for Catch Me If You Can is posted at www.kcstarlight.com. Other dining options include concession stand favorites and pre-packagEd Salads and sandwiches on the Encore Deck provided by ARAMARK.

Pre-show tours of the stage, Starlight's Walk of Stars, gardens and fountains are offered nightly along with pre-show performances at the Starlight Square stage. Free nightly, behind-the-scenes tours with information about Starlight and its rich history begin at 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 7 p.m. at the top of the theatre behind Terrace Section 1. The Ovation Gift Store is open from 6 p.m. through end of show. Accessible parking and guest assistance getting in and out of the theater are available. For information about other Starlight services, visit kcstarlight.com.

KC Rep to Host First Ever TONY Watch Party, 6/9

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:19:46 PST

Excitement is mounting at Kansas City Repertory Theatre as it prepares to throw its first ever Tony Awards Watch Party. All the glitz and glamour of the 67th Annual Tony Awards, broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall, will be projected on to a 20-foot-tall screen in the comfortable Spencer Theatre. Sit back, enjoy your favorite beverage and cheer for the Tony nominated A Christmas Story, The Musical! The free local celebration will include Tony trivia, prizes, a cash bar and special appearances by members of the original Kansas City cast.

The Tony Watch Party is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. For the public to confirm attendance please call 816-235-2700.

The Rep's road to the Tony Awards began in 2009 with the Kansas City world premiere of A Christmas Story, the Musical!, which broke all attendance and revenue records for the theatre. After a successful 2010 run in Seattle and a five-city tour the following year, the Rep's holiday musical hit Broadway in 2012, garnering three Tony nominations for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. And now, it's time to celebrate!

"When I announced in 2009 that the Rep would depart from its annual tradition of A Christmas Carol To do the special world premiere of A Christmas Story, The Musical! most of our city thought I had lost my mind," said the Rep's artistic director Eric Rosen. "A Christmas Story became the largest hit in Rep history, and then went on to capture the hearts of audiences across the country before landing on Broadway for a record-

breaking run. I never would have dreamed that the Rep's world premiere would go on to be honored with three Tony nominations, including Best Musical."

"Under Eric's leadership and vision, the Rep gave birth to A Christmas Story, The Musical! and started the creative and business trajectory that got us to Broadway," commented one of the show's producers Gerald Goehring. "I can easily trace what I saw on stage at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre [on Broadway] to those magical nights at the Rep. The love, care and integrity that the entire Kansas City Rep organization infused the show with, remained with the production. Kansas City Rep has been a terrific producing partner as we journeyed from Cherry Street in Kansas City, MO to 45th Street in New York City."

Just shy of its 50th anniversary, Kansas City Repertory Theatre is one of the nation's oldest and most respected regional theaters. Lauded by The Wall Street Journal, TIME magazine, Variety and the Toronto Sun, the Rep produces mainstage plays and special events at Spencer Theatre, where it serves as the professional theatre in residence at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Copaken Stage located in downtown Kansas City. Kansas City Rep employs more than 250 professional artists, technicians and administrators, and serves more than 100,000 patrons and 10,000 school children annually. Kansas City Repertory Theatre is led by Artistic Director Eric Rosen, and Producing Director Jerry Genochio.

Audra McDonald Adds GO BACK HOME Summer, Fall 2013 Tour Dates

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:14:25 PST

According to Audra McDonald's official website, the singer will be taking her first solo album in seven years, Go Back Home, on a national tour. Go Back Home was released May 21 on Nonesuch Records. McDonald's new tour dates across North America will kick off with a performance at the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, MI, on June 8. Scroll down for a full list of tour dates!

McDonald's previous Nonesuch releases are Build a Bridge (2006), Happy Songs (2002), How Glory Goes (2000), and Way Back to Paradise (1998). To purchase 'Go Back Home' on Amazon, click here.

NEW TOUR DATES:

JUNE 8, 2013
Midland Center for the Arts
Midland, MI
Tickets on sale April 15

JUNE 15, 2013
Colonial Theater Association / Berkshire Theater Group
Pittsfield, MA

JULY 6, 2013
Guild Hall
East Hampton, NY

JULY 12, 2013
Napa Valley Festival del Sole
Calistoga, CA

AUGUST 3, 2013
Caramoor
Katonah, NY

AUGUST 24, 2013
Film Night at Tanglewood
Tanglewood
Lenox, MA

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala
Davies Symphony Hall
San Francisco, CA

SEPTEMBER 5, 6, 2013
Bravo! Professional Performing Arts at BYU Presents Audra McDonald
de Jong Concert Hall, Brigham Young University
Provo, UT

SEPTEMBER 7, 2013
Austad Auditorium, Weber State University
Ogden, UT

SEPTEMBER 15, 2013
Hill Auditorium, University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

SEPTEMBER 21, 2013
An Evening with Audra McDonald
Krannert Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL

SEPTEMBER 28, 2013
Royal Conservatory of Music
Toronto, ON

OCTOBER 12, 2013
An Evening with Audra McDonald
Symphony Center
Chicago, IL

OCTOBER 19, 2013
Brown Theater, Wortham Center
Houston, TX

OCTOBER 20, 2013
Long Center
Austin, TX

OCTOBER 25, 2013
Balboa Theater
La Jolla, CA

OCTOBER 26, 2013
Audra McDonald One Night Only
Los Angeles Music Center
Los Angeles, CA

NOVEMBER 2, 2013
Reynolds Performance Hall, University of Central Arkansas at Conway
Conway, AR

NOVEMBER 8, 2013
Whitney Hall
Louisville, KY

NOVEMBER 15, 2013
The Sheldon
St. Louis, MO
Friends of The Sheldon Benefit

NOVEMBER 16, 2013
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Kansas City, MO
A Benefit Concert for Arts Education

NOVEMBER 22, 2013
McCarter Theatre Center
Princeton, NJ

NOVEMBER 23, 2013
Staller Center for the Arts
Stonybrook, NY

DECEMBER 21, 2013
Audra McDonald with The Phoenix Symphony
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa, AZ

Now Playing Onstage in Kansas City - Week of 6/02/2013

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 10:00:00 PST

View All Show Listings for Kansas City
Click Here to View BroadwayWorld.com Kansas City Calendar

SPAMALOT
Kansas City Starlight Theatre
5/31-6/6/2013

Click Here for More Information
SPAMALOT
Kansas City Starlight Theatre
5/31-6/6/2013
Monty Python's Spamalot is the outrageous musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." With music and lyrics by the Grammy-Award winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers ("Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," "Find Your Grail") are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere eat up Spamalot. King Arthur is travelling around England looking for knights to join him - then he's instructed by God Himself to find the Holy Grail. The story of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table was the premise of the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Now it's a comical musical with many of the original songs from the film.
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MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT
Kansas City Starlight Theatre
5/31-6/6/2013

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ELENA URIOSTE & GABRIELA MARTINEZ
Folly Theater
6/7-6/7/2013
This Discovery Concert is free to the public. "Print at home" online tickets will become available starting two months before the event. American violinist Elena Urioste, featured on the cover of Symphony magazine as an emerging artist to watch, has been praised by critics for her lush tone, the nuanced lyricism of her playing, and her commanding stage presence. Urioste's debut performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2010 were praised by three separate critics for their "hypnotic delicacy," "expressive poise," and "lyrical sensitivity." Since she first appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 13, she has made acclaimed debuts with major orchestras throughout the United States, including the Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops. Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez has been lauded by The New York Times as "compelling, elegant, and incisive," and has quickly established a reputation as a versatile artist who combines "panache and poetry" (Dallas Morning News) with a "sense of grace and clarity" (The Star Ledger). Martinez has won numerous national and international prizes and awards. Her most recent accomplishments include first prize and audience award at the Anton G. Rubinstein International Piano Competition in Dresden. Presenter: Harriman-Jewell Series
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HEART & SOUL - MUSIC OF THE 50'S
Folly Theater
6/8-6/9/2013
Return to an era when father knew best, Cadillacs had tail fins, and hula hoops were all the rage. You'll rock around the clock to hits by Elvis Presley, Doris Day, Chuck Berry, Debbie Reynolds, Perry Como and Patti Page as HMC salutes the jukebox hits of the '50s. Grab your best poodle skirt or coolest leather jacket and join the hep cats of HMC for a totally keen far out flashback!
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SEASON FINALE: STRAUSS' ALPINE SYMPHONY
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
6/7-6/9/2013
The season closes with two genuine masterpieces - Mozart's sprightly Symphony No. 40 in G minor, a work deeply admired by Richard Strauss, and Strauss' monumental An Alpine Symphony, a composition of scope and grandeur worthy of the Alps themselves. Having established himself as one of the most masterful composers of all time, Strauss said after hearing the first performance of An Alpine Symphony, "at last I have learned to orchestrate." An Alpine Symphony will exploit the full acoustic resources of Helzberg Hall and will bring the season to a thrilling conclusion.
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YOUTH SYMPHONY JOINS THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
6/11-6/11/2013
The Kansas City Symphony and Youth Symphony of Kansas City will present a free side-by-side performance in Helzberg Hall on Tuesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. Side-by-side performances give students an opportunity to play with professional musicians, and it is a great experience for all 150 musicians involved. Program includes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, Mussorgsky/Rimsky-Korsakov's A night on Bald Mountain, Grieg's Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt and Smetana's "The Moldau", No. 2 from Ma vlast.
Click Here for More Information
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Kansas City Starlight Theatre
6/11-6/16/2013
Based on the hit film and the incredible true story that inspired it, Catch Me If You Can is the high-flying, Broadway musical that tells the story of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forgEd Checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer - living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. Don't miss this big-hearted musical adventure based on an astonishing real-life story of being young, in love?and in deep, deep trouble! Catch Me If You Can follows the adventures of Frank Abagnale Jr., a suburban kid in the early 1960s who leaves home before graduating from high school and parlays a gift for telling tall tales and forging checks into an around-the-world spree. Doggedly pursued by FBI agent Carl Hanratty, Frank manages to pose as an airline pilot, an emergency room doctor and a lawyer, winning the heart of nurse Brenda Strong along the way. The charming young con artist is greatly influenced by his father (who has his own brushes with the law) and forges an unlikely friendship with Hanratty.
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SOUTH PACIFIC
Excelsior Springs Community Theatre
6/7-6/22/2013
Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile. Nellie learns that the mother of his children was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, refuses Emile's proposal of marriage. Meanwhile, the strapping Lt. Joe Cable denies himself the fulfillment of a future with an innocent Tonkinese girl with whom he's fallen in love out of the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile is recruited to accompany Joe on a dangerous mission that claims Joe's life, Nellie realizes that life is too short not to seize her own chance for happiness, thus confronting and conquering her prejudices.Music by Rodgers, Richard; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Book by Oscar Hammerstein II & Joshua Logan; Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel
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MISS ABIGAIL'S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING & MARRIAGE
American Heartland Theatre
5/10-6/23/2013
MISS ABIGAIL'S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING, & MARRIAGE is the story of Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her sexy sidekick Paco, as they travel the world teaching Miss Abigail's outrageously funny "how-to's" on dating, mating and marriage!
Click Here for More Information
WITH A BANGO ON MY KNEE
Chestnut Fine Arts Center
5/16-6/23/2013
WITH A BANJO ON MY KNEE intertwines homespun humor with old-time music - bluegrass, country, folk and gospel! You'll enjoy banjo and guitar pickin' and songs that live in your memories - Old Joe Clark, Do Lord, Go Tell Aunt Rhody, Oh Susanna, I'll Fly Away and more! We're gonna have some FUN with this show!
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THE MOUNTAINTOP
Unicorn Theatre
6/5-6/23/2013
The Mainstage: - Katori Hall.
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PUSS IN BOOTS
Paul Mesner Puppets, Inc
6/5-6/30/2013
Paul Mesner Puppet Studio: - adapt: Mike Horner, Paul Mesner.
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MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT Set for Starlight Theatre, Now thru 6/6

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

A chorus line of dancing knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight will kick off Starlight Theatre's 63rd Season during Monty Python's Spamalot, tonight, May 31-June 6.

The outrageous musical comedy is "lovingly ripped off" from the film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." With music and lyrics by the Grammy-Award winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Show-stopping musical numbers include "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" and "Find Your Grail."

Monty Python's Spamalot is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director, as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical. The original cast recording won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show.

"You do not have to be a fan of Monty Python to enjoy Spamalot," said Denton Yockey, Starlight President and Executive Producer. "In fact, if you don't know anything about Monty Python or the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a great introduction. For those who are Monty Python fans, there is a good chance they're going to go nuts when they see this show."

Although Spamalot does not directly follow the original film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," it is just as irreverent with similar language, jokes and gags. "It's a show that adults and teens will enjoy together," Yockey said.

Monty Python's Spamalot is a co-production between Starlight and Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) in Houston. "TUTS is a well-respected leader in the musical theatre industry. It has been a joy working with TUTS to bring this production to Kansas City," he said.

Taking the stage as King Arthur will be Tom Hewitt who has been nominated for both a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for his work in Broadway's The Rocky Horror Show. His other work on Broadway includes Jesus Christ Superstar, Chicago, Dracula: The Musical and The Lion King. He has toured nationally in Peter Pan, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (at Starlight in 2005) and Urinetown. Janine DiVita who grew up in Overland Park will play The Lady of the Lake. She counts Grease, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Anything Goes among her Broadway credits. She also appeared in the national tour of Young Frankenstein. Brian Sears who plays the Mayor/Patsy/Guard 2 also grew up in Overland Park. His Broadway credits include The Book of Mormon (original company), Lend Me A Tenor, Finian's Rainbow, Grease and All Shook Up. He last appeared at Starlight in Hello Dolly!

Other talented cast members with Broadway credits include Jonathan Hammond (Ragtime), Brian Shepard (Spamalot, Follies, Guys and Dolls, Young Frankenstein, Peter Pan and Annie Get Your Gun); Kevin Covert (Spamalot, Memphis and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying); Jeremy Webb (The Visit) and Adam Monley (Mamma Mia!).

Completing the cast are Lindsay Bracco, Sam Burkett, Caitlin Cannon, Danny Dyer, Kayla Hall, Afra Hines, Laura Henning, Andrew Hodge, Logan Kesler, Sam Kiernan, Julia Krohn, Alissa LaVergne, Robin Masella, Patrick O'Neill, Chuck Ragsdale, Buddy Reeder, Michaeljon Slinger and Borris York.

Marc Robin is the director and choreographer. He is the recipient of 16 Joseph Jefferson Awards, three Barrymore Nominations, a Carbonell nomination, 13 After Dark Awards, a Broadway World Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Light Opera Works. Jeff Rizzo is the musical director and conductor. Also joining the creative team are Kit Bond, sound designer, and Richard Winkler, lighting designer.

Tickets to Monty Python's Spamalot are now on sale for $10 - $85. Season ticket holders can save up to 36 percent off the price of a single ticket to Spamalot plus receive exclusive discounts including free parking, concession stand and shopping discounts, and free exchanges. Tickets are available at kcstarlight.com, by calling 816-363-STAR (7827) or in person at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road. Box Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Discounted ticket prices for groups of 15 or more can be ordered by contacting Stacey Million, Starlight's group sales manager, at groups@kcstarlight.com or 816-997-1137.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. Dining options for Spamalot include pre-show dining in the VIP Club catered by Plaza Catering that includes hot buffet items, extensive salad selections, a veggie garden bar, upscale desserts, children's menu and Bistro fare items such as salads and sandwiches. Reservations may be made in advance; walk-ups are also welcome. The menu for Spamalot is posted at www.kcstarlight.com. Other dining options include concession stand favorites and pre-packagEd Salads and sandwiches on the Encore Deck provided by ARAMARK.

NOTABLE DATES:

May 31 - Opening Night, Young Professionals Night. Young professionals receive special seating and group ticket discount price. Email stacey.million@kcstarlight.com
June 1 - Performance will be described for the blind and visually impaired by Kansas Audio-Reader Network.
June 2 - Performance will be interpreted for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

June 3 - Boy Scout Pack Night. Special Scout seating and group ticket discount price for all Boy Scouts and their families, plus a patch. Email groups@kcstarlight.com

Starlight Theatre opened in 1951 and is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City and the second largest outdoor producing theatre in the country. In addition to presenting and producing Broadway musicals and concerts, the not-for-profit organization offers extensive community outreach and educational programming which includes classes, scholarships and Starlight's Blue Star Awards, the second largest musical theatre award program for local high schools and students in the country. Located on 16 acres, Starlight's venue includes rehearsal halls, gift store, club area for dining, concessions, gardens, fountains and a 10-story, climate-controlled stage.

HELLO, DOLLY! & More Among Crown Centers June - December 2013 Events Lineup

Tue, 28 May 2013 11:46:41 PST

Crown Center has announced its full events lineup for the rest of the year (June - December 2013) Check out the schedule below!

May 10 - June 23
Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. AHT's second-to-last production before it closes on August 25. Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her sidekick, Paco, share their outrageously funny advice and "how-to's" on dating, mating and marriage! Learn a thing or two ... like how to have a perfect kiss (it's all about lip position)...and how to let a man think he wears the pants. You'll be laughing about love all night long! A Kansas City premiere.816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 25 - September 8
Curious George: Let's Get Curious!
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. Sponsored by 3M and created by Minnesota Children's Museum together with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. Based on the familiar characters in H.A. and Margret Rey's classic stories and inspired by the animated television series on PBS KIDS, visitors can operate wheels to help George climb a building, sort and weigh fruits and vegetables at the produce stand, use science skills to putt a hole of mini golf, have their picture taken with the rocket from George's space adventure and much more. The exhibit is open during Crown Center Shops regular shopping hours. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

June 1
HospitAl Hill Run
Crown Center Square. This premier Kansas City road racing event is nationally recognized by Runner's World magazine. Races include a 13.1-mile half marathon, 10K race and 5K run/walk, all starting and ending at Crown Center Square. 7 a.m. For registration information, call 816-274-8444 or visitHospitalHillRun.com.

June 7-30
Disneynature Film Series
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Wonderscope and CinemaKC present this Family Summer Film Series featuring Disneynature every weekend during June 7-30. The lineup: "Earth" (June 7-9), "Oceans" (June 14-16), "African Cats" (June 21-23) and "Chimpanzee" (June 28-30). Showtimes are at 12 p.m. Admission is $5 for all ages. 816-545-8034 or screenland.com.

June 8-9
Crown Center Antique Festival
Crown Center Square. The festival's 13th year will feature pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more. More than 100 booths. Regular festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

June 14 - July 13
Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show - 40th Anniversary
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Egads Theatre Co. marks the 40th anniversary of "The Rocky Horror Show" with this production. A newly engaged couple, caught in a storm, visits the home of a mad scientist unveiling his new creation, Rocky Horror. 816-842-9999 or EgadsTheatre.com.

June 17
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An intimate evening of musical theatre starring KC's finest performers. These shows always sell out! Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

June 18 - August 4
Lyle the Crocodile
The Coterie, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. A new musical based on the beloved book series, Lyle will liven up a summer's day. When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, their son Joshua is surprised to find a crocodile in the tub. The multi-talented Lyle quickly becomes part of the family, but a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the loveable reptile! In the end, Lyle shows everyone around him that they should not judge others by how different they appear to be, but to love people - and crocodiles - for what they are. Part of The Coterie Shines (Elementary/Family Series). 816-474-6552 or TheCoterie.org.

June 21-23
Fiesta Kansas City
Crown Center Square. Celebrate Hispanic culture at this 14th annual event, which features great music, food, dancing and exhibits. Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Festival hours: Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Noon to 11 p.m. Check FiestaKansasCity.com or call 816-472-6767 for ticket prices.

July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9
WeekEnder
Cap off your work week with top local bands and favorite food trucks. Shop the wares of KC artisans and finish the evening with a famous flick under the stars. The movie lineup: The Princess Bride (July 12), Weekend at Bernie's (July 19), Raiders of the Lost Ark (July 26), Grease (August 2), Iron Man (August 9). Festivities begin at 5 p.m., music at 7 p.m., with the movie starting at approximately 9 p.m. No admission fee. (Please note: outside food and beverages are not permitted at the WeekEnder. Pets are also not permitted.) 816-274-8444 or crowncenter.com/weekender.

July 12 - August 25
The Bikinis - A New Musical Beach Party
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. This is AHT's finalproduction before it closes on August 25. Back together after 20 years - four best friends are bringing back the sun, fun and all the great songs they sang down on the boardwalk...all to raise money for the good folks at Sandy Shores on Florida's Gold Coast. Filled with such hits as "It's In His Kiss," "Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," "Heat Wave," "Under the Boardwalk," "These Boots are made for Walking," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "When Will I Be Loved," "I Will Survive," "It's Raining Men" and many more. A Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

July 19-28
KC Fringe Festival
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Now in its ninth year, the KC Fringe Festival is a city-wide celebration of local, regional and national artists. Visit KCFringe.org for details about events to be held at Off Center Theatre.

July 27
KCPT Day with Curious George
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Bring the kids to meet and have their picture taken with Curious George. Do a fun activity with KCPT Kids. The event is held in conjunction with Crown Center's "Curious George: Let's Get Curious!" exhibit. Noon to 4 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

July 29
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An intimate evening of musical theatre starring KC's finest performers. These shows always sell out! Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

August 3
Clown Show
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Bring the kids to see a special stage performance by area clowns. Noon to 1 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

August 8-25
Hello, Dolly!
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. Starring Deb Bluford and Gary Neal Johnson. A whirlwind race around New York at the turn of the 20th century, following the adventures of America's most beloved matchmaker. 816-842-9999 orMTHKC.com.

August 22
Larry Stewart Memorial Radiothon
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. An all-day live radio broadcast by 610 Sports radio to help raise funds to benefit The Salvation Army Children's Shelter. Co-founded by Kansas City's own "Secret Santa," the late Larry Stewart, the event brings together local celebrities and sports stars to help people in need. Last year's event raised more than $135,000. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 816-756-1455.

August 30 - September 1
Kansas City Irish Fest
Crown Center Square and Off Center Theatre. Commemorate Kansas City's proud Celtic heritage with three days of music, dancing and exhibits. The festival will feature more than two dozen locally and nationally known bands, playing traditional music and Celtic rock. Off Center Theatre will host Irish comics. $5 Friday tickets. $10 advance Saturday or Sunday tickets, $15 at the gate on Saturday/Sunday, $25 advance three-day tickets. Festival hours: Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call 816-561-7555 or visit KCIrishFest.com for ticket information.

September 7-8
Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival
Crown Center Square. Artists start with empty squares of asphalt and by the end of the weekend, these squares will be transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. No admission fee. Visit KCChalkAndWalk.org for more information. 816-274-8444.

September 9
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An intimate evening of musical theatre starring KC's finest performers. These shows always sell out! Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

October 5, 12, 19, 26
October Puppet Show Series
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. A Crown Center tradition continues with performances from the region's most exciting puppeteers. The lineup: Paul Mesner Puppets (October 5), Bob Kramer Marionettes of St. Louis (October 12), Clement McCrae Puppet (October 19), StoneLion Puppet Theatre (October 26). Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

October 19
Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon
Washington Square Park. Races include a 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon and 5K run/walk, all starting and ending at Washington Square Park (corner of Pershing Road and Grand Boulevard), site of the finish line festival. 7:05 a.m. For registration information, visit KCMarathon.org.

October 31
Arrival of the Mayor's Christmas Tree
Crown Center Square. The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culmination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on October 31 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 1. 816-274-8444.

November 1
Crown Center Ice Terrace Opening Day
Crown Center Square. Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 41st season of great skating fun. Enjoy complimentary skating from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on opening day! Regular admission is $6, or complimentary for those over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours through January: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday. Hours during February and March: noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon to 11 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday. 816-274-8411. (The rink is open until March 9, 2014.)

November 25
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An intimate evening of musical theatre starring KC's finest performers. These shows always sell out! Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

November 29
Santa's Arrival at Crown Center
Crown Center Shops, Grand Boulevard entrance. Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Casey Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol' St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24. No admission fee. 10 a.m. 816-274-8444.

November 29
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Crown Center Square. The 100-foot-tall Mayor's Christmas Tree, one of the nation's tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. Mayor Sly James and a celebrity guest will flip the switch to light the tree. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city's less fortunate. Program begins at 5:30 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

After the holidays, the wood from the Mayor's Christmas Tree is made into commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.

November 29 - December 31
Santa's Crayola Christmas Land
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. Children can play on super-sized Crayola products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 29 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 29 - December 31
Santa's Gingerbread Village
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Three locomotives travel through a Santa's gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Kansas City and Sheraton Kansas City hotels. See the reindeer stable, Santa's sleigh garage, the elves' dorm, a doll, rocking horse, and ball factory, and even Mr. & Mrs. Claus' home. No admission fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

December 2-19
Weekday Holiday Choirs
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings. No admission fee. 816-274-8444 or CrownCenter.com/Choirs.

December 5-22
A Spectacular Christmas
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Musical Theater Heritage's holiday show features a sackful of classic Christmastime songs from movies and musicals. It is funny, heartfelt, and sentimental, and features many of KC's best-loved local performers. The performances will move you, and it's perfect for the family at Christmastime! 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.

December 7 and 14
Musical Fun For Kids
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Enjoy holiday music for kids and families on the first two Saturdays of December. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

Now Playing Onstage in Kansas City - Week of 5/26/2013

Sun, 26 May 2013 10:00:00 PST

View All Show Listings for Kansas City
Click Here to View BroadwayWorld.com Kansas City Calendar

THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Memphis Community Players
5/29-6/1/2013
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. The motion picture version remains the most popular movie musical of all time.Music by Rodgers, Richard; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse; Suggested by `The Trapp Family Singers` by Maria Augusta Trapp
Click Here for More Information
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Memphis Community Players
5/29-6/1/2013
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. The motion picture version remains the most popular movie musical of all time.Music by Rodgers, Richard; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse; Suggested by `The Trapp Family Singers` by Maria Augusta Trapp
Click Here for More Information
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Memphis Community Players
5/29-6/1/2013
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. The motion picture version remains the most popular movie musical of all time.Music by Rodgers, Richard; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse; Suggested by `The Trapp Family Singers` by Maria Augusta Trapp
Click Here for More Information
SCHUBERT'S NINTH AND GIL SHAHAM
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
5/31-6/2/2013
The great violinist Gil Shaham returns to the stage to perform Alban Berg's haunting Violin Concerto, dedicated "to the memory of an angel." In keeping with that sentiment, the concert opens with Carl Ruggles' Angels for muted brass. Franz Schubert's magnificent Ninth Symphony, one of the greatest orchestral works of all time, provides the perfect conclusion to the program.
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SPAMALOT
Kansas City Starlight Theatre
5/31-6/6/2013

Click Here for More Information
SPAMALOT
Kansas City Starlight Theatre
5/31-6/6/2013
Monty Python's Spamalot is the outrageous musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." With music and lyrics by the Grammy-Award winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers ("Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," "Find Your Grail") are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere eat up Spamalot. King Arthur is travelling around England looking for knights to join him - then he's instructed by God Himself to find the Holy Grail. The story of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table was the premise of the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Now it's a comical musical with many of the original songs from the film.
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MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT
Kansas City Starlight Theatre
5/31-6/6/2013

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MISS ABIGAIL'S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING & MARRIAGE
American Heartland Theatre
5/10-6/23/2013
MISS ABIGAIL'S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING, & MARRIAGE is the story of Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her sexy sidekick Paco, as they travel the world teaching Miss Abigail's outrageously funny "how-to's" on dating, mating and marriage!
Click Here for More Information
WITH A BANGO ON MY KNEE
Chestnut Fine Arts Center
5/16-6/23/2013
WITH A BANJO ON MY KNEE intertwines homespun humor with old-time music - bluegrass, country, folk and gospel! You'll enjoy banjo and guitar pickin' and songs that live in your memories - Old Joe Clark, Do Lord, Go Tell Aunt Rhody, Oh Susanna, I'll Fly Away and more! We're gonna have some FUN with this show!
Click Here for More Information

View All Show Listings for Kansas City
Click Here to View BroadwayWorld.com Kansas City Calendar