|
|
This Olathe Calendar of Events is presented by the Kansas City Real Estate Network.
July 2010 - Posts
-
Thine own personal Vagina Monologues Rating: 5
The Hefner Monologues KC Fringe Festival
John Hefner puts on one of the funniest shows I've ever seen in "The Hefner Monologues" at the Arts Incubator. His first monologue about Tammy, and his description of how she's like plutonium had me rolling with laughter...and I never stopped!
Without giving too much away, I'll tell you that yes, John IS related to Hugh Hefner, but all he's gotten from that familial connection is "the name, a story, and a Pepsi."
Through his stories, and his life, John tells of his awkwardness growing up as a Hefner. After all, "how can you make a name for yourself when someone already has?" His awkward-chic drunken dancing, and adventures as Captain Buzzkill are not to be missed!
John, your friends were right when they told you to put your stories into a show. This is definitely "thine own Vagina Monologues."
Remaining performances are Sat at 10pm and Sun at 4pm.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Kansas City Actors Theatre offers a meticulous production of Sam Shepherd's "True West" anchored by two performances that can only be described as extraordinary.
|
-
The Microbrew Festival, a first-of-its-kind event at Zona Rosa, is a production of UNICO, Kansas City’s Italian-American service organization. Proceeds benefit UNICO Scholarship Programs. The cost is $25 at the event or attendees may purchase advance tickets for $20 at the Zona Rosa guest services office. The price of admission includes a commemorative sampling glass [...] UNICO Microbrew Festival is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
Hard to review Rating: 5
Hanky Panky KC Fringe Festival
For me, this show hit very close to home, and is quite hard to review. Let me explain. "Hanky Panky" is the story of the Gunther family, Joe, Mike, Ed, and Lorraine, who gather around the deathbed of their father. Having lost my grandmother in Nov, this was an eerily familiar sight.
Joining the family are Shelly, the nurse, Rev. Jess, and Kathy and Phyllis, who are Ed and Mike's wives. Everyone's character was well played, with Joe's performance being one of the best. Phyllis was very overprotective and negative, and Kathy's a fun clueless ditz.
I was crying at the end, and heard the rest of the audience sniffling along with me. I would like to say more, but can't find the words to describe this touching show. I encourage everyone to catch the final performance tonight (Sat) at 9:30pm.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
I want to see it again!!!!! Rating: 5
Grind: The Musical KC Fringe Festival
I can't say enough good things about "Grind: The Coffeeshop and Comic Book Musical"!!! I loved it!!! This is the story of Coco who runs a coffeeshop in Minneapolis, MN, her brother, Dylan, her one employee, Perk, and all the regulars that come in and out of the coffeeshop. They're all dealing with their own lives and problems, like Coco's losing the shop space due to impending building demolition, and Perk's problems with helping support his family after moving from New Orleans after Katrina.
The cast consists of Maia Rodriguez (Coco), David Kornfeld (Dylan), Max Collyard (Perk), Alec Scott (Dan), Siri Hammond (Libby), Laura Stratford (chorus, writer), Diasuke Kawachi (chorus, orchestration), and Cari Jones (chorus). Every one of their performances is wonderful.
My favorites were Max (Perk) and Siri (Libby), and their song 'Something Brewing' is not to be missed. David (Dylan) on keyboards and beatboxing (sometimes at the same time) entertains the ear, and he's not bad to look at either! Siri (Libby)'s song 'People Watching' is funny.
My only concerns with this performance were that it didn't seem like Maia (Coco) had her mic turned on when she was singing, and the drum, played very well by Laura (chorus), overpowered the singing at times, especially in Alec (Dan)'s song 'The End of the World' (he's a street evangelist...what do you expect him to sing about?).
As I'm finalizing my schedule of shows to see this evening, I'm fervently wishing that I could see "Grind" again. Since I can't, you definitely should! Their final performance is tonight (Sat) at 6:30pm at The Pearl Living Room.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
When Emma Witbolsfeugen first attended the Lyric Opera’s summer camp four years ago, she was not excited.
more at The Examiner
|
-
The Happy Circus Rating: 5
Cirque du Gay: The Happy Circus by KC Fringe Festival
"Cirque du Gay: The Happy Circus" is the funniest circus I've been to in years! Dennis Porter and Peyton Westfall put on one wonderful performance after another, and dealt with technical problems well when the storm outside blew a breaker and the lights didn't come on, even quipping that we were in for the "Helen Keller performance".
'Magic To Do' opened the show, and got the audience smiling, laughing, and clapping from the very beginning. Other stand-out pieces were 'Never There', featuring Peyton, 'BBQ Burlesque' and 'Dances of All Times' featuring Dennis. They both interacted with the audience continually, especially when they decided to hold 'The Audition'.
I couldn't help but smile, laugh, hoot and holler through this wonderful circus. I encourage everyone to catch their final performance is Sun at 3:30pm at The Pearl Living Room!
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Introducing the family Rating: 4
Driving the Body Back KC Fringe Festival
Karan Founds-Benton is a wonderful soft-spoken storyteller in "Driving the Body Back". This wonderful introduction to her family, and stories about each member, are sweet to hear, as is her voice when she sings. I enjoyed the music, which was a mix of folk and Irish.
As she introduces each new family member, Karan pulls their photo from a care-worn box. Some of the family members were a little off-the-wall, like Uncle George. Julia's story is sweet and sad, and Aunt Nell is a character. I loved hearing about the Uncle (name forgotten) who ran alcohol for Al Capone during the Depression.
If you have time, I would suggest this quiet show. Remaining performances are tonight (Sat) at 11:30pm and Sun at 2pm.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
A second serving would be nice please? Rating: 3
Brawny Britches KC Fringe Festival
"Are you ready for something different, KC?" the ad for Brawny Britches asks us? "Yes We Are" I replied, as did throngs of people who poured into the Off Center Stage at Crown Center for a presentation of "Brawny Britches", a male review of talented professional singers, dancers and actors that promised to bare all to an egger audience. This "BOYlesque" show had some very handsome gentlemen and promised to be a very sexy show, and the promised nudity of these hunks of man flesh had the audience wiggling and wild in their seats wanting more.
Now by saying wanting more, I mean they wanted to see more titillation, a peek of firm backside or a tease of the possible flash of well hung manmeat, but it never happened.
The acts and skits were fun to watch, and the dances well performed, but this seemed rather tame compared to other BDU and other burlesque shows that filled Fringe goers viewing pleasures. All these men have grand physiques and are proud to show them, so show them off a wee bit more! Deliver the package to your waiting audience you Studly Men of Action, and I'm sure you will have your audiences coming again to see you over and over!
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
When finding out about the groups performing at a particular event, you don’t expect to hear about a band of musicians and hoop spinners with the moniker Dumptruck Butterlips. Curious? Cheryl Kimmi, executive director of the KC Fringe Festival, has an explanation — a short one, anyway. “It’s fringe,” she simply states.
more at News Press Now
|
-
 Can't Beat 'Em, Watch 'Em Anyway Rating: 3
If You Can't Beat 'em Join 'em/ The Myths and Bricks Project KC Fringe Festival
The Journeymen Theatre Company's presentations of "The Myth and Brick Report" and "If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em" was an experience I'm still trying to process. While the actors in each story shared with the audience a peek of the human psyche, the presentation itself was plagued with tech problems that kept distracting me. I also want to apologize to the performers for not listing your names here, but without a program I have no idea who you are, sorry.
The first story "The Myth and Brick Report" had a man sharing a deep and heart to heart conversation, the type of talk shared between lovers and soul mates ... with a brick. Could this be symbol of how sometimes a relationship is like talking to a brick wall? Could it be relating the struggle of man's fear of expressing himself to a partner? Could it be a fetishist confronting his darkest desires? Or could it be a nutter talking to a brick? To this reviewer, I had fun just watching him work through his process, which was real and heartfelt, making me wish the brick wasn't so cold and hard toward him. The premise was interesting and the actor gave us a performance that was memorable, but the presentation still was hurt by the technical bugs.
The next story given us "If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em" took the exploration motif to the psycho/social trek of the story's characters Lewis and Clark, as they explore drug interactions, community issues, family matters, and what this costs us as a society. This sometimes absurd and sometimes profound piece flowed into subjects and thought groups much like sand in a drainpipe when the actors were on a roll; the sand pours and fills the space, but after awhile too much slows it down. Personally, a little social commentary goes a long way. This story was a little too much making the story drag on longer than I think it should have. The actors did their parts well with high energy and grand presentation, but I still felt it was too much. Maybe the medicated world has made me "normal like the rest of us", but at times I found myself not listening to the message but distracted by the actors romping on stage or the tech issues.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
WTF??? Rating: 3
If You Can't Beat 'em Join 'em/ The Myths and Bricks Project KC Fringe Festival
Absurdist theatre is not my cup of tea. And like classical theatre, the acting has to be top-notch to even start to follow.
The two productions put on by Journeyman Theatre were both absurdist productions, and I'm still not quite sure what they were about.
Yet another Fringe show without a program for names, the first production was "The Myths and Bricks Report". According to the Fringe program description, "a man sits in a room, his only companion a brick that refuses to speak". The lone actor did a good job in interacting with the brick, but it was hard to understand the point of it. Not being able to hear the last line delivered at the back of the theatre didn't help much.
A long scene change between this and the next, "If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em" didn't help the show. It's about two characters named Lewis and Clark, who sit in a room with 'placebo blow' and have a Godot-esque conversation for most of the production. "Good thing we're normal now," says one of them after they are given 'anti-depressants' to "make you normal, like the rest of us". The writer interprets anti-depressants as the opposite of speed, as the two characters when 'normal' are quite boring to watch.
Plagued by tech issues throughout, it was well acted, even if I have no idea what the two scenes were about.
I'm not even sure if I could recommend it. It definitely fits the bill of a 'Fringe' show, and if you like absurdist theatre it might be right up your alley. But then again, trying to understand absurdist theatre is like talking to a brick.
Angie Fiedler Sutton
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
That was it? Rating: 3
Brawny Britches KC Fringe Festival
When your preshow music includes a song from the stage version of "The Full Monty" and your show is touted as the male BDU, you're dealing with a pretty high set of expectations. Unfortunately, "Brawny Britches" never quite lives up to them.
Don't get me wrong - I'm a big fan of burlesque. In fact, I raved about "Naughty Knickers" in 2007 (which was BDU's first Fringe performance). And I've been looking forward to this before it was even suggested: in fact, last year, I had the idea of doing male burlesque myself, but couldn't afford the entry fee - and so was glad to see someone who could afford getting into the Fringe (and has a following) trying to pull this off.
Starting with "Eye of the Tiger", the first dance number set the bar for pure dirty fun. And there were a couple of skits and dances (most notably the strip juggling and the one with the top hat which will make me never look at them the same way again) that were really on the ball. However, there were too many others (such as the Bob Dylan "Like a Rolling Stone" where the signs of the angel and devil weren't quite in sync and far too much going on) that just left me flat.
Considering how much skin we normally see in a typical BDU production, I was also under-impressed with the actual strips offered by "Britches". It wasn't until the eighth item to where we even got some sexy underwear, with most of the others being baggy briefs or boxers. While I can understand the hesitance of showing full-frontal, at the same time showing a little ass isn't too much to ask for in a production that has 'guaranteed nudity' (according to the description). Couldn't they afford g-strings?
I was, however, impressed that BDU continued the tradition of casting a wide range of visual looks for the performers, and all the men had Attitude with a capital A that really sold the production. And BDU at least was smart enough to have their performances at a time and in a place where the booze can help loosen the audience up (and boy, were they loose).
Compared to what I've seen them do in the past, BDU's "Brawny Britches" was a bit too tame - and while it was an okay show, it had potential to be so much more.
Angie Fiedler Sutton
Read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Kyle Hatley tells more storiesRating: 5
Head
KC Fringe Festival
As a big fan of Kyle Hatley's work ever since I saw "Six" 2 years ago at the Fringe Fest, I couldn't wait to see "Head" this year, even though I had only the vaguest idea what this religious story was about.
"Head" is the story of King Herod who has just married his dead brother's wife, Queen Herodias. King Herod lusts, like every other man in the kingdom, for the Queen's daughter, Salome. Meanwhile, the Prophet is creating civil unrest outside the royal house, and the Queen is calling for his death. Anyone who knows the story (as I found out), knows that it ends with Salome dancing for the king and court, and in return she asks for the head of the Prophet on a silver platter.
The cast was wonderful, but a few players stood out in particular. Queen Herodias (Manon Halliburton) speaks very fast, and is very sharp-tongued, but despite both of these I had no problem understanding anything she said. The Alone Mother (Cynthia Rider) drew my attention as soon as she walked onstage. Her reasoning for calling King Herod a vampire seems funny at first, but as the story unfolds, I found it to be an apt description. Salome (Natalie Liccardello) is sneaky, sultry, savage, and almost snake-like at times.
All of these characters were worth mentioning, but I have yet to mention my favorites. The Fool (Grant Prewitt) is crazy and creepy, and I perked up every time he appeared. Lastly, the Waiter/Scientist (Todd Carlton Lanker) and the Caterer/Poet (TJ Chasteen) stole any scene they were in. They provided the comic relief and had me rolling with laughter.
I highly recommend "Head" to anyone who isn't extremely religious. I can't guarantee that Kyle Hatley followed the original story, but as the Fool says, "We fools don't tell stories as they are written. We tell them as we remember them."
Remaining performances are Sat at 10pm and Sun at 5pm at the Unicorn Main Stage.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
You may not have noticed, but the Kansas City Fringe Festival and the local theater community enjoy a symbiotic relationship that benefits everyone — the festival, local theater artists and audiences with a taste for the new and unusual.
|
-
Reliving memories Rating: 4
The Squeaky Wheel -- LIVE! KC Fringe Festival
When Brian Shaughnessy first rolled onstage in his electric wheelchair I didn't know what to expect. The obvious question I was thinking was "what happened to you?" He tells us "I used to tell people (the truth) until I came up with 3 versions...3 lies."
But the truth is the most compelling and believable of all: a botched spinal surgery made him a quadriplegic.
Having helped my sister through her own spinal surgery last year (and missed Fringe because of it), Brian's story was my worst fear in front of me. Through Brian's tales I relived memories of my sister's struggle, from first waking up unable to feel her legs, through long hospital stays, intense rehab, and tough-as-nails primary care nurses.
Brian has gone onto do so much, including traveling to KC for Fringe from Hawaii and writing a book. His story is uplifting and makes me very grateful that my sister's surgery turned out ok.
Remaining performances are Sat at 7pm and Sun at 2:30pm.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Thine own personal Vagina Monologues Rating: 5
The Hefner Monologues KC Fringe Festival
John Hefner puts on one of the funniest shows I've ever seen in "The Hefner Monologues" at the Arts Incubator. His first monologue about Tammy, and his description of how she's like plutonium had me rolling with laughter...and I never stopped!
Without giving too much away, I'll tell you that yes, John IS related to Hugh Hefner, but all he's gotten from that familial connection is "the name, a story, and a Pepsi."
Through his stories, and his life, John tells of his awkwardness growing up as a Hefner. After all, "how can you make a name for yourself when someone already has?" His awkward-chic drunken dancing, and adventures as Captain Buzzkill are not to be missed!
John, your friends were right when they told you to put your stories into a show. This is definitely "thine own Vagina Monologues."
Remaining performances are Sat at 10pm and Sun at 4pm.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
"Resting Places" Review Rating: 4
Resting Places by KC Fringe Festival
"Resting Places" is an enlightening documentary about a specific cultural expression: the construction of roadside memorials. "Resting Places" is an engaging and wonderful tribute to an act of regionalism that is spreading throughout the world from the Hispanic Southwest that otherwise might have had its fifteen-minute treatment as "tackiness."
Some people may not understand why anyone would want to erect roadside shrines that commemorate the last place a person was alive before being killed in a car crash and the cultural expression of "descanso." "Resting Places" makes sense of what might otherwise seem a nonsensical cultural expression, describing with clarity what would drive someone to remember a loved one where they died.
At first, Villanueva's motivation felt unfocused: the idea of "Resting Places" seems foreign to her vision as a filmmaker. But what may have begun as a student film project becomes disciplined as she tells stories of sorrow, loss and hope, in contrast with roadside danger and legal efforts to ban roadside memorials, countering stories of loss with assertions of government duty to inhibit people from "destroying public property," with no clear bias. Villanueva leaves it to the audience to decide how they feel about roadside memorials. She uses stories from all sides of debate over the controversy surrounding roadside memorials, using her direction to guide and educate the audience. As a result, "Resting Places" ends up as homegrown expression of a cultural expression unfamiliar to people in the Midwest.
Villanueva is a local Kansas City filmmaker, using modest budgets and limited resources to turn out an enlightening documentary. Liam Neeson's narration gives the film added weight. "Resting Places" is an example of ethnography harnessed to a heart-wrenching story. Considering that the media usually smooth over the harsh realities of daily current events or filter them as a battleground of interests, this film carries us beyond ignorance and feels like homegrown enlightenment.
Matthew Frank
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Art Unleashed is a Silent & Live Auction of limited edition pet themed artwork. They plan to have over 400 pieces available for auction. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, KC’s OLDEST no-kill shelter (since 1912). The 13th Annual Art Unleashed is this Friday, August 27th. This event benefits the Humane [...] Art Unleashed 2010 is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
Vicki Vodrey’s “Hanky Panky,” receiving its world premiere at the Kansas City Fringe Festival, offers a comedic view of family relationships at their worst in a cleverly constructed play that sneaks up on you.
|
-
Word that Folly Theater executive director Doug Tatum was stepping down was greeted with a great deal of consternation in the Kansas City jazz community. Tatum, a genuine advocate of jazz, had curated the series for years. It turns out that the hand-wringing was seemingly unnecessary. The quality of the forthcoming season is incredibly strong.
more at Plastic Sax
|
-
Rambling Rating: 2
Bathroom Confessions KC Fringe Festival
Saw this show on opening night and it lasted about 30 minutes. The humor was very juvenile and not very funny. The acting was mostly stumbling around and obvious missed lines.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Well done Rating: 3
Assemblage KC Fringe Festival
The dancing was wonderful. The sets were short but very well done. I thought the show last year was better, but they have a very nice performance.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
I Met My Imaginary Friend! Rating: 4
I Am My Imaginary Friend KC Fringe Festival
The rich environment of The Fringe had me stumble into a chance meeting with "I Am My Imaginary Friend." Well, I had it on my list, but hadn't figured out when. Then a misprint in the schedule made me miss a curtain: rather than waste an hour, I dashed over the XS Lighting on Broadway and sat myself down, with little expectation and too-few neighbors in the audience.
Too bad for those who weren't there, because we met an intelligent new friend in David Csontos of Lincoln, Nebraska, who dragged along his reluctant parents, his idiosyncratic gay identity and half of Hollywood. But this show was no drag: I was delighted to find it clever and entertaining, revealing and ultimately surprising.
Accompanied by a fellow actor from Lincoln and two from Kansas City — and Joan Crawford on film — this film scholar-turned-actor led us through an inventive series of scenes that gradually showed us what was said, what was not, what was seen, and what was admitted in the crucible of family. Though David escaped, there was more in his family closet than the usual skeletons. Our path of discovery came through shadowy noirish scenes on screen and stage, and a funny TV quiz show, all the way to the gun going off (though not really) by the end.
I'm even more interested now in seeing this company's other Fringe show, "My Night with Rock Hudson." Thanks, festival organizers, for helping me stumble into a not-so-imaginary new friend. Repeating Friday at 8, Saturday at 6:30 and Sunday at 3:30.
read the review at KC Stage
 
|
-
Comedic Timings of Ogrot Presents Rating: 4
Ogrot Presents: Take My Breath Away KC Fringe Festival
I've never quite seen a show, of any kind, start in the manner of Ogrot Present's "Take My Breath Away". The show opened with a fat man in a pizza suit and the words, "Hi. We're Ogrot Presents." The awkward silence that followed was quickly blown away by a series of amusing and culturally shocking sketches put on by the six Ogrot performers.
Memorable moments in the first half include a sketch about a pharmaceutical drug with the world's worst collection of side effects, a sketch about the way the world would appreciate commercials to be done, a riotously funny sketch about Bush's Baked Beans and the commercial dog after the secret recipe, and a quasi-vulgar, you-might-get-wet sketch about an inappropriate replacement to Prozac (a sketch that I'm still not sure if it was mocking people that need Prozac or simply used it as an excuse to perform a visually horrifying sight-gag.) Wrapping up the first half was a sketch that brought to life the Internet's Pandora Radio and all of the things we hate about it.
Following the Monty Python-esque intermission were sketches about what not to do in Vegas, James Earl Jones' worst day in voice acting, what happens when you listen to lame music, culturally offensive social networking, and a closer that illustrates the trying life of a comedian.
Starring in the show are;
Brad Bricktower: I think I've seen Brad (under a different name) in a number of plays and musicals around the Kansas City Area. Each time he appears on stage his ability to correctly interpret comedic timing and the quality of his vocal impersonations improve exponentially. In this show he wailed like a three-year-old who just watched her kitten be strangled by Santa Claus, beautifully portrayed a culturally insensitive stoner, and affected multiple different accents and personas flawlessly. He can be quite a bit too loud and sometimes it is obvious he's over-reaching at times but if you watch a show that has him in it and don't laugh at least once you might need to check and make sure you still have a pulse. Brad seems to be one of the ringleaders of this rag-tag group of comedians.
Allen Chaney: Allen's girth only seems to be matched by his sense of humor. I've met beautiful people that wouldn't have the courage to walk around in a pizza suit let alone try and make a living out of poking fun at every race, ethnicity, religion and creed. This is the first time I've seen Allen in any form of a performance. As far as I know this could even be his debut in the Kansas City Stage. He's rough around the edges and has a great distance yet to go, but he's funny and that isn't something that can't be picked up. Allen appears to be the other ringleader of this comedy troupe.
Ken Koval: Why does this mediocrity continue to show up in KC theatre. Ken Koval, is as always, indomitably Ken Koval. He seems to have no comedic timing. During the course of the show he seemed to drop lines and provided a stale, anemic performance that made my inner-comedian weep. There's a saying that says, "Those who can't teach" but I wouldn't let this poor man's comedian within twenty yards of a public school's improv class. In this instance I think we should be telling Ken to move to Branson. With all his faults in this show, I can say I appreciated how he could command the audience with his physicality and goofy facial expressions. Most of the writing seemed to stand on its own without resorting to slapstick, but Ken was one of the only ones up there that fully physically adopted his characters. Personally, though, I find his performances hard to watch, sometimes.
De'Markcus Howell: De'Markcus has a booming voice and a stature that makes David's goliath look like an anorexic midget. He provides a passing imitation of James Earl Jones (which is a lot harder than it sounds) and a great imitation of Bill Cosby (which is exactly as easy as it sounds). De'Markcus didn't get a lot of the show-stopping lines but the few he did he delivered competently and with great gusto. De'Markcus carries himself with a larger-than-life attitude that bleeds into his performance making him entertaining and believable. In this show that pokes fun at the topics that the politically correct comedians avoid, De'Markcus is far more than the token black guy.
Sean Yeung: He's the token Jackie Chan. Take that as you will. Beyond that, Sean seems to be the metronome for the show's tempo. He seems to be the most normal guy on the troupe.
Kate Pereverezva: Definitely the prettiest thing in Ogrot Presents. She provided an amusing if quiet performance and Ken's lines should have been given to her, De'Markcus, or Sean. She was only in three sketches but two of them made the second half of the show, proving that she is intended to be more than just eye-candy for the audience.
You can definitely tell that this is one of Ogrot's early performances. There is plenty for them to work on if they want to be a successful comedy troupe. But the show is filled with absurdist humor reminiscent of Monty Python or Gilbert and Sullivan. And they way they will address any topic in the most offensive manner reminds me a bit of George Carlin. This comedy team may have just clawed out of the comedy womb, but, much like Ridley Scott, they have a great deal of potential, and I, for one, intend to follow the natural extension of their career with interest. The missed lines and dropped jokes are endemic of the first tentative performances of any group and Ogrot is no exception but bear in mind that they are starting at a Fringe Festival not opening at the Apollo. Some of the greatest comedians, authors, and actors have come from humble beginnings and I give Ogrot a pretty good chance of making it.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
One Man, Many New Looks at Shakespeare Rating: 5
Lot o' Shakespeare! KC Fringe Festival
For the last two years, I've caught Alan Tilson at the Fringe, and i highly recommend seeing his show this year. This year, he's joined by another outstanding Shakespearean one-man-showman— Tim Mooney of Chicago — whom I also highly recommend.
In fact, how about a double-header: seeing both Mooney's and Tilson's shows? Then you can weigh in yourself on the KC Stage site as to whom (if either) you liked better by leaving your rating here.
The energetic and engaging Mooney introduces an element of chance to his show: his program is set by the Bingo balls he draws randomly from a spinning cage containing 38 of them — meaning he has this many scenes ready to go! One woman took away a Lot o'Shakespeare! T-shirt (also on sale) for her luck on the Bingo card we picked up with our tickets, and another took away a CD (also on sale) for her yeoman's work in volunteering to read a couple of second parts on stage.
Along the way, we all were treated to a 54-minute tour de force comprising no fewer than 19 Shakespeare scenes and sonnets. A couple of times, the entire audience chimed in for a line or two by another character, in addition to the audience volunteer who joined Mooney onstage.
Mooney's interpretations were outstanding, and not infrequently cast new light on obscure corners of Shakespeare's work. Why did my high-school English teacher never point out Mercutio's jealousy of Juliet, as Romeo's spurned gay lover? Or the flagrant queen's-ass-kissing in "Henry VIII"? Or the sexual-harassment element of Angelo in "Measure for Measure"? Sure would have spurred our adolescent interest in the not-so-boring bard of Avon!
Mooney's interpretations were introduced by short, but illuminating commentary. Spur yourself over to the Off Broadway theater for this: Friday at 6:30, Saturday at 8 or Sunday at 3:30.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
-
Fresh from Comicon in San Diego, "Star Trek" authors Dayton Ward and Kevin Dilmore will join "Khaaaaan! the Musical" for two special Saturday night performances. They will be available to autograph books and chat with theatre-goers before the play. The first showtime is 9:30 pm with a special late show at 12:30 am. Arrive early and meet Khan's special guests. Ward and Dilmore have published several novels that expand on the "Star Trek" universe. You can find out more about them at www.daytonward.com.
more at Khaaaan! the Musical
|
-
Paging Bertolt Brecht...
Rating: 5
The Event
KC Fringe Festival
"The Event" is the most completely archetypal Brechtian theater I've ever encountered. Brecht posited that the theater should not cause us to become unconscious of its own illusory nature, lest we lose our critical awareness. Bob Paisley has taken this all the way out, and the experience is far-out indeed.
Woops! A phrase from the past: he has something to say about that, too. But I'm getting ahead of myself, because I — in my role in "The Event" — am a moron. That is, I have the temerity to write and post my opinions — pardon me, my judgment — of this and other theatrical experiences, thus influencing who might decide to attend "The Event." (And I promise to share my judgement at the end.) Actually, Bob said I *might* be a moron, and I must say I know what he means. (For instance, I've read interesting artistic work in this town written off as "uneven," like some ill-kept Midwestern lawn. What does that even mean, when one's deciding whether or not something's worth experiencing?)
But I digress, because unlike Bob — and as he points out later in the show — I have no script. The distance between art and life winds up being a major theme of this piece, which is surprising. This is because "The Event" is so much about itself — and events as a class — that it might remain purely self-referential. But as we've all been told, all the world's a stage, and by the end of our 70 minutes together (this is a little longer than an hour) Paisley takes us back to the world in a way that resonates deeply with the audience. He's is gracious in suggesting that we in his audience are good actors in a much less well-made play than "The Event." (And here I must thank him for giving us the benefit of the doubt.)
It may be hard to believe, but as in "The Event" itself, it's very funny to have someone point out all the roles, relationships, mechanics, and ironies of the theatrical experience. You'l just have to experience it yourself.
I won't say more than that my judgment is that this simple yet well-crafted play is the most substantively interesting I've seen so far at the Fringe — and it was my eleventh! (And one more since.) Despite what he tells us toward the end of "The Event," I think Bob is quite trustworthy: don't miss him! He's back at the MET on Friday at 9, Saturday at 6, and Sunday at 2.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
US & THEM Rating: 5
The US & THEM Reunion- A Musical Battle of the Culture War KC Fringe Festival
Jack Phillips has put together the 'Perfect Storm' of characters. Through brilliant song lyrics and performance, each character provides a vivid exposition of who they are in the puzzle of life. A web of intrigue draws in the audience to both the comfortable and uncomfortable. Masterfully we are exposed our judgment and assessments of others. Be ready to be fundamentally moved by US & THEM
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Say hello to 'Goodbye, Kansas' Rating: 4
Goodbye Kansas KC Fringe Festival
Are you Fringe-ing? If not you are missing some of the best arts and entertainment that will happen in KC this year. The festival enables a lot of productions to be done that normally would not see the light of day. The process is basically a "how-to" for would be producers. Okay, plug over. Tonight's selection: "Goodbye, Kansas". This show is exactly the kind of creative kernels that the Fringe was meant to foster. From the fertile minds of Seth Golay and Frankie Krainz it is no exaggeration to say that this is not your father's musical. Not unless your father's tastes lean heavily to Sondheim-ian, dark, disturbing and odd musical numbers. Add in some deep emotional moments that feel like they are torn out of someone's real-life trauma and so personal to be almost uncomfortable. But, don't let that scare you off there is plenty here to enjoy.
If the Fringe is the how-to, there are plenty of lessons on display in this show.
1. If you are going to produce a new kind of musical get Jeremy Watson to be your musical director. It doesn't hurt that he plays an excellent piano (although sometimes louder than the singers) and can ably provide some vocal assists. Adding the violin and voice of Brad Athey doesn't hurt either.
2. Next, enfant producers don't forget able and interesting lights from Jayson Chandley, because theatre in the dark is radio. It doesn't hurt that the show had the luck (?) of landing on the Unicorn's main stage.
3. Next, cast some of the best talent KC has to offer: Merle Moores, Frankie Krainz, Katie Kalahurka, Vanessa Severo and Matt Weiss. This group brought a lot of talent and energy to the stage. Individually or in ensemble they were a delight to watch, they all looked great and sounded great. Some notes: For god's sake someone stage "Willy Wonka" and get Krainz in it stat! Does anyone do a filthy hick better than Weiss? Kalahurka can easily be the "go-to" actress in KC theatre's future. Dear producers- more of Severo, onstage, singing! Sweet, sweet, Ms. Moores- lovely at the Rep, lovely at the Shakespeare festival, lovely at the Dinner Theatre and lovely at the Fringe, welcome!
4. Get some help with the details. Don't overlook the need for a good choreographer (David Ollington), maybe a dramaturg (Justin Shaw) and a good stage manager (Amy Eisele).
Not all is perfect in "Kansas". The music is well done, but not all of the numbers serve the plot very well. The musical numbers are stylistically all over the map as well. This might be defended as a compliment to a story that takes place mostly inside an addled mind but they seemed to serve a political purpose rather than the story. Like the musical numbers the plot has a tendency to wander away from the point and sometimes club you over the head with the "message". The show seemed to lose focus in the middle and then rushed to the close.
This production is getting lots of buzz at this year's festival and it is well deserved. You don't have to attend this primer of Fringe production for the lessons- attend to see some great acting, lovely music and experience a completely different kind of musical.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Don't let "Morphotic" go unnoticed Rating: 5
Morphotic KC Fringe Festival
I understand that anything you label "Kafkaesque" isn't going to appeal to a lot of people, but Butcher Block's reconstruction of Franz Kafka's life is a fantastic performance piece done in an expressive style that is rarely seen on Kansas City stages.
It's a shame that more people aren't seeing it. Ten actors on stage performing for six people in the audience isn't very welcoming for this group from Las Vegas (which just held its very first fringe festival).
Shawn Hackler's script is polished, studied and dense - highly intellectual. The ensemble is tight, well choreographed, and offers characters with distinct personalities, which is impressive in a play this abstract. Cynthia Vodovoz plays Kafka as a wholly physical creation, using every muscle of her body to display the character's monstrous condition. This is solid, serious theatre.
That said, "Morphotic" is a heady chunk of brain candy that requires considerable concentration. It will challenge any audience member, esp. if they're not familiar with the life or work of Kafka, which I suspect is most people (including myself). Then again, it's a play for people who want that challenge. The expressionistic story doesn't follow an obvious thread, and confusingly fragments between real events in Kafka's life and his literary creations. Rather than offer a standard bio-drama, it's more like crawling into Kafka's head.
What I got out of it was a powerful impression of persecution in Nazi Germany, when Jews were considered vermin to be destroyed (which Kafka takes literally). It has the feel of a dream - the subconscious made real - perhaps the only way to rationalize a world where the Holocaust is possible and you are the target of totalitarian aggression.
I know this sounds like a deadly serious affair that reeks of academics, but "Morphotic" isn't so much pretentious as it is obtuse. There's plenty of humor, but it's buried deep in East-European absurdism that finds irony in the worst circumstances. Several modern touches help alleviate the earnestness, and although I felt it could have gone more in the direction of avant garde physical theatre, it strikes the right balance between real emotion and expressionistic presentation.
My only real complaint is the constant soundtrack - lovely music, but with the speakers placed between the actors and audience it was doubly difficult to focus on the dialog. Then again, perhaps making it more challenging was the point?
Certainly there's still some people out there who think anything "Kafkaesque" is cool. They really need to check this out and make it worthwhile for Butcher Block to come back next year.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Great performance, distracted by the awkward emcee
Rating: 4
Cabaret Voler
KC Fringe Festival
Cabaret Voler was a great collection of mini-performances, each having distinct music and choreography. While it might seem like there are only so many ways to spin around in fabric frighteningly suspended over a hardwood floor, it was consistently enthralling.
Crosstown Station was a great venue, with comfortable couches spread around the room. However, the couple tables in the middle of the floor seemed ill-conceived to begin with and proved to be so.
One distraction was the emcee -- the program listed Lucky DeLuxe, but it was someone else (at least on Tuesday night) -- who filled the moments transitioning from one number to the next. She wasn't terrible, but her jokes were amusing yet not laugh-out-loud funny; she started blaming the crowd for not reacting enough, which made for an unfortunate and uncomfortable distraction.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
In more ways than one, the upcoming Creative Arts Production children’s theater presentation of “Annie Jr.” at the Missouri Theater will be multidimensional.
more at St. Joe Live
|
-
The Event - GO SEE IT! Rating: 5
The Event KC Fringe Festival
A man stands in a pool of light and addresses a group of strangers sitting silently in the dark ...
And so begins the event - both in word and in deed. This hour-long soliloquy, performed flawlessly by MET founder Bob Paisley, examines the acting trade, the psyche of the theatergoer, the nature of entertainment, and ultimately, the nature of human existence. Never preachy or pontificating, this part stand-up comedy, part diatribe, part rumination starts as a humor-filled reflection on "The Event" and builds to heights rarely scaled in the KC theater scene. Doubly so for the Fringe. Well rehearsed and performed with uncommon professionalism, this is a must see for anyone who likes theater. Or who likes to be entertained. Or who likes to think. Don't miss it!
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Khaaan-ceptual fun. Rating: 4
Khan! the Musical by KC Fringe Festival
Just saw Khaaaaan! the Musical at The Off Center Theater. Lovely space, comfortable seats. This is a nerd-centric concept of the Enterprise crew (Kirk, Spock and Bones, everyone else is voiceover and apparently, the red shirts are all dead) attacked by Khan in the future and returning to a 1980s culture where he is President of the world. Downsides of this production are weird structure, under-rehearsal and nobody's going to go home humming the tunes. Upsides are the cast and the fact that you're going to love it anyway. The cast is a delight, particularly Jay Coombes as Kirk (who dances marvelously, giving hope to portly gentlemen everywhere) and Steven Eubank as Khan (whose rock star numbers are pure joy.
This is simply a fun show and I'd tell you to go see it, but you're probably going to anyway.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Us and Them Reunion Rating: 5
The US & THEM Reunion- A Musical Battle of the Culture War KC Fringe Festival
I loved the satire. Pay close attention to the lyrics of each song. Compelling message in every song. Jack Phillips is brilliant as the Producer, Director and Writer of this very unique show.
The entire performance was both fun and funny. Each actor performed brilliantly.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
The Blue Springs' Kids Closet Consignment Sale is coming up. From, August 5th to August 8th, don't miss out on this incredible sale. Answering the needs of families... Kid's Closet is helping families earn money in a tough economy & helping parents save money with children's trendy resale event, giving back to the community and helping the environment too. Kids Closet Consignment Sale is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
Come and enjoy Bliss Fest in Parkville MO this Saturday July 31st. Bliss Fest is a Conscious Lifestyle & World-Beat Music festival uniting eco-health resources and community, celebrating what’s working locally – for people, businesses and the environment. The Bliss Fest is family-friendly with a fun-filled KIDZ ZONE! Enjoy cutting-edge educators; how-to workshops; fun activities [...] Bliss Fest is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
The Kansas City Society of Burlesque presents: "My Girdle is Killing Me! A Burlesque Murder Mystery". 3 Nights. 4 Shows. 4 Different Endings! On a dark and sexy night, Daisy Buckët is hosting a masquerade cocktail party...when the debauchery turns deadly! It's up to Detective Kitty Von Minx to solve the crime! Presented at The Skylight Room at Crosstown Station, 1522 McGee St, Kansas City, MO
|
-
First, the easy part: You've never seen a theater piece quite like "The Event." Bob Paisley, co-founder of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, first saw John Clancy's one-actor play at the mother ship of all fringe festivals in Edinburgh, Scotland. It fascinated him, as it should have, and he resolved to learn the piece and perform it himself.
|
-
Slamming your Brain; a poetry slam. Rating: 3
KConsciousness SLAM KC Fringe Festival
KConsciousness at Crosstown Station was a calm and rather understated poetry slam. Given that the main topics of poetry slams are politics, religion, gender issues, and lifestyle of people who continue to fail as human beings, it is easy to understand why it always comes off as angry and with an air of "I know more than you." And of course, they do. They know more words, more rhymes, and more statistics than the average person, and that is part of the reason why being preached at for nearly an hour and a half turned out to be quite entertaining.
Technically, the night was a bit of a misfire. The desperate search the lighting operator went on every time a poet decided he or she wanted to perform on the floor instead of the stage so as to give a different feel to his or her piece was, to say the least, annoying and a little bit comical. It is hard enough to keep up with the quick words and rhymes without seeing random lights throughout the room go off and on in the lighting guy's conquest to light the poet. Eventually, he noticed he was just being a distraction, and he let a couple poets perform in the dark. But on stage, we had problems as well. There is a small difference between finding your light and just plain avoiding it. A couple poets decided to scoot over just enough to wind up in the 10 inches of darkness onstage. Maybe that's how poets like it? Eh, that's neither here nor there, but it was incredibly distracting to this audience member.
Another technical issue was the use of the microphone - or the lack thereof. Certain artists were very hard to hear without the microphone in the big open room at Crosstown Station, and it's a shame, too, because from what I could hear of those artists, the whole of the poem would have been very thought-provoking.
The audience caught some of the some-odd 10-15 poets' names at the end through a quick, informal introduction, but this reviewer was not quick enough with her scribbling to catch all of them. But are poets really no more than their words at a poetry slam anyway? If that is true, there exists not one inch of guilt talking about the ones whose words stood out using their own words as their introduction in this review.
"The food is too fast to bless..." This man was the first to be introduced at the end, so scribbling "Robert" was simple enough. Robert found the right speed, the right words, and the right feel every time he stepped in front of the mic. (And thank heavens he DID step in front of the mic). This man made some excellent points, and was one of the only poets to actually make the other poets verbally and excitedly express themselves during his pieces. He was more than his words, though. He was a strong performer, and seeing his eyes (in the light!) was like being in a trance - he kept the audience more than just interested in what he was saying. Best of luck to anyone who sees them and then wants to, for any reason, leave during his poem.
"F*ck the State of the Union." Someone should have told this man to grab the mic and take it with him while he darted across the stage in rapper-like form for his first piece. He was one of the ones who surely had a good poem coming out of his mouth, but for lack of hearing him, he was lost to most of the audience. For his second piece, though, he stood, nervous as a 1st grader on show-and-tell day, right in front of the microphone and became one of the better "actors" of the night while using his nervous and introverted stance and speech to contrast so miraculously from his first piece.
"I should have called myself Sojourner Lies." This lady started out the piece telling us that she was being possessed by ancient spirits. It did not take long, however, for the audience to stop wanting to run out of the room for fear of a crazy person pulling a gun on them to realize that this was only the premise of her piece. And a great piece it was. She used 2 mics to signify her changing personalities. What a great idea. However, it would have been a stronger execution had she chosen to do some sort of character for each person for whom she was speaking. Instead, she used her own voice and her own body, and what could have been a great 5 or 6 minutes turned out to be just okay. The audience definitely kept her alive, though, by whooping and offering its usual poetry interjections "Ookaay!" and "That's right!" throughout her piece. The words were very entertaining.
"What's your ism?" The fact that this golf-hat-wearing, knee-sock-sporting awesome white boy always had his poems written down in front of him did not detract at all from his performance. It is odd to say that having his poems in hard-copy may have even helped his cause because he came off as a nerd in every sense of the word. (oooh, that rhymed.) Just thinking about this poet makes me want to watch the Hardy Boys. He was funny, to the point, and charming. He often chose to stand with his legs wide open and bent (I'm guessing that had something to do with his "being rooted in realism"). The room may not have been feeling him after his 3rd installment of "What's your ism?" but this reviewer certainly was. Maybe he got into a dictionary and wrote down every word that ended in "ism." However he came up with all those words, any word cono surs in the audience stayed enthralled whenever this boy took the stage.
"Nucular" I did not catch any Bush references in his piece, so this artist said it this way all on his own. It is sad that this is why I remember him.
"Strumming my pain with his finger." This girl sat at the back of the stage for what seemed like an eternity; even the question of whether she was performing at all started to emerge. And then she gets up and gives one of the most heart-felt performances the audience has heard all night. Though she did have trouble, soft voice that she had, being heard even WITH a microphone, the audience was on pins and needles as she sang those famous Fugees' lyrics and gave them a different meaning than has ever been given before. It was expected that, at some point, someone would sing something just like in high school forensics where the winner was always someone who sang at the end of their 8-minute piece. This reviewer cringed at the thought. But connecting those words with domestic abuse... she gave that whole room a slice of magic. That being said, however, the singing should have stopped after "finger." That was enough and stronger than doing the whole chorus (even though her vo!
ice could not have sounded more like Lauryn's).
"2 parts rubber, one part glue" This soulful, at-ease, and beautiful woman sounded the way a coffee shop poet sounds. Any insomniac could peacefully fall asleep to the sound and tone of "Princess's" voice. This is not to say her poems weren't well worth the attention they received. Her preview on Sunday was, afterall, the reason this reviewer even came to see the show! By saying that we all need to be more parts glue, she opened a lot of ears. And is that not the point of slam poetry?
Ultimately, if you don't mind being preached at outside of church, KConsciousness at Crosstown Station won't be that bad for you. But if you are entertained at the thought of being preached at from strictly opposing sides, KConsciousness is definitely the place for you. Two girls, one without a "God" and the other one with a "God," sat next to each other the whole night long and listened to each other. Both got applauded. Both got the spotlight. And neither one ended up persecuted. That was the most pleasing thought of the night, and it was not offered by a poet. It was sitting there in front of everyone's faces while they clapped and drank beer.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
-
Lot o' Shakespeare Rocks Rating: 5
Lot o' Shakespeare! KC Fringe Festival
Clever genius, giving Shakespeare a new spin! I found myself thinking "oh yeah, that's by Shakespeare too" Sparked my interest for more! Amazing how much this one man can remember and deliver effectively leaving me highly entertained and having FUN!!!
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Not Your Typical Fringe Production, but Worthwhile Rating: 4
Driving the Body Back KC Fringe Festival
Anyone who is a midwesterner or interested in family history would like "Driving the Body Back," a one-woman show written by Iowa's poet laureate and based on her book. Alas, when I attended on Tuesday, there were only about five people in the audience, but the show deserved more audience members. The performance is in the form of a memory play about several characters from the playwright's past, and is akin to a scrapbook or family album of her relatives whom she has known or discovered through tracing her past. Nothing racy or controversial, but a lovely and interesting play for the whole family which will make you recall all the people from your past and maybe even make you want to delve further into your own family history.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Too Bad!! Rating: 1
When We Were Queens KC Fringe Festival
I was really looking forward to seeing this production, and I hightailed it to Just Off Broadway Theatre to see it on the first night of the Fringe--only to find out that it has been cancelled for the duration of the Festival and will not appear this week . . . If you are not aware of this, don't waste your time trying to see it, since the doors will be locked (ALAS)!
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Kyle Hatley gives us an apocalyptic interpretation of a familiar Bible story in "Head," a show that impresses with its audacity and the quality of its performances but can find no better way to resolve a potent dramatic set-up than to litter the stage with corpses.
|
-
this is how to make something incoherent play well
Rating: 4
The House of Fitzcarraldo
KC Fringe Festival
I thought of 'Goodbye, Kansas' when I saw this. Why? As I wrote, 'G, K' is incoherent. Is that necessarily a bad thing? No. But it is if you've little else to offer.
'House of Fitzcarraldo' is more or less incoherent. It ever-so-thinly hinges on the filming of Werner Herzog's 'Fitzcarraldo'. Avid film fanatics have seen that film. It's less likely that the same can be said of avid theatergoers.
In the case of 'HoF', that hardly matters. The creators have made sure that you get the small amount of info necessary about not only the film but the love/hate relationship of its director and star.
And from there, you're on your own. And that's not a bad place to be. 'Hof' sets out to entertain - period. With that aim, it largely succeeds.
Does everything work? No. A few segments (i.e., the interview sequences & a few others) could be funnier, given their potential. But, for the most part, 'HoF' is a very entertaining show. (One very clever bit has a cast member speaking with the show's director - who, here, is a somewhat foul-mouthed hand puppet. Another inspired bit comes in the form of a phone call from a library re: an overdue fine.) The ensemble is very much on the same silly page, clowning around wonderfully. And occasionally they take us to esp. hilarious heights. (The 'Das Boot' song is so successful that you might wonder why there aren't more original songs in the show.)
While 'HoF' suffers a bit from padding, that is ultimately easily forgiven. Overall, the feel of the show is infectious. And it has a great finish!
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
My Fragile Family Tree Rating: 3
My Fragile Family Tree: A story of fathers & sons KC Fringe Festival
The stories of crazy or off-the-wall family members are easily recognized whenever anybody talks about how dysfunctional their family is. This is no different in "My Fragile Family Tree" at the Unicorn Jerome Stage.
"An exploration of what it means to be a father, what it means to be a son, and how to mix the two" is the description the Fringe Fest program gives for this show, and is summed up by my favorite line of the show "I am a father, I am a son, and I have no idea what that means."
This play started out a little rough. The story tends to jump from one point in time to the next, with no definite timeline. The only 2 points of reference the audience is given is when Matt (the main character)'s father was diagnosed with cancer, and when Matt himself became a father. It was also very confusing to have phrases like "my father can't curse" and "Christmas at the hospital" thrown in, only to realize later that they are titles of the next part of the story. Once I figured this out, it was a lot easier to follow along.
The highlights of this play were the stories about Copper, the family dog who has tried to murder every family member except Dad, and when Matt's trying to tell his parents that he and his wife, Jeanette, are expecting their first child. This was my favorite point in the story, as it was clearly depicted which character was talking (Mom, Dad, Jeanette, and Matt). This was achieved by picking up different drinking glasses, and really made this point in the story easier to follow.
As a whole, "My Fragile Family Tree" is an enjoyable show, and I encourage more people to give it a chance. Remaining shows are Thurs at 7pm, Fri at 10:30pm, and Sat at 8:30pm at the Unicorn Jerome Stage.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
That's what I'm talking about. Rating: 5
SenoReality Short Films Presentation KC Fringe Festival
Great films. Each one unique, each one extremely well executed. I'm not sure what else to say. One thing is for sure Patrick Rae has a wonderful storytelling ability, and is on the rise. He's got the the goods, for sure.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Not a Dull Moment Rating: 4
The House of Fitzcarraldo Buran Theatre Company
This production is entirely entertaining. Avant-garde, but no pretenses to having great artistic merit, which lets both the cast and audience members to relax and have a wonderful time. Quite an interactive show, but NOT (as it states in the content rating) suitable for everyone, as there is semi-nudity and simulated masturbation. If you are open to a polished, entertaining performance with some great musical numbers and hilarious gags, this one's for you.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
True Fringe Rating: 4
Tallahassee KC Fringe Festival
Tallahassee is Patrick Dulaney's brain child to perform an album by the same name from the band The Mountain Goats. It is the perfect Fringe show in that it combines dance and music and acting into a strange brew.
Also typical Fringe in that there are big sound problems and it is too hot in the MET space. But this one is worth it. It's cool. Dulaney and Vanessa Severo go at it tooth and nail with Stephanie Roberts (director) and Cody Wyoming providing the excellent musical quotient. When viewing, you feel like you are in the heart of the Festival.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
An entertaining mix Rating: 4
Boobs, Burlesque & The Bard KC Fringe Festival
I took a chance tonight and saw "Boobs, Burlesque, and the Bard" at Just Off Broadway. Although I'm not a fan of burlesque (nothing wrong with it, it's just not my cup of tea), I am a Shakespeare fan, so I knew I would enjoy at least some of the show.
Boobs: Yes, there were lots. My favorites were the ones on sticks that we were given as we came in as part of audience participation. The pasties were a welcome sight, and some of them were very cute (skulls, flowers)!
Burlesque: Was more fun than I expected, especially the woman who played Ophelia from "Hamlet"! She was a riot!!! Kate from "Taming the Shrew" was very funny as well, and had a wonderful voice for her song, 'Being a Girl', as well as plenty of sass to go along with it! All the women were very confident with their bodies, and that made it more fun to watch.
Bard: The Lord Mayor's Company provided this part of the show, most of the time with groan-inducing limericks. The women from Bee's Knees Burlesque did various short scenes and monologues from some of Shakespeare's work, and those were well done. My favorite contribution from the Lord Mayor's Company was "Dirty Shakespeare". All I can say about this part of the show was that it was hilarious and that when the children in my class tomorrow answer "nothing" to a question, I will have a new definition to think of!
A big congrats to Opal (Katie Gilchrist), our host for the evening. She certainly knows how to play with a crowd (pun intended), and keeps things moving with ease. I highly encourage anyone with an interest in Boobs, Burlesque, or the Bard to catch this highly entertaining mix! There are 3 more shows: Thurs at 8pm, Fri at 9:30pm, and Sat at 11:30pm.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Really? The Best of Kansas City Horror?
Rating: 2
Best of IFC Horror
KC Fringe Festival
The other night the Independent Film Commission gave me great hope for the future of film in Kansas City with their showcase of locally produced film. That showing got me pretty excited for their horror film showcase, which I witnessed tonight.
With the exception of two, maybe three shorts, I was terribly disappointed. First, at least one of them wasn't even locally produced. They actually had to import at least one film to round out the program. They just aren't very good I'm afraid. Not compared to what I saw last night. It pains me to say it, but I saw the same faces on screen all night, which kind of solidifies the IFC's reputation for being a bit inside. It would do the group a lot of good to continue doing outreach to the acting community.
But, I give the IFC some credit, many of the members have a passion for horror and they keep trying, as well they should. Horror is a lot harder than people might think. Harder than comedy in my opinion. I applaud their efforts. I do. I'm just not sure the selection tonight was well chosen.
Again, there was no program, so I'm having a hard time with titles, and silly me, I forgot my pen. Apologies.
Among the highlights were the one about the kid buying cigarettes for his mom, the one about the guy that kills his family, and the one about the family dinner. Wish I could be more specific.
Are you a horror fan? Check it out, make up your own mind. If anything it will inspire you to go join the group and put in your own effort. If you are a filmmaker in general, I recommend doing that. Don't let this group of films fool you. I know they have better to offer. I just don't know why they chose not to show them.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Bathroom Confesions - Rock & Roll, baby!
Rating: 4
Bathroom Confessions
KC Fringe Festival
This show was great fun! A terrific cast and a well thought out, true-to-life script (OK, I've never been in the Ladies' at a concert, or anywhere else for that matter, but it rang true to me!) make this short play a treasure. It plays like a sit-com you watch every week, but you just met all the characters. It's full of music and laughter, plus a touch of romance and just a bit of heartbreak thrown in for good measure. Local actor, producer, director and playwrite, Crystal Gould, evokes comedy, drama an truth in under an hour. I wanted to see more! And so will you. GO SEE IT!
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
|
The Olathe District Schools Alumni Association will host a get-together for all Olathe high school alumni on Old Settlers weekend, Sept. 10-11, at the Masonic Lodge, 725 W. Park (intersection of Park and Parker/K-7 Highway), in Olathe.
|
-
The KC Fringe Festival, which got under way last weekend, showcases adventurous theater. Unfortunately, most of the shows will be seen only during the festival. One notable exception is “Thrill Me,” a musical written by Stephen Dolginoff, a New York theater artist formerly based in Kansas City.
more at kansascity.com
|
-
A Show that does Fringe right Rating: 4
Descendant of Dragons by KC Fringe Festival
Phillip Low delivered my favorite show of the first 2 nights of 2010 Fringe. He's put together a spoken word/storytelling experience that is well-written, engaging, and keeps you wanting to know what's comes next.
The autobiographical journey is part detective story, part slam poetry, and part father/son relationship. In an hour that mostly breezes by, Low is by turns funny and insightful.
This is not the type of show one usually gets the opportunity to see. It's not traditional theater, music, or even a staged reading. It's most like seeing a live version of NPR's "This American Life." This is exactly what Fringe Festivals are for--to provide a venue for shows like this one.
Mr. Low is a visiting artist from Minnesota and is often the case with out of town shows, the performance I attended on Wednesday night was sparsely attended. That's a shame; I hope more Fringers will find La Esquina (1000 W 25th Street, just of Southwest Blvd) and lend an ear to this show.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Funny Boys Rating: 5
Brawny Britches KC Fringe Festival
Men are so funny! Well, not usually, but those in "Brawny Britches" (though never for long) certainly are.
And please make no mistake about the genre we're discussing here: comedy. Ribald (and sometimes balding) comedy, in boxers, briefs, thongs, jocks (I think: couldn't see behind...). But more often than not — and usually to great comic effect — also shoes and socks, or something else that brings out the fun of seeing surgeons, businessmen, construction workers, take it almost-all off. (If you read "guaranteed nudity" in the teaser — or did I imagine that? — you'll be disappointed. Why be petty, though? It's probably a metaphor, but it's certainly comedy!
None of it very long or deep, though, if you'll pardon the expression. These sketches are fired right off (sometimes like mustard, and you'll see what I mean), and we're on to the next. Sort of like those jokes about male sex, though that chestnut was actually not carted out, with so much else to display. How disappointed these men would have been if long and deep had been what they were aiming for — for the audience's unconstrained hooting and hollering, their urgent demand to see the next piece of male-enhancing underwear, would have drowned out any subtler intention. This was an evening-ender of riotous fun, with drinks allowed in the theater and a bar just outside the door.
Some equally strong comedy came from people who were not men: our emcee, notably, who's insinuating, dry wit, along with her willingness to don a Boy Scout uniform and a pair of clingy or glittery cocktail dresses occupied us for the brief times before the next debriefing. And our janitress — men are so messy! — wound up delivering the most classic burlesque element in our Boylesque evening, along with some number of cozy wink and knowing glances to her favorite audience members, and one case of licking.
I was mainly impressed at the cast's strengths at physical comedy. In physical comedy, it's not necessarily what you show, but how you carry it, and whether you can carry it off. These guys are hilarious. So be like a real man, and come early — or you may not get a seat at all: just two more chances, at 11:30 Friday and Saturday nights.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Escaping Gravity Rating: 5
Cabaret Voler KC Fringe Festival
I saw two heavy shows, back to back, last night. As fate would have it, we poured out onto the street from the second with just the necessary two minutes for me to drive up to Crosstown Station to catch a flight of fancy: Cabaret Voler. (And say it in French: voe-LAY.) It was the perfect escape from the gravitas of the first two shows — and there were drinks!
Crosstown's upstairs space was rigged with five aerial units — three great lengths of fabric, a pair of looped ropes, and a large metal diamond-shape with bars — that took our company of six exotic and barely clothed female dancers to flight. With a stage in the corner, and six larger or smaller video screens circling the room, the performers — primarily dancers and acrobats — circulated among us as we lounged in a spacious cabaret. Much of the action was tracked by live video, amplifying the effect of the performance, sometimes resulting in a hall-of-mirrors effect, reflecting a couple of performers infinitely behind themselves in media-space.
In ten segments, by my count — most just 3-5 minutes, divided by introductory patter from a ringmaster without her whip (which I mainly couldn't make out, due in part to the reverberant environment, so I missed everyone's names) — we were treated to impressive displays of dance and acrobatics and aerial dancelike acrobatics. Nowhere but Kansas City (considering this group along its aesthetic sister, Quixotic) have I seen so many exotically tattooed, pierced, bejeweled, and perfectly toned women who've practiced ascending and dropping from great heights to such aesthetic effect: an artform uniquely developed here, where free warehouse space and performer passion has sparked cumulative years of experimentation and practice.
Most of us seemed impressed not only by the finely tuned athletic and artistic wonder of it all, but by its frank, frontal sensuality and seductiveness. The show was reminiscent (often explicitly, through music) of risqué cabarets of decades past. Our performers strutted boldly up to ringside tables, staring directly into the eyes of a presumably fortunate few, displaying inner thighs in much better shape than our own. Then they'd launch into a breathtakingly inventive display of dance-acrobatics to prove it.
Performers' eyes (as well as our own) in the most frankly sensual piece of the evening, though, were focused unapologetically between two tango dancers. One clearly played the male, and both seemed jealous of the attention the other gave to some of us in the audience before they stripped away their gender-defining costume-bits and scaled the same fabric rigging. Performing a complex set of fascinating and intricate moves characteristic of Cabaret Voler's aerial performance — wrapping limbs and trunks and sometimes entire extended bodies — in yards-long loops of stretchy lycra fabric, thus hoisting themselves to the ceiling, ultimately to roll, slide or suddenly plunge back to earth. These two wound up dangling together, upside down, touching and hugging each other in ways that seemed to arouse the aesthetic passion quite a few of my fellows.
"Divinely decadent!" as Liza famously declared. But also downright impressive. A great way to spend an hour and appreciate something unique to Kansas City. Repeating Thursday and Saturday at 7 and Friday at 8:30, with an extra late show Saturday at 11:30.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Kitty von Minx is one of my favorite performers, though I admit being a bit biased. She’s one of my fellow founding members of the Kansas City Society of Burlesque! We’ve been performing together for a few years now, and she never fails to impress me with her wit and her presence.
more at Annie Cherry's Refined Madness
|
-
UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance’s Conservatory Artist Series, formerly called the Signature Series, will present six concerts during the 2010-11 season. The performances reflect the Conservatory’s new series partnerships with Kansas City’s leading arts organizations.
more at UMatters
|
-
|
Joint Ribbon Cutting with Gardner Chamber of Commerce. Olathe Chamber members are welcome to attend the Gardner Chamber Coffee from 8:30 – 9:30 AM with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9:30 AM.
|
-
Some talent but confusing Rating: 2
Goodbye Kansas KC Fringe Festival
'Goodbye, Kansas' has a talented cast (and two effective musicians), is nicely staged, and has a few clever songs (midway). As a play, it is almost completely incoherent and in need of focus. Perhaps at 60 min. it may have been tighter - hard to say - but at 90 min. it seems endless.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Family drama is a tough one to get right, especially on stage: nuances of character, dialogue and plot must be attended to with superb insight. But turning family dynamics into a comedy, where the hit-or-miss dynamics of laughter come into play—something’s either funny and makes you laugh, or isn’t, and falls flat—now that’s a harder one still.
more at examiner.com
|
-
This is one of the coolest plays I've seen
ANYWHERE in the world! a 5 Rating: 5
Morphotic KC Fringe Festival
I'm giving Morphotic a 5. Kansas City should know about this play. This is true fringe that goes well beyond tassels, fishnet and parts that are often a little too jiggly—and, really achieve something (important).
With tonight's performance the players outnumbered the audience—that was a real shame. Morphotic is gripping... the performances are stellar... and the play has an ethereal almost cinematic portrayal of Kafka dream-sequences as he nears the moment of his death.
You won't be disappointed as Vodovoz's channeling of Kafka's "man-as-bug" subconscious may be the best performance you see this year--in any theater, any place in the world. Seriously, that good!
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Tragic Madness Rating: 4
4.48 Psychosis KC Fringe Festival
Let's be clear: Sarah Kane's "4.48 Psychosis" script, first produced in London in 2000, offers little respite from the surreality of madness. This is a tragedy. Be prepared.
But even when tragedy fails to lighten things up, it illuminates. In this, director Dan Born and his passionate four actors and crew have succeeded.
As the director explains in his program notes, "the script has no stage directions, no set descriptions, not even a cast list or assigned roles." In this, his second staging of this work, Born has divided the script into multiple parts and sub-parts, portrayed by four actors. Two play identifiable roles throughout: Samantha Raines as patient and Nandini MacMillan as therapist in our dramatic madhouse. Their two onstage companions — Misty Nuckolls and Andrew Stowers — keep us jumping, clearly mad at most moments — either as co-inmates, or as aspects of our patient's troubled inner landscape — but always as tormenting and tormented voices that shift and change in the frightening uncertainty of desperate insanity. Later, they appear in white coats, clearly now clinicians, though not so clearly less mad. And in one final vignette, as — well, you'll see, and let me not spoil that moment.
Tech arrangements, though simple, support this shifting psychological environment. Our therapist spends most of her time talking and listening to an empty chair, just offstage. Our three inmates fall to the floor, scrawling their inner scribblings in chalk on the black floor, or trying to wipe them out. Lights shift from glaring to dim, white to red-and-green. Sound-bleed was a problem on opening night, with the emphatic footsteps of traditional Indian dancers upstairs in an art-packed building, making me think there was some kind of soundtrack that didn't really work.
No sound track. Only the voices of a life coming unbound, unbundled and lost in insanity. Thanks to EMU Theatre for taking us there, and for letting us go. Repeating Thursday at 6:30 and Saturday at 8 at 1818 McGee.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Re-Alphabetizing the 3 R's Rating: 5
American Alphabet KC Fringe Festival
OK, so it's not hard to alphabetize the 3 R's — traditionally, reading, 'ritin' and 'rithmetic: the first letter's out of the way already. Harder, though, to discern which "R" really important. (Sorry, Teach: bad pun and worse grammar!)
A full house went back to class at The Fishtank Tuesday night to reconsider which R's are really important. In a theatricalized classroom setting, our playwrights and acting teachers Lisa Cordes and Damian Torres-Botello rearranged the R's to include Race and Religion, those don't-talk-about-them topics we need to talk about. The two switch off more than a dozen times through a content-packed hour in addressing these topics through their own stories.
Lisa goes back to great-great-grandfather Levi, born in 1809, to root her topic — "race" and racism — squarely from whence it springs: our hearts and homes. I shudder to think what her mostly-dead relatives (209 years is a long time) thought about her standing up in a theater and exposing their own participation in the false construction of race and "miscegenation" ("race-mixin'," as my own grandfather would have called it). But then they've already have the playwright's own beloved granddaughter to contend with, bringing our teacher's wide-ranging exploration of our topic — all mapped out, quite literally, on the chalkboard-walls of The Fishtank — to a moving and quite personal end.
Damian switches off with his own story throughout the evening: as a proverbial switch hitter with a team that gives this reviewer the willies — the Roman Catholic Church. Beaming smiling sweetness throughout, where bitterness is more commonly imagined, our teacher here uses his own awakening experiences as a gay Catholic to depict a vision of the faith as a loving, embracing spiritual home, starting with his recitation of the "Our Father" in Spanish. He doesn't spare us the reality of the Church's institutional stands on the topic — and on gay people (er, activities) in general — but returns again and again to his own true theology: that the Church is really grounded in its people, his own self included.
Sam Cordes provides solid support from our "classroom," running the projector that helps illustrate these parallel stories, responding to our teachers' questions, and reading off the definitions that have bounded our collective thinking on these topics. In their show description, the third "R" of the "American Alphabet" is identified as a rant, and our curriculum leads us through rancorous terrain. But where better than the theater to dramatize the high price we pay for our own American stories, and shine a light toward the future?
In all, "American Alphabet" offers up a fascinating and thought-provoking evening of theater. The only hickory stick involved in this teaching is our own difficult history: let the healing begin!
Repeats Friday at 9:30 and Saturday at 8 at 1715 Wyandotte.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Morphotic-Powerful Stuff Rating: 5
Morphotic by KC Fringe Festival
Morphotic is powerful theater! Articulate, intelligent dialogue flows through a nightmare scenario constructed from relentless emotion and sexual tension. A 'fable' based on Franz Kafka's biography, writings and legend, the play is presented with energy and passion by the Butcher Block Theater Company of Las Vegas. The darkness and emotion is punctuated by two terrific dance numbers, one funny and one sexy! The cast is consistently talented but Cynthia Vodovoz as Franz Kafka is absolutely amazing!
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
You've just crossed over into the Twilight Zone ... of Lawrence Rating: 4
SenoReality Short Films Presentation KC Fringe Festival
Ever since the original "Twilight Zone" premiered, twist endings have become harder and harder to do - especially on productions that tote itself as "Twilight Zone"-style. In today's world of leaked scripts and message board predictions, it's hard to have a true 'twist' ending.
The Short Films Presentation by SenoReality Pictures is comprised of five short films produced and filmed in Lawrence, Kan., and is described as 'Twilight Zone-style tales with unexpected twists'. And it's about even as to whether writer/director Patrick Rea succeeded in 'unexpected twists'.
Warning: this review contains spoilers for the endings of the movies.
The first film, "Next Caller", is about a talk radio show (and the DJ who hosts) in Lawrence, with the topic of the afterlife. And while they definitely get kudos for casting Kevin Willmott as the voice of God, the premise is a bit weak in today's day of corporate radio. I don't know how much of it came about because I know DJs, but there were too many times I had a hard time believing this radio show would even exist today (and don't get me started as to how many FFC fines the station would be paying for the swearing the DJ did ' on the air'). It was well-acted, but the ending was a bit over the top.
Next up was "Now That Your Dead", and this was the weakest out of the five. There was no basic premise - the plot twists and turns like a roller coaster. But most of the plot seemed to be the three main characters (a husband, his mistress, and his wife) handing the idiot ball to each other: too many times, I was mentally yelling at the screen, "Why did you do THAT?" None of the characters were sympathetic, and I was actually rooting for all three to be dead by the end of the film. The sound also seemed to be out of whack on this one.
The third in line was the sweet "Mrs. Brumett's Garden", a tale that hit close to home for me with it's undercurrents of Alzheimer's disease and the character of Mrs. Brumett (played by Shirley Wagner) believing in (and talking to) fairies. Thankfully, the fairies are real - and I had to smile at her choice to join the fairies at the end, as well as that her son (unlike her husband) was able to believe in them.
"Misfortune Smiles", the fourth film out of the batch, was the cute, although predictable, tale of a fake fortune teller (played by Jeff East) who gets the power for real. East's performance is what sells this tale, as he both experiences the Cassandra effect (a person getting the idea to go somewhere because he was told not to) and the 'be careful what you wish for' syndrome (one person's good future does come true, but ends up costing his life). The ending, however, felt tacked on - as if Rea didn't quite know how to end it.
Finally, "Get Off My Porch" was probably my favorite out of the batch (or at least a close tie with "Mrs. Brumett's Garden"). The moral - don't piss off the Girl Scouts ... uh, I mean 'Adventure Scouts' - was wrapped up in a clever script with some of the best 'creepy kids' I've seen in a long time. This was definitely a good one to end on, as the humor that peppered it was primarily at the absurdity of the situation.
My only major complaint is that the Fringe schedule had listed this as a 60 minute show, and it lasted for 90 minutes - but it was worth seeing, if for anything else for the number of 'I know that person' moments as I watched the films. The films I've seen that are locally produced have been a mixed bag, and these were definitely on the good end of the scale. It was definitely worth the trip downtown.
Angie Fiedler Sutton
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Roddenberry Pie's 'Khan!'-quers Fringe! Rating: 5
Khan! the Musical KC Fringe Festival
Let's be honest -- the KC Fringe Festival is not the usual KC area theatre. The average KC produced show has at minimum a full week, night and day, in the space to rehearse the actors, work out the lighting cues, test the sound and make sure the props and costumes are 100%.
The average KC Fringe show gets about four minutes.
Okay, maybe it is a LITTLE more than that, but it is a ridiculously small amount of time with extremely restricted resources. Not to mention that the actors, producers and technicians are spread thin. That was evident in tonight's opening of "Khan! The Musical" Okay, there was a little problem with an opening sound cue. It happens -- It's Fringe. The audience understood and even appreciated it. This one hiccup and some wandering props did not prevent my inner theatre nerd and sci-fi geek from squealing with glee at the musical adventures of Captain Kirk and his crew as they faced the threat of Khan!
Jay Coombes as Captain Kirk gave us the flavor of Shatner's version without hit. ting. us. over. the. he-ad. with it. He also proved amazingly spry. The character Spock is expected to be wooden and emotionless, Bob Grove as Spock, managed to give us that but keep us interested. Kevin Albert as Bones provides us with one of the most memorable lines of the show. (One that will not be a big surprise to "Trek" fans, but done in a way they've never seen before.) Albert does a great job of evoking the curmudgeonly character while representing the sole voice of reason. The tiny kitsch dealing director/choreographer/actor Steven Eubank takes on the pectorally-gifted Khan and provides not so much of an impersonation but an evoking of a certain Corinthian leather lover. If you aren't smiling when he is rocking out on stage- well, something is wrong with you. Amy Hurrelbrink appears in multiple roles to represent the females and more of this mini-universe. Hurrelbrink is so often seen about town as a fantastic dancer/choreographer that we forget what a talented singer and comedienne she is, and she's got good pipes too!
Tim Gillespie and Michelle Cotton produced some interesting songs. The lyrics were cute, interesting and loaded with almost as many jokes as the script. I lost some of the words because the music was louder than the un-miked singers. I've been told the Off Center Theatre had the acoustics of a brick- now I know it is true. I could have done with a little less of the meager instrumentation and more of the singing onstage.
Tara Varney and Bryan Colley gave us some good laughs and puns. This same team brought us "Lingerie Shop" and "Jesus Christ: King of Comedy" in previous festivals. Their symbiosis seems to be getting stronger as this show felt tighter than previous work. It still feels like they need a little help in ending a scene and have a tendency to dump exposition on us in double scoops.
There were some creative special effects provided by cast and crew that helped the action onstage and were almost an act unto themselves. (The "transporter" is a riot!) This was all aided by some creative use of lighting provided by Shane Rowse. There are still many more chances to catch this show at this year's Fringe. I have no doubts that the team will work out the kinks and by end of the week this will be a powerhouse show! Khan is a great show and I really look forward to Rodenberry Pie's "next generation".
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Movies are in theaters, therefore movies are theater. Rating: 4
Best of IFC Short Films KC Fringe Festival
And so, based on what I saw of the best of the Independent Film Commission, people should remember that.
I saw some wonderful stuff tonight, and I wish like hell I could review each of the films shown.
I'll say this. There's a local filmmaker named Tim Harvey that is making some very, very consistently good, quality, meaningful films, and is one to watch out for. There's also a film called Change For a Dollar that is simple and beautiful, and a good example of the way film should be used to tell a story. Beautiful cinematography. That can be said about many of the films though.
It's worth your while. As a performer, director, duct tape expert, you might find yourself wanting to seek them out. It's work you wish you are a part of.
I asked about purchasing a DVD, but none are available. Not yet. I'd like a copy though.
I'd give it a five, for the record, but the accidental intermission was only accidentally awesome.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Some people go to the theater for light entertainment, which can sometimes take the form of thin dramas or overwrought musicals. But a few folks go in search of something true, honest and meaningful. That's what I found at the Tuesday performance of "American Alphabet," a spoken-word duet by Fishtank Performance Studio resident artists Lisa Cordes and Damian Torres-Botello.
|
-
THIS IS MY BOOBSTICK! Rating: 3
Boobs, Burlesque & The Bard KC Fringe Festival
I love the idea of this show, and I love where they are going with it, and I love boobs, but it had some technical issues and it didn't seem to be tight. Pardon the pun.
I did not receive a program for this show, so I can't mention the players with hopes of accurate spelling, and some I didn't know at all, so I'll keep things as generally specific as I can.
All the burlesque made me very happy, and I saw some real talent. I have an eye for this kind of thing, you know.
The dances were complimented by contributions from The Lord Mayor's Company, a bawdy group of ruffians that perform at the Renaissance Festival. I really couldn't get behind the limericks. Their meter was off, an they weren't landing that well. Eye rolling isn't as good as laughing. There was a wonderfully played, and naughtily informative sketch about a word you will never use the same again. Very much enjoyed that. That's keeper material.
I really enjoyed the show, all in all. I left smiling like day I wandered into a tent at the state fair to see the world's only mermaid in captivity. There she was. Sitting behind an aquarium wearing her fishtail, and nothing else. I stared at her. Her boobs. I stared at her boobs. I couldn't tell you what color her hair was or if her feet were sticking out of that fish tail. I was twelve. It was a life changing event. I've been to a number of tents since then, but I will always love the strange theatricality of that encounter. That's what B.D.U. gives us with this show (no, not an awkward confusing semi-sexual encounter). It's about so much more than the tease with them. It's more.....lovely?
But still, there's a lot of tease.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
The Tribble With Troubles Rating: 4
Khan! the Musical KC Fringe Festival
Don't panic. The troubles were only technical. For the most part. Allow me to explain.
Every year, Bryan Colley and Tara Varney create and produce something unique and fun for the fringe. This year, as you might assume, is no different. If there were a better idea for a musical, I can't think of one. Many die hard Star Trek fans believe, and I believe they believe correctly, that The Wrath Of Khan is the best of the original cast feature films. While I'm not going to give away much, I can tell you, it's NOTHING like the film, for which Tara and Brian have my deepest gratitude. I had an absolute blast. I'll admit, I'm not an easy laughter, but the spirit of this show infected me, and I laughed my ass off. It was an absolute HOOT.
That said, I have to talk about stuff I don't really want to mention, but feel obligated to, so that I might keep my delusions of integrity.
The play opens with Jay Coombes as Kirk (Captain James Tiberius Kirk, for those of you who know the underside of a rock better than the original series, and in fact, I'm just going to assume you're a fan too. Starting now.) The technical stuff started in right away. Jay's light cue came up to early and didn't go down again. For quite a while. It was awkward, and I felt only a little bad for Jay, because that guy tends to know how to handle himself. He did, all night, as did the rest of the cast, as one technical difficulty after another presented challenge after challenge for the cast.
Honestly though, none of that mattered in the slightest. The show kept rolling and you can be assured that they will take care of those problems toot sweet.
The staging was efficient and interesting, and the lighting pretty cool. Especially at "Red Alert." and Khan's opening number. The sound mix could have been much improved by lavalier mikes or the like. It's hard to get the mix right when you have no control over the volume of your performers voices. I know that independent theater is tough to finance, but I really hope they can finish the run with some vocal amplification. If I had the stuff to give them, I'd do it.
Okay. That said, on to the individual performances.
Jay Coombes as Kirk. I gotta tell you, I love this man's voice. Especially when he busts out the tenor stuff. It's just lovely and full. Really. I don't know how to evaluate his performance. I mean, this was the kind of experience for me where I was there to love the show, and Jay made it super easy. He kept dropping his phaser and mishandling his communicator (cell phone), but it's not like that kind of thing ruins a play. I mean, he picked it up when it happened. No big whoop.
Kevin Albert as Bones. Bryan gave him a ton of different takes on "He's dead Jim," but he wasn't able to sell them. I don't know if it was me, being slow to absorb most cleverness, realizing the joke after the dialogue had moved on. I don't know if it was he, needing to adjust his timing or use a different tactic. His voice hit the back row, and was on key. Good job I say. And really, he was funny, just the other thing wasn't working for him.
Bob Grove as Spock. I don't know. I couldn't hear him well at all when he sang. I think he sang pretty well. His makeup made me squee with joy, and he managed to maintain the emotionless Spock with the same malevolent charm that Nimoy did with the original Character. What I could hear anyway (Remember, they only made Spock half human because Nimoy is an accomplished actor, and really wanted something emotional to chew on. Can't have Pon Far every week, you know.)
Steven Eubank as Khan. I love what Steven did with Khan. It was hysterical. His costume was great, and his hair. Perfect. Nice big voice too.
Amy Hurrelbrink as Valerie. I know what you're thinking. There wasn't a Valerie in ST-TWOK. Just relax. Go with it. It would ruin it if I explained who in the hell Valerie is, and why she's there. It must simply be, and you must simply trust me. I'll tell you what she's not. She's not a shabby dancer, and she's not one to shrink from a strong, fun character. Her voice is so tiny though, and that room so unfriendly to tiny voices. It got lost sometimes. It's of good quality, just quiet.
The words were brilliantly crafted by Bryan and Tara, and the music, for which there should be MAJOR credit given, was by Tim Gillespie and Michelle Cotton. So great. Just awesome.
Stop "feeding your tribble" and see this one too. Well worth it.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Brawny Britches
Rating: 5
Brawny Britches
KC Fringe Festival
OK, so there's been a lot of Burlesque in town the last few years - you know, big nation-wide revival and all - and some of it's been quite good. Some, not so good. And BDU has always put on a good show. But this time, they've out-done themselves! The BOYlesque show from BDU has gathered some of the top acting talent in KC and has got them writhing, gyrating and stripping down to their skivvies - and bringing the house down with every move! Sorry, ladies of BDU, but you've just seen the bar set VERY, VERY high. Maybe out of reach. These routines were so clever and so funny, and the BOYS had the crowd eating out of their hands. I don't envy the bunch that has to follow this show. Congratulations on a job VERY well done, and good luck.
GO SEE THIS SHOW! Have a cocktail and enjoy. It don't get any better than this.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
The 48 Hour Film Project returns to Kansas City the weekend of August 6. Each year, the 48 Hour Film Project, the world's largest filmmaking competition visits nearly 90 cities, challenging teams to complete an entire film from writing and casting to filming and editing in a mere 48 hours! 2010 will be the 3rd year Kansas City has been included in the tour. The 2010 Filmmakers Kick-Off will be held at the Czar Bar in downtown Kansas City on Friday, August 6. All films completed will be screened the following Wednesday, August 11 and Thursday, August 12 at the Screenland Theatre at the Crossroads. Registration for the event will be open until the Kick-Off on Friday, August 6th. Team registration is $155.
www.48hourfilm.com/kansascity
Judges for the 2010 Kansas City Festival include:
- Teri Rogers - Chairman for the Film Commission of Greater Kansas City, President/CEO T2-TakeTwo, and President/CEO Back Alley Films.
- Heather Laird - Principal owner of Kansas City based company Wright/Laird, with credits including more than 55 features and made-for-television films, 10 television series, and more than 1,000 commercial & print advertising projects.
- Joel J. Feigenbaum - Award winning screenwriter who has written, produced and directed over 300 hours of television including Dallas, Knots Landing, Paradise, Bodies of Evidence, Burke's Law, University Hospital, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Titans, Touched by an Angel, Charmed and 7th Heaven.
The 48 Hour Film Project is a wild and sleepless weekend in which teams make a movie—write, shoot, edit and score it—in just 48 hours. Each team is assigned a genre, character, prop, and line of dialogue that they must work into their film. They are responsible for putting together a cast and crew, and getting equipment and anything else necessary to make a film/video in just a weekend. Any team, regardless of skill level, is eligible to participate in this competition.
Filmmaking teams of all levels will begin at 7:00pm on Friday August 6 and deliver a finished 4 to 7 minute film by 7:30pm Sunday August 8.
Each city's Best Film team will receive a trophy, Movie Magic Screenwriter software ($250 value) and will go on to be screened and compete for top honors at Filmapalooza, an awards event honoring the 2010 tour's top film submissions. Honors will include Best Director, Best Acting, Best Script, Best Musical Score, and Best Film of 2010. The 2010 48HFP Grand Prize winner will receive a trophy, $3000 cash, GenArts Sapphire software, the gold standard for visual effects ($1700 value) and a screening of their film at the Cannes Film Festival.
For a complete tour schedule and instructions on how to participate, please visit: www.48hourfilm.com
|
-
Boobs, Burlesque and the Bard
Rating: 3
Boobs, Burlesque & The Bard
KC Fringe Festival
Lovely ladies, a randy hostess (Katie G.) with charm and a slightly foul mouth (I say that in a good way!) and limericks torn from Willie Shakespeare - what's not to like? Well, the Shakespeare part was grossly under-rehearsed, but, hey, "This is Fringe!" right? The ladies who danced showed style and grace and there was a lot of fun and humor to the routines. There have been a lot of Burlesque shows at the Fringe the last couple of years, and this is the only one with a Shakespeare theme running throughout. That makes it unique. Go have a look.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Khan! The Musical Rating: 4
Khan! the Musical KC Fringe Festival
Lots of laughs and lots of good inside jokes, if you're a Trekker (and if you don't know that term, then you're not one ...) make this show a must see if you've seen any Star Trek, or lived though the 80's, know someone who lived through the 80s or ever wore any of the clothes to an 80s party. But if you know Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan - and even better, if you know "Space Seed" (the episode of that gave us Khan to begin with) then you'll hoot and scream like the audience did on Tuesday night. This show is a delight. Even the non-sci-fi folks loved it. So, what are you waiting for?
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
I’ve written before about one of our favorite KC field trips–going to KC’s Waldo neighborhood (75th and Wornall) and hopping the Metro’s MAX bus for Crown Center/Union Station. It makes for an excellent adventure, and many lessons… more
|
-
|
Join Chris Dowell, Social Media Networker, on an introduction on social media and how to use social media to promote your business. Register by calling 913-6888.
|
-
Betsy Wendorff loves acting and enjoyed attending a performance of "Dreamgirls" in Kansas City this week. Then, she got the surprise of her life when she learned Dream Factory was sending her to New York to see the play on Broadway.
more at KMBC
|
-
Hello, GoodBye! Rating: 5
Goodbye Kansas KC Fringe Festival
My highest hopes for the 2010 Fringe Festival were realized on opening night. I have great expectations for the rest of the week, but no matter what else is out there, "Good-bye Kansas" is definitely a show not to miss.
Directed by Seth Golay, a top-notch five-member cast created a fantastic and decidedly Midwestern world of metaphysical dimension that was downright mind-blowing. Writer and lyricist Frankie Krainz appears as William Inge, disporting himself with agility in Dorothy's rubiest slippers as a kind of wizard with a direct line to the divine. Merle Moores is our Everywoman seeker, spurred by revelation — or was that a psychic break? Spinning around them is a company of characters more numerous than the outstanding actors who create them: Katie Kalahurka, Vanessa Severo and Matt Weiss. Their performances are simply amazing, but by no means simple: we can pour ourselves into this play and hardly know where we've been when we come out the other side.
And it's a musical! Jeremy Watson on piano and Brad Athey on violin, sometimes singing, weave a magical world of sound from center stage that sweeps into the foreground in full-scale musical numbers choreographed by David Ollington. At other times, plain Kansas harmonies express deep truths to wonderful effect.
As does this entire theatrical experience. The first-night curtain was late, but well worth the wait. Give yourself time afterwards to let it keep working on you: I'd have liked to lie in the grass and look up at the stars with someone who'd seen the show, too. As it was, it's been working on me since, and I mean to go back. Save me a seat!
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
KCKCC Theatre Department is now hiring set and lighting designers for its 2010-2011 season to include Chicago (November 2010) and two spring 2011 productions. Possible teaching opportunities for spring 2011 additional. Fee paid per design of $1600. Contact: Charles Leader at cleader@kckcc.edu.
|
-
It’s only Monday and the opening night of Fringe performances, but not a few Fringe performers, writers and directors, whether they’re involved in one show or several, might be experiencing a certain head-about-to-explode sensation that most people reserve for Fridays.
more at the KC Free Press
|
-
A Circus With Balls
Rating: 5
Cirque du Gay: The Happy Circus
KC Fringe Festival
I've looked forward to Cirque du Gay's full Fringe show for months, ever since their appearance at Beth Byrd's Fools fundraising event Off Broadway in June. The opening night audience enjoyed a wonderful camp-out as we rocketed through 13 short vaudevillian segments.
Billed as "the happy circus," Dennis Porter and Peyton Westfall kept all of us very happy indeed, from the first lip-synching moment. Magic, jiggling, mime, dancing and hilarious patter ensue as these two pull rainbows out of their hats, along with much else and from many other body parts -- including the largest magic wand I've ever seen emerge from a crotch. Peyton does the steamiest dance I've seen with an empty suit, and Dennis strips the backyard barbecue down to its barest essentials, ultimately exposing his leotarded buns.
Perhaps needless to say (and you probably wouldn't be reading this if you weren't), you need to be gay=friendly to enjoy this show. In a matter of minutes, you'll be gay-giddy. As were the half-dozen audience members who stepped up to play along in the most inventive ways I've ever seen: balloon bondage, anyone? Go on: sit in the first five rows and you may wind up showing us your stuff. If not, the "safe seats" are in back.
Very, very fun: don't miss it! Repeats Wednesday and Friday nights (8:30 and 9:30 respectively) and Sunday matinee at 3:30 at The Living Room at the Pearl, 1818 McGee.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Well acted & well written Rating: 5
Sirens and Superheroes KC Fringe Festival
This one-man show does a great job pulling the audience in to the story with writing and acting that delivers exactly what is appropriate, rather than getting melodramatic. A few of the sidebars about the tools of the EMT trade get unnecessarily detailed, but overwhelmingly the interweaving of the gradually-exposed narrative and the relevant personal relationships is effective.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
-
not what's on the tin
Rating: 2
Bathroom Confessions
KC Fringe Festival
"Bathroom Confessions" is anything but. While it takes place in a bathroom, the story that ends up playing on stage doesn't have much about it that sounds confessional.
Written and directed by Crystal Gould (she's also the main character), the description states that the play is about "the various run-ins and conversations that occur in a women's restroom at a rock concert." With that description and the title, I was expecting more of a "Vagina Monologues"-esque series of scenes that all involved some of the odder conversations that take place in a women's restroom. What I got instead was an extremely short one-act where a bunch of people (men including) come to hang out at a restroom ... and talk.
My main beef with this story is that nothing really seems to get accomplished - there was no real story arc. While there were mini-story arcs - several of the characters do end up hooking up (and the predictable *** hookup), the overall story wasn't compelling enough to me to feel like it warranted a play. It just didn't feel like there was a point to this story.
The humor was forced throughout, although there were a couple of good lines. "I love glitter - it's the only makeup I wear", says Ally, played very well by Emily Peterson. In fact, Peterson's the best actress on the stage - and plays the 'flying high groupie' to the maximum.
And while I'm a big fan of Vi Tran (who plays Dave), he started out slow and it felt like he probably could use a refresher on his early lines (although he does get better - and, of course, gets to sing, which is probably the best thing about this production). Meanwhile, Sean Hogge, who plays Rob, seems to just stand there throughout the play and doesn't really have much presence.
Several of the lines got lost to me due to issues with the actors projecting - they either needed to be miked or learn to project better.
"Bathroom Confessions" has potential - there are a lot of good little moments. But the overall story could have used some work, and the actors could have used another couple of rehearsals. It just doesn't feel like it's worth the time.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
For the Birds is good edutainment Rating: 4
Not Just For the Birds KC Fringe Festival
Flying is not just for the birds - or so the musical by the same name figures out. This sweet little story by Ry Kincaid explores the history of flight, from the myth of Icarus to the future of going to the stars. With the background story of two students needing to do a report, Kincaid is able to put in a lot of information under the proverbial radar.
Of the two students, Millie (played by Taylor Phillips) really shines - she has a presence about her that really shows through her performance, and really brings a sweetness about her role that is almost kitten-Youtube-video cute. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she has a couple of really sweet songs that she gets to sing - but boy does she make every moment count.
The other student, Charlie (played by Aaron DuPuis) had his moments: "do I get points for entertainment value?" he asks after the first song, and he definitely should. But I lost a lot of his performance due to a lack of projection.
The fun is prevalent throughout the production - from the programs you can fold into a paper airplane to a screen utilizing flash-style animation in humorous ways (such as showing Icarus's descent after flying too close to the sun) - and the cast is obviously having a lot of fun, especially with the bit parts. (Be sure to keep an eye out for the 'animatronic' pilot during the part about how modern day airplanes can take you anywhere - as the students joke, "these museum exhibits are extremely lifelike".)
However, this was at times a distraction as there were times it felt the players were 'mugging for the camera', so to speak, most notably Shannon Fleming as the teacher with her outrageously bad Southern accent and getting overwhelmed when the two students finally end up working together (although her other parts were well done, so that may have been a directing choice).
While Kincaid does a great job of slipping in the lesson with songs and story, some of the songs were a little rough - especially the last couple. "Planes Take You There and Back Home" is a bit of a mishmash, and "We Can Make It" (about going into space as the next adventure of flight) has potential that just isn't quite reached. How much of that was the song itself, though, and how much was just needing more rehearsal time, I'm not sure.
As Barstow plans on taking this to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, my one recommendation for the cast and crew is to work on the second half of the show and to work with DuPuis on his projection.
"Not Just For the Birds" is a great show to take kids to, and a good show if you don't have kids. It's sweet and funny - and you learn something, too. Well worth the price of admission - especially if you're looking for something fun.
Angie Fiedler Sutton
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Give Good Head
Rating: 3
Head
KC Fringe Festival
Head is a very ambitious show, third in a string of Fringe Festival efforts from Kyle Hatley. Pretty cool all in all and you've got to admire the sweep and scope of what this guy is trying to do. But on a Fringe time schedule and with limited support, the weaknesses of the piece tend to shine through. Too long, rather preachy and baffling in its dominant theme - these elements will make you roll your eyes from time to time but the play is fascinating and comes to a fine conclusion. Hatley's staging is evocative and very creative, probably on a much higher level than anything else you are going to see at the Fringe. It is the Salome story and, yes, she dances quite finely. Natalie L. (can't spell last name) is truly magnetic in that role and raises the quality of the show whenever she is on stage. There's music, a chorus of dead people and two clowns to keep things moving along but some trimming would be welcome.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
-
What the hell is a 'Publican?' Rating: 4
Death and the Publican KC Fringe Festival
It's a barkeep, or the manager of a pub, to be more specific. I suppose not all publicans tended their own bars, but the one in Bill Rogers' "Death and the Publican" does, and a good thing too.
Directed by Diane Bulan, this romp through the ethereal plane is a fascinating, almost irreverent were it not so profound, examination of the one philosophical argument that will never fully be answered. "What's the point?"
The entire play takes place in a pub where it's always eight p.m., and the drinks are always free. Kinda.
The set was simple, and effective. It was very well lit, and the blocking was nice. I say that because I hate to see people moving about with no sense of purpose or, dare I use the word, motivation. I did dare. I'm not proud. This production had none of that, thank god, or whomever. Thank you Diane. There.
Let's have a look at our cast.
There's the "Publican," played by the cuddly and ever so amiable Jack McCord. One of the hardest things an actor can do is listen, and McCord handles that challenge with ease. Listening is kind of what his character is about. He has an interesting style of acting too. I dare say the theater is a rodeo with which he is well familiar, as his technique is very theater specific. Now, I haven't seen a lot of his work, but I have a feeling, it's just a feeling now, that he can do an excellent impersonation of Jack Nicholson. He wasn't doing an impersonation, in fact his character was fully realized, unique, and well performed, but there's something about the timbre of his voice, the odd phrasing, that reminded me, if briefly, of Jack Nicholson. Just a thought.
Then there's "Death." Marcie Ramirez slinks about in a tasteful black suit (I think it was a suit. It was a skirt, blouse and jacket. Not being familiar with female clothing classification methods, I'm calling it a suit), and fishnets, and at times, sock monkey slippers. Here is where the irreverence comes in. Her performance was charming, and she seems to shrug off her own omnipotence, and seemed to have long grown weary of the human need for personal immortality. She gave a lovely, subtle performance, worthy of note. That tends to be how she rolls. There was one thing that I both liked and didn't understand. Her character seemed to be a germaphobe. She wore a breathing mask at first, presumably because the environment outside the pub was not ideal, and spent a lot of time sterilizing her hands with goop out of a rather large bottle of Purell. It made for a nice independent action, but really didn't serve the story, as it wasn't explained. It was just there. I liked that it!
was there, I just didn't understand why.
Victor Hentzen plays "The Twice Mortal Man." Victor is a big guy, and I love to see big men play roles with exuberance, spirit, energy and bravado. It was a nice meaty (pardon the pun) character that looked like a blast to play. He handled his monologues with ease, and he was a pleasure to watch.
The rest of the cast, "Sebastion," played with wonderful innocence by Aaron Smithson, "Loud woman," played with excellent subtlety, if with low volume by Linda Levin, Nicole Hall, whose broken heart and conservative nature rang out brilliantly as "Sad Woman," and Richard Gorell, whose desperate lamentations of a life without adventure culminated in a lovely open, personal moment as "Big Man." Well, they each had their moment to shine, and they handled themselves very well indeed.
All in all, this is the theater I expect to come out of a community that has vast resources of talent. Not every fracas is a victory, I get that, but this one shines in content, direction and performance. Should they tighten it up, just a little bit, it'll deserve the five out of five rating I desperately would like it to have.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Bellydancing and Bollywood Rating: 4
Bellydance Fusion Factory
KC Fringe Festival
Let me preface this review by saying that Troupe Duende stated that every show would be different, so I can't guarantee that you will see the same dancing I did.
As a Rennie and an ever-growing fan of Bollywood movies and music, I couldn't help but enjoy myself when I went to the Arts Incubator to see the Bellydance Fusion Factory. This group of musically-forward bellydancers blended the bellydancing that I'm familiar with at Renaissance Festivals, Bollywood, and even some hip-hop moves (like chest pops) together to achieve some very entertaining dancing. A few of the dancers really stood out (sorry, I wasn't able to get names), such as the snake-like sensual dancer with the intense eyes in the 2nd dance, and the auburn-haired mermaid-like dancer in the 6th. Both seemed to enjoy themselves more than the rest, and held my attention the best.
This group not only set themselves apart from other bellydance groups I've seen with their fusion of dance, but also their wide range of music. I heard traditional drums, Indian/Bollywood, Spanish, rock and hip-hop beats, and even the recent re-mix of "Lollipop"!
The Troupe Duende really set themselves apart with their performance tonight with their originality and musicality. I will not forget them anytime soon. If you can, please attend one of their remaining shows (Thurs at 8, Fri at 12:30, and Sat at 9:30) at the Arts Incubator.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Tallahassee
Rating: 3
Tallahassee
KC Fringe Festival
Sex, love, drugs, TV, fighting, marriage, more drugs and more fighting - think rock & roll love tragedy, all set to music. Patrick DuLaney and Vanessa Severo - two of the top talents Kansas City has to offer - bring outstanding life to the concept album, Tallahassee, by The Mountain Goats. This one is a real roller coaster ride, as the couple smokes, drinks, fights, loves and sings their way through courtship, marriage and beyond. It's intruiging, and impressive and very, very Fringe. It's more MTV LIVE that your typical theater experience, but it's dramatic and tragic and powerfully performed. But in the end, and from the beginning, it's all about the box.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
Audience members got a taste of this sixth annual eclectic performance festival Sunday at Fringe Central at 17th and Broadway.
more at kansascity.com
|
-
HILARIOUS - A MUST SEE!
Rating: 5
Hanky Panky KC Fringe Festival
Well, I know you’ve got a lot of Fringing to do, so I’m gonna keep this short and sweet. RUN, do not walk, to SEE THIS SHOW. This show is terrifically written & very well staged. The acting is TOP DRAWER and the show is worth many times the price of admission. It’s hilarious, touching and … oh, JUST GO!
PS: The air conditioning is AWESOME and they have beer!
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
|
The Olathe School District provides a free appropriate public education to all exceptional students residing within the school district's boundaries. This includes special education and related services provided in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state laws for all students with exceptionalities (0-21 years of age). Services are provided in each child's neighborhood school when possible.
|
-
Let the games begin. I took it as a good omen that the first two Fringe Festival shows I attended were virtually standing-room-only affairs. It might have been luck of the draw, or it could have been that this festival, now in its sixth year, has gradually cultivated an audience with a taste for alternative theater.
|
-
Bathroom Confessions Rating: 3
Bathroom Confessions KC Fringe Festival
In Bathroom Confessions by Crystal Gould some quirky characters that, by different circumstances, all end up in the same ladies room at a concert.
This show has potential, and some funny moments, like Ally's obsession with glitter. I wish it was longer, as I think it's too short for the characters and story to really develop. I never understood why Rob (Sean Hogge) was in such a bad mood, even from the start. Ally (Emily Peterson), Sarah (Amy Kelly), Laurie (Becca Scott), Shane (Vaughn Schultz), and Dave (Vi Tran), all portrayed enjoyable, although one-sided and slightly stereotypical, characters. Jess (Katie Gilchrist) and Rachel (Crystal Gould) seemed to have the most depth to their characters, and were the most believable.
All in all, Bathroom Confessions is a play to giggle along with.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
Occasionally Hyper ventures forth for culture. I happen to like it you know. Today I went to St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 13th and Holmes to hear the Summerfest Musicians.
more at Hyperglobal
[thanks, Tony]
|
-
-
|
10th annual charitable golf tournament, which will benefit a Hospice House at Olathe Medical Park. For details about registration or volunteering visit www.olathehealth.org/CourseCatalog/Hospital-Fundraisers
|
-
A burlesque revue is the latest target of famed Kansas pastor and anti-gay activist Fred Phelps. “The Good Book Variety Revue,” playing at Kansas City’s Fringe Festival, is the rethinking of the spaces traditionally filled by Biblical heroines, from Jezebel to Mary Magdalene.
more at Global Shift
[Thanks, Tony]
|
-
|
August 2-7 Johnson County Fair in Gardner KS. Visit www.jocokansasfair.com
|
-
Congratulations to Linda Golubski of Kansas City, KS-- our lucky winner! (Linda will be contacted via private email with all of the details!)
Linda will receive a 4-pack of tickets to an upcoming performance (Sept. 18 or 19, 2010)… more
|
-
|
SAFEHOME, Johnson Country’s only provider of services for victims of domestic violence, will hold its 17th Annual SAFEHOME Golf Tournament on Monday, August 9th at Nicklaus Golf Club at Lion’s Gate. This four person scramble at one of Kansas City's premier golf clubs will offer a great day of golf. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start beginning at 9:30 a.m. The cost to play is $175 per player. Price includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, beverages, gifts, snacks, hole contest, and fabulous door prizes.
|
-
“Music is one of those areas one never learns enough about,” says Robert E. Foster. “The more you learn, the more you realize you need to learn.”
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
|
The Olathe Public Schools Foundation is conducting its annual Back-to-School Supply drive through mid-August. With assistance and support from Farmer's Insurance Company, the foundation is working to put more than 300 backpacks into the hands of families in need this year.
|
-
|
The Kansas District Optimists and Olathe Noon Optimist Foundation are sponosring a golf benefit for the 3 Childhood Cancer Camps that benefit Kansas Kids with Cancer: Camp Quality KS-Augusta; Camp Quality Greater KC Area- Excelsior Springs & American Cancer Society's Camp Hope - Great Bend 4-Man shotgun start 8:00 a.m. - Falcon Ridge Golf Course - 9732 Woodland Dr. - Shawnee Mission, KS. - August 20 - Green Fees, Cart, Breakfast, Lunch, Prizes $90 per person $340 team Let Kids be Kids Again!
|
-
Leave it to the folks at Summerfest: Throughout 20 seasons of presenting chamber music concerts, they’ve learned to balance unknown works with more popular classics in programs that are entertaining and captivating.
|
-
|
Senior Web architect Rusty Meigs recently received the Distinguished Dissertation in Teacher Education Award from the Association of Teacher Educators in Kansas (ATE-K).
|
-
You’re headed east on 18th Street and cross The Paseo. As you cross, on your left, you see an outdoor pavilion. When jazz thrived here, that was the site of the Street Hotel, 1508-12 E. 18th Street.
more at kcjazzlark
|
-
“Best Worst Movie,” a documentary focusing on the cinematic disaster that is “Troll 2,” will screen as part of the True/False Film Fest Boone Dawdle, a bike ramble/dinner/concert/screening scheduled for Aug. 21.
more at the Columbia Tribune
|
-
Celebrating the art of the short, the Kansas City Fringe Festival will screen two compilations produced by members of the IFC, on several consecutive nights at the Screenland Crown Center theaters. With multi-faceted Best Of IFC and Best of IFC Horror programs, the IFC makes public what it has been formulating in the downstairs of the Westport Coffee House all these years.
more at Review
|
-
Great Show Rating: 5
Guys & Dolls Leawood Stage Company
Chris McCoy is theatre gold. He knows how to pick a cast that works together well, and chooses his leads wisely. Vanessa Harper and Sara Blakesly are fantastic as Adelaide and Sarah Brown, respectively. Both ladies fit their roles beautifully and have show-stopper tunes ("Adelaide's Lament" and "If I Were a Bell"). They have put their all into this production and it shows.
Their gentleman counterparts, Craig Boyd (Nathan Detroit) and David Martin (Sky Masterson), carry off excellent performances themselves. Craig is quite believable as the rough man trying to be smooth, and David plays the suave Sky (a comically apt nomer for the six-and-a-half foot tall Martin) with finesse. I'd like to hear Martin work on using his legitimate voice rather than relying on a character voice in some of his music.
Harper and Martin are a bit young-looking for their parts (both should ideally be in their early to mid thirties), but these two still manage to carry off the roles with grace.
The chorus is well-voiced and the singing from backstage on Gary Stang's "More I Cannot Wish You" is a lovely addition. Gary's voice is beautifully suited to the song.
Reed Uthe as Benny Southstreet and Ray Zarr as Nicely Nicely provide some dandy comic relief. Reed's background in comedy improv is evident in a few asides, especially the amusingly ad-libbed answer to Nathan's question "Do you know what day it is?" which changes every performance.
Chris McCoy knows how to direct a musical, and his choreography is quite interesting and complex while still being accessible to a community chorus to perform.
The young ladies of the Hotbox are delightful to watch and just perfectly charming girls. The crapshooters are a fun and lively bunch, and the mix of chorus as street scene background for a couple of numbers is highly amusing but yet just sedate enough not to completely upstage the main performers. "Havana" is a cross between a dance number and a well-choreographed fight scene which goes off rather well. Leawood is graced with many very fine dancers, most notably Tracie Davis of City in Motion Dance Theater whose grace and elegance just classes up the stage every time she steps foot on it.
You wouldn't think a burlesque-esque striptease belongs in a family show, but it's handled elegantly as a performance, not a prurient come-on, which makes all the difference, especially considering that some of the young ladies in the show are still high schoolers.
The Statue of Liberty's cameo appearance (played by veteran opera singer Amy Dobek) is a nice capper to "Oldest Established." She plays a solid General Cartwright with a nicely improvised descant line on "Rockin' the Boat," a la the Broadway revival.
Mike Saxton does a nicely schmoozy Rusty Charlie and should get himself to a good voice teacher to capitalize on the nice raw instrument he has.
Costumes are wonderful with the single exception of Adelaide's pink prom dress which unfortunately hangs on Harper's lush figure like a potato sack. Thankfully it doesn't stay on her for long!
Overall, Todd Burd's music direction seems to have struck a solid chord. The one sour note belongs to one of the brass instruments - trumpet, I think - which consistently hit wrong notes throughout the evening. This far into the performances I'd think that would have been addressed, but clearly it wasn't. Thankfully, while glaring, the off-notes were not enough to keep me from enjoying the otherwise fine performance.
Guys and Dolls is really a terrific show with a great cast and I'm glad I had the chance to review it!
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
|
Back to School Information (click here)
|
-
KC Stage Magazine is excited to be partnering with the Kansas City Fringe Festival. To support the Fringe, KC Stage online will once again be free and open to anyone wanting to follow the Fringe Festival - from show listings to top-rated Fringe shows - until August 6.
Anyone can rate and review shows (free registration required), and for every Fringe review you post, you get entered into a contest for various goodies such as free subscriptions, t-shirts, and free tickets to next year's Fringe.
The freebies continue, as the current issue and audition, performance and event information listed on the KC Stage website, usually only accessible to paid subscribers of our print magazine, will be available for free to anyone going to the site during the Festival.
Find out more about the KC Fringe Festival here
and rate or review Fringe Festival events here
|
-
Hard as it might be to believe, there was a time before the Internet and the modern rock ’ n’ roll band became best friends forever. A time when Facebook was unheard of and, instead, a band was well-served to book as many face-to-face encounters with prospective fans as possible.
Columbia Tribune articles:
|
-
Considered by many theatre patrons and the media alike as Kansas City’s best kept secret, UMKC Theatre will present a diverse range of theatre this 2010-2011 season, introduce design-your-own ticket packages, and launch Industry Nights at Monday performances. Dynamic co-productions are scheduled with the Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, KC Repertory Theatre, and – for the first time – an American masterpiece with Kansas City Actors Theatre at the World War I Museum located at the Liberty Memorial.
more at Infozine
|
-
Robert Walzel first got a taste of Lawrence as a junior high school student. The Texas native attended the Midwestern Music and Art Camp in the early 1970s in hopes of honing his clarinet skills.
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
The local hip hop scene in general is flourishing in Kansas City on both sides of the state line. There is a ton of talent and unfortunately not enough room or interests in local radio for them.
more at examiner.com
|
-
Think of it as a theater lab on steroids. Every year the KC Fringe Festival, which moves into high gear this week, showcases the talents of musicians, dancers, visual artists and filmmakers. But it also presents a voluminous number of theatrical performances, allowing audiences a chance to see new and interesting work from playwrights, actors and directors.
|
-
The founder of the Harriman-Jewell series had a courtly graciousness that was always refreshing in a rude and rushed world. He gave the sense that he truly loved all people in spite of their foibles. And they loved him right back. When Harriman died of leukemia on July 15 at the age of 77, Kansas City arts lovers lost one of their most beloved leaders.
|
-
KCStage Magazine is excited to be partnering with the Kansas City Fringe Festival. To support the Fringe, KCStage online will once again be free and open to anyone wanting to follow the Fringe Festival - from show listings to top-rated Fringe shows - until August 6.
Anyone can rate and review shows (free registration required), and for every Fringe review you post, you get entered into a contest for various goodies such as free subscriptions, t-shirts, and free tickets to next year's Fringe.
The freebies continue, as the current issue and audition, performance and event information listed on the KCStage website, usually only accessible to paid subscribers of our print magazine, will be available for free to anyone going to the site during the Festival.
Find out more about the KC Fringe Festival here
and rate or review Fringe Festival events here
|
-
Time folds back on itself. A short film shot back in 2000. With the brain-twisting "Inception" in theaters now, dividing audiences, I thought it was time to re-introduce this 10 year-old film.
more at Vimeo
|
-
Time folds back on itself. A short film shot back in 2000. With the brain-twisting "Inception" in theaters now, dividing audiences, I thought it was time to re-introduce this 10 year-old film.
more at Vimeo
|
-
Richard L. Harriman, Kansas City’s beloved performing arts impresario, died Thursday, July 15, at Liberty Hospital at the age of 77.
more at the Liberty Tribune
|
-
The show opens with a rousing roll call that sounds like a hip-hop version of the “A, my name is Alice” jump rope ditty. While the all-female cast stomps, claps and chants, “Sha boo ya, sha sha, sha boo ya ...,” each troupe member steps out and introduces herself to the audience: “My name is Brittany. And I like pears. I drink straight whiskey. I have great hair!”
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
The Kansas City-made online series “Next!” has won first- place honors in a competition sponsored by the National Association of Television Production Executives.
|
-
Thankfully, thus far, this isn’t the situation yet for most theaters in the Kansas City region, but I want to speak out about this practice before it spreads.
more at examiner.com
|
-
American Heartland Theater is putting on a show called "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." KMBC's Joel Nichols talked with actor Price Messick about the show.
watch it at Youtube
|
-
-
Coy Espinoza doesn’t walk his dog. He unicycles it. But that hardly comes as a surprise, given this 26-year-old’s hobbies: Juggling. Acrobatics. Fire breathing.
|
-
Mark Robbins got the obvious joke out of the way early in the conversation.
“This is purely a vanity project on our part,” Robbins said. “We don’t care how old the characters are. We just wanted to do it again.”
|
-
Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” will kick off the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts “1Year2Go Countdown Celebration” on Sept. 26 at the Power & Light District KC Live! Stage.
more at kansascity.com
|
-
Several Kansas City performing artists and creative businesses have found a way to beat the recession and partially fund their latest works with the help of social media and private donations.
more at KMBC
|
-
 Now THIS is something you’ll want to take a look at! We have a 4-pack of tickets to Nickelodeon Storytime Live and will give them to one lucky winner on Monday. Storytime Live will be at the Midland September 18-19,… more
|
-
“Return to PrairyErth,” a new documentary about life in the Flint Hills, will have its premiere Saturday at Pioneer Bluffs, near Matfield Green, Kan., on Interstate 35.
|
-
It’s impossible to ignore Kansas City’s Fringe Fest. If you find yourself bored over the next week and a half, you have no one to blame but yourself, because midtown will be buzzing with even more events than usual during KC Fringe Festival, celebration of all things art, including dance, theater, visual art, spoken word and music.
|
-
Tickets nowhere to be found, computers down, the night ablaze in lightning and a drenching downpour… Starlight was soaked, but the audience remained stoked.
more at KC Confidential
|
-
The Summerfest musicians will perform the “Trout” Quintet by Schubert, music for winds by Hindemith and a work by the intriguing contemporary composer Vivian Fung at 7 p.m. Saturday at White Recital Hall, 4949 Cherry St., and at 5 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church., 1307 Holmes St.
|
-
Lace up those tennies because it’s time for Georgia’s Chicken Fun Run at the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 138th and Switzer. Register online or by mail; all participants receive a gift bag, a T-shirt and a medal. Check in for the run is at 7:30 a.m.. The chicken dance will be held at 8:30 a.m. [...] Georgias Chicken Run is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is at the American Heartland Theatre, at Kansas City's Crown Center, until August 22, 2010. Tickets available at http://www.ahtkc.com
|
-
Save the date for the Downtown's Annual Luncheon, Friday, December 10, 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., KC Convention Center, Grand Ballroom. We're pleased to announce, Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, will be our keynote speaker.
The 2010 Downtown Council Annual Luncheon will focus on the role of the arts in the future of Downtown Kansas City. Downtown has the highest concentration of cultural amenities in the region and is home to one of the most vibrant arts communities in the nation.
Nominate someone deserving recognition - Nominations accepted through July 31 - Download the attached forms by clicking on the award titles.
- 2010 Urban Hero Awards - Arts/Creative Industry Focus. The 2010 Urban Hero Awards will have an arts-related focus. Kansas City is known for its supportive arts scene and cross-disciplinary innovation. Successful examples of collaborations between artists and creative businesses will be honored.
- J. Philip Kirk Jr. Award in honor of Community Vision and Downtown Stewardship
The DTC is looking forward to collaborating with many local and regional arts organizations, individual artists and creative businesses in the development and production of our 2010 Annual Luncheon.
A recent New York Times article captured the vibrancy of downtown and highlights many of the art galleries and artists work/live shops. Our pivotal moment is at hand with the 2011 opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The Grand Ballroom at the Kansas City Convention Center will be the location of the event, overlooking the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts as construction continues. Prior to the luncheon, the Experience Downtown exhibit, highlighting over 50 new developments, creative industries, artists, cultural, entertainment and arts activities and new retail will take place in the lobby.
Questions or comments? Please contact: Ann Holliday, Downtown Council of Kansas City, 911 Main Street Suite 110, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, 816-421-1539, www.GoDowntownKC.com
|
-
Section 144.049, RSMo, establishes a sales tax holiday during a three-day period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and ending at midnight on the Sunday following. Certain back to school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and other items as defined by the statute, are exempt from sales tax for [...] Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
A Lee's Summit woman said she thought she had struck gold when all three of her children passed a talent audition in Overland Park, Kan., over the weekend.
more at KMBC
|
-
I have to admit up front that I am a bit of a sucker for shows like Dreamgirls that tell showbiz behind-the-scenes stories. The Dreamgirls touring production which is at Starlight Theatre through Sunday, is a fresh production that is making a run in hopes of a revival on Broadway. This latest production is a technology-packed spectacle which was plagued by the storms that greeted Starlight Theatre on Tuesday night. As the old adage goes however, “The show must go on.”
more at Lost in Reviews
|
-
A play written by a playwright, directed by a director, acted by actors — so 2005. Want to make art like the cool kids? Try having your burlesque performers shake and shimmy alongside puppets, singers and clowns or host a night of experimental jazz performed in locally designed bodysuits surrounded by a makeshift petting zoo. That’s more like it.
|
-
-
The Just Off Broadway Theatre has approximately 100 blue padded, folding theater seats, currently in sets of three or four. In conjunction with a planned theater construction and refurbishing, these seats with spare parts are available for sale. They will be sold for $500 or best offer. They must be removed from the theater on August 4, 5 or 6. To make arrangements to see them, contact Chris Johnson at the theatre, 816 784-5020, or Harold Keairnes 816 517-4503.
|
-
On Saturday, July 24, 2010, visit Jacomo RC Flying Field for a fun event and a great cause, KCRC Harvesters Charity Fun Fly. Don’t miss KCRC’s 5th Annual fundraising event for Harvesters. Pilots and spectators are encouraged to bring canned goods or dry food items. All collected items and proceeds from pilot fees and concessions [...] KCRC Harvesters Charity Fun Fly is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
KC Weddings Bridal Spectacular, the largest and longest-running bridal show in the Midwest, is back this Saturday. Come to the the Overland Park Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and enjoy extraordinary prize giveaways worth thousands of dollars and to meet some of Kansas City’s top wedding professionals that can give you advice [...] KC Weddings Bridal Spectacular is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
Come enjoy a day of shopping in the air conditioning Plus access to A Wonderful Food Bar. This event is FREE to the Public.
When is this Vendor and Craft Show?
JULY 31, 2010 (9AM – 3PM)
Where is this Vendor and Craft Show?
13801 E 42 Terrace South
Independence, MO 64055
816-478-9100
Currently Participating Vendors:
AVON
Barb’s Bath
Baskets – Pam Watson
Beauti Control
Conner Wood [...] Vendor and Craft Show is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
My name is David Csontos. I am writer/director of two one-act comedies set to play at the KC Fringe Fest next week (Tues 7/27 - Sun Aug 1). An actor in one of the plays dropped out due to a work conflict.
This is who we need IMMEDIATELY: an actor age 23-30 who can be in one of the one-acts and who hopefully can be a quick study. Preferrably the actor should have experience in comedy. The play is just under an hour but this character serves as narrator of the play and pretty much drives the play (there are 3 other characters). The play has gay subject matter and explores the importance of self-acceptance. Both plays were produced in Lincoln,NE in April of this year and were very well received there.
The plays are called 'My Night With Rock Hudson' & "I Am My Imaginary Friend". There is info about them at www.kcfringe.org. Each one-act is just under an hour. It is the second play that quickly needs an actor replacement. Obviously we have little time to re-cast. The possibility of some pay exists, based on how well the show is intended and if we cover Fest participation costs.
Anyone interested can email the writer/director at dcson55@gmail.com
THANKS IN ADVANCE! David Csontos writer/director
|
-
Reference Recordings released a new multi-channel SACD (Super Audio CD) of the Kansas City Symphony's Britten's Orchestra. The dual-layer disc, their first release of this type, will have 5.1 surround, two-channel DSD, and two-channel stereo with HDCD.
more at the Kansas City Symphony
|
-
|
Refreshments will be served. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place at 4:30. Tours will be offered until 6 PM.
|
-
Smashburger will sizzle into
Olathe
at
15241 W. 119th St.
with a grand opening Tuesday, Aug. 3. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will donate $1 from each K.C. Smashburger sold at the
Olathe
location Aug. 3 through 10 to TLC for Children & Families. The name of the restaurant refers to the cooking method used to create its burgers. To see the menu, visit www.smashburger.com.
|
-
Smashburger will sizzle into
Olathe
at
15241 W. 119th St.
with a grand opening Tuesday, Aug. 3. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will donate $1 from each K.C. Smashburger sold at the
Olathe
location Aug. 3 through 10 to TLC for Children & Families. The name of the restaurant refers to the cooking method used to create its burgers. To see the menu, visit www.smashburger.com.
|
-
Smashburger will sizzle into
Olathe
at
15241 W. 119th St.
with a grand opening Tuesday, Aug. 3. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will donate $1 from each K.C. Smashburger sold at the
Olathe
location Aug. 3 through 10 to TLC for Children & Families. The name of the restaurant refers to the cooking method used to create its burgers. To see the menu, visit www.smashburger.com.
|
-
Smashburger will sizzle into
Olathe
at
15241 W. 119th St.
with a grand opening Tuesday, Aug. 3. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will donate $1 from each K.C. Smashburger sold at the
Olathe
location Aug. 3 through 10 to TLC for Children & Families. The name of the restaurant refers to the cooking method used to create its burgers. To see the menu, visit www.smashburger.com.
|
-
Smashburger will sizzle into
Olathe
at
15241 W. 119th St.
with a grand opening Tuesday, Aug. 3. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will donate $1 from each K.C. Smashburger sold at the
Olathe
location Aug. 3 through 10 to TLC for Children & Families. The name of the restaurant refers to the cooking method used to create its burgers. To see the menu, visit www.smashburger.com.
|
-
Smashburger will sizzle into
Olathe
at
15241 W. 119th St.
with a grand opening Tuesday, Aug. 3. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will donate $1 from each K.C. Smashburger sold at the
Olathe
location Aug. 3 through 10 to TLC for Children & Families. The name of the restaurant refers to the cooking method used to create its burgers. To see the menu, visit www.smashburger.com.
|
-
Smashburger will sizzle into
Olathe
at
15241 W. 119th St.
with a grand opening Tuesday, Aug. 3. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will donate $1 from each K.C. Smashburger sold at the
Olathe
location Aug. 3 through 10 to TLC for Children & Families. The name of the restaurant refers to the cooking method used to create its burgers. To see the menu, visit www.smashburger.com.
|
-
Smashburger will sizzle into
Olathe
at
15241 W. 119th St.
with a grand opening Tuesday, Aug. 3. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will donate $1 from each K.C. Smashburger sold at the
Olathe
location Aug. 3 through 10 to TLC for Children & Families. The name of the restaurant refers to the cooking method used to create its burgers. To see the menu, visit www.smashburger.com.
|
-
One of my favorite viral videos documents an experiment conducted by The Washington Post. They cajoled classical violinist Joshua Bell into posing as a busker at a subway station. Would anyone stop to listen?
more at Plastic Sax
|
-
|
Free Event. ACES Regional Chavelle show. 1964-1978 Cars on display. Car cruise on Friday night, judgeing on Saturday. Awards at 5 PM.
|
-
|
"Mid-America ACES Chevelle Show"
Friday (noon 'til 10pm) & Saturday (8:00am 'til 4pm)
September 24th & 25th at the Great Mall of the Great Plains
North East side of mall
|
-
Richard Harriman, the William Jewell College professor who spent a half century building the Harriman-Jewell Series into one of the nation’s premier performing arts presenters, died July 15 at Liberty Hospital. He was 77.
more at The Independent
|
-
This morning, I was lucky to stumble upon some amazing local video content documenting life in the Kansas City, Missouri School District.
more at Tony's Kansas City
|
-
If were a betting man I would have lost money Tuesday night. Arriving at Starlight about 20 minutes before curtain time, the boiling clouds, booming thunder and lightning bolts striking the ground at points not far from the theater suggested, rather strongly, that there was no way "Dreamgirls" would go on. But it did.
|
-
With its terrific score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, it’s no wonder that the stage adaptation of the Disney animated film "Beauty and the Beast" has become such a fan favorite.
more at Sun Publications (after the "Spelling Bee" review)
|
-
To its credit, the American Heartland Theatre always strives to bring fresh, unfamiliar plays to local audiences. Sometimes the material selected by the staff doesn’t reach the same high standard they set in every other aspect of their productions. Happily, the musical comedy "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" proves to be a great match for the theater.
more at Sun Publications
|
-
-
|
You are invited to attend a ribbon cutting celebrating the grand opening of Smashburger in Olathe. Join us from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 9th and enjoy sampling our juicy Smashburgers, delicious Smashsides and more. Smashburger is located at 15241 W. 119th Street, just West of Blackbob. For more information, visit www.smashburger.com or follow on Twitter @SmashburgerGKC.
|
-
Tony Award Nominee and "American Idol" finalist, Constantine Maroulis, reprises his acclaimed performance as Drew in the First National Tour of the five-time Tony Award nominated smash-hit musical Rock of Ages!
|
-
Gov. Mark Parkinson will make a cameo appearance at Topeka Civic Theatre's opening night gala production of Arsenic and Old Lace, the theatre announced Tuesday.
more at the Topeka Capital-Journal
|
-
In February 2010, the phone rang at Roberg’s desk in UMKC’s School of Medicine, where she works as administrative assistant in the curriculum office. The caller was a representative from Jeopardy!, notifying Roberg of her selection as a contestant on the nationally syndicated television game show.
more at UMatters
|
-
-
Youth and filmmaking were showcased Sunday during a ceremony for the fifth annual Lawrence High School Focus Film Festival Awards at Liberty Hall, 644 Mass. Organized by Lawrence High School’s film and media teacher Jeff Kuhr, the festival received 92 submissions from 14 area high schools.
Winners were selected by Lawrence filmmaker Patrick Rea, BlueCat Screenplay Competition founder Gordy Hoffman, Journal-World entertainment editor Jon Niccum and Kansas University Department of Film and Media Studies chair Tamara Falicov.
Major category winners received a gold reel, and technical winners a silver. Prizes awarded included Adobe Premiere Pro CS 4 software, selections from the Criterion Collection, and films by Palm Pictures and New Video Group.
Focus Film Festival Winners
- Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy: “The Sci-Fi Movie” by Ellie Berland, Megan Fleming, Zoey Hearn; Lawrence High School
- Best Music Video: “Parody Me!” by Danny Neely, Cameron Volker; Shawnee Mission West
- Best Original Music Video: “Stuntin’ Like My Caddy” by Danny Neely, Cameron Volker; Shawnee Mission West
- Best Documentary: “Margaret Sanger” by Grace Bova, Phebe Meyers; Lawrence High School
- Best Experimental: “Not at Home” by Nikki Walker; Lawrence High School
- Best Horror/Suspense (tie): “My Darling” by Hunter Matthews; Olathe Northwest High School; and “Trapped” by Dan Carter, Gordy Doyle; Lawrence High School
- Best Animation: “Calamity” by Brian Schwabauer, Kevin Sikes; Shawnee Mission South
- Best Comedy: “Shortz” by Sean Cunningham, Danny Neely, Cameron Volker; Shawnee Mission West
- Best Drama: “Janus” by Kyler Thomann; Lawrence High School
- Best Editing: “My Shadow” by Buffy Faircloth; Lawrence High School
- Best Cinematography: “Leap” by Luke McDaneld; Lawrence High School
- Best Story: “I Noticed” by Kyle Stone; Blue Valley West
- Fan Favorite: “Regarding Anrai” by Henry Chapman, Gordy Doyle, Logan Strout; Lawrence High School
- Best in Show: “Calamity” by Brian Schwabauer, Kevin Sikes; Shawnee Mission South
|
-
from the June 2010 issue of KC Stage
The Lawrence Arts Center announced winners of the second annual Short Film Festival held on May 8. “Misfortune Smiles and “Never Trust a Yeti” will be screened along with Kevin Willmott’s “The Only Good Indian” and Marlo Angell and Peter Jasso’s “Mariachi Estrella” June 4 at Lac’s Film Intensive.
Short Film Festival Winners
- Best of Show, Best Directing (Patrick Rea), Best Acting and Best Screenplay (Patrick Rea and Jon Niccum): “Misfortune Smiles,” by Patrick Rea
- Youth Best of Show and Best Animation: “Never Trust A Yet,” by Jai Strecker
- Best Comedy: “Retreat,” by Grant Babbit
- Best Cinematography: “Hunter’s Moon,” by Jeremy Osbern
- Best Drama: “Pulse,” by Jordan Krause
- Best Horror: “Critical Mass,” by Devin F. Schwyhart
- Best Documentary: “Gombe Coffee Project,” by David Kitchner
- Best Satire: “Natives In Wonderland,” by Manny Manzani
- Best Editing: “Poeta,” a Documentary by Devin F. Schwyhart
- Best Romance: “Lady In My Life,” by Malik Aziz
- Most Original: “Loss & Lugubriosity 2,” by Sandell Stangl
- Best Music Video: “My Lucky Stars,” by Derek Sellens
|
-
All that remains is a facade. But I contend it’s the second most historic jazz structure in Kansas City, because of what happened behind that facade. If you know some KC jazz history, you may know the stories. But odds are you didn’t know they happened here.
more at kcjazzlark
|
-
|
Convocation, an annual back-to-school celebration in the Olathe School District, has been suspended for the 2010-11 school year, Superintendent Marlin Berry announced.
|
-
Enjoyable Rating: 5
Guys & Dolls Leawood Stage Company
I saw Guys and Dolls last Saturday Night. A truly enjoyable experience. Despite the heat, everyone on stage gave the performance their all. A long show to say the least, all of the songs were exceptional. The dancing was wonderful. All of the main characters did a fine job, especially Vanessa Harper and Craig Boyd. Everyone did a fine job throughout. Thanks for a wonderful evening.
read the review at KC Stage
#avg_ls_inline_popup { position:absolute; z-index:9999; padding: 0px 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 13px;}
|
-
|
Event will include raffles, bounce house, face painting, magician, and ice cream! Food fund raiser for local rescues, please bring a food item or treats to help some pets in need!
|
-
-
 Something interesting came across my email earlier this month, and I think it’s worth checking out. A national non profit financial literacy initiative is coming to Kansas City in late July. These days, you can’t plan an activity or make a purchase without… more
|
-
2010 Fringe Festival @ The Fishtank Preview
|
-
Poems, drums, songs, dancing, writing and acting. Area youths are getting the opportunity to try out some new ways of expressing themselves as part of Unmask.Unearth, a collaborative project sponsored by the Lawrence Youth Ensemble.
more at Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
-
All Shook Up - Kearney/Holt Community Theater Rating: 4
All Shook Up
Kearney/Holt Community Theatre
Loved it! Leads Andrew Wilson and Kayleigh Greenwood were fantastic. Andrew had very high energy and was believable as Chad. Kayleigh had beautiful vocals. There were a few intonation problems in group numbers. A delightful show to watch, with much comedy and favorite Elvis songs to listen to.
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
In another Kansas City summer notably devoid of power hitting, Starlight hits a grand slam this week with the national tour of DREAMGIRLS, opening Tuesday at the outdoor theater in Swope Park. Hats off (or at least ball caps) to Starlight Exec Producer Denton Yockey for snagging this terrific touring production of a Broadway hit that still stands up in the batters box, twenty years after its Broadway opening.
more at KC Confidential
|
-
|
The Olathe Public Schools Foundation's 13th Annual Autumn Breakfast is slated for Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Ritz Charles, 9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park. The event celebrates the many organizations, businesses and community members whose contributions enable the foundation to provide funding for grants, scholarships and educator awards during the school year.
|
-
Was there Sound? Was there Music? Rating: 1
The Sound of Music Blue Springs City Theatre
I attended BSCT's 'Sound of Music' on Friday evening. This is one of my all-time favorite shows, and I was really looking forward to the familiar story and the wonderful music. Unfortunately, I was shocked at the number of times "amateur" bordered on absurd.
Most of the show's problems seem to point back to poor direction, or lack of direction. Overall, the show is woefully under-rehearsed. Many times, I felt like I was sitting in on a rehearsal a week or two before opening. Forgotten lines, muffed lyrics, stilted blocking, painfully long set changes done in full light, lights going to black in the middle of a scene - there's just no excuse for a lot of this except poor direction and lack of preparation.
The first impression of the show is the overture, which we got to hear twice for some strange reason, after a frantic run by the director from the light board down to the pit. At this time, it became very apparent that "amateur" begins with the pit. I do want to point out that there are a few exceptional players in the pit - I noticed the fine playing of the oboe, the flute, the piano, the percussion, and the bass. But, those 5 couldn't cover up the horrible intonation problems and lack of rhythm from the remainder of the players. Being a musician myself, I know that it is really difficult to get really good musicians to volunteer their time for community theater, but this was by far the worst pit I've ever heard at BSCT. String players in particular: for God's sake! At least ATTEMPT to play in the key the music is in! If they weren't in the key of C (and even sometimes then), it was painful to listen to.
Next we had the opening scene with the Mother Abbess and the three nuns, discussing Maria. While the Mother Abbess does a fine job with her dialogue, and is pretty convincing as the character, her singing is weak. Many times she was very noticeably off-key, missed entrances, or forgot lyrics, which totally overshadowed her otherwise strong acting performance.
I was refreshed by the beautiful voice of Sister Sophia, who really shone in 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?'
One of the highlights of the show was Maria herself - she did a wonderful job! She brought just the right amount of innocent ingénue and happy-go-lucky to the part, and her voice was beautiful and spot-on! Awesome job! Her extraordinary performance made the show bearable.
The VonTrapp children, overall, did a really fine job. It's hard to get a stellar performance from young kids in community theater many times, and all of them did very well. Gretl, in particular, really stole the show on a number of occasions, and Leisl really shone in 'I Am Sixteen Going on Seventeen'. I really didn't see any of the unpredictability that younger kids often bring to a show, such as forgotten lines and ensuing pregnant dead space, missed entrances, etc. Bravo to all of them, and their parents!
By this point in the show, I was distracted by wondering why not one single performer onstage was wearing a body mic. I felt this was another directing gaffe - if you're going to eschew the body mics, then EVERY person onstage has to project, project, project! I was sitting toward the back of the center section (but in front of the big aisle that comes in from the door), and there was a huge amount of lost dialogue because I couldn't understand what was being said, and more often than not, the orchestra drowned out the singing. Why no body mics? Or, at least, why were the overhead mics so high up so that they didn't pick things up very well? Another neon "AMATEUR" sign, in my opinion.
Two other strong performers in this show were Frau Schrader and Max Dettweiler. Both of these folks were strong singers, great actors, and really made the characters come alive in a believable way. Bravo to both of them!
In fact, I was so taken with Max that I had to wonder what possessed the director to pass him over as Captain VonTrapp. The gentleman playing the Captain looked the part of a handsome, smart Navy man, but that's where it ended. I was really disappointed with his woodenness, botched/forgotten lines, and barely passable singing. At no time was I convinced that he was a stern, bitter curmudgeon, or that he was turned by love into a tender family man. Most of the time, he looked uncomfortable and like he was frantically fishing for the next thing he was supposed to say. Why was such an overall weak choice cast in such a primary role?
Another character I really enjoyed was Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper. She was believable, funny, and a real joy to watch. Same goes for Franz, the butler, who also gave a good performance.
The nail in the 'amateur' coffin, for me, was the set changes and lighting. I have to wonder if the backstage crew and lighting crew ever attended a rehearsal. At one point, the lights went to black in the middle of a scene, and we got to listen to Maria and Frau Schrader finish the scene in pitch black. Then, the lights came back up so we could watch the crew change the set in full light - wearing an unbelievably tacky concoction of gray shorts, red t-shirts, orange t-shirts, blue jeans, white shoes, stuff with logos - something I might expect to see at a skateboard park. News flash, since the director didn't bother to tell you this - if you work backstage, WEAR BLACK! ALL BLACK! Head to toe! I was appalled. The set changes were slow, cumbersome, and many times were done in dead silence with the lights on. And what was with the wedding scene, where we see all the nuns onstage, singing, in full light, then surprise! Here comes the set crew with their tacky non-set-!
crew attire, to move set pieces off the stage in the middle of the scene. Unbelievable.
Speaking of weddings brings me to costumes, which were really nice! There were a few details that someone probably should have noticed, such as the admiral's braid hanging probably twice as long as it should be, or the fact that no one in the 1930's Austria would have even thought of wearing a skirt as short as Leisl's was. But overall, the costumes were well done, very appropriate for the period, and looked very authentic. Kudos to the costume crew!
With the slow set changes and slow-paced dialogue, this ended up being a 3 hour and 15 minute show. WAY too long, especially for as bad as it is. Overall, a few fine performances totally overshadowed by lack of direction and preparation. Unless you have a family member in the show, your $8.00 is probably better spent somewhere else.
|
-
Quixotic is an ensemble of musicians, dancers, aerialists, composers, video artists, designers, and choreographers collaborating to produce new forms of artistic expression. This inventive group of artists goes beyond the limits of any specific art form to create a total sensory experience for its audience. Quixotic makes performance art interactive and eliminates the barrier between performer and audience.
|
-
Look over on the right side of the screen and you'll see something new (you've noticed all that stuff on the right, haven't you?) Starting right now you can subscribe to blog posts via email, offering yet another way to keep up with local performing arts. So go ahead and sign up already.
|
-
The Best of Fest from Kansas City FilmFest is screening as part of the KC Fringe Festival. Tickets are $8, plus a one-time festival button fee of $5 which funds the festival and allows you to buy tickets for any performance for the rest of the festival. Screenings are Wed. July 28th at 6pm and Saturday, July 31st at 2pm and 7:30pm.
more at the KC Filmmaker's Jubliee
|
-
When Peter Witte took the helm at UMKC’s Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2008, he made it a point to step off campus and connect with the local arts community.
|
-
The Benefit Vendor Expo supporting the National Military Heritage Museum in Saint Joseph is on August 1st from noon to 6pm. Any and all vendors wanted, pay your fee $30,$40 or $50 and they supply tables and chairs and permit and the rest is donated to help the National Military Museum. Rent a space and support the museum!! Bring the whole family for a awesome non-profit organization and some FUN!! National Military Heritage Museum Benefit Expo is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
Ruth Rhoden and Ginny Coleman were not polished broadcasters. Not even close. They were two jazz fans who played the music they loved on the local public radio station at a time when local public radio stations filled weekend hours with volunteer programming.
more at kcjazzlark
|
-
Film historian David Thomson returns to Kansas City next month to discuss his latest book, “The Moment of Psycho: How Alfred Hitchcock Taught America to Love Murder,” at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Plaza branch of the Kansas City Public Library, 4801 Main St.
|
-
Get your tickets now because, at last report, the show was 90 percent sold through the entire run.
more at the Topeka Capital-Journal
|
-
Summerfest audience members were surprised Saturday night when an air-conditioning breakdown in White Recital Hall on the UMKC campus caused the concert to be moved to nearby Pierson Auditorium. But despite the inferior acoustical setting, the chamber players rewarded the audience by delivering a program that was both intriguing and lyrical.
|
-
To say composer Henry Krieger is grateful for “Dreamgirls” is an understatement.
It was his first big hit on Broadway back in the ’80s, and then he worked on the Oscar-winning film in 2006.
|
-
The Kansas Arts Commission announces its Fiscal Year 2011 American Masterpieces Kansas grant recipients. The program supports public arts and cultural events occurring between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2011, relating to the Kansas 150 commemoration and featuring works by living or deceased recognized Kansas artists.
more at Infozine
|
-
Well-a bless-a my soul, the music of the King of Rock and Roll gets the jukebox musical treatment at Shawnee Mission Park’s Theatre in the Park.
more at Sun Publications
|
-
At 435 South we applaud the efforts of the public and private arts in the region and the people who contribute to that colorful tapestry. There are arts advocates, artists, filmmakers, musicians, gallery owners, developers, educators, city leaders and citizens who are ensuring that Johnson County—and indeed, the metropolitan area—have a bright and productive future as a community brimming with arts.
more at 435 South
|
-
NEXT!, the creative brainchild of Kansas City-based casting director Heather Laird, took top honors in the Comedic Webisode category at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) LATV Fest in Los Angeles.
more at Present Magazine
|
-
More fun at the Kansas City Zoo with Child Appreciation Day on Monday, July 19. To start, the Zoo is offering $1 child admission for ages 3-11 (ages 2 and under are free; and as always, free to FOTZ Members.). A kid Zoo-favorite -- corn dogs – are the Zoo-magical Monday $1 special offered to kids of all ages. KCZoo $1 Child Admission Day is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
-
Director /choreographer Steven Eubank captures all the quirky charm of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in his production at the American Heartland Theatre. And he throws in some agreeable quirks of his own.
|
-
The production will be held Blue Springs High School, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive. Performance dates are July Thursday through Sunday and July 22-25, with a show time of 7:30 p.m. for all dates except Sunday and July 25, which are scheduled for 2 p.m.
more at The Examiner
|
-
Jewish officers, actors and volunteers have played and continue to play a big part in the success of greater Kansas City’s renowned community theater, The Barn Players, now in its 55th consecutive season.
more at the Jewish Chronicle
|
-
-
|
Stock up on summer reading at this used book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Olathe Public Library.
Choose from new Manga and Anime materials, as well as used books, CDs, DVDs, videos and books on CD and audio. All materials are sorted by category.
THere will be a "Five-Bucks-A-Bag" Sale from 1 - 3 pm only. Purchase a plastic bag at the door for $5 and fill with materials - buy 2 bags, get 1 free.
|
-
|
Get the first pick of materials at the Friends Preview Sale. Must be a member of the Friends of the Olathe Public Library, but memberships may be purchased at either Olathe library or at the door that evening.
Choose from new Manga and Anime materials, as well as used books, CDs, DVDs, videos and books on CD and audio. All materials are sorted by category.
|
-
Bring your old monitors, computers, cell phones, televisions, VCR’s, faxes, and other small electronics to an Electronics Recycling Event Saturday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 119th and Ridgeview, Olathe (Sunset parking lot at 11811 S. Sunset Drive).
The Johnson County Environment Department and Extreme Recycling, sponsors of the event, hope to set [...] Electronics Recycling Event is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
Insert clever spelling metaphor here
Rating: 4
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
American Heartland Theatre
Spelling can be funny. From the preshow music of "Crazy Alphabet" by Barenaked Ladies and "C is for Cookie" by the Cookie Monster to the gym-designed stage (including a banner ad for Putnam Optometrists), American Heartland Theatre's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee" is a quick, sweet, humorous piece of Americana.
"Putnam County", by William Finn, Rachel Sheinkin, and Rebecca Feldman, is, on the surface, exactly what it sounds like it will be: a story of a spelling bee. But the choice to have adults playing children and audience members as additional spellers makes this musical something more.
The adults playing kids isn't anything new: and this show echoes "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" in using adult 20/20 hindsight to view the various pressures of being a child - especially in a competition. And using audience members shows the improv nature of the origins of the show.
The show starts out fast, with the opening number quickly introducing the competitors and the three adults in the show. The stories are fairly typical, and you can see some inspiration for "Glee" in several of the characters - especially Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (played by Olivia Marsh) with her two gay dads pushing her to succeed.
But it's the humor where "Putnam County" succeeds - and there, Ken Remmert (as Vice Principal Douglas Panch) steals the show - mostly with the words given to the audience spellers. (Having been told they can ask for a definition and use in a sentence, when given "Xanadu", the audience member asks for use, to which Remmert does with a bad rendition of the Olivia Newton-John song.)
Of course, Remmert's not the only one with good humor - there's the character of Mitch Mahoney (played by Jermaine Blackwell) - who's the 'comfort counselor' as part of his parole, an appearance by Jesus during one of the spellers call for help, and the character of Chip Tolentino (played with boyish abandon by Price Messick) who's (spoiler alert) reason for being disqualified is an unfortunate side affect of puberty (and who has a song at the beginning of Act II is all about it).
Act II is where we get our more serious moments, as is typically the case in comedic shows. "Joy never comes for free", says the character of Rona Lisa Peretti, played with (intentional) sickeningly sweet pep by Collen Grate, and this is best illustrated by Olive Ostrovsky, played by Braton. This is where Braton really shines - especially in her song "The I Love You Song". While all the actors were good singers, Braton has the sweetest songs and really shows passion and longing.
If there was one issue with this specific production it's that the sound seemed to be a continuous problem. From songs constantly sounding muted and nowhere near as grand as the space allows it to problems with Blackwell's microphone toward the end of the first act (which did get resolved during the intermission), it always seemed like the actors were constantly being held back by the sound possibilities.
"Putnam County" is quirky, entertaining, and well-done, and I heartily recommend it for anyone who's a fan of musicals, "Glee", and just a good show.
- Angie Fiedler Sutton
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
The 13th Annual Amelia Earhart 2K/8K Fun Run is on Saturday, July 17, 2010. The race begins and ends in front of the Atchison Family YMCA. Same day registration begins at 6:30 am. Showers are available after the race. This race is held in conjunction with the Amelia Earhart Festival. 13th Annual Amelia Earhart 2K/8K Fun Run is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
KMBC's Kelly Eckerman reported that musician Chris Clarke and other local musicians are playing for 24 hours to get donations to help pay for a new Steinway piano and another one for the downstairs jazz room at the Mutual Musicians Foundation.
more at KMBC
|
-
A Lee's Summit trio is making their dream of making a television show a reality, and even though you may not have heard of them yet, their unscripted show airs for an audience of up to 126 million people in several countries.
more at FOX4 News
|
-
-
Richard Harriman, the soft-spoken creator and longtime leader of one of the city’s most influential and beloved performing arts series, died Thursday. He was 77.
|
-
 The Kansas City Zoo is hosting Child Appreciation Day on Monday, July 19, 2010. To start, the Zoo is offering $1 child admission for ages 3-11 (ages 2 and under are free; and as always, free to FOTZ Members). A kid… more
|
-
|
Ribbon Cutting will take place at 11:30 AM.
|
-
Enjoy this annual event that takes place on the backlawn. Sample great Missouri wine, listen to great music and enjoy the creations of artists and crafters. Celebrate the great Missouri wineries in the state with this annual festival. The festival brings together Missouri wineries, artists and crafters along with great musicians for a relaxing, fun event. Missouri Wine Festival is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
The Summer Showcase Craft & Vendor Fair is on July 24th and July 25th. Come for a sampling of the best crafts, artists, and vendors from the Kansas City area! The Summer Showcase Craft & Vendor Fair will be held in the Olathe Station shopping center (next to Half Price Books). Summer Showcase Craft & Vendor Fair is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
The second concert of Summerfest’s 2010 season is shaping up to be an East/West affair. Summerfest will perform chamber music of France and Eastern Europe at 7 p.m. Saturday at White Recital Hall, 4949 Cherry St., and at 5 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1307 Holmes St.
|
-
Three acts with Kansas City roots are making their Lilith Fair debut during today’s gathering at Sandstone in Bonner Springs. Each has taken a distinctly different route to get to the Lilith stage.
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
This is a new event, the first ever Lee's Summit Photo Walk. This event is perfect for all ages and abilities, families and singles. It is a free event open to anyone who registers. A photo walk consists of two hours walking in a loosely organized group, taking photos and having fun. A route map steers you past varied landscapes and a leader keeps safety in mind. At the end of two hours, you meet the rest of the group to share stories, photographs, an icy drink and maybe lunch. Lee’s Summit Photo Walk is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
|
Fullback, quarterback, halfback. . . the MOOS (Moms Of Olathe South) just want to understand the basics of the game their sons love to play.
|
-
The local Cabaret and Burlesque scene keeps sucking me back in. And not in a good way.
more at KC Confidential
|
-
Over the past two decades, Paul Stephen Lim has breathed life into more than 50 productions and 100 staged readings at the English Alternative Theatre, an organization he established at the University of Kansas in 1989 to bring student-written plays to the stage.
more at Infozine
|
-
While it may not be known outside of the industry insiders who comprise Kansas City’s independent film scene, there is a vibrant culture of actors, directors, producers, agents, casting directors and crew members who work on locally originated motion pictures, documentaries, television shows and web series, as well as those projects that are imported from Hollywood. This article is the first in a series that will cover the vibrant independent film scene as it exists in the Kansas City metro and surrounding areas. The series begins with a profile of Heather Laird, a Casting Director and principle in the partnership of Wright / Laird Casting.
more at examiner.com
|
-
Do you ever get jealous of someone because they seem more creative than you or that it just seems that creativity comes easily to them? You might be inclined to say that they’re just blessed with a gift, a muse, a whatever. Truth is, there’s a lot more to it than that. Let’s figure out the secret together. Jeremy Fuksa is a self-proclaimed creative generalist. “Creative generalist” sounds like an aggrandized term. It is. But, it rolls off the tongue much easier than Designer/Developer/Writer/Broadcaster/Filmmaker/Speaker/Musician/Photographer. Plus, it looks way cooler on a business card. The seminar will be great for Writers and Creative types. It’s free to IFC members. $5 for non-members. It will follow the regular IFC meeting on Wednesday, the 21st.
more at the Independent Filmmakers Coalition
[Their website says June 21, but I'm pretty sure they meant July 21.]
|
-
Third Thursdays Art on Main is on July 15th. Come to Grandview on the third Thursdays of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm for Grandview’s self-guided art walk. Downtown businesses and restaurants will open their doors to showcase local and regional artists. Much like the already established First Fridays of Kansas City, Grandview’s version [...] Third Thursdays Art on Main is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
The Franklin County Fair and Rodeo in Ottawa, KS, starts today. Come for the URA rodeo, exhibits, demolition derby, 4-H displays, carnival and livestock auction. One of the oldest fairs in Kansas, 2010 will mark the 145th annual. Livestock and 4-H judging begins Wednesday; Thursday night is the annual community BBQ and youth rodeo; Friday night is the annual Rodeo; Saturday night is the annual livestock sale and demolition derby. Each day event-goers can view exhibits, enjoy the carnival and rides in the Midway, and sample the hearty fair food. Franklin County Fair and Rodeo is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
|
The Olathe Board of Education began a new fiscal year with a new superintendent, and Board President Rita Ashley passed the gavel to her successor at the July 15 regular meeting of the Olathe Board of Education. Discussions of the budget and health insurance plans headed the agenda.
|
-
It’s time for the Briarcliff Village Annual Sidewalk Sale! Save big on selected merchandise July 15-18. Briarcliff
Village offers unique, local shops with something for everyone. Shop the Sidewalk Sale Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday Noon-5pm. There are wonderful discounts at this annual Side Walk Sale! Briarcliff Village Sidewalk Sale is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
There are crowd-pleasers, and there's Will Eno's Thom Pain (Based on Nothing), the world-class crowd-baffler staged by the ambitious new Relevance Productions at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre.
more at The Pitch (after the review of "Spelling Bee")
|
-
Not a month goes by that I don't recall the girl who, during my elementary school's spelling bee, marched up to the microphone and proclaimed with unshakable conviction that should was spelled S-H-O-O-D. The laughter that followed is the closest thing I've seen to the wrath of God unleashed. Years later, she got knocked up by the guy who drove the bus to vo-tech. Nobody will ever convince me that these events were unrelated.
more at The Pitch
|
-
All Shook Up Rating: 5
All Shook Up The Theatre in the Park
All Shook Up was a fun, upBEAT, SWINGING, show, from the very beginning! The cast was full of good voices, dancing, and talent. We don't go to too many Theatre in the Park performances, but thought this was FIRST CLASS for an amateur production. All the leads were strong with great voices! I liked the way the larger choral groups were brought in, as well as young children. Great way to draw a crowd. As I said, I don't go to too many productions at the park, but it is a great way to draw in lots of people. Not to mention, the show was a SUCCESS, in my book!
read the review at KC Stage
|
-
A vacation with her grandparents has spurned a 10-year-old Lee's Summit girl to start an effort that has gone international.
more at KMBC
|
-
|
8:00 PM Olathe Chamber Ambassadors Chamber Night at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Rd. in Kansas City MO. The Olathe Chamber Ambassadors invites all members to join them for a night under the stars for a viewing of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the discounted group rate of $25 for side plaza seating. Tickets can be purchased through www.kcstarlight.com/promo and enter the promo code of QSOLATHECC. Contact 816-997-1137 for additional information.
|
-
Congratulations to Elizabeth and Tomas– our 2 lucky winners! (Elizabeth and Tomas will be contacted via private email so you’ll definitely know if you are one of the winners!)
Our lucky winners will each receive a JJ King Combo Pack… more
|
-
The retirement of Kansas University English professor Paul Lim will also mean the end of a 21-year run for a local theater that produced student-written plays.
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
Sara Swenson sits at a table in Mildred’s Coffee House, where it is mildly busy with a dozen customers, to discuss her new music and upcoming show. A small word appears on her colorful print T-shirt, but the word is a mighty one. Awe.
more at Present Magazine
|
-
Producing Artistic Director, Cynthia Levin, talks about the exciting new season at the Unicorn. Our 37th season of BOLDNEWPLAYS includes [title of show], The Seafarer, Distracted, In The Next Room or the vibrator play, Two Jews Walk Into A War, Ruined and a very special season extra, A Very Joan Crawford Christmas starring Ron Megee. More information on our website at www.unicorntheatre.org
|
-
Brandon Cummins documents a remarkable local music event: A Mark Lowery tribute to Radiohead captured at The Record Bar.
[Thanks, Tony]
|
-
All filmmakers, anywhere, are invited to submit your short or feature film - drama, comedy, documentary, animation, or experimental work. It must have been completed since January 1, 2009.
more at Broadway World
|
-
The second and final University Theatre production of the summer will give audiences a little of everything — humor, action, emotion and drama. “Shiloh Rules” has a six-woman cast and takes place at a Civil War re-enactment at the Shiloh Battlefield Park in Tennessee.
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
Ready to entertain us? The Platte County Fair is “coming to town” and wants to see you strut your stuff - that is, showcase your talent -in the fair's fiddle contest, kids’ talent show or adult talent contest.
|
-
The KC Fringe is currently seeking volunteers to help with this year's festival, July 23 - August 1. Volunteers are the core of the Fringe Festival, assisting as House Managers, Box Office Staff and Ushers in any one of our 18 venues. In appreciation, volunteers, receive several 'Fringe Benefits,' including a free Fringe volunteer T-shirt, VIP entrance to many of our after-hours parties, and 'Fringe Bucks' to be used for free show tickets, Fringe Merchandise, and more! Our next Tickler (training session) will be held on Wednesday, July 14th, 7:00pm, at Fringe Central, 1730 Broadway. For more information, or to RSVP for our Tickler, please contact Christa Danner at volunteers@kcfringe.org.
|
-
The fine art of burlesque is a little more than just shimmying and bumping. There's a variety show element involved as well, showcasing the talents of performers from fire eaters to singers. On Saturday, burlesque returned to its former stomping grounds in Kansas City at the Folly Theater for a night of performances heavy on local talent. Pitch photographer Angela Bond was there to capture every scintillating moment.
more at The Pitch
|
-
The Kansas City Cappies celebrated at their 8th Annual Cappies Gala at The Bernard C. Campbell Performing Arts Center at Lee’s Summit High School. Awards were presented to high school Theatre students in 36 different categories.
Some highlights of the evening were; a show stopping performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls performed by Tenequa Shephard of Ruskin High School, an array of award presenters made up of industry professionals including KMBC’s Bryan Busby, and a sweep of the top two awards by Excelsior Springs High School winning best play with their production of Medea and best musical with Aida.
All of the Cappie nominees get invited to participate in the Kansas City Cappies Summer Theatre camp. These are the best actors and technicians from 17 different high schools coming together to create something magical on stage. They rehearse eight hours a day for two weeks, and put up a full scale musical at the end that will knock your socks off! This year’s production is Curtains, and will be performed at Lee’s Summit West High School on August 6 and 7.
For information about joining or supporting The Kansas City Cappies, please contact the program director Beth Bloom Ocheskey at (816) 589-0980 or beth.ocheskey@cappies.com.
2010 Cappie Awards
- Sound: Marie Whelan, Raymore-Peculiar, Into the Woods
- Lighting: Rob Glauz, Lee’s Summit West, A Chorus Line
- Sets: Brooke Purnell, Grandview, The Wedding Singer
- Costumes: Jessica Humphreys, Jennifer Knecht, Excelsior Springs, AIDA
- Make-up: Jessica Reardon, Alanna Sherbo, Excelsior Springs, Medea
- Props & Effects: Krystal VanBuskirk, Grandview, Dracula
- Stage Crew: Kelsee Gardner, Ashley Herring, Brooke Purnell, Grandview, Dracula
- Orchestra: A Chorus Line Orchestra, Lee’s Summit West, A Chorus Line
- Choreography: Kimmie Mollenhour, Harrisonville, Bye Bye Birdie
- Creativity: Neil Bearden, Excelsior Springs, Medea
- Ensemble in a Play: The Chorus, Excelsior Springs, Medea
- Ensemble in a Musical: The Statues, Blue Springs South, All Shook Up
- Featured Actress: Kelcey Martin, Raymore-Peculiar, Into the Woods
- Featured Actor: Rowdy Andrews, Oak Park, A Few Good Men
- Female Dancer: Austin Snethen, Lee’s Summit Community Christian School, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
- Male Dancer: Blake Piatczye, Lee’s Summit West, A Chorus Line
- Female Vocalist: Tenequa Shephard, Ruskin, Dreamgirls
- Male Vocalist: Seth Jones, Raymore-Peculiar, Into the Woods
- Comic Actress in a Play: Skyler Ashmore, Belton, John Lennon & Me
- Comic Actor in a Play: Ryan Gilyard, Grandview, Dracula
- Comic Actress in a Musical: Ellen Sherman, Blue Springs South, All Shook Up
- Comic Actor in a Musical: Alex Stompoly, Oak Park, Cinderella, Enchanted Edition
- Supporting Actress in a Play:Nicollette Thompson, Raymore-Peculiar, The Front Page
- Supporting Actor in a Play: Nick Wilson, Lee’s Summit, A Doll’s House
- Supporting Actress in a Musical: Elyssa LeMay, Raymore-Peculiar, Into the Woods
- Supporting Actor in a Musical: Rob Glauz, Lee’s Summit West, A Chorus Line
- Lead Actress in a Play: Lauren Gardner, Belton, John Lennon & Me
- Lead Actor in a Play: Alex Miller, Raymore-Peculiar, The Front Page
- Lead Actress in a Musical: Nicollette Thompson, Raymore-Peculiar, Into the Woods
- Lead Actor in a Musical: Brad Rice, Excelsior Springs, AIDA
- Song: Elaborate Lives, Excelsior Springs, AIDA
- Play: Medea, Excelsior Springs
- Musical :AIDA, Excelsior Springs
- Female Critic: Mykah Murphy, Oak Grove
- Male Critic: Austin Strassle, Hickman Mills
- Critic Team: Raymore-Peculiar, Raymore-Peculiar
|
-
Brian Mossman grew up in a small town in Iowa where there was only one theater and only one screen. “We’d see the same movie on Friday and Saturday,” says the co-owner of the Rio Theatre in downtown Overland Park. “I want to preserve that atmosphere of a neighborhood theater here in Kansas City.”
|
-
|
The Olathe Board of Education will begin the 2010-11 fiscal year with a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 15, in the Education Center, 14160 Black Bob Road, Olathe. The first meeting of the new school year will include election of a board president and vice president, among other appointments.
|
-
-
Country music star and Lawrence native Sarah Buxton was born at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. So were her mom and little brother.
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
|
Over 20 vintage military aircraft on display from World War II through Viet Nam era. Military vehicle display, kids’ hangar, flying demonstrations, rides for donations, food, music, fun for the entire family. Call our hotline for more information -- 913-907-7902 or visit www.KCGhostSquadron.org.
|
-
Crosscurrent is drummer Sam Wisman’s collection of top KC talent playing the music of Lennie Tristano. T.J. Martley claims Tristano’s piano seat, plus Matt Otto on tenor and other reeds, Zach Beeson on bass and Sam on drums. And this night they were joined by equally superb sax-man (but, I hear, soon to leave KC, alas) Steve Lambert.
more at kcjazzlark
|
-
Johnson County filmmaker, Denny Dey, encourages young audiences to utilize all that the public library has to offer with the second episode feature, MickyMcGee and the Disappearing Book! The 50-minute video will be taped on location at the newly renovated Leawood Pioneer Neighborhood Library; a branch of the Johnson County Library.
more at the KC Filmmaker's Jubilee
|
-
As the big players in the music industry try to figure out how to survive the implosions around it, life at the other end is percolating nicely. If big-show ticket prices are too high for you or you prefer venues that are more intimate than an arena or amphitheater, your local music world usually has something for you, especially on the weekends. Saturday night was one of those nights in Kansas City.
|
-
Events
• All Shook Up - The Theatre in the Park
• All Shook Up - Kearney/Holt Community Theatre
• Annie - Raytown Arts Council
• Annie - Gardner Community Theatre, Inc.
• The Art of Murder - The Mystery Train
• Bare - Piane Productions
• Beauty and the Beast - CenterSeason Theatre
• Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story - New Theatre Restaurant
• Chaos Theatre's "2 Much Duck" - ComedyCity*
• Fiddler on the Roof - Topeka Civic Theatre
• Guys & Dolls - Leawood Stage Company*
• Kansas City's Original Comedy Sports - ComedyCity*
• Let Freedom Ring! - Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre
• Lucky Duck - The Coterie Theatre
• Puppets on Strings - Puppetry Arts Institute
• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - American Heartland Theatre
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Paul Mesner Puppets*
• The Sound of Music - Blue Springs City Theatre*
• Thom Pain - Relevance Productions
• You Can't Take It With You - Bell Road Barn Players*
Classes/Workshops
• Guys and Dolls Teen Camp ACT One of Kansas City*
• Snoopy and Friends Children's Theatre Camp (Week 2) - Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre
• Snoopy and Friends Children's Theatre Day-Camp (Week 1) - Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre
• Theatre Arts Project - Theatre for Young America*
Auditions
• Open Audition for Higher Floor Entertainment!
• Sunday In The Park With George - Leawood Stage Company*
*these organizations offer discounts for KC Stage subscribers
more at www.kcstage.com
|
-
Putting filmmakers together with investors is the goal of the Institute for International Film Financing, a nonprofit organization with chapters in several U.S. cities that will hold a “film financing town hall” at 6 p.m. July 22 at Avila University. Admission is $25 at the door.
|
-
|
For the third consecutive year, the Olathe School District has received a Kansas After-School Enhancement Grant for Ridgeview Elementary School in the amount of $20,320.
|
-
Country music star and Lawrence native Sarah Buxton was born at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. So were her mom and little brother.
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
This just in, esteemed longtime local movie critic Doug Moore – aka Dr. Doug - has passed away...
more at KC Confidential
|
-
Summerfest, Kansas City's summertime-only chamber music series, opened its 20th season Saturday night at UMKC's White Recital Hall with music about identity.
|
-
 As I write this, it’s raining cats and dogs outside. Actually, a rainy Sunday isn’t all that bad!!! It’s a perfect day for an indoor outing…to a family-fun place like Zonkers! Zonkers Family Entertainment Center (one of our advertising partners)… more
|
-
Critiquing women in lingerie can be a tricky thing. On one hand, it’s not nice to stomp on someone’s feelings when they’re so vulnerable; yet, undue praise without proper consideration is simply patronizing.
more at KC Confidential
|
-
For his role in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the American Heartland Theatre, Michael Dragen’s homework was a breeze. That’s because in 1990, Dragen, born and raised in Platte County, made it to what was then called the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
|
-
Youth can learn to express themselves creatively through music and dance movement during a new class being offered in late July by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District.
more at Press Release Central
|
-
The Local Show, which premieres Thursday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m., is designed to highlight artists and entrepreneurs, leaders and overachievers from all walks of life – and in the process, help Kansas Citians discover substantially more about this place we call home.
more at the Kansas City Call
|
-
With all that she’s experienced, Jennifer Bertrand should have a rollercoaster named after her. Rewind to two years ago when the former elementary school art teacher/decorator found out she was pregnant with her first child. Two days later she won the HGTV reality show “Design Star” and the promise of her own television series.
|
-
The Lied Center of Kansas, in cooperation with USD 497, will present the Art of Integration Summer Workshop, a full-day seminar for teachers on integrating the arts into the classroom.
more at Infozine
|
-
Maria Vasquez Boyd presents a monthly series called What We Do Is Secret that explores artists in situ. This month, she meets with Tara Varney and Bryan Colley, who wrote KHAAAAAN! the Musical, as they prepare for the production. The musical runs Tuesday, July 27-Sunday, August 1, 2010 at Off Center Theatre in Crown Center as part of the KC Fringe Festival.
more at Present Magazine
[Yes, this shows your humble blogger hard at work on his show!]
|
-
The Kansas City Chinese Association presented a program at the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center on Friday, featuring dance, music, martial arts and tai chi, demonstrations, and activities for children.
more at kansascity.com
|
-
There are moments when the uneven production of "Chess" at Union Station catches fire, thanks principally to individual performers whose emotional commitment to the material is clear.
|
-
The RecordBar on 1020 Westport Rd in Kansas City hosts one of the most exhilarated musical experiences in the metro area, The Peoples' Liberation Big Band.
more at examiner.com
|
-
As some of the 75 talented young pianists converging on Kansas University this week can explain, at a certain point, playing the piano becomes a lot more than just pushing the right keys at the right times.
more at the Lawerence Journal-World
|
-
Featuring five distinct strains of American roots music, Thursday’s lineup at Crossroads KC promised to provide one of the summer’s most notable concerts.
|
-
-
At an early age, Jan Kraybill considered herself a pianist who just happened to play the organ.
more at The Examiner
|
-
Kansas City’s laugh track was going full-tilt the first weekend in June as three hometown guys with world-class funny bones flew in to raise big money for little hearts. The trio—Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd and Jason Sudeikis—became a hilarious quartet when their buddy, Will Ferrell, made a surprise appearance.
more at 435 South
|
-
A fancy piano that allows musicians to access a fuller range of musical expression is on loan to Kansas University. The piano will be on campus for one month as young musicians from across the country descend on Lawrence.
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
As a young girl growing up on a farm just outside Lawrence, Ashley Ray recalls being exposed to music that made a lasting impression. “I remember being a little girl, and my dad had a bunch of Southern rock and roll records,” Ray says.
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
This year’s Summerfest, a series of weekend chamber concerts through Aug. 1, is devoting its 20th anniversary season to exploring the influence of place on music. The series, “Voices of the Land: Reflections on Identity,” will kick off this weekend with performances at 7 p.m. Saturday at White Recital Hall, 4949 Cherry St., and 5 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1307 Holmes St.
|
-
Jazz Circus at Screenland Armour and Fireworks at The Elms
|
-
Whoop Dee Doo, a non-profit community arts project and faux public access television show for kids and adults, opens to the public with the first event at their brand new space at 1735 Walnut in the Crossroads District in Kansas City, MO. Join WDD for kid-friendly fun and be a part of a live filming on the set of Whoop Dee Doo! Dancing, skits, contests, and performances by local talent! Whoop Dee Doo is always free and open to the public. Please note: Seating is limited, kids and people in costume have first priority for seating.
Whoop Dee Doo / 1735 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64108
Saturday, July 17th, 1pm and 3pm
more at Whoop Dee Doo
|
-
It’s One Wacky WILD Zoo-day! $2 Admission and More on Wild Wednesday at the Kansas City Zoo on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. KC Zoo doing even more to help families enjoy their summer. The entire Zoo will be open for exploration. Visit the new Snakes exhibit and Beaks and Feet Boulevard; awe at the black-footed kittens playfulness; watch the oryx calves gallop through Africa and the llama babies learn from mom. Attend a Keeper Chat, catch a Sea Lion Show or the KCZoo Live Show and feed Australian lorikeets by hand -- all included in the $2 Wild Wednesday. It’s one wacky and WILD Wednesday at the Kansas City Zoo.
Wild Wednesday at the Kansas City Zoo is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
I’ve recently discovered that the only thing worse than corporate, sanitized entertainment in Kansas City is the homegrown “alternative” shtick that often substitutes for a personality among local hipsters.
more at KC Confidential
|
-
-
Well, it won’t be your average burlesque show. So says Marisa MacKay, a dancer and choreographer who’s bringing burlesque back to the Folly Theater.
|
-
-
The Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble adds itself to the constellation of Topeka theater troupes when the fledgling company stages its debut production, "Eurydice."
more at the Topeka Capital-Journal
|
-
Nick Padgett, founder of Padgett Productions, thinks big. So it’s perfectly in keeping with his artistic agenda to produce “Chess” at the intimate H&R Block City Stage at Union Station.
|
-
The Kansas City Blues Society has been so impressed with his love and dedication to our local blues scene, that this year they presented him with a KCBS award honoring his faithfulness.
more at examiner.com
|
-
Ralph's World performs at Jiggle Jam, May 30, 2010
Kansas City Jiggle Jam Family Music Festival offers a lot of learning opportunities through our workshops. Here's a short video of DC of Choo Choo Soul beat boxing during his break dancing/beat boxing workshop.
|
-
 Have you considered spending the day in Independence, MO for one of your summer activities? This might sway you to do just that! Yesterday (July 6, 2010) marked the first operational day of the new Truman Trolley! This sounds like… more
|
-
I’ve always thought of “Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story” as a fairly small show, but the New Theatre ramps up the onstage body count to something like 22 in a thundering finale depicting Holly’s final concert.
|
-
On Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 8 PM, Burlesque Downtown Underground presents: Burlesque Revival at the Folly. Burlesque returns to the Folly Theater, home of burlesque in Kansas City’s heyday and Kansas City's red light district history, for the first time in four decades.
more at Present Magazine
|
-
Earlier this year, The Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City introduced a new exhibit to their collection. This edition, called “All the World is a Stage: Theater and Costume", enlightens us on vintage theater and the work put in across the world.
more at The Examiner
and at the Nelson-Atkins Museum
|
-
-
The marquee on the historic Uptown Theater is filled with upcoming concerts and events, but the filled schedule doesn't necessarily reflect the business down below in the box office.
more at KCTV5
|
-
-
There are no ghostly tales shared around the campfire, but, oh, the stories they will tell after attending the two-week Lyric Opera Summer Camp! All nine through eighteen-year-olds are invited to attend this fun, music-filled camp beginning Monday, July 26, through Friday, July 30 and Monday, August 2 through Friday, August 6. Both sessions begin at 11:00am and end at 3:30pm. There is an optional camp for campers grades 8-12, 3:30-4:30pm. All sessions will be at the Lyric Theatre, 1029 Central, downtown Kansas City, MO. Tuition is $350 and there are need-based scholarships available.
The daily camp schedule includes singing and movement, dramatizing and listening to music from upcoming main stage operas, field trips, and visits from Lyric Opera artistic staff and singers. Entertaining, enriching, and challenging-the Lyric Opera Summer Camp helps young people appreciate the many facets of opera and develop as singers while making new and lasting friendships.
Additional 2010 camp features include singing games, music reading activities, choral rehearsal and close study and play around Bizet’s Carmen, the Lyric Opera’s first production of the 2010-2011 season. A select group of singers will be chosen to sing in the production.
Camp will culminate in a potluck luncheon and camp performance of Beauty and the Beast at the Lyric Theatre.
|
-
-
-
-
When he opened SRO Video in 1985, the idea of putting movies on video was revolutionary, he remembers. "Some studios didn't trust the idea and they weren't even putting their movies out for rental or sale. That was a brand new concept," he said.
more at KC Free Press
|
-
-
Johnson County Park & Recreation District officials are looking for a new executive producer for Shawnee Mission Park’s Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee. Melissa Wyckoff, who took the position in January 2008, recently resigned.
more at Sun Publications
|
-
kcjazzlark has written a massive and thoroughly researched history of the American Jazz Museum over several blog posts:
|
-
The School of Rock in Parkville is holding two summer camps for kids that offers training on how to rock out with fellow kids.
more at KCTV5
|
-
While many kids are enjoying the pool, lazing in the front of the television or playing in the backyard, students at the Kansas City Ballet School are hard at work in their summer intensive training course. The course, which started June 15, welcomes guest teacher Alicia Graf this week, a renowned dancer and burgeoning choreographer.
more at KC Free Press
|
-
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead Fishing Tournament is on July 10th from 7:30am to 10am. Count how many fish you can catch. Register online or by mail. Each team will receive two gift bags, including a child-size tackle box. During the tournament, teams will fish with old-fashioned cane poles and a bucket of worms provided by [...] Farmstead Fishing Tournament is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
This kind of schmaltzy local fun seems like something that would provide me with endless chuckles.
more at KC Confidential
|
-
Starlight Theatre has signed two Broadway veterans to play the title roles in “The Producers,” the hit stage musical Mel Brooks adapted from his own 1968 movie.
Roger Bart will play Leo Bloom, a nebbishy accountant, opposite Brad Oscar as Max Bialystock, a small-time Broadway producer, roles each actor has played hundreds of times.
|
-
The Independence 76 Fire Company presents Fire Fest 2010 Saturday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Independence Event Center Parking Lot. Included will be muster games, a car show, fire truck rides, refreshments, door prizes, a water display, raffle and souvenir booth. Fire Fest 2010 is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
In the 16th century, Ponce de Leon landed on the shores of Florida searching for the mythical fountain of youth. While he never found the fountain, that hasn't stopped others who continue to seek ways to look and feel young. In this week's Faces of Kansas City, anchor Brad Stephens introduces viewers to a man who may have finally unlocked the secrets to staying young.
more at KCTV5
|
-
The thrill of adventure and the thrill of feeling you’ve finally arrived are often mutually exclusive delights. Not so at the Mizzou New Music Summer Festival.
more at the Columbia Tribune
|
-
“Talk Radio,” Eric Bogosian’s 1987 play about one night in the life of a Cleveland shock jock, has acquired a weird sort of nostalgia even as it remains in the hear and now.
|
-
Featuring Ashley Zimmerman from performance - This is extract video from the full piece to emphasize Ashley's performance.
|
-
-
First Place Winner and Audience Choice Award at the 2010 One Night Stand.
|
-
-
So the other day, Bennett Dunn took a break during a dress rehearsal to sit down and talk about playing Buddy Holly.
|
-
Now in its eighteenth year, the Heartland of America Shakespeare Festival presented Richard III this year. With only two performances left, a respectable crowd set up chairs, blankets and picnics at Southmoreland Park last night for the Bard's history play. The Pitch's web editor, Anthonia Akitunde, was there to take photos.
more at The Pitch
|
-
Is Kansas City getting short shrift when it comes to top touring Broadway musicals? Big time, if you buy into a recent front page story in the Kansas City Star bagging on Broadway Across America, the exclusive rights holder to producing such shows at the Music Hall in downtown Kansas City.
more at KC Confidential
|
-
Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s singing girl group and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", "One Night Only" and "Listen". The shows creative team has re-envisioned this Tony and Academy Award-winning musical so it sparkles like never before! This show is suitable for most audiences, due to adult themes.
|
-
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB), and Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has opened the 2010 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) initiative.
The DREAM Initiative was launched to help small and mid-sized Missouri communities navigate through the various downtown revitalization, business development and residential resources available through state government to further help those communities with downtown revitalization and job creation efforts.
Current designated DREAM communities also have the opportunity to apply for special onetime funding from the Missouri Arts Council for new arts programs in downtown areas.
Since the first communities were established, DREAM communities have received more than $179 million in public investment for housing, construction and renovation projects and infrastructure improvements. Public funding secured through the initiative has created an unprecedented $600 million in private investment to benefit the DREAM communities.
Applications will be due to the MDFB offices by 5 p.m. on August 2 and may be obtained through the DREAM Internet site, www.modream.org. The 2010 DREAM communities will be announced in the fall.
Applications for onetime funding from the Missouri Arts Council are available here. 
|
-
This is our entry in the 2010 Independent Filmmaker Coalition's "One Night Stand"... This film was made in just 10 hours!! Our team was co-captained by David Winger and myself. Featuring Sharon Wright, Jason Miller, Jason Nivens and John Minton.... Crewed by Cutris Smith and Patrick Lamb.. We took 3rd place this year :)
|
-
Gone are the days when the only way a Lawrence band had to promote itself was by stapling fliers to telephone walls or taping album promos to store windows.
more at the Lawrence Journal-World
|
-
Quixotic is an ensemble of musicians, dancers, aerialists, composers, designers, and choreographers collaborating to produce new forms of artistic expression. This inventive group of artists goes beyond the limits of any specific art form to create a total sensory experience for its audience. Quixotic makes performance art interactive and eliminates the barrier between performer and audience.
|
-
Come and enjoy a patriotic evening with the United States Air Force Band! The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble concert begins at 7:00pm at Mulberry Lake (across from Briarcliff Village.) Bring your blankets, chairs and picnic dinner. USAF Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
Let's just say up front that sitting in a chair on Wyandotte Street to watch a play enacted on the sidewalk and in a big picture window among First Friday's milling crowds may qualify as an act of madness.
|
-
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued an invitation to the arts and creative sector to participate in a joint webinar on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. EDT to learn about two new, innovative community development funding opportunities.
HUD and the U.S. Department of Transportation released two notices detailing funding available through HUD’s Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program and the Sustainable Communities Challenge Grant Program. Combined these programs will offer up to $175 million in grants. Under both programs, arts organizations are eligible to partner with state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), transit agencies, philanthropic and non-profit organizations and other eligible applicants to develop combined grant proposals.
Anyone interested in participating in the webinar should log on to HUD’s website at 3:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, July 7, 2010.
|
-
A boy traveled from Milan to Kansas City just to learn jazz.
more at NBC Action News
[Thanks, Tony]
|
-
-
The Louisburg Annual 4th of July celebration will be filled with fun, family activities, apple pie contest, kiddie tractor pull, food concessions, booths, inflatables, patriotic ceremony and fantastic fireworks display at dark. This event is free. Louisburg Freedom Festival is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
The 2010 Star Spangled Spectacular at Corporate Woods will be from 4pm to 11pm on July 4th. The Star Spangled Spectacular is much more than a fantastic fireworks display. This is an old fashioned 4th of July celebration with entertainment for all ages.This year is the 19th year of this wonderful event.Events kick off at 4PM and last until 11PM. So plan to spend the afternoon and evening there! Star Spangled Spectacular is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
KCRiverFest is the Summer Festival in Kansas City! KCRiverFest, nominated for Best Fair/Festival 2008 by the Special Event Magazine International Gala Awards, brings our community together for a fun, family celebration on our nation’s birthday. Located at Richard L. Berkley Park, KCRiverFest has become “Kansas City’s Riverfront Tradition,” known as the only place in downtown Kansas City to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with fireworks and family entertainment. KCRiverFest 2010 is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
Historic Downtown Parkville kicks off “Stars and Stripes Forever” on Thursday, July 1 when the carnival open in the parking lot at the south end of Main Street. But that’s just the beginning of an event that’s known as “the biggest, best all-American Independence Day celebration in the Kansas City are.” In addition to the carnival, this fun, family-style celebration includes a community parade, a pancake breakfast, a variety of food vendors, a beer tent and, of course, our big firework finale. Parkville Fourth of July Celebration is a post from: Kansas City Events
|
-
This was for a one day film festival where teams are given a common theme, prop, and line of dialog with which to make a movie in 10 hours. Write, shoot, and edit all in one day. This years theme was 'You will never believe what happened', the prop was a can, and the line of dialog was "You can't handle the truth." This year's Monkey Nougat participants: Buzz Visconti, Craig Maxwell, John Marshall, Tracy Ellis-Maxwell, Wendy Dow, and Elaine Lane.
|
-
The cast and crew of Starlight Theater’s summer sendoff, Little House on the Prairie, the Musical did more than merely hit town, lay down some shows and peel out with the cash.
more at KC Confidential
|
-
Community School of the Arts students, parents and teaching artists surprise performance in the Crossroads Arts District in 2009.
|
-
When Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” hit Broadway in 1949, it became an instant classic. Buyers went to great lengths to get tickets to the show and many scalpers charged $200 or more per ticket. The major New York publications gave the play rave reviews and it was soon dubbed “South Terrific.” The musical was nominated for 10 Tony
Awards in 1950 and it won every single one of them.
more at St. Joe Live
|
-
The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival is an invaluable Kansas City cultural gem, exposing vital theatrical art to the masses at no charge. It’s a bit disappointing to report that this year’s production, “King Richard III,” isn’t quite up to the standards we have come to expect from artistic director Sidonie Garrett and company.
more at Sun Publications
|
-
“Spunky, optimistic orphan. Must like dogs.” That succinct description comes from the Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park website, describing the essential characteristics they required for an actress to portray Little Orphan Annie.
more at Sun Publications (after the Richard III review)
|
-
The Coterie, is known for creative set design, simple and imaginative costuming, and wonderful casting, and their most recent production, Lucky Duck, does not disappoint. Once again, Coterie did what Coterie does best captivating audiences with a musical romp through a play that is, according to The Coterie, " American Idol meets The Ugly Duckling."
more at KC Parent
|
-
The July 2010 issue of KC Stage is online. Subscribers can read the following articles right now:
Not a subscriber? Easy fix.
|
-
Adult Themes, language, bleeps, hilarity. Team Super Cool Kids Club's entry into the 2010 IFCKC One Night Stand.
|
-
 Looking for something free, family-friendly and perfect for summer? We have something that might interest you! It’s called The Voyage: A Journey Through Our Solar System. The Kauffman Foundation generously funded this fun, educational project. The installation took place… more
|
-
Although Melissa Gilbert has starred in many television and film roles, after a decade on the hit TV series "Little House on the Prairie," people will forever see her as the likable tomboy Laura.
more at Sun Publications
|
-
What is the HR Roundtable?
-
It offers a unique environment for human resources practitioners to interact with their peers on a monthly basis, discuss and share related best practices, emerging trends, and workplace issues.
-
Meeting registration opens two weeks prior to the event date and ends the Friday before the meetng date. Cost is $10 per person for catered lunch or FREE for the "B.Y.O.Lunch" option. Complimentary Pepsi beverages always available.
-
Payments for catered lunch are accepted online or at the door. Notify staff of B.Y.O.Lunch option via email or phone call. Cancelations must be received by 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to the event in order to avoid charges.
-
Space is limited to 30 people. A waiting list will be maintained as needed and individuals will be contacted if space becomes available.
Mission Statement:
-
The Olathe HR Roundtable offers human resource practitioners of member organizations a forum to discuss and share related best practices, emerging trends, and workplace issues. The main purpose of the roundtable is to create a unique environment where information can be shared in an open-exchange format that is collaborative, engaging, and valuable to represented organizations and the HR profession.
Who is it designed for?
-
The HR Roundtable was created as a networking and problem-solving opportunity for human resource practitioners who are directly involved in the personnel and hiring process of their organization (i.e. HR managers, recruiters, payroll administrators, etc.).
Can vendors attend?
-
Due to limited space and because of the nature of the topics that are openly discussed by the HR practitioners, some attendance restrictions do apply. Thus it is crucial to the group’s success that attendance is restricted to vendors that provide uniquely human resources services and/or products.
-
Up to five seats will be reserved for vendors representing a relevant product or service may attend each meeting, with only one representative per business or organization each month.
-
Vendors are sometimes the “solutions experts” to the questions and concerns that the HR practitioners have; therefore vendor input is welcome while “sales messages” are not.
-
In determining the appropriateness of the various vendors in attendance, Chamber staff will consider the relevance to the hiring and employment situations that the HR practitioners face in their day-to-day jobs or to the topic of the month (i.e. vendors who deal with payroll services, pre-employment testing, staffing assistance, training, benefits, etc.).
Can non-members of the Olathe Chamber attend?
-
One representative of a non-member organization is welcome to attend one meeting a year.
Can vendors make presentations to the HR practitioners that attend?
-
Presentations are at the sole discretion of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. Please consider the sponsorship opportunity described below.
The “Quarterly Lunch Sponsorship” program is an exclusive opportunity for vendors to promote their products and services. Please contact Chamber staff for details. It is offered to Olathe Chamber members in order to best serve its membership while continuing to discourage “sales messages” from meeting discussions:
-
Vendors are offered an opportunity to provide printed materials and promotional items on a designated table and to be available afterwards to answer questions. Chamber staff will oversee the quantity and duration of displayed items and the length of the meeting.
-
On occasion, the Chamber might invite various “experts” to address the group as deemed necessary and helpful to the overall group and topic of discussion. This is not a sales opportunity and may not qualify for the HR Roundtable Lunch Sponsorship program.
Discussion is facilitated by Susan Wallace, Olathe Chamber, Personnel & Projects Manager
To RSVP w/o online pre-payment, you may submit the form below and indicate "RSVP," your name, email, and lunch choice: (1) Catered lunch option but pay at the door, or (2) Free B.Y.O.Lunch option. We will respond to submitted questions at our earliest convenience, or you may call the Olathe Chamber (913) 764-1050.
|
-
Annie, the beloved musical about the "glass half full" red-headed orphan, opens at Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park this week! KCParent.com will be celebrating Opening Night on June 25th with a GREAT Giveaway as five members of the audience will win gift baskets valued at over $100 each. We're also giving away FREE Tickets to Theatre in the Park on Fridays on our Facebook Page. The show will be June 25-27, and July 1-3. In anticipation of the show, we interviewed Andrea Strickler who plays Annie, and her friend Lindsey Hart, cast as fellow-orphan, Kate.
more at KC Parent
|
-
Kansas City movie maker extraordinaire Todd Norris recently made a nice gesture for all local cinema enthusiasts and created a Vimeo group to showcase local work. The tagline: "All things made in and around Kansas City. If you're a KC Filmmaker, show it here!" So far, it's a great and growing showcase that provides a nice glimpse at local talent.
more at Tony's Kansas City
|
-
-
-
This application offers links to The Friends' season, online ticket purchasing, program notes, and video samples of the current season's artists.
more at iTunes
|
|
|
|