Classical,
Luscious sounds of the Lyric Arts Trio
The Lyric Arts Trio (Sarah Tannehill, soprano; Elena Lence Talley, clarinet; Dan Velicer, piano) presented a hodgepodge program last weekend that Talley described simply as “we like it.” Those three words often strike fear in my heart, and more importantly, my ear, because the usual result is self-indulgent drivel. Luckily, the LAT has very good taste and their program was as enjoyable for them as it was for the audience.
Gordon Jacob’s Four Seasonal Songs ran the gamut (as one would expect) from the sprightly “Summer,” crispness of “Autumn,” swirling snowdrifts of wordless “Winter” to “Spring’s” jaunty bird calls. Tannehill tried valiantly to overcome Grace and Holy Trinity’s unforgiving acoustics but her diction was unfortunately lost most of the time. Her facial expressions and Jacob’s text painting helped to achieve an impression of the lyrics however.
The Brahmsian Three Songs by Louis Spohr’s student, Gottfried Herrmann, showcased Talley’s command over all ranges of her instrument. The piece was syrupy and utterly romantic especially the first movement “Erfüllung.” “Ich denke dein” displayed Tannehill’s impressive legato and ability to float pitches effortlessly. After an uneasy start to “Du bist wie eine Blume,” the ensemble quickly recovered and navigated the elastic tempi with skill.
Velicer finally had some meaty parts in the world premiere of Jean Belmont Ford’s En la memoria, Yda Garcia Lence. The first piece to fully capitalize on the idea of the trio as three equal parts, Ford’s piece was pure loveliness. The piano part’s modal harmonies complimented the clarinet’s embellished lines as the soprano’s lyrical line wove in and around the other two. The second half of the piece, with its text taken from Cuban prayers to the Virgin Mary provided an emotional dénouement. The final “Salve… Madre… Salve” was simple and magical, and the piano’s widely spaced buoy bell/church chime imitations brought the piece to an ethereal end. The piece and performance were captivating and the audience demanded (at emcee John Schaefer’s prompting) an immediate encore upon the ensemble’s return from intermission. The second hearing was as enjoyable and moving as the first.
A transcribed Mozart aria offered an emotional sorbet after Ford’s moving work. Talley transcribed the violin obbligato in “L’amerò, sarò costante” from Mozart’s early opera Il rè pastore for clarinet. The transcription was successful because of Talley’s wonderful control of her upper register. Her sound was never strained or strident. The cadenza between Talley and Tannehill was uncharacteristically sloppy, however.
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ unfinished set of vocalise for soprano and clarinet were deftly performed. Talley and Tannehill’s timbres blended seamlessly. Tannehill’s coloratura articulations were executed with laser beam precision and the echoes in the third movement were charming. Canadian composer Srul Irving Glick was unknown to me before this performance. His work Images at Nightfall, Georgian Bay was evocative, most notably in the clarinet mimicry of a loon call, but unfortunately the piece was overly long.
Capping the performance was Stella Sung’s Three Poems of Robert Frost. The set was entertainingly varied with the shimmering second movement (“Neither Out Far Nor In Deep”) and the fantastically demented circus music of the Sprechstimme-by-way-of-Prokofiev third (“Line Written in Dejection on the Eve of Great Success”). Occasionally humorous music can come off as twee yet the glint in Tannehill’s eye as she delivered the text was anything but.
Talley mentioned that this local trio rarely performs in Kansas City as they primarily concentrate on outreach and run-outs. That is a shame as they are a fine professional ensemble worthy of many more local engagements. Personally I’d be very interested in their all-American program and an all-German Romantic program.
REVIEW:
Summer Music at the Cathedrals
Lyric Arts Trio
2:00 pm, Sunday, August 29, 2010
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
13th and Broadway, Kansas City, MO
For more information visit http://lyricartstrio.com/
KC Events this week and beyond
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Film, Local Arts News,
Tivoli Cinemas and UMKC Department of Communications announces Silent Cinema Series
Tivoli Cinemas and the UMKC Department of Communication Studies will present a special SILENT FILM SERIES beginning September 2nd that will culminate with the Kansas City premiere of THE COMPLETE METROPOLIS the first week of October.
Tickets are available day of show only at the Tivoli Box Office. The first five films in the series are $4.00 per screening and free for UMKC Students/Staff with ID. The showings of THE COMPLETE METROPOLIS will be presented at regular Tivoli ticket prices for the general public and free for UMKC Students/Staff with ID.
The films selected for the series are:
PANDORA’S BOX 
Thursday, September 2nd @ 6:30 p.m.
One of the masters of early German cinema, G. W. Pabst had an innate talent for discovering actresses (including Greta Garbo). And perhaps none of his stars shone brighter than Kansas native and onetime Ziegfeld girl Louise Brooks, whose legendary persona was defined by this lurid, controversial melodrama. Sensationally modern, the film follows the downward spiral of the fiery, brash, yet innocent showgirl whose sexual vivacity has a devastating effect on everyone she comes in contact with. (133 minutes)
CITY LIGHTS
Thursday, September 9th @ 6:30 p.m.
Quite possibly the most perfect romantic comedy ever, and not a single word is spoken. You are never lost in translation as Charlie Chaplin at his masterful best creatively communicates each hint of emotion subtly to his audience. He adores the blind girl who sells flowers on the street corner, so much that he sacrifices to raise funds for her operation. Unfortunately, the girl mistakes the tramp for a millionaire. Can the tramp win the heart of the girl who knows not what he did for her? Heartfelt, hopeful and wonderful. (90 minutes)
PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC
Tuesday, September 14th @ 6:30 p.m.
With its stunning camerawork and striking compositions, Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1927 masterwork convinced the world that movies could be art. Renée Falconetti gives one of the greatest performances ever recorded on film, as the young maiden who died for God and France. Long thought to have been lost to fire, the original version was miraculously found in perfect condition in 1981 ‑ in a Norwegian mental institution. Spellbinding and captivating on the big screen. (82 minutes)
THE GENERAL
Thursday, September 23rd @ 6:30 p.m.
This imaginative 1927 masterpiece of dead-pan Buster Keaton comedy is regarded as one of the greatest of all silent comedies (and Keaton’s own favorite) - and undoubtedly the best train film ever made. Filled with hilarious sight gags and perfectly timed stunt work, the chase comedy is especially memorable for its strong story-line of a single, brave, but foolish Southern Confederate train engineer doggedly in pursuit of his passionately-loved locomotive (“The General”) and the woman he loves. (75 minutes)
SUNRISE
Thursday, September 30th @ 6:30 p.m.
One of the last great silent films that is filled with so many wonderful moments which helped it win the first and only Academy Award for Best Artistic Production in 1929. Janet Gaynor and George O’Brien star in a story of a country man torn between his wife and a seductress Director F. W. Murnau’s visual mastery, his marriage of expressionism, visual lyricism and the daring technological ambition of pre-sound Hollywood, shows silent cinema at its pinnacle and has gone on to exert a profound influence on countless subsequent films. (110 minutes)
THE COMPLETE METROPOLIS
One Week Only - October 1st-7th
Our Silent Film Series culminates with a weeklong showcase of THE COMPLETE METROPOLIS. Seldom has the rediscovery of a cache of lost footage ignited international curiosity as did the announcement in July 2008, that an essentially complete copy of Fritz Lang’s revered masterpiece had been found. Join us for Kansas City’s first big screen showings with the lost footage.
Visit www.TivoliKC.com for METROPOLIS showtimes, previews & special links.
Film,
FILM REVIEW: Terrific performances in "Get Low"
Who is Felix “Bush” Breazeale? It depends on who you ask in rural Roane County, Tennessee because everyone will have a different answer. With a talented cast led by Robert Duvall, Get Low is a rewarding film that will also leave you wondering who Felix is all the way up to its gripping conclusion.
Loosely based on events in 1938, Get Low seizes your attention with a shot of a two-story house engulfed in flames. A man on fire jumps out and runs off into the night. Suddenly we hear the sound of breaking glass when a boy throws a rock at an isolated cabin in the woods. With loaded rifle in hand we see Felix (Duvall) for the first time, looking like an aged Confederate general as he steps out into the light to chase off the boy.
For decades, everyone in town has told wild stories about Felix, including ones painting him as a cold-blooded murderer. When he decides his time on earth is almost up he approaches the genial Rev. Gus Horton (Gerald McRaney, TV’s Jericho) with a wad of cash and a request to eulogize a living funeral where everyone in a four-county area can come share their stories at his living funeral.
The reverend turns him down so Felix leaves but not without catching the eye of Buddy (Lucas Black, Friday Night Lights), a young funeral home employee who’s eager to earn business for his fast-talking boss, Frank Quinn (Bill Murray). Although they get everything organized, Felix balks at the idea of confronting the secret behind his 40-year isolation. It’s something a widow, Mattie Darrow (Sissy Spacek) desperately wants to know and an Illinois preacher, Rev. Charlie Jackson (Bill Cobbs, Night at the Museum) who refuses to tell.
Directed by Aaron Schneider, who helmed the Academy Award-winning short Two Soldiers, Get Low keeps you engaged from start to finish. The pacing is excellent and there’s an ever-present sense of tension in the air. There is a cemetery scene which feels clichéd but those are tough to do without becoming awkward.
Duvall delivers a typical Duvall performance – professional, emotional, and engaging. A confrontational scene he shares with Cobbs and his acting during the film’s climax is beyond comparison. His brilliance is also found in the way he shares a scene. He could have easily overshadowed the 28-year-old Black but gives him the space to flesh out his own character, which he does to an acceptable extent.
Murray is brilliant as a man who on the surface appears simply to be a sleazy, conniving, money-hungry funeral home director. While some of it is true, Frank is also a man with a painful past who is more good than bad. Additionally, Murray’s remarkable deadpan delivery generates a few laughs throughout the film.
Overall, Get Low is a worthwhile cinematic experience.
On a letter grade scale from “A” being excellent to “F” for failing, Get Low receives a B+.
Get Low is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 102 minutes.
Now showing through September 2 @
Glenwood Arts
9575 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS
Visit www.fineartsgroup.com or call 913-642-4404 for more information.
Who is Felix “Bush” Breazeale? It depends on who you ask in rural Roane County, Tennessee because everyone will have a different answer. With a talented cast led by Robert Duvall, Get Low is a rewarding film that will also leave you wondering who Felix is all the way up to its gripping conclusion.
Loosely based on events in 1938, Get Low seizes your attention with a shot of a two-story house engulfed in flames. A man on fire jumps out and runs off into the night. Suddenly we hear the sound of breaking glass when a boy throws a rock at an isolated cabin in the woods. With loaded rifle in hand we see Felix (Duvall) for the first time, looking like an aged Confederate general as he steps out into the light to chase off the boy.
For decades, everyone in town has told wild stories about Felix, including ones painting him as a cold-blooded murderer. When he decides his time on earth is almost up he approaches the genial Rev. Gus Horton (Gerald McRaney, TV’s Jericho) with a wad of cash and a request to eulogize a living funeral where everyone in a four-county area can come share their stories at his living funeral.
The reverend turns him down so Felix leaves but not without catching the eye of Buddy (Lucas Black, Friday Night Lights), a young funeral home employee who’s eager to earn business for his fast-talking boss, Frank Quinn (Bill Murray). Although they get everything organized, Felix balks at the idea of confronting the secret behind his 40-year isolation. It’s something a widow, Mattie Darrow (Sissy Spacek) desperately wants to know and an Illinois preacher, Rev. Charlie Jackson (Bill Cobbs, Night at the Museum) who refuses to tell.
Directed by Aaron Schneider, who helmed the Academy Award-winning short Two Soldiers, Get Low keeps you engaged from start to finish. The pacing is excellent and there’s an ever-present sense of tension in the air. There is a cemetery scene which feels clichéd but those are tough to do without becoming awkward.
Duvall delivers a typical Duvall performance – professional, emotional, and engaging. A confrontational scene he shares with Cobbs and his acting during the film’s climax is beyond comparison. His brilliance is also found in the way he shares a scene. He could have easily overshadowed the 28-year-old Black but gives him the space to flesh out his own character, which he does to an acceptable extent.
Murray is brilliant as a man who on the surface appears simply to be a sleazy, conniving, money-hungry funeral home director. While some of it is true, Frank is also a man with a painful past who is more good than bad. Additionally, Murray’s remarkable deadpan delivery generates a few laughs throughout the film.
Overall, Get Low is a worthwhile cinematic experience.
On a letter grade scale from “A” being excellent to “F” for failing, Get Low receives a B+.
Get Low is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 102 minutes.
Now showing through September 2 @
Glenwood Arts
9575 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS
Visit www.fineartsgroup.com or call 913-642-4404 for more information.
Theatre ,
"Marion Bridge" connects with heartfelt humor
Life and loss, choice and struggle are the tenets of Daniel MacIvor's Marion Bridge, presented by Kansas City Actors Theatre. The play navigates the relationship of three sisters brought together by their dying mother in a poignant and gratifying manner. This production, directed by Kathleen Warfel, hosts three strong performances by Jan Rogge, Cinnamon Schultz, and Rachel Hirshorn.
A monologue by Agnes (Rogge) opens the performance, describing her dream of drowning, as she sits in the darkened kitchen nursing her flask. Soon afterwards Theresa (Schultz) arrives and the sibling verbal battles begin. The two sisters clearly do not (and seemingly cannot) come to terms with each others' lifestyles as Agnes is an actress in Toronto and Theresa is a nun on a farm. The third sister, Louise (Hirshorn), is unconcerned about analyzing their lives or her own. Her life is only the present.
Set in Nova Scotia, the conversations and characters, their problems and motives, are achingly familiar. The play deals with emotions that unravel with stress and grief: guilt, betrayal, denial, the need to make amends. Each character is floundering in their own world, bereft of convictions, in some instances angrily seeking answers and resolution. Every scene reveals a part of their individual struggles, the sisters' fears and hopes as they are asked (and ask in turn) to examine what it is they want. For each there is something lost and something gained.
Though it would seem that the subject matter makes this a dour event, the play is by far more humorous than depressing. Agnes is loquacious and witty, Theresa dry and pragmatic, Louise taciturn and direct. It is this humor that makes the fiction a reality. The exchanges about a skirt, a TV show, a game of cards, or a truck are all humorously uncontrived.
As with Agnes’ opening monologue, each sister has a moment of introspection she shares with the audience. Each occasion reveals the inner workings of the character. Agnes is so dramatic and forceful, yet lost and confused; Theresa seems calm and practical, but struggling to keep promises in a discouraging world; Louise…well, Louise describes her image of perfection and takes the audience along for the ride.
Besides the sisters, the off-stage mother is present throughout the play. Though never seen, her wishes continue to influence the sisters and their development. Her character is revealed with Louise’s unflagging devotion, as Agnes sneaks her cigarettes, and when Theresa describes her mother’s secret to reading. She insists they visit their estranged father, which brings to light Agnes' unaddressed feelings for her own child and unleashes Theresa’s anger in a hilarious rant.
Sound design adds many realistic aural elements with dripping faucets, revving engines and sound bites from the "shows"; the incidental music is also well chosen. The only aspect that does not work fluidly in this production is the beach scene. Out of the context of the kitchen the relationship seems stilted and the words are slightly stiff, trying too hard to be symbolic in a story that has thus far unfolded organically. Yet it is a sweet scene, in keeping with the humor and relationship of the sisters.
This production of Marion Bridge, which runs through September 12, is an excellent portrayal of the sibling connection during one of life’s defining moments. The actors and direction are not afraid to reveal the flaws in the characters, the realistic aspects of human experience: at times bitter, yet loving, sometimes weak, and yet striving.
REVIEW:
Kansas City Actors Theatre
Marion Bridge
Friday, August 27th at 8 p.m. (reviewed); Runs through Sept 12th
Union Station's H&R Block City Stage
30 West Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-460-2020 or online at www.kcactors.org
Cover Photo: Jan Rogge, Cinnamon Schultz, and Rachel Hirshorn in Marion Bridge (Credit: Brian Paulette)
Local Arts News,
Kansas Arts Education Week
Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson has signed a proclamation recognizing September 12–18 as Arts Education Week. The proclamation and simple ideas to celebrate Arts Education Week can be found online at http://arts.ks.gov/aew/index.shtml
“Arts Education Week recognizes the importance of the arts in Kansas schools and in communities,” said John Divine, Chairman of the Kansas Arts Commission. “Kansans practice and value the arts, and understand them as being an important component of children’s education and the development of creative thinking.
“A strong arts education sets the stage for life-long learning,” he said.
To demonstrate the value Kansans place on the arts, the Kansas Arts Commission recently conducted a public opinion survey on arts education in the state. The survey received 504 responses from educators, artists and the general public, who answered 20 questions about the arts in relation to the education of Kansas youth.
Below are a list of a few findings:
99.7% of respondents said the arts are important to education.
99.6% of respondents said the arts are important to child development.
When asked what the three main obstacles to having arts instruction in schools are, 84.5% of respondents said funding, 49.0% of respondents said time, and 42% said academic priorities.
Information from the survey will help the Kansas Arts Commission, Kansas schools and arts organizations to develop arts education programs to nurture a Kansas workforce that can meet the challenges of the future. The complete survey results will be available online at http://arts.ks.gov on September 15.
The Kansas Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the State of Kansas and the National Endowment for the Arts, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in Kansas. Its mission is to provide opportunities for the people of Kansas to experience, celebrate and value the arts throughout their lives. For more information on the Kansas Arts Commission, please visit the KAC website at http://arts.ks.gov.
Theatre , Local Arts News,
Playhouse celebrates 15th Anniversary with tribute to lyricists
2010-2011 Season Productions
The season opens with Come Fly With Me: The Lyrics of Sammy Cahn, featuring Julie O’Rourke, Julie Shaw and James Wright. The swingin’ cabaret revue dedicated to the man with more Best Song Academy Award nominations than anyone else (26) features jazz standards (and Best Song Academy Award winners) “All the Way,” “Call Me Irresponsible,” “Three Coins in the Fountain” and “High Hopes.” A jazz combo, led by J. Kent Barnhart at the piano, includes Ken Remmert on drums and Brian Wilson on bass. September 17 – October 17, 2010.
Christmas in Song, touted by The Pitch as “Kansas City’s most consistently stirring Christmas show for 15 years,” has become a Kansas City holiday tradition. This year’s production features rousing piano music and soul-filled gospel performed by Karen Errington, Katie McCreary and Cary Mock. November 19 – December 26, 2010.
The Lyricist Series continues with a revival of our wildly popular cabaret revue, Blues in the Night: The Lyrics of Johnny Mercer. Robert Trussell of The Kansas City Star wrote, “It’s classy, slick and rather coy and shows unimpeachable dedication to the integrity of the music.” Original cast members Lauren Braton, Melinda MacDonald and Tim Scott return to sizzle again on songs like “One for My Baby,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Skylark” and “Dream.” With Julian Goff on drums and Brian Wilson on bass. January 14 – February 13, 2011.
Look to the Rainbow: The Lyrics of Yip Harburg pays homage to the man who wrote the lyrics to the songs in The Wizard of Oz and Finian’s Rainbow. The son of Russian immigrants, Harburg worked with a variety of composers to write quintessential American songs like “Over the Rainbow,” It’s Only a Paper Moon” and the Great Depression anthem “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime.” Izzie Baldwin, Ken Remmert and Julie Shaw star. March 11 – April 10, 2011.
Another critical and audience favorite returns for the lyricist celebration. Originally produced in 2005, the revival of Let’s Do It: The Lyrics of Cole Porter features Melinda MacDonald and Cary Mock in a uniquely scripted show that weaves together songs and stories that tell the life of the sophisticated songwriter. Includes such classics as “Begin the Beguine,” “Night and Day,” “I've Got You Under My Skin” and “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall In Love.” Julian Goff (drums) and Brian Wilson (bass) complete the ensemble. April 29 – May 29, 2011.
The season concludes with the off-Broadway musical revue Closer Than Ever by Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire. The show is a collection of wise and witty songs, each its own short story, about facing life’s challenges – dealing with unrequited love, reconnecting with old friends, taking care of aging parents, evaluating life decisions and preparing for new ones. Featuring some of Kansas City’s finest musical theatre talent – Alison Sneegas Borberg, Jon Daugharthy, Seth Golay and Molly Hammer. Rick Truman will stage direct. June 17 – July 17, 2011.
Playhouse Executive Director J. Kent Barnhart will serve as pianist and emcee for the cabaret revues, and he will perform in the company of Closer Than Ever.
Season and single tickets for all six shows are on sale currently. For tickets, call 816-421-1700. To purchase tickets online or for more information, visit www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com. Quality Hill Playhouse is located at 303 W. 10th Street, Kansas City, Mo.
Special Engagement
In a season dedicated to lyricists and lyrics, it is particularly fitting that Kansas City jazz legend Marilyn Maye returns to the Playhouse for a limited-run special engagement this fall. Ms. Maye is one of the great all-time song interpreters, not just singing songs but telling the stories within them. The New York Times critic raved about her recent engagement at Feinstein’s in Manhattan, saying “Her warm, rich voice is as strong and supple as it was during the years she appeared on Johnny Carson’s ‘Tonight Show.’” Ms. Maye will offer 12 performances, from October 29 through November 7, 2010.
About Quality Hill Playhouse
Quality Hill Playhouse is dedicated to preserving the art of the popular song through the live performance of songs from musical theatre and the American Songbook. Since Executive Director J. Kent Barnhart secured the lease on the Playhouse in 1995, the company steadily has gained a following for its unique cabaret revue format, growing to annual attendance of nearly 30,000. In 2009 the company completed the first two phases of its first renovation and expansion, providing improved surroundings and additional amenities for patrons. Quality Hill Playhouse will celebrate its 15th Anniversary with Encore!, its first annual gala benefit event to be held October 23, 2010, at the Intercontinental on the Plaza.
KCM News,
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KCM Staff
City Stage, Theatre ,
Theatre through September
For complete Theatre listings through 2011, click here to visit the KC Events calendar.
New Theatre Restaurant
The Sunshine Boys
Runs September 1 through November 7 at New Theatre Restaurant
For tickets call 913 649 7469 or online at www.newtheatre.com
Call or visit the website for performance days and times
For over 40 years the comedy team of Lewis & Clark topped the bill at the biggest theatres on the vaudeville circuit. Now they aren't even speaking. When CBS requests them for a "History of Comedy" retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries and laugh after laugh after laugh.
Starring Howard Hesseman (Dr.Johnny Fever of WKRP in Cincinnati)
Click here to read the KCM review
The Theatre Gym
World Première of DUTY by Hal Parrott
Runs September 2- 19 at Fringe Central
For tickets call 816-235-6222 or online at www.theatregym.org
Call or visit the website for performance days and times.
DUTY is the story of a Vietnam veteran and his wife and the challenge they face when their 22-year-old son announces he intends to join the Marines and go to the war in the Middle East. In spite of their objections the son goes to war, and his father and another Vietnam veteran befriend a devout Muslim in their process of forming a group called “Former Marines for Peace in the East.”
DUTY asks questions that touch every one of us personally and almost on a daily basis—questions about war and about right and wrong, about love, marriage and parenthood, about enemies and friends, about tolerance and hate, and about our duty to our family, to our country, and to ourselves.
This production, directed by Art Suskin, features renowned actor Allan L. Boardman as David Crenshaw and Kathy Kane as Ellie Crenshaw with a supporting cast of well-known Kansas City theatre professionals.
Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
Hot L Baltimore
By Lanford Wilson
Directed by Karen Paisley
Runs September 9 through October 3 at the MET Space
For tickets call 816-569-3226 or online at www.metkc.org
Call or visit the website for performance days and times
The old Hotel Baltimore, once fashionable, is now home to prostitutes, petty thieves, drifters, and indigents. Their fragile community may soon spin out of orbit when the hotel is slated for demolition. Part comedy, part struggle for survival, It is a dance by amazing characters who refuse to give up.
Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Saved
Second Production Directed by Gary Griffin
Music and Lyrics by Michael Friedman
Book and Lyrics by John Dempsey and Rinne Groff
Runs September 10 – October 3 at Spencer Theatre, UMKC
For tickets call 816-235-2700 or online at www.KCRep.org
Call or visit the website for performance days and times
A ground-breaking new musical based on the popular movie Saved! With a pop score and a young energetic cast, this musical follows an unforgettable senior year at a Christian high school. When a popular girl will do anything to save her boyfriend, she tests the limits of her school and her family’s faith in their beliefs and each other. Saved is a smart, funny, and moving new musical by some of the most important artists in the American theatre - and if you like the TV show "Glee" you’ll love Saved!
Recommended for high school and up.
American Heartland Theatre
The Love List
Runs September 10 through October 24 at American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center
For tickets call 816-842-9999 or online at www.ahtkc.com
Call or visit the website for performance days and times.
What do you get a friend for a 50th birthday present? If he's still single, you buy him a "love list" from the local gypsy. You help him put pen to paper to come up with a list of ten qualities that define the perfect woman and, "Weird Science-style," she appears! But, just as the gorgeous dream woman appears, the scheme starts to go horribly, mysteriously and hysterically awry! It's as if Neil Simon combined The Odd Couple and The Bride of Frankenstein in this insightful and outrageously funny comedy.
Lawrence Arts Center
New Play Festival
Lawrence Arts Center
940 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS
For tickets call 785-843-2787 or online at http://lawrenceartscenter.org/adult-theatre.html
Call or visit the website for performance times
September 16 & 17: American Bear and The Paludan Sisters: It's All Relative
September 18: American Bear and Prop 8 on Trial
The Lawrence Arts Center is presents its first-ever New Play Festival September 16-18. These exciting new shows range from a musical memoir to a Midwestern drama to a multimedia experience ripped straight from the headlines and are sure to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre
Little Shop Of Horrors
Directed by Brad Zimmerman and Bob Nichols
Runs September 16 through October 17 at the Chestnut Fine Arts Center
For tickets call 913-764-2121 or online at www.chestnutfinearts.com/index.htm
Call or visit the website for performance dates and times.
Little Shop of Horrors, a funny musical spoof, is one of the longest running off-Broadway shows ever. Seymour, a quirky florist, falls in love, gains fame, and becomes the toast of the town. The high-energy show features rock ‘n’ roll and doo-wop numbers including: Somewhere That’s Green; Skid Row; and Suddenly, Seymour. This performance is rated “PG”.
Starring Emily Burns, Stasha Case, Krista Eyler, Peggy Mall, Joel Morrison and David Thompson.
The Barn Players
Assassins
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Directed by Damron Russell Armstrong
Runs September 17 - October 3
For tickets call 913-432-9100 or online at www.thebarnplayers.org
Call or visit the website for performance days and times
Assassins is the story of nine individuals who assassinated or tried to assassinate Presidents of the United States and is part vaudeville extravaganza, wholly electrifying, entertaining, alarmingly funny and scary all at the same time; a bold, surreal, thought provoking, drama with a memorable musical score by famed composer Stephen Sondheim including: “Everybody’s Got the Right”, “Unworthy Of Your Love” and “Something Just Broke”.
Quality Hill Playhouse
Come Fly With Me: The Lyrics of Sammy Cahn
Runs September 17 through October 17 at Quality Hill Playhouse
For tickets call 816-421-1700 or online at www.qualityhillplayhouse.com
Call or visit the website for performance days and times
Sammy Cahn was nominated for more “Best Song” Academy Awards than anyone else – 26 total – and won four. In addition to his film work, he wrote for numerous popular singers of the 1940s and 50s, penning No. 1 hits for Doris Day, the Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and more. He wrote so often for Mr. Sinatra, in fact, that Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote that Cahn and composer Jimmy Van Heusen “were almost considered to be (Sinatra’s) personal songwriters.”
Come Fly With Me, featuring Julie O’Rourke, Julie Shaw and James Wright, with J. Kent Barnhart at the piano, Ken Remmert on drums and Brian Wilson on bass, is a tribute to this talented lyricist. You’ll hear hits from four decades, including “Until the Real Thing Comes Along” (1936), “I Should Care” (1944), “We Never Talk Much” (1953) and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” (1961), among others. And no Sammy Cahn retrospective would be complete without the songs that won his four Oscars – “Call Me Irresponsible,” “All the Way,” “Three Coins in the Fountain” and “High Hopes.”
Unicorn Theatre
[Name of the Play]
Music and Lyrics by Jeff Bowen
Book by Hunter Bell
Directed by Missy Koonce
Musical Direction by Anthony T. Edwards
Runs September 18 through October 10 at the Unicorn Theatre
For tickets call 816-531-PLAY or online at www.unicorntheatre.org
Call or visit the website for performance dates and times.
[INSERT MUSIC HERE]
Imagine two hyper-talented young songwriters in New York trying to write a new musical about two hyper-talented young songwriters in New York trying to write a new musical. That’s [title of show], the deliciously smart, tongue-in-cheek musical that wowed Broadway audiences and critics last fall. Share its dizzy, unpredictable and uproarious journey from unemployment to the Great White Way.
Featuring Seth Golay, KC Comeaux, Jessalyn Kincaid and Natalie Weaver.
The Coterie Theatre
Science Fiction Triple Feature
Runs September 21 through October 17 at the Coterie Theatre, Crown Center
For tickets call 816-474-6552 or online at www.coterietheatre.org
Call or visit the website for performance days and times
Three masterpieces on stage based on a concept by Jeff Church: The Veldt (by Ray Bradbury): A virtual reality playroom comes alive. Flowers for Algernon (by Daniel Keyes): To enhance IQ, a surgical improvement turns intellectual disability into genius. By the Waters of Babylon (by Stephen Vincent Benét): A young priest's mission is to explore the forbidden Place of the Gods. Preteen / Young Adult Series
For complete Theatre listings through 2011, click here to visit the KC Events calendar.
Theatre , Local Arts News,
UMKC Theatre presents 2010–2011 season
One of Kansas City’s best kept secrets, UMKC Theatre, will present a diverse range of theatre this 2010–11 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.
“This year, we feature three graduate productions on campus, as well as continuing ‘The City Is Our Campus’ theme by also presenting five exciting co-productions with professional theatres in the city,” said Tom Mardikes, Chair of UMKC Theatre. “UMKC Theatre continues to be ‘ Kansas City ’s Best Kept Secret,’ but now the secret is OUT! Make sure to attend this season of enchanting, riveting productions—to uncover the secret for yourself—come see what you’ve been missing!”
New this season, theatre goers may design their own ticket package choosing the productions, dates and times that best fit their schedule from any of the MFA and Undergraduate shows at UMKC Theatre. Four show options are available at affordable prices (see the Ticket Information section for options and prices).
Traditionally on Monday nights the stage is “dark” with no performances. However this year, UMKC Theatre is introducing “Industry Nights” on Mondays so that theatre professionals and others will have the opportunity to see UMKC Theatre shows. Tickets are $10 each for all UMKC Monday night campus shows and are open to the general public.
MFA Productions:
“Miss Julie”
The battle over power, love and lust will be played out in the season opener, “Miss Julie.” Adapted by Craig Lucas and directed by Carla Noack, this 19th-century production takes place at a midsummer night’s annual party for the servants at a grand estate. Miss Julie and her servant engage in a dangerous dance of desire, intimacy and betrayal in Lucas’s new adaptation of Strindberg’s classic drama. The production will preview Oct. 2–7; open formally Oct. 8 and run through Oct. 24.
“The King Stag”
A powerful magician, a good king, an evil prime minister, heart-sick lovers, and silly servants—all frolic in Carlo Gozzi’s 18th-century fairy tale, “The King Stag.” Written in the style of commedia dell’arte, this fanciful story is set in the forest of Roncislappe in the kingdom of Serendip , where deceit, lies, magic, murder, betrayal and loyalty all share the stage in the pursuit of true love. Directed by Stephanie Roberts and Theodore Swetz, “King Stag” will preview Oct. 23–28 and run Oct. 29–31 at the Helen F. Spencer Theatre , Olson PAC.
“They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” (New Original Work)
This is a world-premier adaptation of an American classic story for UMKC Theatre by Emmy-award-winning writer Ron Hutchinson. “They Shoot Horses Don’t They?” depicts the craze of marathon dance competitions that sweeps through 1930s Los Angeles, where the unemployed and desperate dance for weeks, and sometimes till death, to win money and fame. This is recession-era reality TV, only better. Directed by Barry Kyle, the production previews April 23–28, 2011 and runs April 29–May 1.
Undergraduate Productions:
“Black Comedy/The White Liars”
Peter Shaffer, of Equus fame, composes a delightful duo of one-act comedies. The White Liars takes us to the den of Baroness Sophie Lemberg, a seaside fortuneteller, to delve the depths of identity and self-deception. Brindsley Miller, in Black Comedy, must face a world thrown into chaos when a power outage threatens his carefully balanced romantic, social, and professional life. Black Comedy/The White Liars leads a myriad of colorful characters through a series of mistakes, mistrusts and misdirections in a not-to-be-missed theatrical event. Preview – Oct. 19–22; Runs Oct. 23–30.
“The Shape of Things”
The Shape of Things is a chilling look at how far we are willing to go for love and for art: how far for the right look, the right clothes, the right weight, the right girlfriend, the right TV camera in the bedroom. How far is too far? Not appropriate for children under 13. Preview – Feb. 16–18; Runs Feb. 19–26.
Co-Productions:
UMKC Theatre will undertake five major co-productions this season with four distinguished Kansas City theatre groups.
“Distracted” Co-produced with the Unicorn Theatre
This production will preview Nov. 23, 24, and 26 (no performance on Thanksgiving Day); formally opens Nov.27 and runs through Dec. 12.
“Oh! What a Lovely War” Co-produced with Kansas City Actors Theatre at the National World War I Museum
This production will preview Feb. 11–16, 2011, open Feb. 17 and run through 27. There will be two 10 a.m. matinee performances for schools and special groups: Feb. 18 and 25. Please call (816) 784-1926 for more group information.
“The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza” Co-produced with the Coterie Theatre
This production runs March 4–6, 2011 at the Coterie Theatre, Crown Center .
“Ruined” Co-produced with the Unicorn Theatre
This production will preview April 13–15, 2011; formally opens April 16 and runs through May 1, 2011.
“A Christmas Carol” Co-produced with KC Repertory Theatre
It previews Nov 19–27, 2010; opens Nov 28 and runs through Dec 26, 2010. This production is not included in the UMKC Theatre season ticket “Add On” package. For tickets, please contact the KC Rep Box Office at 816-235-2700.
For tickets call 816- 235-6222 or online at www.umkc.edu/theatre
UMKC Theatre has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the top graduate theatre training programs in the country. The program trains a select group of highly talented actors, designers, stage managers and dramaturges for careers in the performing arts. Graduates from the UMKC program are invited to the most prestigious New York competitions and auditions to exhibit their work and secure positions with national and international performing companies. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and is a member of the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA).
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a three-part mission: visual and performing arts, health sciences, and urban engagement. UMKC has been designated as Missouri ’s Campus for the Arts. More information is available online at www.umkc.edu/theatre/.
Jazz, Local Arts News, Classical,
JCCC announces fall Ruel Joyce Recital Series
The Ruel Joyce Recital Series at Johnson County Community College marks its 22nd year with another line-up of Kansas City’s finest classical musicians. The recitals, which are free and open to the public, are scheduled at noon Monday for nine weeks, Sept. 13–Nov. 8, in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center, JCCC.
September 13: Mountain Duo with Maya Murthy, piano and Nell French, viola
September 20: Fedele Trio with David Fedele, flute; Matthew Herren, cello; Dan Velicer, piano
September 27: Ann-Marie Brown, violin; Lawrence Figg, cello; Robert Pherigo, piano
October 4: Christina Webster, flute
October 11: Brookside Brass Quintet
October 18: Ji Hye Jung, percussion (Polsky Theatre)
October 25: Raymond Santos, clarinet; Dan Velicer, piano
November 1: Sarah Tannehill, soprano
November 8: Jeffrey Brown, piano
The series, named for Ruel Joyce, a longtime jazz bassist who headed the local musicians’ federation from 1977 until his death in 1989, is cosponsored by the JCCC theatre and music department, Community Services and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts. Seating is available first-come, first-served.
For more information, call 913-469-8500, ext. 3605 or visit www.jccc.edu/home/depts.php/1113/site/recitals for more information.
Local Arts News, Theatre ,
The Barn Players announces 56th season
Eric L Magnus, Artistic Director of The Barn Players, recently announced the theatre’s 2011 show season. Magnus added that the 2011 season is designed to balance theatre for audiences with thought-provoking shows including musicals, comedies and a historical production as well as Barn Junior and theatre benefit productions.
INTO THE WOODS: January 14-23, 2011. A Barn Junior production. This show blends classic fairy tales in an original story with lyrics and music by famed Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. A baker and his wife have been cursed and rendered childless by the witch next door and the couple embarks on a quest to reverse the curse, including visits to Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk). It’s a funny, funny show, filled with fast-paced action and great Sondheim music. Not part of the regular season. Rated PG.
EVITA: March 4-20, 2011. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Argentina ’s controversial first lady, Evita Perone, is the subject of this dynamic, music theatre masterpiece, the classic rags-to-riches story of a peasant girl who rises from poverty to become the nation’s First Lady. The musical features a compelling score of great songs including: “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina ”, “On This Night of a Thousand Stars”, “ Buenos Aires ” and others. The show is a Broadway classic and won seven Tony Awards including “Best Musical”. Rated PG.
SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL: April 29-May 15, 2011. A fantastic show created by Phillip George, David Lowenstein and Peter Charles Morris. This musical magazine takes you back to the music, the fashions and the freedom of the 60’s with five groovy girls in an infectious non-stop musical journey that made household names of stars like Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield and Lulu. Chart-topping music includes: “To Sir With Love”, “Downtown”, “Son of a Preacher Man”, “Goldfinger”, “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’”, “Georgy Girl”, “Those were the Days”, “Shout” and many more. It’s an award winning show with a blend of hip-swiveling hits, eye-popping fashions and dances from the 60’s -- a show that will bring the house down and the audience to their feet - shouting! Rated PG
FROST / NIXON: June 10-26, 2011
Written by Peter Morgan, the show is a fascinating and humorous piece of political theatre based on the 1977 TV interview between British talk show host David Frost and former US President Richard M. Nixon. Both men, appearing face to face, are out to out-talk and upstage each other – the interview sealed a President’s legacy. Rated PG-13.
MARVIN’S ROOM: July 22-August 7, 2011
Written BY Scott McPherson; two sisters reunite in an uneasy way as one sister who has been caring for her father and an aunt learns she has cancer and needs a bone marrow transplant. Lots of reconciliation, tender moments and great laughs in this warm and whimsical look at a family as love slowly overwhelms the two sisters after long resentments. It’s a dazzling drama about love and living. Rated PG-!3
DISNEY’S ARISTOCATS, KIDS: July 26-28, 2011. A Barn Junior production.
A feline adventure based on the Disney film THE ARISTOCATS. Madame’s butler Edgar cat-naps Duchess and her Aristo-kittens (the richest cats in all of Paris ) and abandons them in a ditch in the Parisian countryside. A rag-tag bunch of alley cats come to their rescue. Music includes Disney favorites “The Aristocats”, “Scales and Arpeggios” and “Ev’rybody Wants To Be a Cat”. A simply wonderful show for the entire family. Not part of the regular season. Rated G.
THE LAST FIVE YEARS: August 12-14, 2011. A benefit for The Barn Players.
A gorgeous musical about life that ingeniously chronicles a five-year marriage of an actress and a writer from their first meeting to the marriage break-up; the production is both warm and humorous with music by Jason Robert Brown. Not part of the regular season. Rated PG.
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE: September 16- October 2, 2011
A celebrated 2006 Broadway musical with lyrics and music by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison. If you want to be entertained this is the show for you – it’s filled with tons of laughs, great music and dance! A modern-day theatre addict plays a recording of his favorite musical and it bursts into life in his living room where the tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day, is told. Surprises and song will send the audience soaring to the roof and will leave everyone with memories of a hilarious and enjoyable evening of theatre and humming a happy tune. Rated PG
SWEET CHARITY: November 4-10, 2011
A wonderful, award winning Broadway musical filled with fun, laughs and good times; with book by Neil Simon and music by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields. Charity is an optimistic girl who works in a dance hall; she is an eternal optimist and an unlucky romantic as she searches for true love. Charity finds a decent fellow to marry and tells him she works in a bank, but he backs out when he finds differently. However Charity remains hopeful that ever after good things will still happen. It’s a Tony Award winning musical including: “Big Spender”, “Rhythm of Life”, “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This” and “If They Could See Me Now”. Rated G
THE ANNUAL 6 BY 10 / TEN MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL December 9-11, 2011
Six original short plays written by local playwrights presented in a single evening; shows will be announced at a later date. Not a part of the regular season.
All 2011 season productions will be presented at the Barn Players Theatre, 6219 Martway in Mission, Kansas and that tickets would be available shortly for the six-show season as well as the Barn Junior productions and the special benefits. For 2011 season ticket purchase or information call 913-432-9100 or visit www.thebarnplayers.org.
Local Arts News, Theatre ,
The Coterie Theatre announces 2010–11 season
"What makes a Coterie season unique, I feel, is this interesting blend of musicals for families, theatre for young audiences often based on great literature for kids, as well as some things we do just for fun like the Coterie At Night series," Artistic Director Jeff Church said.
"As the number one arts educator in Kansas City, we feel we are a different kind not-for-profit theatre and this season certainly reflects it," he said. "I'm really excited about what we have to offer audiences this year."
In addition to Church, the artistic talent for the 2010–2011 season includes a guest list of prominent directors: Ron Megee (Sorority House of the Dead), Missy Koonce (Alexander and the Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day - the Musical), and Kyle Hatley, (Ben Franklin's Apprentice).
New this season will be Something Fun Friday Nights! All Friday night performances will be followed by a free post-performance activity for audiences. The intimate interactive experience may include a backstage tour, comedy spoof by the Culture Hacks (the Coterie's teen comedy troupe), autograph session or Opening Night reception. Each show offers unique opportunities for something fun and special every Friday night.
The Coterie's 2010–2011 Season:
Sept. 21–Oct. 17, 2010
Three masterpieces on stage based on a concept by Jeff Church: The Veldt (by Ray Bradbury): A virtual reality playroom comes alive. Flowers for Algernon (by Daniel Keyes): To enhance IQ, a surgical improvement turns intellectual disability into genius. By the Waters of Babylon (by Stephen Vincent Benét): A young priest's mission is to explore the forbidden Place of the Gods. Preteen / Young Adult Series
October 21–31, 2010
Sorority House of the Dead. World Premiere. It's the 1980s, and time for sorority initiations! And that means fresh, new blood. New pledges that is. Who will survive the terrifying all-night lock down in the decaying mansion on Sorority Hill? What horrors await young girls who just want to have fun? Our lips are sealed! Coterie At Night Series Only 13 and up admitted.
Nov. 2–Dec. 31, 2010
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - The Musical. From the moment Alexander wakes up (with gum in his hair), everything that can go wrong seems to, in one epic day. All kids experience this type of day and will be glad to find out in this terrific musical that they aren't alone! Family Series
January 18– February 27, 2011
Bridge to Terabithia. Katherine Peterson's Newbery Award winning novel shows how two friends, Leslie and Jessie, together create Terabithia, a fantasy kingdom where they are safe from those who don't understand them. Preteen / Young Adult Series March 4–6, 2011; On tour to schools: January 31–March 3, 2011 The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. Greek Mythology as you've never seen it before! Complete with action figure puppets, a beauty pageant, warring narrators and general theatrical insanity, this fast-paced, free-wheeling play is wild, silly, and a complete
April 4–May 7, 2011
Ben Franklin's Apprentice. Dazzling special effects highlight this tale of an American hero's struggle to tame heaven's own power. This thrilling play for families culminates on a stormy night with the crack of thunder, a blinding flash of lightning and a science experiment that changed history! Family Series
May 12–13, 2011
Young Playwrights' Festival 2011. The Coterie's Young Playwrights' Festival features a collection of new work by the city's best young writers. The rich and varied theatrical writings which emerge from a year-long process are forged into an ambitious festival of script-in-hand stagings utilizing professional actors. Preteen/Young Adult Special Event
June 21–August 7, 2011
The Wiz A brand new version for all young people! The Tony Award winning musical! Celebrate the power of believing in yourself in this Tony award-winning musical based on the tale we all know by heart, with soaring songs: Ease on Down the Road, Brand New Day, No Bad News, Be a Lion! Family Series
All tickets are now on sale at www.coterietheatre.org or by calling (816) 474-6552. Group reservations, Target Saturday and Employee Share tickets are not available online. The Coterie Theatre, named "One of the Five Best Theatres for Young Audiences in the U.S." by TIME magazine, is located on level one, Crown Center Shops in Kansas City.
City Classics, Classical,
Music and Dance through September 15
Kansas City Symphony
Pops in the Park
Saturday, September 4 at 7 p.m.
Shawnee Mission Park
7900 Renner Road, Mission, KS
Admission is free. For information visit see www.kcsymphony.org
First out of the box among classical music performing organizations in Kansas City is the Kansas City Symphony with its traditional Labor Day pops concert at Shawnee Mission Park on Saturday, September 4. The orchestra’s lively associate conductor Steven Jarvi will conduct the performance, as usual. Your reporter, performing some serious sleuthing, has discovered that the as-yet-unannounced program (at least, as of this writing) will include a variety of popular American tunes for the orchestra to perform that evening, from The Sound of Music to Spiderman.
For serious lovers of classical music this probably won’t be the highlight of the season, but if enjoying the sounds of the Symphony while munching on watermelon and popcorn is your thing, this is it. And you can’t beat the price (although be prepared for Symphony-related beggars). Arrive early to get a good seat, and bring along a folding chair and blanket, if you like. A picnic supper is pretty well mandatory unless you intend to spend some time listening to your stomach grumble while others around you devour various picnic-type delicacies (but if you’re not good at food preparation they do sell food on the grounds). Don’t forget the sunglasses and cap, useful until the sun goes down.
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
Ailey II
Thursday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 10 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Folly Theater
11th and Central, Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-931-8933 or online at www.kcballet.org
The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey bring their young dancers in the Ailey II group to the Folly Theater for a weekend of athletic performances including one piece new to the Ailey II group and two premieres. The new number is Shards by Donald Byrd, set to music by Mio Morales. The premieres are Doscongio by Robert Moses, which dates from 1998 and set to two movements by Chopin, and The Corner by Kyle Abraham.
The September 11 performance is a benefit for the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, so the price is higher but it includes a tax deductible contribution to this worthy group.
The Performing Arts Series at JCCC
Takacs String Quartet
Friday, September 10 at 8:00 p.m.
Yardley Hall at Carlsen Center
12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS
For tickets call 913-469-4445 or online at www.jccc.edu/performing-arts-series
On September 10, the Performing Arts Series at JCCC, which features an eclectic mixture of performing groups throughout the year, is presenting the first of its classical concerts with the Takacs String Quartet, one of the world’s finest chamber music ensembles.
Longtime classical music fans in Kansas City are familiar with the Takacs, as the quartet has appeared here several times with The Friends of Chamber Music, as well as on the JCCC series. The players richly deserve their reputation as being among the best in the business. They will bring us their special mix of sounds in the music of Haydn, Shostakovich and Schubert.
newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble
Between tides
Saturday, September 11 at 8:00 p.m.
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
4501 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-235-6222 or online at www.tickets.cto.umkc.edu/
newEar, the city’s best claim to being a friendly environment for contemporary music, opens its fall season on September 11 with music of Bonnie Miksch, Edward Jacobs and Roderik de Man. The concert also features a work by the student winner of the first newEar Composers’ Competition, Yuan Peiying, playing 5 Elements.
The centerpiece of the evening will be a composition by Toru Takemitsu, Between Tides for piano trio. It is one of the classics of contemporary music.
Ruel Joyce Concert Series
Fedele Trio
Monday, September 13 at 12:00 noon
Recital Hall, Carlsen Center at JCCC
12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS
Free admission. For more information visit www.jccc.edu/home/depts.php/1113/site/recitals
The Ruel Joyce concert series has brought outstanding noontime concerts by local artists and performing arts groups for several years now. This free concert series has deservedly attracted a loyal audience following, and is known among aficionados for excellent performances. The series opens its season with the Fedele Trio consisting of local performers David Fedele on the flute, Matthew Herren paying cello, and Dan Velicer at the piano. The selections have not been announced as of press time for this column.
UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance Conservatory Artist Series
Conservatory Orchestra Concert
Thursday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m.
White Recital Hall, UMKC Campus
4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-235-6222 or online at www.conservatory.umkc.edu
The Conservatory of Music’s Conservatory Artist Series, formerly known as the Signature Series, opens its season with guest conductor Michael Stern, the music director of the Kansas City Symphony, conducting at the Conservatory for the first time.
The program will include James Mobberley's Grand jete, commissioned by Sarah and Landon Rowland at the 2008 Crescendo! gala in honor of Todd Bolender, late artistic director of the Kansas City Ballet.
Off the Vine, Jazz,
Summer events at the American Jazz Museum
Atlantic Diaspora: The Musical and Social Influences of Africans in Mexico and the United States
“Atlantic Diaspora: The Musical and Social Influences of Africans in Mexico and the United States” is part of an expanding cultural diversity project between the American Jazz Museum, the Mexican Consulate, and the Mattie Rhodes Center. The exhibit is intended to: 1) promote further awareness and understanding of the cultural diversity within and outside the United States through: networking and professional development opportunities, research and scholarship in cultural diversity, curriculum and instructional development, and leadership in cultural diversity education through the organization of conferences and the development of appropriate resources; and 2) help students, educators, and community members acquire the competencies they need to communicate and interact effectively within a culturally diverse world.
This collaboration is centered on the presentation of Mexican photographer José Manuel Pellicer’s exhibit “Atlantic Diaspora: The Musical and Social Influences of Africans in Mexico.” The photographic exhibit will be housed in the American Jazz Museum’s Changing Gallery from June 4 through September 30, 2010. The exhibition is free and open to the public and features a collection of 80+ works: photographic digital compositions on canvas and photographs created by the artist from 1965 until today that present the life and culture of the Afro-mestizo populations of the Mexican states of Tabasco, Campeche, Veracruz, Guerro, and Oaxaca. The “Atlantic Diaspora” exhibit confronts the aesthetic, political and economic questions of origins. This fabulous exhibition will be augmented with the inclusion of artifacts from several personal collections that compare and contrast the elements of cultural ingredients in African-Mexican and African-American communities.
To further highlight the far-reaching impact of Africans in Mexico and the United States and their un-matched contributions, the American Jazz Museum and its partners, Mexican Consulate and Mattie Rhodes Centers, will host a series of public programs and conduct dedicated tours to support this important collaborative Initiative. The project demonstrates our collective commitment to developing, bridging and strengthening the cultural bonds in Kansas City and beyond through art and performance.
Showing now through September 30, 2010
American Jazz Museum Changing Gallery,1616 E. 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
Exhibition Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm; Sunday, 12:00-5:30 pm
Closed Mondays and national holidays. Free admission. School tours available.
In addition to the Changing Gallery and its public programs, make sure to check out the living exhibits – our jazz artists in action. The Blue Room continues to showcase stellar talent four nights per week including Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and features the best of Kansas City and National talent. Bring a friend and stop in to hear why the American Jazz Museum is “Where it Lives”…
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