UMKC’s weekly arts, sports and culture roundup
Each week, the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers an array of on-campus activities. It’s nothing new. UMKC has a long legacy of hosting countless culturally enriching events. These activities are part of what give UMKC a vibrant campus life, and make UMKC an arts and culture powerhouse. The influence of UMKC-based and UMKC-trained alumni extends well beyond the campus’ edge, so their activities are listed here as well.
Featured Event:
What: The Learned Ladies
UMKC Theatre graduate students present this play by Moliere, a comedy that illuminates shared human foibles. Come see this wonderful collision of silly academic pretension versus sincere love. The outrageous comic characters will battle it out with rapier-like wit & wordplay so come prepared to laugh heartily and question deeply. The play was translated by Richard Wilbur and directed by Theodore Swetz, the Patricia McIlrath Endowed Professor at UMKC Theatre. Handicapped parking is available in the surface lots east of the PAC. All other guests, please park on levels 5 and 6 in the Cherry Street Parking Garage (50th and Cherry streets).
Where: Studio 116, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Oct. 31
Tickets can be purchased online. Please Note: The lobby renovations at the PAC may still be underway, please plan extra time for parking.
Oct. 22 – 27
What: People, Places, and Perceptions: Art by Sharon Gradischnig
This new exhibit at UMKC Miller Nichols Library, by artist Sharon Gradisching, is a look into her perspective of art over the last 10 years. The exhibit is a sample of the artist’s creative wanderings over the past decade while a student at several institutions. Those include the Kansas City Art Institute where, at the age of 75, she earned a BFA in painting. An Opening Reception is scheduled from 5 – 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22.
Where: Dean’s Gallery, 4th floor, Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Oct. 22 – Dec. 20
It’s free.
What: Graduate Fellowship Chamber Ensembles
The UMKC Conservatory Graduate Fellowship String Quartet, Woodwind Quintet and Brass Quintet (Volker Brass) perform with pianist Brian Woods. Performance pieces include Tilson Thomas: Street Song for Brass Quintet; Klughardt: Quintet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, and Bassoon, Op. 79; and Shostakovich: Quintet for Piano and Strings in G Minor, Op. 57.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22
It’s free.
What: UMKC Women’s Soccer vs. UTRGV
UMKC Athletics has teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City to help celebrate their efforts in helping KC kids. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Special experiences and activities will be provided to all children members of Boys & Girls Club, such as pre-game Fan Tunnel and half-time mini games. Use promo code “BGCLUB” when purchasing tickets.
Where: Durwood Soccer Stadium, 5099 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Single tickets start at $7 and can be purchased online.
What: UMKC Women’s Soccer vs. New Mexico State
This is Fan Appreciation/Senior Day. All fans are encouraged to arrive early and help honor the current seniors in their final home match of the season. Free post-match autograph session for all fans.
Where: Durwood Soccer Stadium, 5099 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Single tickets start at $7 and can be purchased online.
What: Faith, Hope and Love
The Conservatory Choirs, directed by Robert Bode and Charles Robinson, present Faith, Hope and Love, the fourteenth annual benefit concert for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The concert features the University Singers, Jacob Funk and John McDonald, graduate conductors; Blue Springs High School Chamber Choir, Nathan Rudolph, conductor; Shawnee Mission South High School Heritage Singers,(Jon Duncan, conductor; the Conservatory Concert Choir, Charles Robinson, conductor; and accompanists Erik Jansen and Linda VerDught; and Mark Ball, organ. Performance pieces include Vaughan Williams: O clap your hands; Anon., arr. Engelhardt: “Gaudete!” from Piae Cantiones; Brahms: Geistliches Lieds, Op. 30; Poston: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree; Shank: From Where I Stood; Forrest: Good Night, Dear Heart; Finzi: My spirit sang all day, Op. 17, No. 3; Trad., arr. G. Smith: Blow the Candles Out; Haugland: Magazine Madrigals; Mozart: Veni Sancte Spiritus, K. 47; Nance: Set Me as a Seal; Grau: Kasar mie la gaji; Runestad: Nyon Nyon; and Lutkin: The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
Where: Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25
It’s free, but donations are accepted.
What: Wittenberg
UMKC Theatre’s undergraduate actors and master of fine arts design team present this production. The story is about Prince Hamlet at the beginning of another fall semester at the University of Wittenberg. As the prince ping-pongs between the contrary advice from his teachers Martin Luther, professor of theology; and Doctor Faustus, professor of philosophy; the two intellectuals go head-to-head in comic combat for the conflicted Dane’s allegiance. The play is by David Davalos and directed by Tom Mardikes, UMKC Theatre chair.
Where: Grant Hall Theatre, 5228 Charlotte St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Oct. 25.
Tickets can be purchased online.
What: The Miracle Worker
This is an American story of Helen Keller and her teacher. Helen Keller is a child who has been deaf and blind since infancy. She’s alone in a secret world. She’s disobedient and wild. But Annie, a recent graduate from an institute for the blind, senses Helen’s curiosity and cleverly opens her world to language. Together, they show that even the most overwhelming obstacles can be overcome.
Where: The Coterie, Crown Center, Suite 144, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Oct. 25
UMKC Connection: Two UMKC graduate theatre students founded the Coterie.
For tickets and show times, visit the website.
What: A Way From Violence by Jeff Bucholtz
Join this engaging discussion and performance that addresses how different forms of oppression contribute to sexual violence in our community. Co-sponsored by the UMKC Office of Student Involvement, UMKC Title IX Office, and UMKC Violence Prevention & Response Program.
Where: Pierson Auditorium, Atterbury Student Success Center, 5000 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 12 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27
It’s free.
What: Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin World Premiere
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre presents this play written by and starring Michael Benjamin Washington. Those who stand up for equality in 2015 are following in the footsteps of Bayard Rustin, the lesser-known but powerfully influential civil rights leader who orchestrated the March on Washington and stepped forward himself as an openly gay man at a time when few had the courage to do so. In this ode, an exiled Rustin masterminds “a tribute to the ancestors” 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Where: Copaken Stage, 1 H&R Way, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Nov. 15
For more information visit the KC Rep website.
What: You Can’t Take it With You
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, Alice wants to marry Tony, the banker’s son and invites his parents to dinner to give their blessing to the marriage. But when Tony’s snooty, high-class parents met Alice’s peculiar extended family – including her grandfather the philosopher, her nutty ballerina sister and the fireworks enthusiast Mr. De Pinna – things become hilariously explosive. Also featuring New Theatre favorites Cathy Barnett, Craig Benton, Deb Bluford, Dodie Brown and Jim Korinke.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster St., Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through Nov. 29
For tickets and show times, visit the website.
UMKC Connection: Co-owners Dennis Hennessy and Richard Carrothers are both UMKC graduates and both were presented with honorary doctorates by the UMKC College of Arts and Sciences in 2012.
What: Art in the Square
Art in the Square is an initiative of the City of Kansas City to showcase public art while reinforcing the city’s commitment to investing in local artists. The exhibit represents a unique collection of thought-provoking artwork that ranges from whimsical to innovative. The first Art in the Square exhibit, which will be placed in Washington Square Park, will feature art from five local artists. UMKC Associate Dean of the UMKC College of Arts & Sciences Kati Toivanen will have her “Flowering Wall” on display. Toivanen is also a professor in the UMKC Art and Art History Department.
Where: Washington Square Park, Pershing Road and Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Dec. 21
It’s free. For information, visit Art in the Square online.