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: Spring Opera: Britten’s The Turn of the Screw (Conservatory Artist Series)
The UMKC Opera Theatre presents Benjamin Britten’s enigmatic and chilling chamber opera The Turn of the Screw based on the Henry James novel. It tells the tale of good versus evil, natural versus the supernatural, possession and exorcism, all of which follow the trials and tribulations of a new Governess at Bly House. Tensions mount as she gets to know the inner workings of the house and those living within. This tautly constructed opera tightens and closes in with astonishing dramatic and musical power, creating the overwhelming feeling of intense claustrophobia. The opera is directed by Fenlon Lamb and guest conducted by John Baril.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., March 22 – 25
Tickets: $12 general public; UMKC faculty, staff, and all students FREE with UMKC or student ID. Tickets can be purchased online.
March 17 – 22
What: The Whale
The Whale takes place in a small town in Idaho. Written by Samuel D. Hunter and directed by Sidonie Garrett, the play is about a six hundred pound man who sits alone devouring junk food. Determined to reconnect with his long estranged daughter, he discovers a spitfire teen with an acerbic tongue. Savagely funny and deeply touching, this first production of Hunter’s work in Kansas City will show beauty in the unexpected.
Where: Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through March 27
UMKC Connection: The Unicorn Theatre was started by three UMKC Theatre graduates. Ticket prices start at $27.50 and can be purchased online.
What: Roof of the World
Both a spy adventure story and a drama of a British family caught in a political crisis, Roof is a sweeping romance that takes place on two continents during Queen Victoria’s rule. The action follows a young British explorer and an Indian spy in disguise as they travel into the uncharted territory of what is now Afghanistan. Their story unfolds amidst “The Great Game” — the race between England and Russia to map the Pamir Mountains to gain control of much of Asia. Daring escapes and fights, blossoming secret love and the transformation of a rich Victorian family put at odds with the British Empire will keep your heart racing until its final moments.
Where: Copagen Stage, 1 H&R Block Way, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through March 27
Tickets are available from the Kansas City Repertory Theatre online or by calling 816-235-2700.
What: Over The Moon
In this hilarious comedy, two fading stars of the 1950s are playing a comedy and a drama in rotation in Buffalo, New York. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at regaining their stardom. One perfect performance is all they need. Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong does go wrong and no one on stage knows if they’re in the drama or the comedy.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster St., Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through April 24
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: “Exposures through Time”
UMKC Libraries presents the exhibition, “Exposures through Time.” This is a photography exhibit that features a retrospective of photographs from 1970 to 2013 by Dr. Gregory Gutenko, UMKC associate professor of communication studies. Although Gutenko has worked primarily with film and video, photography was his original medium of choice. For the recognition of overlooked things and now, coming full circle, he returns to photography.
Where: Link Gallery, Ground Floor, Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 30
It’s free.
What: Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils: Records of Earth’s Story
Rocks, minerals and fossils are windows into the past and are used to reveal the events and changes in the Earth over the past 4.6 billion years. They also provide resources essential to civilization, and display beauty in color and form in myriad ways. Dr. James B. Murowchick is an associate professor in the UMKC Department of Geosciences. He has carefully curated an array of rocks, minerals, fossils and natural resources from his personal collection and beyond just for the UMKC community. These are the materials beneath our feet, and we welcome you to experience them up close.
Where: Dean’s Gallery, Fourth Floor, Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 30
It’s free.
What: The Fantasticks
This is a funny and captivating musical journey that tells the triumphant story of two young lovers, their meddling fathers and the wall that divides them. With its memorable soundtrack that has touched generations of musical theatre audiences, this timeless classic will be brought to new life on KC Rep’s Spencer stage. It’s the longest-running musical in Off-Broadway history for a reason. This is theatre magic in its purest form, with clever props, snappy dialogue, plot twists and the mesmerizing performances of a stunningly talented cast. The delightful drama starts as a tale about a boy and a girl whose fathers lovingly hatch a plan to bring them together. But when the sly El Gallo steps in to assist, the young lovers experience the harsh realities of life before wising up to the world and fully realizing their love. A small cast never made such a big impression. It is directed by Jerry Genochio. The music is by Harvey Schmidt and the book and lyrics are by Tom Jones.
Where: Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: March 18 – April 10
Tickets are available from the Kansas City Repertory Theatre online or by calling 816-235-2700.
What: Where the Wild Things Are
This acclaimed adaptation of Sendak’s beloved classic is an intimate guided interactive play experience. The audience helps transform Max’s bedroom into a forest, then become Max’s benevolent monster friends and are encouraged to “let the Wild Rumpus begin!” After Max is ultimately crowned ruler, the audience also helps bring him safely home. PreK – second grades receive Adventure Tickets, which offer floor seating and audience participation with Max! Third grade and older will be seated in the main audience. This performance is based on the book by Maurice Sendak and directed by Kim Selody. Presentation House Theatre is the artistic director. It was originally adapted for the stage by TAG Theatre Glasgow, Scotland.
Where: The Coterie, Crown Center, Suite 144, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
When: March 21 – May 7
UMKC Connection: Two UMKC graduate theatre students founded the Coterie.
For tickets and show times, visit the website.
What: Musical Distinctions Inspired by Rembrandt and Vermeer
This is a faculty collaboration between Alison DeSimone, Mara Gibson, Sarah Tyrrell and others.
Where: Atkins Auditorium, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 18
It’s free, but tickets are required. Click here for details.
What: UMKC Men’s Soccer vs Creighton
Where: Durwood Soccer Stadium, 5025 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, March, 19
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Single tickets start at $7 and can be purchased online.
What: Kristen Shedor, Senior Recital
This is a senior recital for Kristen Shedor, trombone; with Trevor Thornton, piano; and Ryan Foltz, trombone. Performance pieces include Larsson: Concertino for Trombone, Op. 45, No. 7;
Brahms, arr. Reynolds: Es rauschet das Wasser, Op. 28, No. 3; Brahms, arr. Reynolds: Weg der Liebe, Op. 20, No. 1; Brahms, arr. Reynolds: So lass uns wandern!, Op. 75, No. 3; Rachmaninoff: Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14; Edwards: Blue Wolf; and Pryor: Thoughts of Love.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:5 p.m., Saturday, March 19
It’s free.
What: Melissa Byars, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Melissa Byars, horn; with Kelly Ker Hackleman, piano; and Rabyia Ahmed, Tim Layden, and Devon Martene, horns. Performance pieces include Hlobil: Sonata for Horn and Piano, Op. 21; Amram, arr. Hackleman: Blues and Variations for Monk; Schumann: Adagio and Allegro in A-flat Major, Op. 70; Rossini, ed. Tuckwell: Introduction, Theme, and Variations; and Tcherepnin: Selections from Six Quartet for Four Horns in F.
Where: Old Mission United Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Rd., Fairway, Kan.
When: 5 p.m., Saturday, March 19
It’s free.
What: UMKC Women’s Soccer vs FC Kansas City
Where: Durwood Soccer Stadium, 5099 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 1 p.m., Sunday, March, 20
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Single game tickets start at $7 and can be purchased online.
What: Alice Anne Light, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for Alice Anne Light, mezzo soprano; with Natalia Rivera, piano.
Performance pieces include Fauré: Selections from La chanson d’Eve, Op. 95; Schumann: Selections from Liederkreis, Op. 39; and Walden: Abide with Me: five songs of love.
Where: Hickman Mills Community Christian Church, 5809 East Red Bridge Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 20
It’s free.
What: Katelyn Benyo, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Katelyn Benyo, violin; with Bridget Clonts, piano. Performance pieces include Mozart: Sonata for Violin and Piano in E Minor, K. 304; Saint-Saáns: Introduction et rondo capriccioso, Op. 28; and Franck: Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major, M. 8.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 20
It’s free.
What: Brian Woods, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Brian Woods, piano. Performance pieces include Bach: Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 903; Barber: Piano Sonata in E-flat Minor, Op. 26; Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-flat Major, Op. 31, No. 3; and Liszt: Rhapsodie espagnole, S. 254.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 5 p.m., Sunday, March 20
It’s free.
What: Ryan Foltz, Junior Recital
This is a junior recital for Ryan Foltz, trombone; with John Livingston, piano; and Kristen Shedor, trombone. Performance pieces include Bozza: Ballade for Trombone and Piano, Op. 63; Telemann, ed./trans. Ostrander: Sonata in F Minor, TWV 41:f1; Brahms, arr. Reynolds: Es rauschet das Wasser, Op. 28, No. 3; Brahms, arr. Reynolds: Weg der Liebe, Op. 20, No. 1; and Hindemith: Sonata for Trombone and Piano in F Major.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 20
It’s free.
What: The United States Army Field Band Woodwind Quintet (Master Class/Presentation)
The United States Army Field Band Woodwind Quintet gives a short performance, chamber music master class and leads a discussion about career opportunities for musicians in the ensembles of the United States military. The United States Army Field Band Woodwind Quintet is SFC Katayoon Hodjati, flute; SSG Erika Grimm, oboe; SFC C. Michael Sears, clarinet; SSG Sergio Acosta, bassoon; and SSG Rebecca Bainbridge, horn. The performance includes Ligeti: Six Bagatelles for Wind Quintet; Scott: Homage to Duke; and Maslanka: Movement III from Quintet for Winds No. 3.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 3:45 – 5:15 p.m., Monday, March 21
It’s free.
What: Luke Fitzgerald, Senior Recital
This is a senior recital for Luke Fitzgerald, tuba; with Dan Velicer, piano; Andrew Beu, tuba; and Brittany Klever and Scott Rogers, euphoniums. Performance pieces include Gillingham: Jabberwocky; Lundquist: Landscape; Larsen: Ursa; Stevens: Autumn; and York: Pilgrimage and Reunion.
Where: Old Mission United Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Rd., Fairway, Kan.
When: 5 p.m., Monday, March 21
It’s free.
What: Vince Woods, Senior Recital
This is a senior recital for Luke Fitzgerald, tuba; with Jordan Buchholtz, piano. Performance pieces include Handel: “Forever blessed be Thy holy name” from Jephtha, HWV 70; Handel: “Would you gain the tender creature” from Acis and Galatea, HWV 49; Handel: “How vain is man who boasts in fight” form Judas Maccabaeus, HWV 63; Schumann: Selections from Dichterliebe, Op. 48; Bellini: Tre ariette inedited; Fauré: Poème d’un jour, Op. 21; Rorem: Rain in Spring; Rorem: Early in the Morning; Rorem: Little Elegy; and Rorem: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.
Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Westport Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 21
It’s free.
What: UMKC Women’s Tennis vs McPherson
Where: Plaza Tennis Center, 4747 J C Nichols Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March, 22
It’s free.
What: UMKC Men’s Tennis vs McPherson
Where: Plaza Tennis Center, 4747 J C Nichols Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March, 22
It’s free.