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: Academy Honors Recital
Outstanding Community Music and Dance Academy students perform in the Fall 2016 Honors Recital.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18
It’s free.
Dec. 14 – 20
What: A Christmas Carol
Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition is back for its 36th season. KC Repertory Theatre’s A Christmas Carol tells the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the curmudgeonly businessman who requires the intervention of a few spectral guides to understand the true meaning of Christmas and life. Complete with lively musical numbers, ornate costumes and dashing stagecraft, Dickens’ classic tale of hope and redemption continues to remind us what’s really worth celebrating – at the holidays, or any time!
Where: Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center; 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Dec. 24
Tickets are available from the KC Repertory Theatre online.
What: The Santaland Diaries
David Sedaris’ hysterical tale of elfin’ woe is a hilarious send-up of his brief, misguided career as a Macy’s elf. Last year’s hit production returns, featuring a hilarious score of twisted holiday favorites against the twisted landscape of Sedaris’s unmatched wit. The Santaland Diaries skewers our sentimental love of all things Christmas—in a production that has become a beloved part of KC Rep’s annual celebration of the darker side of the holidays.
Where: Copaken Stage, 1 H & R Block Way, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Dec. 24
Tickets are available from the KC Repertory Theatre online. Take advantage of Crumpet Saver Dates: Dec 8, 9, 11 and 18 and save up to 25 percent off the regular price. The discount is automatically applied to the ticket price for eligible performances.
What: An Octoroon
UMKC Theatre and Unicorn Theatre present An Octoroon by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. An Octoroon, directed by Damron Russel Armstrong, transforms a 19th century plantation melodrama with a beautiful maiden, Indians and slaves into a theatrical event that is equally hilarious and moving, subversive and provocative. Part period satire, part meta-theatrical middle finger, it’s a shocking challenge to the racial pigeonholing of 1859 — and of today.
Where: Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Dec. 26
UMKC Connection: The Unicorn Theatre was started by three UMKC Theatre graduates. Tickets can be purchased online.
What: Application Pending
Christine is swamped with a difficult first day as a kindergarten admissions officer for a prestigious Manhattan prep school where parents will stop at nothing to get their little angels admitted. The phone is ringing off the hook but Christine must keep her cool. One actress plays over 40 wild characters in this side-splitting tour de force.
Where: Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Dec. 27
UMKC Connection: The Unicorn Theatre was started by three UMKC Theatre graduates. Tickets can be purchased online.
What: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Back at The Coterie by extraordinary popular demand, the beloved television classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. See all of your favorite characters as they come to life in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. It’s a colorful musical adventure that teaches us what makes you different can also be what makes you special. This production is directed by Jeff Church. Music direction is by Anthony Edwards and choreography is by Marc Wayne.
Where: The Coterie, Crown Center, Suite 144, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Dec. 31
UMKC Connection: Two UMKC graduate theatre students founded the Coterie.
For tickets and show times, visit the website.
What: The Fabulous Lipitones
What happens when a barbershop quartet loses a key member to a heart-stopping high B-flat? The three surviving members are scrambling to find a tenor before a national competition. When they hear golden tones being sung over the phone at an auto body shop, the three Lipitones are sure they have their fourth … but when they meet him in person, he’s not quite what they expected. An uproarious comedy with pitch perfect harmonies.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster St., Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through Feb. 12, 2017
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: UMKC Men’s Basketball vs Omaha
Where: Municipal Auditorium, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 6:35 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Children ages 5 and under receive free admission for all home games. Single tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online.
What: Academy Studio Recital
Academy students of Michael Miller perform.
Where: Grant Hall, Room 122, 5227 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Noon, Saturday, Dec. 17
It’s free.
What: Academy Studio Recital
Community Music and Dance Academy students perform.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18
It’s free.
What: UMKC Women’s Basketball vs Southern Illinois
Where: Swinney Recreation Center, 5030 Holmes, St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 19
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Children ages 5 and under receive free admission for all home games. Single tickets start at $7 each and can be purchased online.
What: UMKC Women’s Basketball vs Northern Illinois
Where: Swinney Recreation Center, 5030 Holmes, St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Children ages 5 and under receive free admission for all home games. Single tickets start at $7 each and can be purchased online.
What: UMKC Men’s Basketball vs UT Martin
Where: Municipal Auditorium, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Children ages 5 and under receive free admission for all home games. Single tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online.