UMKC Theatre alumnus has lead role
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: Man in Love
In a segregated Depression-era city, rent parties rage above, while men hungry for work and love roam the streets. A string of murders occurs but no one suspects the killer is the quiet, charming librarian, Paul Pare, Jr. Reactions vary across the city, and as we watch the word spread from person to person, we wonder if the killer’s violence will extend to those closest to him. Written by Kansas City native Christina Anderson, the story examines a world where a criminal and his victims can get lost in the crowd. Rufus Burns, UMKC Theatre alumnus, plays the character Paul Pare, Jr.
Where: Copaken Stage, 1 H & R Block Way, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through May 28
Tickets are available online or by calling the KCRep Box Office, 816-235-2700.
May 17 – 23
What: Inside the Art Life of Adrienne Walker Hoard
Beyond her life as a professor at UMKC, Adrienne Walker Hoard, M.F.A., Ed.D., is an accomplished painter, photographer and jewelry maker. Her work will be on display at the Miller Nichols Library.
Where: Dean’s Gallery, Fourth Floor, Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through May 19
It’s free.
What: Elephant and Piggie’s “We are in a Play!”
When “bestus” friends Elephant and Piggie get together, anything is possible! They might get invited to a fancy costume party, learn a crazy new dance or decide to spend the day playing ping-pong in silly hats. Adapted by Mo Willems from his wildly popular book series, this lively musical features Gerald Elephant and Piggie and their delightfully nutty back-up singers, the Squirrelles, discovering the fun of being in a play – all the while encouraging the audience to join in for some interactive fun. The script and lyrics are by Mo Willems. The music is by Deborah Wicks La Puma.
Where: The Coterie, Crown Center, Suite 144, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through May 21
UMKC Connection: Two UMKC graduate theatre students founded The Coterie.
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office at 816-474-6552.
What: What Would Crazy Horse Do?
KCRep presents the world premiere of a new play by preeminent Native American writer Larissa FastHorse. Twin siblings, the last members of their tribe, have just lost their grandfather when the KKK comes knocking with hopes of forming an alliance. A chilling look at the notion of racial purity, this story reveals the challenges contemporary Native Americans face when fighting extinction in a world that seems to have already forgotten they exist. The siblings attempt to find their voices in the outside world, while preserving the heritage that is now theirs alone to carry forward.
Where: Copaken Stage, 1 H & R Block Way, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through May 28
Tickets are available online or by calling the KCRep Box Office, 816-235-2700.
What: The Dixie Swim Club
Five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. The Dixie Swim Club focuses on 4 of those weekends and spans a period of 33 years.
Where: New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster St., Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through July 2
UMKC Connection: Co-owners Dennis Hennessy and Richard Carrothers are both UMKC graduates; the UMKC College of Arts and Sciences presented both honorary doctorates in 2012. For tickets and show times, visit the website.
What: Student Exhibition
The UMKC Gallery of Art announces the 2017 UMKC Student Art Exhibition. It features the work of 18 graduate and undergraduate artists. All currently enrolled students at UMKC were eligible to submit work across a variety of media including painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, graphic design and video.
Where: UMKC Gallery of Art, Room 203, Fine Arts Building, 5015 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through July 27
It’s free. Free parking is available in the Cherry Street Parking Garage, levels 5 and 6.
What: Making History: Kansas City and the Rise of Gay Rights
Kansas City’s pivotal role in helping to launch the modern gay rights movement is the central story of a new exhibit built by faculty, students and staff at UMKC.
Where: Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Sept. 30
More information is available online at GLAMA.
What: Nicolas Lira, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for Nicolas Lira, saxophone; with Dan Velicer, piano. Performance pieces include Bauzin: Sonata No. 1; Alessandrini: La Boite de Pandore; Levy: L’air D’ailleurs Bicinium; Scelsi: Tre Pezzi; and Dutilleux: Sonata.
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W. 62nd St., Mission, Kan.
When: 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 17
It’s free.