UMKC’s weekly roundup of arts, sports and culture

Every 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: “Playboy of the Western World”

The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Department of Theatre presents “Playboy of the Western World,” by John M. Synge.

On the west coast of Ireland, Christy Mahon stumbles into Flaherty’s tavern. There he claims that he is on the run because he killed his own father. Rather than condemn his crime, the locals – at first – hail him as a hero.

This is a UMKC Theatre undergraduate play, directed by UMKC Theatre Chair Tom Mardikes.

*Tickets to “Playboy of the Western World” are selling fast. To ensure a ticket, order ahead through the UMKC’s Central Ticket Office.

What: UMKC Theatre presents “Playboy of the Western World.”
Where: James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, Room 116, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through March 23.
Learn more on the UMKC calendar. 

Friday, March 21 – Thursday, March 27

What: Music in the Galleries: Zsolt Eder and Gloria Britez Scolari. This exciting collaborative program partners UMKC Conservatory musicians with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  The goal of the program is to combine the visual and performing arts within the spaces of the museum.
Where: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22.
Learn more on the UMKC calendar.

What: Faculty Recital featuring Christopher McLaurin, percussion, with Joseph Petrasek, Nick Petrella, and James Snell, percussion; Michael Gordon, flute; Robert Walker, clarinet; Stephanie Cathcart, violin; Maria Crosby, cello; Nozomi Marusawa, piano; and Richard Ryan, conductor.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22.
It’s free. Learn more on the UMKC calendar.

What: The Kansas City Repertory Theatre presents, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” Vanya and his sister Sonia live the quiet life at the farmhouse where they grew up. But their sister Masha escaped many years ago to become a famous movie star. When Masha returns unannounced with her twenty-something boyfriend Spike, so begins an unforgettable weekend of rivalry, regret and hilarious racket.
Where: Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 6.
Get more information on the Kansas City Repertory Theatre website.

What: The New Theatre Restaurant presents, “Harvey,” a comedy by Mary Chase.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster, Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through April 6.
UMKC Connection: Co-owners Dennis Hennessy and Richard Carrothers are both UMKC graduates and both were presented in 2012 with honorary doctorates by the UMKC College of Arts and Sciences.
Get more information on the New Theatre website.

What: UMKC’s Gallery of Art is currently featuring Jorge García Almodóvar’s “en bloc.” Almodóvar’s work is driven by his belief in simplicity of expression.
When: The exhibit will run through April 11.
Where: UMKC Gallery of Art, 204 Fine Arts Building, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 5015 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
It’s free. Get more information through UMKC’s press release.