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:   On Behalf of One’s Obsessions
Exhibit of artists’ more daring, riskier, unconventional works. John Updike said that’s what distinguishes artists from entertainers.
Where: Haw Contemporary, 1600 Liberty St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:  Now through Jan. 24, 2015. Check the gallery’s website for times.
It’s free.
UMKC Connection:  Barry Anderson is a UMKC art professor, Garry Noland is a UMKC Art History alumus, and Davin Watne is a lecturer in the UMKC arts program.

                                                         Dec. 18 – 24

What:  Basketball doubleheaders
Where:  Municipal Auditorium, 301 W. 13th St, Kansas City,  Mo.
When:    Dec. 20th and 22nd.
The women start the ball rolling on Saturday, Dec. 20 with a 3:30 p.m. game against the Cardinals of William Jewell. Get a popcorn refill and be ready to cheer for the men at 6:05 p.m. when they go up against the Incarnate Word Cardinals. Dig out your blue and gold, come to the games and drown out the birds.
You can do it all over again on Monday, Dec. 22. The women play the Cougars of SIU Edwardsville at 4:30 p.m. and the men play Tennessee Tech’s Golden Eagles at 7:05.
Cost: Zero for UMKC students, others pay $5 – $25. Children under 3 are free.

What:    A Christmas Carol!
Where:  James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:    Performances run until Dec. 26
Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition is back for its 34th season, ghostlier, greedier and more gorgeous than ever before. Performances are at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo. The play is open and runs until Dec. 26. Check http://www.kcrep.org/ for all dates, times and tickets. Students, call the box office at 816-235-2700 for your special prices.

What:   2014 Charlotte Street Visual Artist Awards Exhibition
Where: Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, 12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kan.
When:  Now through December 21.
Gallery hours are Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
UMKC Connection: Garry Noland is an alum (BA) of the UMKC Art History program.
It’s free.

What:    “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo”
Two American Marines and their Iraqi translator meet up with a clever tiger on the mean streets of Baghdad.
Where:  Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:    Now through Dec. 28
Tickets may be ordered on the Unicorn web site, or call (816) 531-7529 for more information.
UMKC Connection: This is one of two co-productions this year by the UMKC Theatre and the Unicorn.

What: The New Theatre Restaurant presents, “Shear Madness,” a crazy murder mystery solved by you, the audience. The comedy stars Richard Karn, Tim “Tool Time” Taylor’s flannel-shirted buddy from “Home Improvement.”
Where:  The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster, Overland Park, Kan.
When:    Now through Jan. 18, 2015.
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. For tickets and show times, visit the website.