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: “Affairs of the Heart” by Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company
The Conservatory’s dance company-in-residence, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, performs.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: May 22 – 23, 7:30 p.m.
For tickets, call the Central Ticket Office at 816-235-6222 or the website.
UMKC Connection: Mary Pat Henry, UMKC professor of dance and associate dean for faculty affairs, is a co-founder of the dance company. She will perform with UMKC dance faculty Gary Abbott and DeeAnna Hiett.
May 20 – 26
What: Brielan Andersen, tuba
This is a doctoral lecture and recital with Patricia Higdon, piano; Charles Calloway and Alex Caselman, trumpets; Matthew Haislip, horn; and Austin Peiffer, trombone.
The lecture topic is “Generative Tone Assemblages in the Music of Anthony Plog.”
Where: Room 326, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Wednesday, May 20, noon
It’s free.
What: “Stillwater” by Kansas City Repertory Theatre
“Stillwater” is an angst-filled love letter to a generation rebounding from the economic and cultural shocks of the last 10 years. This rock concert and theatrical fusion revolves around a modern-day, drug-fueled trailer park in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It features the band Joe’s Pet Project (all proud Kansas natives), helmed by award-winning songwriter Nathan Tysen, lyricist for the Broadway-bound production of “Tuck Everlasting.” It is appropriate for ages 17 and up.
Where: Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through May 24
For tickets and information, contact KC Rep online or call the box office at 816-235-2700.
What: “Sticky Traps”
This play, presented by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, is a world premiere by local playwright Nathan Louis Jackson and directed by Kyle Hatley. It is set in a small town not far from Kansas City. A mother protects her homosexual son’s honor when his funeral is protested by a local church. Her actions have unintended consequences that will test her whole family, and the power of their love, in the face of hate. This play is appropriate for ages 13 and up.
Where: Copaken Stage, 1 H&R Block Way, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through May 24
Tickets can be purchased from the KC Rep website.
What: The New Theatre Restaurant presents, “Hairspray”
“Hairspray” is the most requested “return engagement” in New Theatre’s history. On Broadway it won eight Tony awards and was hailed by the New York Times as “the best musical of the decade.” Set in the 1960s, “Hairspray” is the story of a “pleasantly plump” mother and her teenage daughter….both full figured and ready to fight for what’s right!
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster St., Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through July 12
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.
What: 2015 Annual Student Art Exhibition
The UMKC Gallery of Art will present the annual Student Art Exhibition featuring works by 38 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, video and performance.
Where: UMKC Gallery of Art, Fine Arts Building, Room 203, 5015 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through July 30
It’s free and open to the public.