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:  Christmas Carol!

Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition is back for its 34th season, ghostlier, greedier and more gorgeous than ever before. Fans are amazed at how the Rep manages to reinvent a classic like this one; every year, there’s a new twist. And get this – the first 250 ticket buyers get a free bobblehead on Bobblehead Nights. December 3 Bobblehead Night is already sold out! However, bobbleheads can be purchased at the KC Rep gift shop at every show. 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. Get your Tim on.

Nov. 27 – Dec. 3

What:    Reach out and Read book drive
Reach Out and Read provides books to children whose parents can’t afford them. UMKC students are collecting new or gently used children’s books for Kansas City children. Get in the spirit.
Where:  Royall Hall Lobby, 800 E. 52nd Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When:   Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 9-11 a.m. and Thursday, Dec. 4, 3-5 p.m.

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:   Preview Nights are Dec. 3, 4 and 5. The official run is from Dec. 6 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 by the UMKC Theatre and the Unicorn during the 2014-2015 season.

What:    Men’s Basketball
These guys are for real. William Jewell Cardinals are next.
Where:  Municipal Auditorium, 301 W 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:   Saturday, November 29 at 7:05 p.m.
It’s free to UMKC students with ID. Others pay $10 – $17. Children under 3 are free.

What:  Women’s Basketball
The Plaza Lights Classic, showing off our town and showing off our Roos. Mississippi Valley State Devilettes arrive Friday, and the Abilene Christian Wildcats are Saturday’s opponents.
Where:  Swinney Recreation Center, 5030 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo.
When:   Friday, Nov. 28, at 1 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 29, 3:30 p.m.
It’s free to UMKC students with ID. Others pay $7 – $15. Children under 3 are free.
You can catch another women’s game at Swinney on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee sends its Panthers to RooTown.

What:    “Private Eyes,” a play by Steven Dietz
A UMKC Theatre production. Author Dietz calls it a “comedy of suspicion.” Can you figure it out before the final curtain?
Where: Grant Hall, Room 105, 5227 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo.
When:   The show opens Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and runs until Dec. 7. All performances begin at 7:30 except the final one, which is a Sunday 2 p.m. matinee.
It’s free, but the courtesy of a reservation is requested. Call 816-235-2782, or go to the UMKC Theatre web site.

What:    Conservatory Concert Jazz Band and the 11 O’Clock Jazz Band
Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas direct, and Jazz Studies students produce some big sounds.
Where:  James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, White Recital Hall, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:   Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $8, $6 seniors. For more information, call 816-235-2799.
As usual, UMKC faculty, staff, and all students fly free with UMKC or student ID.

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.
Check their website for tickets and times.

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:    Arcadia Bound
Through video, photography, appropriation, manipulation, and performance, local artist Colby Jennings presents “Arcadia Bound” at the UMKC Gallery of Art.
Where:  Fine Arts Building, 5015 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo
When:   Now through Dec. 12, 2014.
For more information, check the Gallery website.