Here are eleven things to do in KC this weekend, November 16-19, including: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Screwtape Letters and Gladys Knight.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but now audiences get to experience the most famous reindeer of all—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This live musical will be performed at the Coterie Theatre this holiday season, inspiring everyone to be true to themselves and find strength in their perceived flaws.
Various dates from November 7–December 31. Times vary. Coterie Theatre.
We Are Blood
The immersive horror play We Are Blood, written and directed by Kansas Citian Ryan Bernsten, delves into the complex questions of family bonds and whether family ties are truly eternal. In this haunting thriller, a newly widowed New Yorker and her son return to rural Missouri with the intention of evicting their estranged family from their childhood home. Soon, the family becomes entangled in a battle to exorcize the demons from their past.
November 16–20. Times vary. Olathe Civic Theatre Association.
Casi Joy
Nashville-based Casi Joy gained national attention as a contestant on The Voice in 2017, but her first public performance at five-years-old was singing “Angels Among Us” at a local Kansas City talent show. Now, the singer-songwriter is returning to KC in support of her newest album, Miles & Maybes.
November 16. 8 pm. Knuckleheads.
Lee Rocker
Grammy-nominated Lee Rocker, known for hits like “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut,” will be headlining the show at the McPherson Opera House in McPherson, Kansas. Rocker is perhaps most recognizable for playing, standing on, spinning and rocking his giant upright bass as a founding member of Stray Cats, Hall-of-Famers who are considered early music-video pioneers of MTV.
November 17. 7 pm. McPherson Opera House.
Mark Morris Dance Group: The Look of Love
Harriman-Jewell Series presents the Mark Morris Dance Group: The Look of Love. After the success of his Beatles tribute Pepperland, Morris is again teaming up with collaborator Ethan Iverson. The Look of Love is a heartfelt homage to the chart-topping songs of Burt Bacharach, who’s best known for his melodies and unique orchestrations influenced by jazz, rock and Brazilian music.
November 17. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Yeehaw: A Benefit Show for KC Tenants
Yeehaw, a night of music and comedy benefitting KC Tenants—KC’s citywide tenant union—returns for its second year. Alternative-indie bands like Snail Mail and Waxahatchee, comedian Caleb Hearon and more surprise guests will be performing in support of KC Tenants.
November 17. 9 pm. The Truman.
Music Illuminates the Soul
Kansas City Symphony Chorus director Charles Bruffy and guest conductor Eduardo Strausser present this emotive show of instrumental and vocal music. Music Illuminates the Soul is filled with seemingly contradicting pieces, ones of dark and light, tragedy and triumph, sunshine and shadow. In addition to the music program, there will also be an opportunity to participate in an inspirational experience in the lobby featuring elegant visions of the night sky and enlightening entertainment.
November 17–19. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
“Del mito, El rapto” (Of the myth, The abduction)
Cuban artist Abel Massot’s newest series “Del mito, El rapto” (Of the myth, The abduction) marks a shift in his artistry, with overlapping lines and chaotic movement. Through these figurative depictions, Massot urges introspection of the human experience and through revisiting classical and Greek abduction myths. Gallery Bogart hosts this exhibition in KC, supporting their unique goal to promote contemporary Latin American art in the Midwest.
November 18. 4 pm. (Exhibition runs November 18—December 31). Gallery Bogart.
The Screwtape Letters
Fellowship for Performing Arts Presents The Screwtape Letters, a provocative and funny adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ novel of the same name about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view. The show stars Brent Harris as Screwtape, who played Scar in the national tour of The Lion King.
November 18. 4 pm & 8:15 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Gladys Knight
The Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight has been regarded as one of the most legendary performers of all time. Knight is taking the Midnight Train to KC to perform songs from her illustrious fifty-plus-year career.
November 19. 7 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Battle of the Sexes
Battle of the Sexes is a local showcase where KC-based RnB and hip-hop artists go head-to-head in performances, featuring Audri Page vs. Carlton Rashaad, Shay Lyriq vs. Rarie and Asia Tsion vs. Broderick Jones on the lineup, along with DJ Cig B hosting. There will also be live voting to see who the winner is: the men or women of KC?
November 19. 7 pm. Tin Roof.
