Here are ten great things to do in Kansas City this weekend, February 16-19, including: The Second City Hits Home at Starlight, Cinderella with the KC ballet at the Kauffman, and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the T-Mobile Center.
Flood
This absurdist tragic-comedy will run its full production and world premiere since the onset of the pandemic cut its first run short. The play centers around an unhappy wife who just wants to have tea with her artist husband who is completely devoted to building his masterpiece. Meanwhile, the waters outside their apartment continue to rise, threatening change and perhaps tragedy.
January 31–February 19. Times Vary. KCRep Copaken Stage.
Fairview
Fairview is a Pulitzer-winning play written in 2018 by Jackie Sibblies Drury. The dark comedy follows a sitcom-like middle class Black family as they prepare a birthday dinner for their grandmother, only to be surveilled by four white people. “[Fairview] takes an interesting look at various views of race and ethnicity and the misconceptions that are accepted purely based on stereotypes,” says the show’s director Lynn King.
February 9–18. Times vary. Melting Pot Theatre.
The Second City Hits Home
Chicago’s sketch and improv comedy theater Second City has become legendary, churning out comedy stars like Tina Fey and Steve Carell. Now, it brings the new show The Second City Hits Home to KC, featuring comedic sketches, songs and improv about KC along with material from the infamous Second City archives.
February 14–19. Times vary. Starlight Theatre.
Indigo Hour: Delynia Jannell
KC native vocalist Delynia Jannell headlines Indigo Hour, the signature happy hour event at American Jazz Museum’s jazz club. Enjoy free, live jazz and deals on happy hour drinks while listening to the soulful sound of Jannell.
February 17. 5 pm. Blue Room.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Experience Ang Lee’s 2000 Academy award winning film on the big screen again. Michelle Yeoh, who was recently nominated for her best actress in acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All at Once, stars in this action flick about two warriors who seek to rescue the stolen Green Destiny sword. Set in nineteenth century China’s beautiful landscape with intricate martial arts by Yuen Wo Ping, choreographer for The Matrix, this film stands the test of time.
February 17. 6:45 pm. February 18. 12:45 & 6:30 pm. February 19. 6:30 pm. Screenland Armour.
Pablo Francisco
Comedian, actor and writer Pablo Francisco started his career doing improv in Tempe, Arizona three decades ago. Francisco started gaining popularity in the nineties after a successful stint on MADtv as a featured player. Now, after being in a slew of TV shows and stand-up comedy specials, Francisco is on tour, spoofing celebrities with his impressions and clever insights about his Latino heritage.
February 17. 7 & 9:45 pm. February 18. 7 & 9:45 pm. Improv Comedy Club.
Cinderella
One of the world’s most timeless and beloved fairy tales, Cinderella, is retold through the world premiere of Devon Carney’s stunning choreography performed by the Kansas City Ballet and accompanied by Prokofiev’s enchanting music, along with classic characters like the bubbly Fairy Godmother and the foot fetish-y Prince Charming.
February 17–19 and 23–26. Times vary. Kauffman Center.
Bruce Springsteen
The boss is coming to KC. Although “Born in the USA,” this will be Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band’s first tour in North America in nearly seven years.
February 18. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Royal Comedy 2023
Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Lavell Crawford, and Joe Clair headline this tour-de-force of comedy, featuring standup performances centering on modern day romance, race and family.
February 19. 7 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
Winterlude – Trent Austin Quartet
Hailed as a “trumpeting Renaissance man,” artist, educator and entrepreneur Trent Austin performs jazz classics fused with influences from classical and contemporary music. After working with legends like Tony Bennett and Natalie Cole, trumpeter Austin now resides in KC with an active teaching studio providing trumpet and jazz improvisation lessons.
February 19. 7 pm. Polsky Theatre.
