Here are ten great things to do in KC this weekend, including: Billy Idol, Steel Magnolias at Crown Center and a country music festival.
Peter Pan and Wendy
Taking the original spirit of adventure and wonder from J.M. Barrie’s classic, Lauren M. Gunderson’s fresh adaption, Peter Pan and Wendy, focuses on budding scientist Wendy Darling, who dreams of earning a Nobel Prize. But when Peter Pan arrives at her bedroom window, she leaves school behind, chasing adventure with characters like Captain Hook and Tiger Lily instead. Soon, she and her friends discover the power of standing up together for what’s right.
May 9–14 and 17–21. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.
Stew
The final show of the Melting Pot Theatre’s season is 2021 Pulitzer Prize finalist Zora Howard’s Stew, set in a kitchen as four generations of women come together to prepare a special meal for an annual celebration. As with all other shows, it will feature talk backs and themed community events that celebrate the long history of family and reunion in Black culture. “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” Stew director Ile Haggins says. “That’s where everything happens, that’s where conversations occur, where connections are made. [Stew] unpacks their dreams, their struggles, some turmoil that they’re faced with and the violence that’s in their community that creeps into their home.”
May 11–14 and 17–20. Times vary. Melting Pot Theatre.
Billy Idol
Almost fifty years into his music career, rock icon Billy Idol is performing on a fifteen-city U.S. tour after his EP, The Cage, last year. Idol will be joined by Steve Stevens, lead guitarist and songwriting partner, as well as his longtime band, performing newly released songs and a few of his old rock anthems.
May 11. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
Sketch Club En Plein Air
This event returns to the Nelson-Atkins lawn by popular demand. During this outdoor event, instructors teach members the in conte crayon technique before free sketch time to hone the newly acquired skill. Guests can also sip on Creative Juice, a collaboration beer from City Barrel Brewing, while soaking up the nice KC weather and honing their art skills.
May 12. 5:30 pm. North lot of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park.
Bliss Point
Kansas City Ballet presents Bliss Point, featuring ballets by Mark Morris, Jiří Kylián and Alexander Ekman in a mixed repertory production of three unique contemporary dance pieces. Working in unity, these distinct creative pieces show the wide diversity of performance art through an evening of thrilling and thought-provoking dance.
May 12–14 and 19–21. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Beautiful Disruption
Beautiful Disruption: Experiencing the Bloch Galleries explores the minds and struggles of the Impressionist artists as they reached for the impossible—capturing a fleeting moment using the ephemeral effects of light. Guests are encouraged to analyze these pieces deeper, witnessing the beauty and the messiness behind the masterpieces in the Bloch Galleries.
May 12, 19 and 26. 6 pm. Bloch Galleries, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Steel Magnolias
For the first time in over 10 years, Steel Magnolias returns live to KC. Based on the beloved 1989 classic of the same name, Nick Padgett now serves as Producing Artistic Director with Katie Gilchrist as Director. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the enduring themes of women and their friendship grow stronger and closer in times of both tragedy and good fortune.
May 12—14, 19—21. Times vary. MTH Theater at Crown Center.
Water Lantern Festival
Water Lantern Festival is a family friendly event filled with happiness and hope in which people come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience of the ancient art of water lanterns on the water. The event also includes food trucks, music and other fun.
May 13. 5:30 pm. Frank A. Theis Park.
Country Roots Fest KC
Bust out those cowboy boots, KC! Enjoy live performances from Chris Young, Trace Adkins and Lonestar, along with multiple bars, food and retail vendors, outdoor games, art installations and more.
May 13. 1 pm. Legends Field.
Get Happy: A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration with Michael Feinstein
Michael Feinstein and the Kansas City Symphony travel through the life and songs of icon Judy Garland to celebrate her one-hundredth birthday in this brand new multimedia concert, which features classic film clips, rare audio recordings, never-before-seen photos and her timeless music.
May 13. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
