Fall Arts Preview 2023 September
Homeward Bound
Janelle Monáe heads to the Midland Theatre in of the top can’t-miss KC Fall events.
September 9. Midland Theatre.
No one can deny the world is Janelle Monáe’s oyster, but it hasn’t always been that way.
Monáe grew up in one of Kansas City’s toughest neighborhoods, right around 21st Street and Quindaro Lane in KCK. It’s no doubt that her formative years spent running around the neighborhood, singing in church choirs and attending F.L. Schlagle High School, have shaped much of her music and creative endeavors. She began experimenting with her personal style early, whether it was shopping at thrift and consignment stores in Westport or participating in Shakespeare shows at Wyandotte High School and theater programs at Coterie Theatre.
“Here in Kansas City is where I cultivated a lot of my style and individuality,” Monáe said in a KCUR interview.
After high school, she headed to New York City and studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. In 2003, her career was officially launched with her self-released demo album titled The Audition, which she sold out of the trunk of her car.
Her debut full-length 2010 studio album, The ArchAndroid, catapulted Monáe into the spotlight. It captivated listeners with its seamless fusion of genres and its bold exploration of themes like identity, oppression and empowerment—themes that Monáe continues to explore in her music and writings.
A singer, songwriter, model, rapper and actress, Monáe has earned myriad accolades such as Grammy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice awards and nominations.
Monáe’s current The Age of Pleasure Tour, named after her recent LP release, winds its way through North America and brings her home to KC’s Midland Theatre on September 9.
Sept. 1–4
SantaCaliGon Days
Times vary. Independence Square.
SantaCaliGon Days commemorates Independence’s trailblazing history. Started in 1940, it celebrates the starting point of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails. In its early days, the festival primarily had simple pioneer contests. Now it includes artisan vendors, entertainment, a vibrant live music lineup and a medallion treasure hunt contest where clues are released in The Examiner newspaper each week leading up to the festival.
Sept. 2–Oct. 15
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
10 am–7 pm. 130th Street, Bonner Springs.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the KC Renaissance Festival. What started as a small benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1977 has blossomed into one of the country’s most celebrated Renaissance events, drawing 200,000 visitors each year. This festival aims to transport attendees to a bygone era with live performances, unique merchandise, giant turkey legs and men in tights.
Sept. 4–10
Dancefestopia Music & Camping Festival
Times vary. Wildwood Outdoor Education Center.
Enter the enchanting world of Dancefestopia. Nestled in nature, this celebration of art, music and camping offers a refreshing escape in La Cygne’s Emerald City in Kansas. Experience the spirit of community and creativity while listening to headliners like Sullivan King and Subtronics.
Sept. 5–24
Cyrano de Bergerac
Times vary. Spencer Theatre.
Kicking off KCRep’s sixtieth anniversary season is Cyrano de Bergerac. Based on the 1897 play of the same name written by Edmond Rostand, it has been adapted by Martin Crimp and directed by Nelson T. Eusebio III. The play follows the timeless tale of the protagonist Cyrano, who involves himself in a touching and hilarious love triangle as he is torn between physical attraction and the power of prose.
Sept. 6, 7, 8 & 10
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 1
Times vary. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
It’s Harry, Ron and Hermoine’s last year at Hogwarts, but Voldemort is still looming, threatening to destroy the Wizarding World as they know it. Potterheads can unite at the Kansas City Symphony to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 with a full symphony performing Oscar Award winner Alexandre Desplat’s score live.
Sept. 8–10
Art Westport
Times vary. Westport.
For more than four decades, the open-air art show Art Westport has been supporting and celebrating local creators, who have a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry and more for sale at the show. Set in the charming historic Westport District, it’s a delightful opportunity to explore the region’s rich artistic heritage in a lively atmosphere full of local shops and restaurants.
Sept. 8—9 & 15—17
Jesse James Festival
Times vary. Jesse James Park, Kearney.
The fifty-second Jesse James Festival celebrating the life of the local legend and outlaw takes place in Kearney, Missouri, James’ birthplace, boyhood home and final resting place. Amid artifacts and DNA testing, the festival commemorates an era that shaped the nation.
Sept. 12–Oct. 1
Skeleton Crew
Times vary. City Stage Theatre at Union Station.
Kansas City Actors Theatre presents Skeleton Crew, a powerful drama written by 2018 MacArthur Fellow Dominique Morisseau. Set during the 2008 recession, the play delves into the lives of Detroit auto plant workers facing uncertain futures. With echoes of Arthur Miller, Morisseau’s deeply moral storytelling offers a poignant exploration of resilience.
Sidenote
Kearney & Jesse James
To quell naysayers’ speculation that the real Jesse James was not buried at Kearny’s Mount Olivet Cemetery, his body was exhumed and underwent DNA testing, proving that indeed it’s really James six feet under. Let the festival go on!
Sept. 1-3
Irish Fest
Times vary. Crown Center.
Irish Fest is a tribute to Irish culture, music, history and community. Enjoy entertainment, traditional shops and authentic cuisine, and participate in activities inspired by Irish themes and customs during this celebration of Ireland’s charm.
Sept. 15–16
New Dance Partners Festival
8 pm. Midwest Trust Center.
The New Dance Partners festival returns for its tenth edition with the debut of four original works. Exceptional choreographers collaborate with four local dance companies—The Kansas City Ballet, Owen/Cox Dance Group, Störling Dance Theatre and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company—to unveil an enchanting showcase of contemporary and modern dance.
Sept. 17
Fantasia
7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
American Idol season three winner Fantasia brings her R&B prowess to KC with soulful ballads like “When I See U” and “Bittersweet,” which reflect her outlook on tackling life’s challenges with strength.
Sept. 17
Dave Chappelle Live
7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
The edgy comedian is touring the country with his live stand-up comedy routine.
Sept. 19–Oct. 15
Justice at War
Times vary. Coterie Theatre.
Step into history with Justice at War, an interactive drama based on true events. The play invites audiences to become Supreme Court Justices in Mitsuye Endo’s challenge against her internment during WWII. This drama delves into crucial questions of justice, government responsibility and national security, highlighting how one woman defended the rights of millions.
Sept. 19
Nickelback
6:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Nickelback is set to rock KC as part of their 2023 Get Rollin’ Tour. Following the success of their tenth studio album, Get Rollin’, which debuted at No. 2 across various charts, fans are in for a night of electrifying music. The tour also features special guests Brantley Gilbert and Josh Ross.
Sept. 22–24
Liberty Fall Festival
Times vary. Liberty Square.
This iconic festival is celebrating its forty-sixth anniversary with over two hundred vendors, artists and musicians and, of course, the annual festival parade on September 23. This year’s theme is “History in the Making” to celebrate where the festival came from and where it’s going next.
Sept. 22
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band
8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band are bringing Ringo’s iconic music and joyful energy to KC. The legendary artist, known for his role in The Beatles and a dynamic solo career, promises a night of timeless hits and connections with audiences new and old.
Sept. 23
Guns N’ Roses
6 pm. Kauffman Stadium.
As part of their expansive 2023 world tour, Guns N’ Roses storms Kauffman later this month. Following the rockers’ previous North American stint in 2021, Axl Rose and the gang are set to deliver an electrifying performance with their classic hits.
Sept. 23, 29 & Oct. 1
Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci
7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Kicking off The Lyric Opera’s second full season since the beginning of the pandemic is Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci, composed by Pietro Mascagni and Ruggero Leoncavallo. Both operas will be conducted by Roberto Kalb with English-language translations displayed above the stage so the audience can enjoy every note.
Sept. 23, 24, 30 & Oct. 1
Louisburg Cider Fest
Times vary. Louisburg Cider Mill.
The temperature is dropping and the leaves are beginning to crunch underneath your feet. That’s your sign that Ciderfest is just around the corner. Louisburg Cider Mill becomes a fall-lover’s dream for just two weekends in the fall, where guests of all ages can enjoy pony rides, live music and, of course, a hot cup of cider.
Sept. 24
Deaf Culture Festival
10 am–4 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum.
The Deaf Culture Festival celebrates the vibrant heritage of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Explore the rich tapestry of Deaf and hard-of-hearing art, identity and empowerment while engaging in hands-on art activities and enjoying entertainment from Deaf perspectives. Accessibility measures ensure a truly inclusive experience.
Sept. 22-24
Plaza Art Fair
Times vary. Country Club Plaza.
The top-ranked national art event is returning to KC for its ninety-second year this September. The fair welcomes over two hundred and fifty vendors selling everything from jewelry and pottery to sculptures and paintings. Not only is there unique art on display, but there are also three different musical stages and more than twenty restaurant booths.
Sidenote
Art Party
Ninety-two years ago, in 1932, the first Plaza Art Festival was held in an empty lot on the southwest corner of Nichols Road and Central Street. This year, the festival will take up nine city blocks and attract more than 250,000 visitors.
Sept. 27–Oct. 1
American Royal World Series of Barbecue
Times vary. Kansas City Speedway.
If there’s one thing Kansas City is known for, it’s our barbecue. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue only helps fortify that reputation. Every fall, the smell of hickory wood smoke and pork dripping takes over the Kansas Speedway as competitors battle it out in the world’s largest barbecue competition.
Sept. 28
Grand Funk Railroad & Jefferson Starship
8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Grand Funk Railroad, known as “The American Band,” brings their high-energy music to KC. Original members Don Brewer and Mel Schacher will be joined by rock veterans Max Carl, Bruce Kulick and Tim Cashion. Special guest Jefferson Starship, an arena rock legend with a rich history, adds to the night’s iconic lineup.
Sept. 29–30
Overland Park Fall Festival
Times vary. Downtown Overland Park.
Downtown Overland Park bursts to life during the Fall Festival, a vibrant celebration of community and creativity. Explore the artistic charm as you roam local artisan booths like Dank Artistry, a company hailing from Iowa that skillfully transforms discarded silverware into exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Fall Arts Preview 2023 October
Macabre Madness
A live adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe is coming to Union Cemetery.
Oct. 19–Nov. 5. Union Cemetery.
Due to popular demand, the Coterie Theatre is taking its Electric Poe production back to Union Cemetery. Now in its fourth year, the one-man show is becoming a KC Halloween season tradition.
Electric Poe is the performance of several macabre works by writer Edgar Allen Poe that have been adapted for the stage. This year will be no different, with actor R.H. Wilhoit showcasing his ability to captivate and frighten his audience, just as he has the last three years.
Wilhoit, who will be accompanied by guitarist Rex Hobart, will perform three Poe works that he adapted. The lineup includes Poe’s poem Annabel Lee; his short story Berenice, which is an ode to obsession; and Poe’s claustrophobic classic The Cask of Amontillado, in which a man takes fatal revenge on his friend by burying him alive in a stonewall.
The spookiest part of this production might be the setting: It will be performed at KC’s oldest public cemetery, in front of what is called the Holding Vault. The vault, built in 1857, was where dead bodies were stored when the ground was frozen and it was too difficult to dig a grave.
“It adds to the atmosphere,” Wilhoit says of the cemetery. “It definitely helps create a chilling effect.”
Electric Poe was first conceived during the pandemic and was performed outside in the cemetery due to social distancing. “We were looking for a way to hold a production, so we took it outdoors,” Wilhoit says.
Last year, they brought the show inside, but audiences said the production was better suited to the haunting atmosphere of the cemetery, so the Coterie complied.
Wilhoit, who studied theater at Drury University, has performed on many stages around town, including The Living Room Theatre, the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and the Spinning Tree Theatre. He also teaches drama and is a founding member of The Confluence Theatre Company, which produces experimental works.
Oct. 1
Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour
8 pm. GEHA field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Fans are expected to arrive in sequined cowboy hats and black bodysuits, creating a vibrant prelude to Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour stop in KC. Her opening act features soulful ballads, leading into a show that showcases most of the Renaissance album along with other hits from her iconic career. Beyoncé’s enduring impact and legacy within the realm of Black musicians and artists resonate throughout the three-hour performance, embodying her far-reaching influence.
Oct. 6–7
KC Oktoberfest
Times vary. Crown Center.
While Kansas City may be thousands of miles from Munich, residents can still enjoy the authentic German festival at Crown Center. Organized by local brewery Kansas City Bier Co., thousands of visitors come every year decked out in their best lederhosen to enjoy German-style beer and Bavarian cuisine.
Oct. 7–8
Weston Applefest
Times vary. Downtown Weston.
This quaint Missouri town will be hosting its annual Applefest for the thirty-fifth year in a row. Stroll through Weston’s historic downtown district and enjoy apple pie, kids’ games and crafts from artisans.
Sidenote
Applefest treats
The Apple Dumpling, which originally started off as a humble 1960s home economics class recipe, is the star of Weston’s Applefest. People have been known to stand in hours-long lines that wrap around buildings just to eat one of these dough-covered sweets.
Oct. 12–29
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.
Get ready to swing to the rhythm of Fats Waller’s beloved tunes like The Joint is Jumpin’ and Handful of Keys. Ain’t Misbehavin’ pays homage to the Harlem Renaissance, a vibrant era in American history, with a sassy, sultry celebration of jazz legend Fats Waller.
Oct. 13
Chicago Top Theatre “Unleash the Beats”
8 pm. Midwest Trust Center.
This Chicago-based theater troupe seamlessly blends tap and concert dance, creating a captivating performance complemented by live music from the city’s finest musicians. “Unleash the Beats” promises to be an unforgettable night of rhythmic brilliance spanning diverse artists, from Duke Ellington to David Bowie.
Oct. 13–14
Lenexa Chili Challenge
Times vary. Old Town Lenexa.
This two-day chili showdown hosts more than two hundred teams competing in chili, wings and salsa competitions. Visitors can also enjoy a firework show, face painting and balloon artists, all while chowing down on some of the best chili in the city.
Oct. 13–14
Ghost Night
Times vary. Roanoke Park, KCMO.
In the dark woods of Roanoke Park comes the fourth annual frightfully fun night of ghost stories and songs. Embrace the start of spooky season with musicians, writers and storytellers who make up KC’s diverse arts community at Ghost Night. The free event includes art-making activities, live performances from the Ghostlight Orchestra and a haunted parade.
Oct. 13–15 & Oct. 19–22
Jekyll & Hyde
Times vary. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Kansas City Ballet’s Jekyll & Hyde brings the haunting tale of a dark mind and shady streets to life. This North American premiere, choreographed by Val Caniparoli from the Finnish National Ballet, presents the timeless tale with music performed by the KC Symphony.
Oct. 23–24
Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken
8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Twenty years after Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken faced off in the final round of American Idol season two, the unlikely duo is going on tour. Twenty The Tour will be hitting major cities across the U.S., including their KC stop.
Oct. 24–29
To Kill a Mockingbird
Times vary. Music Hall Kansas City.
All rise for Harper Lee’s timeless classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, in Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s celebrated adaptation presented by the American Theatre Guild. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play, directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, has become a true phenomenon. Witness the emotionally shattering and soulful portrayal of this American classic making its mark in Broadway history.
Oct. 24–Nov. 12
What the Constitution Means to Me
Times vary. Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
Direct from Broadway, playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundary-breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.
Oct. 25
The Phantom of the Opera
7 pm. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Prepare to get spooked as you watch the 1925 German silent film version of the classic The Phantom of the Opera, accompanied by a live organ at the Kauffman Center. This classic and spooky tale of aspiring young opera singer Christine Daaé, who discovers she has a secret admirer hiding in the shadows beneath the Paris opera house, is sure to get you in the Halloween mood.
Oct. 27–28
P!NK
7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
The T-Mobile Center will be hosting Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter P!NK. The entire KC skyline turned pink when the singer announced her tour dates. This will be the singer’s third time performing in KC—the first and second being in 2013 and 2018, respectively.
Fall Arts Preview 2023 November
Dia de Los Muertos
Day of the Dead traditions to be celebrated at the Nelson-Atkins.
Nov. 5. Nelson-Atkins Museum.
From sugar skulls to marigolds, traditions abound for the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
“Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration with family and friends gathering to honor and remember deceased relatives and popular figures,” says Jenny Mendez, director of cultural affairs at Matttie Rhodes, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping the community through art and social programs. Mattie Rhodes works closely with the Nelson-Atkins Museum to create the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration every year.
“In order to live we must die, and in order to die we must live, and that is something that I always try to remember when I am talking about the true meaning of the Day of the Dead,” Mendez says.
Now in its thirteenth year, the Nelson-Atkins’ day-long festival will provide museumgoers with a chance to learn more about this colorful and significant holiday through dance and music demonstrations, poetry readings, artist performances, activity stations and food.
Visitors can learn about sugar skulls, the vibrant marigold flower, whose color and smell is said to entice the dead to come visit, and other important holiday traditions.
One highlight of the events is the large ofrenda, or altar, created in Kirkwood Hall in collaboration with local artists, students, the Mattie Rhodes Center and the Mexican Consulate in Kansas City. The altar is different every year but often contains nichos—colorful, highly decorated three-dimensional shadow boxes that contain portraits, images and trinkets reflecting a loved one’s life. A few years ago, the altar contained more than one thousand nichos created by schools, community groups and artists, culminating in an amazingly detailed display.
Nov. 3
Jurassic Quest
Times vary. Overland Park Convention Center.
Ever seen any Jurassic Park movie and thought, “Gosh, I wish that could be me?” Well, now it can be—minus the part where the dinosaurs go rogue and start attacking everyone. Jurassic Quest gives visitors the opportunity to walk among some of Earth’s most prolific creatures. Interact with life-size animatronic dinosaurs, including the infamous T-Rex, excavate fossils and get the chance to train a raptor.
Nov. 4, 8, 10, 11 & 12
The Sound of Music
Times vary. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
The Lyric Opera’s second show this season will be the beloved classic The Sound of Music, which was famously adapted into a movie starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in 1965. Opera diva Alyson Cambrdige, who has appeared at Carnegie Hall and at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, will play the Baroness Elsa Shraeder, one of the show’s more glamorous characters.
Nov. 7
Derek Hough “Symphony of Dance”
7 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
Dancing with the Stars alum Derek Hough is back on tour with “Symphony of Dance.” Hough and his team of dancers are sure to provide an electrifying night of entertainment showcasing a variety of dance styles, live music and innovative choreography.
Nov. 7–Dec. 31
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Times vary. Coterie Theatre.
Everyone’s heard the famous holiday song about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Now, you can enjoy the live musical version at the Coterie Theatre. This Christmas tale is sure to inspire everyone to be true to themselves and find strength in who they are.
Nov. 16
Aerosmith Farewell Tour
7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Legendary rock band Aerosmith will be visiting the T-Mobile Center as a part of their final tour, aptly named the Peace Out Tour. Aerosmith will perform some of their biggest hits, such as “Dream On,” with special guest The Black Crowes opening.
Nov. 21–Dec. 24
A Christmas Carol
Times vary. Spencer Theatre.
For more than forty years, one of the holiday season’s most beloved plays, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, has been performed by The Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and this year is no different. Experience this holiday tradition that your family will never forget.
Fall Arts Preview 2023 December
Bah Humbug!
A KC actor always brings something new to this classic Christmas tale.
November 21–December 24. Spencer Theatre.
Since 1982, Gary Neal Johnson has been playing Ebenezer Scrooge in Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol. For Kansas Citians, Johnson and his character are almost synonymous.
Johnson has been a mainstay on the Kansas City theater scene and is considered one of the hardest-working actors in town. Given he’s been refining his interpretation of the world’s most recognizable grumpy old man for forty-one years now, theatergoers can rest assured they’ll get a stellar performance of the miserly and revengeful Scrooge on his soul-searching and redemptive journey.
Johnson has said that despite playing Scrooge for so many seasons, he still learns something new about the iconic character and story. Each year, a new level of understanding allows him to explore a different angle.
The classic Charles Dickens novella was first published in 1843 and recounts the story of Scrooge being visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. As many of us know, by the end of the night, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder soul. The story was so popular at the time of its publication that eventually it was adapted for the stage.
Dec. 1
Dirty Dancing in Concert
8 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
This new spin on the classic ’80s movie is sure to provide both veteran and first-time watchers an innovative experience. This will be the first live film-to-concert experience of Dirty Dancing at Kansas City Music Hall on a full-size cinema screen. A live band and singers will perform the film’s iconic songs. Be sure to stay after the movie is over to continue dancing to your favorite songs from the film.
Dec. 1–3
Handel’s Messiah
Times vary. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
With over one hundred and fifty musicians and voices performing, this Baroque-era oratorio creates a triumphant two-hour musical spectacle. This once-elaborate opera production, originally composed for Easter, is now a cherished Christmas classic, a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Dec. 1–24
The Nutcracker
Times Vary. Kauffman Center for Performing Arts.
The classic Christmas story of Clara and the Nutcracker prince is once again gracing center stage at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts. Watch snowflakes, sugar plums and toy soldiers come to life this holiday season in this heartwarming ballet, choreographed by Devon Carney and accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony.
Sidenote
Sugar Plum Faries
Multiple casts and more than one hundred and seventy-five local children, often as young as seven, perform in Kansas City Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker. The aspiring prima ballerinas are selected from the Kansas City Ballet school.
Dec. 5–10
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall
Fresh off Broadway, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical tells the inspiring story of rock ‘n’ roll legend Tina Turner set to some of her biggest hits. including Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits. Learn the true story of one of music’s biggest names while enjoying electrifying dance numbers and powerful vocals. Recommended for audiences ages fourteen and over.
Sidenote
Tina Turner Live!
The Tina Turner Musical, which traces the highs and lows of two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Tina Turner, has gained new meaning for audiences since the singer’s death in June. The traveling Broadway show has been selling out and will be hitting forty cities, including KC.
Dec. 7–23
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play
Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.
This 1946 Christmas classic has been viewed millions of times across the globe, so it’s time to change things up. The Music Theater Heritage has reimagined the film as a radio play. Instead of a traditional play, actors will stand in front of microphones and deliver the performance as if it were broadcast on the radio. With holiday music, live sound affects and an ensemble cast, this new twist on this holiday standard is sure to excite and inspire.
Dec. 8
Old Dominion
7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Voted Group of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, Old Dominion will be performing in KC at the T-Mobile Center as part of their No Bad Vibes Tour.
Dec. 14–17
Christmas Festival
Times vary. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
The KC Symphony and Symphony Chorus, in collaboration with the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City, present the Christmas Festival this winter season. Get into the holiday spirit with a magical evening of cherished Christmas carols, seasonal songs and a joyous family sing-along.
Dec. 21–24
The Nightmare Before Christmas
7 pm. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
With Jason Seber as the guest conductor, witness Tim Burton’s celebrated classic The Nightmare Before Christmas like never before. The KC Symphony plays the darkly charming score by Danny Elfman while the movie is projected, creating an unforgettable cinematic symphony.
