Here are twelve great things to do in KC this weekend, April 20-23, including: Annie at Kauffman Theatre, a new beer at Boulevard Brewery and a film festival.
Annie
PNC Broadway in Kansas City presents one of the most popular musicals of all time, Annie, at Kauffman Theatre. Originally written by playwright Thomas Meehan and composed by Charles Strouse, with lyrics by Martin Charnin, this production returns anew, now directed by Jenn Thompson. The musical still keeps its timeless celebration of chosen family and enduring optimism.
April 18–23. Times vary. Kauffman Theatre.
Mandabi
Director Ousmane Sembène’s 1968 Mandabi was the first ever film made in the Wolof language, marking an important first step toward the director’s dream of making films for, and by, Africans. Heavily censored at its release, the film is an ironic—and brutal—takedown of colonialism.
April 19, 7 pm; April 22, 2 pm. Stray Cat Film Center.
Guided Tasting: Dank 7
In light of Missouri’s most recent legalized substance, Boulevard is having a guided tasting for the release of their newest beer, Dank 7 Belgian Style IPA, a playful Tank 7 seasonal variant with an “approachable ABV” and “an extra dose” of seven different funky, pungent hops. The guided tasting will feature Dank 7, the OG Tank 7, and two other beers paired with munchie-inspired bites.
April 20. 6 pm. Boulevard Tours & Rec Center.
Holst, Haydn, and Hindemith
Conductor Michael Stern and chorus director Charles Bruffy lead the Kansas City symphony chorus to Holst’s Walt Whitman Overture, Haydn’s Symphony No. 96, “The Miracle,” and Hindemith’s When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d. The first and last performances are based around poet Walt Whitman, while the second is named after Haydn’s 1795 boisterous performance in which a chandelier fell from the ceiling, luckily injuring no one.
April 21–23. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
WIFI Film Festival
The fifth annual WIFI Film Festival is back with films, workshops, a women’s panel, and featured filmmaker talks—all are free and open to the public. The festival is dedicated to promoting and celebrating “film production, stories from the Midwest, and education” at Washburn University, the Topeka community and Kansas overall.
April 21—23. Times vary. Locations vary.
Day of Service & Happy Hour
Help community gardeners the day before Earth Day to learn about climate-resilient farming techniques in action and community-led organic food growth. The community gardening afternoon will be followed by a happy hour with beers from Torn Label and food from Tamaleon KC.
April 21. Work Day, 1-4 pm. Happy hour, 4-6 pm. Westport Commons Farm.
Eye Candy
In tandem with the show’s theme, the fashion department has partnered with the culinary department to showcase delicacies for the eyes and the palate. Each runway creation is the original design of students, with many looks featuring sustainable materials to showcase the department’s focus on environmentally friendly fashion. All proceeds from this event go toward student scholarships.
April 21. 6 pm. WHCA Lobby at JCCC.
Downtown Brunch Walk
Brunch lovers unite! Sip, taste and explore downtown at the KC Power & Light District with live music, brunch cocktails and small plates. Both GA and VIP tickets are available for the wine walk and once you complete the walk, head back to one of the venues and enjoy a glass of your favorite complimentary cocktail.
April 22. 1:30 pm. KC Power & Light.
Earth Day on The Lawn
Celebrate Earth Day at Legends with fun outdoor activities like the planting station from LandCare, a picnic photo station, face painting, a plant shop pop-up from Virgil’s and two showings of the Lorax.
April 22. 1 pm. The Lawn at Legends Outlets.
Trivia Night
Wonderscope is hosting their fifth annual Trivia Night. Trivia Teams of up to ten people can enjoy complimentary drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a raffle, and a prize for the top team of this fast-paced, competitive evening of trivia.
Open bar and April 22. 6:30 pm. Wonderscope.
Handel in Love
Handel’s operatic arias illuminate the range of unifying human emotion. This program features Grammy-winning soprano Sarah Tannehill Anderson, guest tenor Kyle Stegall and Holly Piccoli, guest Baroque violinist.
April 22. 7:30 pm. Westport Presbyterian Church.
Compound Camera
Ironwoods Park in Leawood is hosting the interactive installation, the Compound Camera, by artist collective Pneuhaus as part of the “Art in the Park Pop-Up” series in honor of the city’s 75th anniversary. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the large inflatable camera obscura with sight and touch.
April 22-23. 9 am – 4pm. Ironwoods Park, Leawood.
