Kansas City Starlight Theatre Blog

Neil Patrick Harris Confirmed as 2013 Tony Awards Host

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:27:00 -0400

As previously speculated, Emmy-winning TV star and Broadway alum Neil Patrick Harris will host the 67th Annual Tony Awards, which CBS will broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on June 9.

Cast Announced for The Little Mermaid

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:10:00 -0400

The cast has been announced for Paper Mill Playhouse's American premiere of a new Disney production of The Little Mermaid.

Monty Python Star to Receive Top British TV Award

Sun, 12 May 2013 01:32:00 -0400

Film and television star Michael Palin, who made his name as a founder of comedy group Monty Python, is to receive one of the British entertainment industry's highest accolades.

STYX & REO Speedwagon Concert Information

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:27:00 -0400

STYX & REO Speedwagon with Ted Nugent will perform at Starlight Theatre on May 10, 2013. Please read the following post for event information and parking information. Enjoy the show!

KC History with the Motor City Madman

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:11:00 -0400

The nostalgic triple bill coming up at Starlight Theatre on Friday, May 10 — Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent — made me wonder just how many times those three acts have collectively played Kansas City.

Hogan Students Participate in Starlight on Site

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:23:00 -0400

Congratulations to students at Hogan Preparatory Academy Middle School who participated in this year’s Starlight on Site program.

Starlight will Honor Greg and Deanna Graves at Annual Gala

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:32:00 -0400

Greg and Deanna Graves will receive the 2013 Star Award May 18 during the Starlight Theatre’s 27th Annual Benefit Gala.

Carly Rae Jepsen headlines Red, White and Boom July 5

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:18:00 -0400

Red, White and Boom returns to Starlight July 5 with an long list of outstanding artist including Carly Rae Jepsen, Emblem 3, MKTO, Hot Chelle Rae, Stefano Langone and Ariana Grande. The event, sponsored by Mix93, will conclude will an amazing fireworks display.

Bring Your Group to Starlight

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:57:00 -0400

Share a night under the stars with family, co-workers, teammates, classmates and friends.

Monty Python’s Spamalot kicks off Starlight Theatre’s 63rd Season

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:33:00 -0400

A chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight will kick off Starlight Theatre’s 63rd Season.

And the 2013 Blue Star Awards Nominees Are ...

Wed, 01 May 2013 23:26:00 -0400

Starlight Theatre, in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, are proud to announce the official nominations for the 2012-2013 Blue Star Awards!

2013 Tony Nominations - Kinky Boots Leads with 13 Nominations

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:14:00 -0400

The Tony Award Nominations were just announced and we've got the complete list!

Garrison Keillor Announces "Radio Romance Tour"

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:28:00 -0400

On Monday, July 8, A Prairie Home Companion’s kicks off the Radio Romance Tour 2013, a 26-city, 27-concert, 30-day, coast-to-coast bus tour that will run from Washington to Maine.

311's Unity Tour 2013 Kicks Off at Starlight

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:09:00 -0400

311, Cypress Hill and G Love & Special Sauce will join forces for Unity Tour 2013.

'Flashdance' Anniversary: Beloved Dance Movie Turns 30

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:51:00 -0400

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the release of the beloved dance movie, Flashdance. Is there a film more symbolic of the 1980s than Flashdance?

March Musical Madness Champion! And the Best Broadway Musical of All Time Is…

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:23:00 -0400

Broadway.com’s March Musical Madness has finally found a winner for the title of All-Time Best Broadway Musical. The championship bracket began with 64 musicals, and now only one remains. And the winner is…

Let Your Camper Take-a-Bow This Summer

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:35:00 -0400

Camp Take-a-Bow is a seven day in-depth look into how to create and stage a character.

Sigur Ros Concert Information

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:27:00 -0400

Sigur Ros will perform at Starlight Theatre on April 4, 2013. Please read the following post for event information and parking information. Enjoy the show!

March Musical Madness, Final Round

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:11:00 -0400

It’s finally here! Broadway.com’s March Musical Madness has reached its championship round, and the two shows in contention for the All-Time Best Broadway Musical just might surprise you!

The Broadway “Dream Team”

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:19:00 -0400

Jack O’Brien has had considerable success directing musicals inspired by films. His personal rule of thumb is don’t tell a story again unless you’re going to tell it from a different angle.

Let Your Kids 'Go Wild' this Summer

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:53:00 -0400

The wildly popular Act Like An Animal Camp held each summer at Starlight and the Kansas City Zoo is filling up fast!

See Every Starlight Concert in Style!

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:13:00 -0400

It's looking to be another star-studded summer of concerts at Starlight. Learn to how you can see every concert in style!

Train to bring 'Mermaids of Alcatraz' to Starlight

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:01:00 -0400

Train brings its "Mermaids of Alcatraz Tour" to Starlight Theatre on July 20 at 7 p.m.

Apply Now for the Vincent Legacy Scholarship

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:09:00 -0400

Starlight is accepting scholarship applications for the Vincent Legacy Scholarships. Approximately two scholarships will be awarded to ethnically diverse youth in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades who have a passionate interest and strong ability in the performing arts.

March Musical Madness, Round Five

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:18:00 -0400

We’ve finally arrived at the Final Four in our March Musical Madness tournament.

Will Clint Eastwood Direct the Jersey Boys Movie?

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:19:00 -0400

What you have to ask yourself is...will Clint Eastwood direct the big-screen adaptation of Jersey Boys? The Oscar-winning filmmaker is in talks with Hollywood producers to take on the highly-anticipated movie musical.

Happy Birthday Kansas City!

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:55:00 -0400

Kansas City celebrates its 160th birthday today and it doesn't look a day over 159.

March Musical Madness, Round Four

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:30:00 -0400

We’re more than halfway done with March Musical Madness, Broadway.com’s search for the best Broadway musical of all time.

March Musical Madness, Round Three

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:15:00 -0400

The games have begun and things are heating up as all of your favorite musicals continue to go head to head until only one champion remains!

March Musical Madness, Round Two

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:27:00 -0400

It's the ultimate question: What is the best Broadway musical of all time?

2013 Tony Awards Sets Date

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

Mark your calendars, The 67th annual Tony Awards will return to Radio City Music Hall on June 9, 2013.

March Musical Madness! What's the Best Broadway Musical of All Time?

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:49:00 -0400

It's the ultimate question: What is the best Broadway musical of all time?

Heart Announces the HEARTBREAKER TOUR!

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:44:00 -0400

2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, HEART, will take their critically acclaimed live show on the road this summer with very special guest Jason Bonham's LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE.

Sign up for one of Starlight Theatre’s Education Camps

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:29:00 -0400

Young stars will experience the magic of musical theatre at any of our spring or summer camps.

REO Speedwagon, STYX and Ted Nugent Set to Launch New Round of "The Midwest Rock 'N Roll Express"

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:02:00 -0400

Last year's debut of "The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express" tour, recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the "Ten Hottest Summer Package Tours of 2012," was such a huge success that Rock's finest from the Midwest - Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent -are teaming up again for another round of shows.

Widespread Panic at Starlight Theatre

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:37:00 -0400

The indomitable Widespread Panic has announced dates for their highly anticipated 2013 Summer Tour.

Starlight Valentine’s Day cards

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:53:00 -0400

Roses are red, violets are blue, we made these Valentine’s cards, just for you!

Starlight Theatre's 2013 Broadway Season

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:13:00 -0400

Starlight Theatre's 2013 Broadway Season will include flying cows, '80s dance craze, the ultimate con man, a little mermaid, rebellious teens, forbidden love and show-stopping musical numbers.

Top 5 Reasons to Season at Starlight

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:48:00 -0400

Starlight will be greater than ever in 2013! Check out the top 5 reasons to be excited about Starlight this year.

Become a Starlight Partner Today!

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:03:00 -0400

Join our FREE Employee Benefit Program to Save Up to 25% off 2013 Broadway Shows.

Starlight Offers 2013 Spring Break Camps

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:02:00 -0400

Spring Break is the perfect time for kids in Kansas City to discover new skills, hidden talents and the thrill of performance!

So Fetch! Tina Fey Confirms Mean Girls Musical In Early Development

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:58:00 -0400

Broadway may get a little more mean thanks to Tina Fey and the Plastics. Seven-time Emmy winner Tina Fey is working on a musical adaptation of her hit 2004 film Mean Girls, according to E! Online.

Nick star Victoria Justice playing Starlight Theatre

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:25:00 -0400

Victoria Justice, star of Nickelodeon's "Victorious," is coming to Starlight Theatre with her "Here's 2 Us Summer Tour." The concert is at 7 p.m. August 12.

Ideas for Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day With Your Kids

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:40:00 -0400

These Martin Luther King Jr. Day crafts can be used to teach children about other colors and cultures, and discuss the principals that Dr Martin Luther King Jr stood for.

Meet the Cast of Flat Stanley

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:47:00 -0400

Meet the wonderful cast of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley! Flat Stanley features some of Kansas City's best professional actors, whose talent has graced numerous KC stages and Broadway.

Get a Soaking Wet First Look at the National Tour of Flashdance

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 22:25:00 -0400

It’s time to live the magic of the '80s all over again as Flashdance makes its way to the stage in a brand new national tour. The musical version ...

Children's Theatre Bus Information

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:27:00 -0400

Children's Theatre Bus Information

Les Misérables Nabs Eight Academy Award Nominations

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:24:00 -0400

Forget storming the barricades, those singing French revolutionaries are heading to the Oscars! The movie adaptation of Les Misérables scored eight Academy Award nominations on January 10 including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hugh Jackman), Best Supporting Actress (Anne Hathaway) and Best Original Song ("Suddenly").

Ink's Office space: Starlight Theatre’s Interactive Marketing Coordinator

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:17:00 -0400

As an open-air theater, Starlight’s time to shine is during the summer months, but for interactive marketing coordinator Adam Watson, there is no off-season.

Sigur Rós Announces Biggest North American Tour to Date!

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:09:00 -0400

Sigur Rós are thrilled to announce their biggest North American tour to date this spring. The trek, which includes a headlining show at New York City’s prestigious Madison Square Garden, will be the most expansive Sigur Rós live experience yet.

Flat Stanley to Take Stage Kauffman Center

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:22:00 -0400

The beloved children's book, Flat Stanley, comes to life when Starlight Children's Theatre presents The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, January 18-20 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway.

Bruno Mars Makes A Splash & Covers The Little Mermaid!

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:43:00 -0400

American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, known for his hits 'Marry You', 'Grenade' and 'The Lazy Song', has now tried something a little different - The Little Mermaid.

Starlight Theatre Academy introduces Frosty Fridays Dec. 21 and 28

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:32:00 -0400

Starlight Theatre Academy is offering students ages 6-12 the opportunity to warm up their imaginations during Frosty Fridays, December 21 and 28 at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road.

The Little Mermaid - Film Trivia

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 16:52:00 -0400

The Little Mermaid was originally released to theaters on November 17, 1989 and is the 28th film in the Walt Disney animated features canon.

What a Feeling! Emily Padgett and Matthew Hydzik to Headline National Tour of Flashdance

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:09:00 -0400

Break out your leg warmers! Emily Padgett and Matthew Hydzik will star in the national tour of Flashdance.

Florence and the Machine Concert Information

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 13:53:00 -0400

Florence and the Machine will perform at Starlight Theatre on October 1, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Ben Folds Five Concert Information

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:59:00 -0400

Jason Mraz Concert Information

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 17:33:00 -0400

Jason Mraz will perform at Starlight Theatre on September 12, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Hall & Oates Concert Information

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:35:00 -0400

Hall & Oates will perform at Starlight Theatre on September 8, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Boston Concert Information

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:30:00 -0400

Boston will perform at Starlight Theatre on September 7, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

La Cage Aux Folles Show Information

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 16:35:00 -0400

La Cage Aux Folles opens tonight and runs through Sunday, Sept. 2. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Phish Concert Information

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:04:00 -0400

Phish will perform at Starlight Theatre on August 22, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

B.B. King Concert Information

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:49:00 -0400

B.B. King will perform at Starlight Theatre on August 17, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Crosby, Stills & Nash Concert Information

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 17:05:00 -0400

Crosby, Stills & Nash will perform at Starlight Theatre on August 9, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

AIDA Show Information

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:37:00 -0400

AIDA opened Fri. Aug. 3 and runs through Sun. Aug 12. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

My Morning Jacket Concert Information

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:15:00 -0400

My Morning Jacket will perform at Starlight Theatre on August 6, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Meet the Cast of AIDA

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:48:00 -0400

AIDA will play at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts August 3-12. A full cast list for this epic tale of forbidden love is posted here.

Counting Crows Concert Information

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:29:00 -0400

Counting Crows will perform at Starlight Theatre on July 31, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

James Taylor Concert Information

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:17:00 -0400

James Taylor will perform at Starlight Theatre on July 21, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Chicago & The Doobie Brothers Concert Information

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:59:00 -0400

Chicago & The Doobie Brothers will perform at Starlight Theatre on July 20, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Powerful voices rock Starlight - Kansas City Star Review

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:47:00 -0400

Starlight Theatre, after last week presenting the splendid touring production of “The Addams Family,” follows up with the outstanding national tour of “Memphis,” a big-hearted show full of big songs and bigger voices. When this rock-musical shifts into high gear the results are electrifying.

Memphis Show Information

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:26:00 -0400

Memphis opens tonight and runs through Sunday, July 15. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

The Addams Family: Review From KC Parent

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:08:00 -0400

Simply say “The Addams Family,’’ and fingers start snapping. The Addams Family was first introduced to America in Charles Addams' 1938 The New Yorker cartoon strip, where the characters spookily entertained readers for fifty years. In 1964, they came to life on the campy television sitcom, and again for movies of the 1990s. Now, they're back winning over a new generation with a Broadway musical, a finger-snapping, belly-laughing, fun-filled production running through July 8 at Starlight

Macabre ‘Addams Family’ musical is first class - KC Star Review

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:54:00 -0400

Your humble theater critic never saw “The Addams Family” on Broadway and so has no way of judging how the show was reworked before the national tour hit the road — although the revisions were said to be substantial.

The Addams Family Show Information

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:09:00 -0400

The Addams Family opens tonight and runs through Sunday, July 8. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Red, White & Boom Concert Information

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 01:24:00 -0400

Red, White & Boom will perform at Starlight Theatre on June 23, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

REO Speedwagon, STYX and Ted Nugent Concert Information

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:11:00 -0400

REO Speedwagon, STYX and Ted Nugent will perform at Starlight Theatre on June 21, 2012. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show

In The Heights Review KCStage.com

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:55:00 -0400

Last night I had the exciting experience that every musical theatre lover longs for! I went to Starlight Theatre with no real knowledge of the show. I knew it had won some Tonys and some Drama Desk awards and even a Grammy for best cast recording. But, I had not seen a step, heard a note or even knew the storyline of "In the Heights".

In The Heights Review: Starlight has a contemporary winner with “In the Heights”

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:51:00 -0400

In the Heights seems fresh and spontaneous despite its long gestation and history. Originally conceived by student composer Lin-Manuel Miranda during his college years, the story attracted the interest of the Broadway producers of Rent and The Drowsy Chaperone in 2000. After workshops, additional collaborations and refinement, the show opened in Connecticut and then moved to an off-Broadway theater in New York for seven years. After more than 200 performances it finally moved to Broadway, but not without even more changes to the script and score.

In The Heights Show Information

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:48:00 -0400

In The Heights opens tonight and runs through Sunday, June 10. Please read the following post for event information, parking information and directions to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

In The Heights Fan Art

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:36:00 -0400

n The Heights has inspired fans to follow their dreams and has built a loyal following. The show has even inspired some fans to create artwork, animation, dances and YouTube videos. Below are a few of the best examples of In The Heights fan art on the internet.

Congratulations to all of the 2012 Blue Star Award recipients, nominees and participating high schools!

Fri, 25 May 2012 02:12:00 -0400

Congratulations to all of the 2012 Blue Star Award recipients, nominees and participating high schools! Thank you for helping us celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre by attending our Blue Star Ceremony on Thursday, May 24.

…and the winners (highlighted in blue) are…

Star of NBC'S SMASH to Headline Blue Star Awards Ceremony

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:26:00 -0400

Brian d’Arcy James, a twice Tony®-nominated Broadway actor currently starring in a television show about Broadway will serve as the celebrity awards presenter at Starlight’s 10th annual Blue Star Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 24. James just finished production on the first season of NBC’s Smash and plays “Frank Houston”, husband of Debra Messing’s character.

And the 2012 Blue Star Awards Nominees Are ...

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:46:00 -0400

Congratulations to all of the nominees, and thank you to all of our Blue Star Awards Program participating schools for the 2011-2012 season! Be sure to come and support your fellow participants during an amazing evening under the stars at the Blue Star Ceremony on Thursday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). …and the nominees are…

Tony Awards 2012: List of nominees‎

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:27:00 -0400

Here is the list of nominations for the 2012 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards, announced Tuesday, May 1. The awards will be handed out on June 10, in a ceremony at New York's Beacon Theater airing live on CBS. Neil Patrick Harris will host for the third time.

Broadway News: Oprah Winfrey Feels the Music in Her Soul at Memphis

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:08:00 -0400

Oprah Winfrey might be one of the busiest women on the planet running an empire that includes talk shows, a magazine and, let’s not forget, her very own OWN ...

Neil Patrick Harris to Return as Host of 2012 Tony Awards

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:03:00 -0400

Emmy-winning TV star and Broadway vet Neil Patrick Harris has signed on to host the 2012 Tony Awards, his third stint as emcee. The 66th annual Tony ceremony will be held at the Beacon Theatre on June 10 and telecast live by CBS-TV.

Barenaked Ladies to Pen Animal House Musical

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:16:00 -0400

Bluto, Otter and Boon may be leaving the frat house for a Broadway house! The 1978 college comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House is getting a musical adaptation, with a score by Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies and a libretto by Michael Mitnick.

John Mayer's 'Born And Raised' Track List

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:03:00 -0400

Less than two weeks after releasing a 60-second clip of his upcoming single "Shadow Days," John Mayer has revealed the release date and track list for his new album Shadow Days.

Concert Announcement: STYX, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:41:00 -0400

In one of the better classic guitar-rock packages you're going to see all summer, Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon and Styx are teaming up for what they're calling 'The Midwest Rock 'N' Roll Express' Tour.

HBO Buys New Broadway-Themed Comedy 44th Street

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:04:00 -0400

HBO has bought 44th Street, a new Broadway-themed TV comedy by Paul Simms (NewsRadio), according to Deadline.com.

Nick Jonas kicked off Broadway Week on 'Jimmy Fallon'

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:20:00 -0400

It's Broadway Week on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" next week, and the five nights of musical numbers from Broadway shows kicked off with Nick Jonas doing a song from the musical comedy "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying."

Google Doodle Honors 'Addams Family' Creator Charles Addams

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:02:00 -0400

Halloween was more than two months ago, but the Google homepage still has a rather ghoulish quality to it today. The search giant is celebrating the 100th birthday of Addams Family creator Charles Addams with a doodle featuring the famously spooky family.

5 Reasons to be Excited About Starlight in 2012

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:46:00 -0400

Starlight will be bigger than ever in 2012! Check out the 5 reasons to be excited about Starlight this year.

Starlight's 12 Days of Winter - Day 12

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:32:00 -0400