Calendar of events - February

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Through Feb 25-2012 Polar Plunge® - Kansas Chicken Registration, Any Kansas Polar Plunge® location; Are you too chicken to plunge into the frigid Kansas waters for the Polar Plunge®? Do you still want to raise money and show your support for our athletes? Register here as a chicken, raise your donations and earn the same cool incentives as the Plungers! Luke Schulte: 913.236.9290; schultel@ksso.org ; www.ksso.org/kansascity

Through Feb 26- UMKC Theatre’s
BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR, Kansas City Actors Theatre, National WWI Museum, Liberty Memorial, 100 W. 26th St, Kansas City, Mo 64108; MAP; Written and composed by John Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson; Directed by John Rensenhouse; Featuring Grant Fletcher Prewitt and Cary Mock; Co-produced with UMKC Theatre and Kansas City Actors Theatre; This contemporary classic of Canadian theater uses music and stagecraft to examine what heroism means…and what it takes to turn an innocent into a warrior; Free Parking; Casual dress; cto@umkc.edu; www.umkctheatre.org;
Tickets: $30-$34/door, $26-$34/adv; 816-235-6222; Purchase tickets online
Previews Feb 10-15
Feb 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Starts at 7:30pm
Feb 18, 19, 25, 26: Starts at 2pm
Talk with the Cast! post show discussions February 12, 17 & 22
Ask questions about the preparations and research that have gone into staging the show, the challenges faced by Canada's flying ace and insights into WWI. A member of the Museum's staff will also participate in the discussion.
Enjoy Dinner Before the Show Feb 18 and 25
The WWI Museum's "Over There Cafe" is offering a buffet dinner before
evening performances; Reservations limited! Reservations: 816-235-6222
The menu features Chicken Marsala with roasted garlic pasta, Caesar salad, garlic bread and apple pie

Through Feb 26-Romeo & Juliet, Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 906 Grand Blvd # 11; Kansas City, MO 64106-2010; MAP; Shakespeare’s classic love story has inspired music, theater and dance for more than 400 years. One of the most popular ballets in history, this beloved tale of youthful passion, family conflict and its tragic consequences has riveted audiences since it was first performed. Set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev, this stirring ballet evokes the power of young love; Box Office: 816-931-2232; http://www.kcballet.org/
Sat 2/18/12 7:30pm
Sun 2/19/12 2:00pm
Fri 2/24/12 7:30pm
Sat 2/25/12 7:30pm
Sun 2/26/12 2:00pm

Through Feb 29-(Wednesdays only)-Wild Walkers, Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Dr, KCMO 64132; 9am; Exclusive to FOTZ members; Senior FOTZ members can start their day with an early walk through the Zoo before it opens to the public. Club members will receive various perks as they reach milestones as well as early admission to the Zoo each Wednesday, a Club card and special events and activities. Not a Friends of the Zoo member? You can buy your membership that day and save; a portion of the proceeds are tax deductable; A benefit for the Kansas City Zoo; Free parking; Casual comfortable walking attire; 816.513.5800; http://www.kansascityzoo.org/

Through Mar 10-HOME: A Juried Exhibition presente by P&M Artworks, The Writers Place, 3607 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64111; Artists Erin Russell, Ernest Wedoff, Kate Clements, Sara Bogosh, Teal Wilson, Jasmine Zelaya, Ashley Lugo, Jonah Criswell, Roberto Lugo, Maegan Stracy, Yulie Urano, Zac Miley, and Laura Blumenberg; http://www.writersplace.org/
Opening Night: Jan 14; 6-9pm; free hors d' oeuvres and drinks; half-way through the night we will announce 1st, 2nd and 3rd cash prizes for Best in Show

Through Mar 10-Get Comfortable with Drawing adult studio class, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO; $160, Museum members receive a 20% discount; Learn the basics of putting what you see on the page by drawing from objects in the collection at the museum; work with graphite, charcoal and other drawing media in lessons focusing on line, shape, value, proportion and composition; 816-751-1278; http://www.nelsonatkins.org/
Classes:
Jan 19–March 8, Thursdays, 6:30–8:30pm
Jan 21–March 10, Saturdays, 10am–Noon
Find more classes online

Through Mar 18- World premiere of THE GREAT IMMENSITY, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Copaken Stage, One H&R Block Way (13th and Walnut), KCMO; MAP; Music & Lyrics by Michael Friedman; Book by Steven Cosson; Directed by Steven Cosson; In Collaboration with The Civilians; Supported by Funds from the National Science Foundation; A Recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award; “The Civilians deserve credit as top-notch journalists, creating portraits that are vivid, agenda-free and marked by benevolent irony.”- The New Yorker; Original. Mesmerizing. Catalyzing. Acclaimed theatre innovators The Civilians are celebrated for their endlessly inventive and entertaining spin on the most pressing issues of our time. They now bring their provocative and groundbreaking approach to storytelling to the Rep; an original musical that is part mystery and part morality tale; woven into the story about two sisters’ global journey are authentic interviews with top scientists, indigenous community leaders and those who have been touched by the reality of climate change, deforestation and endangered ecosystems; Appropriate for middle school and up; 816.235.2700; http://www.kcrep.org/
PARKING for Rep patrons is in the H&R Block parking garage, under the building; Park on level 2 through 5 (there is no elevator on level 1); enter the building through the H&R Block center elevator which will take you up to the lobby. The garage is accessible from both Main and Walnut between 13th & 14th streets. Patrons may park in the H&R Block garage starting at 5:00 pm on weeknights and all day Saturday and Sunday on performance days only and only if you have tickets for that performance! If you arrive before 6:00 on weeknights, please press the button at the gate and announce that you are there for the Rep performance
SIGNED PERFORMANCES: The third Saturday matinee of each production for hearing impaired
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES: With advance notice, audio description is available for groups of 15 or more for any Rep production. Large-print and Braille programs available for each performance; House Manager: 816.235.2780
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM: Members of the artistic team lead a lively conversation about the creative process behind the play, followed by Q&A; Wednesday, Feb 22, following the 7pm performance
SCHOLARS’ FORUM: Noted scholars and experts lead an in-depth discussion about relevant issues in the play, followed by Q&A; Saturday, Mar 3, following the 2pm performance
ACTORS’ FORUMS: Cast members return to the stage to answer questions in post-performance discussions; Sunday, Mar 4, following the 2pm performance; Tuesday, Mar 6, following the 7pm performance

Through Mar 22-CANstruction, Ward Parkway Shopping Center; free admission; Benefit for Harvesters - The Community Food Network; Teams of Kansas City architects, engineers and contractors build amazing structures using cans of food; when the exhibit closes, the cans are donated to Harvesters; structures are displayed for one month; Megan Hunter: 816-929-3016; mhunter@harvesters.org ; http://www.harvesters.org/

Tickets on sale for July 21st James Taylor concert at Starlight Theatre; 9am; can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at Starlight Theatre Box Office; (816) 363-7827; http://www.kcstarlight.com/

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Feb 24-Kids Night Out 2012, Crown Center Exhibit Hall; 5pm; $300; Benefit for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City; The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City celebrate 100 years of service in Kansas City in 2012! Dinner, silent and live auctions and program featuring a celebrity guest star; Julie O'Rourke: 816-361-3600; giving@helpkckids.org ; http://www.helpkckids.org/

Feb 24-Rhythm of the Prairie Art Exhibit, John Wornall House, 6115 Wornall Rd., KCMO; 5:30-8:00pm; FREE; A new visual art series to showcase regional artists. Join us for wine and hors d’oeuvres and a chance to meet the artist, while guitarist Kelly Werts performs original arrangements of traditional and popular themes. Both individuals bring a constantly evolving sense of discovery to their work; free parking; Casual Dress ; Kandice Walker: 816-444-1858; kandice@wornallhouse.org; http://www.wornallhouse.org/

Feb 24-Zola Jesus, The Granada, 1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS 66044; $13; http://www.thegranada.com/

Feb 24-25-The Western Farm Show, American Royal Complex, Kansas City, MO; features more than 500 exhibits of the latest farm and livestock equipment, buildings, fertilizer, feed, seed and much more. The Family Living Center and Health & Safety Roundup provide products and information for the entire family; 816-561-5323; http://www.westernfarmshow.com/

Feb 24-25-Washington Days, Topeka Ramada Inn, 420 SE 6th Avenue; annual dinner and celebration of Kansas Democrats in Topeka; RSVP Elizabeth Keever: 785-234-0425 (x 704); Elizabeth@kansasdems.org

Feb 24-26-FREEDOM SISTERS: STAMPING, SHOUTING, SINGING HOME, Coterie Theatre, Level One, Crown Center, KCMO; Preteen / Young Adult Series; By Lisa Evans; It is the 1950s in the Deep South and Lizzie Walker cannot silence the voice of her great-great-great grandmother Sojourner Truth, freedom fighter of slavery. Lizzie listens to her, and in the process, discovers her own voice...fearless, joyful, full of resolve; Parking is free for patrons with ticket validation at the Coterie Box office; Box Office (816) 474-6552; http://www.coterietheatre.org/

Feb 24-26-Riverdance, Music Hall (entrance off 14th Street), 301 West 13th St., KCMO 64105; $30-$69; Walk-up sales at the Municipal Auditorium Box Office Monday-Friday 10am-5pm; focuses on the evolution of Irish dance and its similarities with, and influences on, other cultures; TicketMaster: 800.745.3000; http://www.ticketmaster.com/; (816) 513-5000; 800-821-7060; http://theaterleague.com/
Fri; 8:00pm
Sat; 2:00pm
Sat; 8:00pm
Sun; 1:00pm
Sun; 6:30pm

Feb 24-March 11-HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS; MAP; $18; winner of a Pulitizer Prize for drama (Presented as a Fun Musical Comedy), written by Frankl Loesser and Abe Burrows (the team that wrote “Guys and Dolls”) and is directed at the Barn Players / Barn Players Theatre by Eric Van Horn; Narration by KMBC-TV’s Joel Nichols; a story about the triumph of the common man. The hero is a window washer named J. Pierrepont Finch. After Finch happens upon a book entitled 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', he decides to begin his rise up the corporate ladder. Following the instructions of the book, Finch lands a job in the mailroom at the World Wide Wicket Company. With the help of his handy book, Finch quickly gains promotions and outsmarts his rival, Bud Frump-who also happens to be the boss's nephew. Finch then gains the love of Rosemary, a secretary at the company. In the end, however, after Finch's ad campaign goes awry, the book can no longer help him. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama
TICKETS; 913-432-9100; 888-838-3006 and 1-800-838-3006 (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/) or http://www.thebarnplayers.org/
INFO LINE on the theatre, shows, season tickets and/or for group sales: 913-432-9100; discounts apply for seniors, students and groups of ten or more
Friday evenings 7:30pm
Saturday evenings 7:30pm
Sunday matinees 2:00pm

Feb 24-May 19-Puppet Slam, Paul Mesner Puppets, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio; https://tickets.cto.umkc.edu/public/load_screen.asp

Feb 25-41st Annual Scholarship Ball, The Westin Crown Center Hotel; Mass begins at 4:30pm; $175; Benefit for Benedictine College; known for its outstanding production, presentations and variety show; Sue Durkin: 913-360-7401; sdurkin@benedictine.edu ; www.benedictine.edu/scholarshipball

Feb 25-Flights and Kites, Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport; 5:30pm; $50; Benefit for CASA of Jackson and Johnson/Wyandotte counties and Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta; food from local restaurants paired with a variety of wine; Kristin McCauley: 785-741-1701; flightsandkites@gmail.com ; http://www.flightsandkites.blogspot.com/

Feb 25-UMKC School of Law alumni and friends: The Big Event, Hilton President Kansas City; 6pm; $75; Benefit for UMKC School of Law; music, dinner and cocktails; Co-hosted by the Law Foundation and the Law Alumni Association; Cary Powers: 816-235-5361; powerscl@umkc.edu ; http://www.law.umkc.edu/

Feb 25-Variety Show 2012, The Midland by AMC; 6pm; $50; Benefit for Variety Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City; some of KC's most recognizable philanthropists/celebrities share the stage with local professional entertainers; Deborah Wiebrecht: 913-558-2309; varietykc@gmail.com ; http://www.varietykc.org/

Feb 25-Sixth annual Hoops & Sneakers Gala, Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center; 6pm; $150; Benefit for American Diabetes Association; live/silent auctions, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, program, dinner, and dancing. Ladies: hoop earrings ready, and men, put on your lucky sneakers!; Linda Crider: 913-383-8210; lcrider@diabetes.org ; www.diabetes.org/hoopsandsneakers

Feb 25-George Strait and Martina McBride, Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd, KCMO; $69.50-$79.50; (816) 949-7100; http://www.sprintcenter.com/

Feb 25-The Latenight Callers and Federation of Horsepower, Beaumont Club, 4050 Pennsylvania, KCMO 64111; $7-$11.45: (816) 561-2560

Feb 25-The Next Big Thing Tour, The Granada, 1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS 66044; $15; http://www.thegranada.com/

Feb 25-Reverend Horton Heat, The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS 66044; $16

Feb 26-Script in Hand Series: MASTER CLASS by Terrence McNally; Truman Forum, Central Library, 14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO; FREE, but please RSVP; These have been "sellouts" in recent years; some of the great literary works of our time illustrated on stage; Presented by Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre under the sponsorship of the Kansas City Public Library; Reservations: 816.701.3407; http://www.kclibrary.org/

Feb 26-Once Upon a Time, Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown; 3pm; $100; Benefit for The Children's SPOT at Saint Luke's Hospital; family-friendly, child-inspired event for children and their grown ups; Sara Toppen: 816-932-7489; stoppen@saint-lukes.org ; www.saintlukesgiving.org/spot

Feb 26-Cabaret, Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center; 6pm; $500; Benefit and 25th anniversary celebration for Rose Brooks Center; dining and entertainment from stage and screen's favorite leading lady, Kristin Chenoweth; Sarah North: 816-523-5550; sarahn@rosebrooks.org ; http://www.rosebrooks.org/

Feb 26-The 84th Academy Awards ceremony, the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California; Billy Crystal will host. This will be Crystal's ninth time hosting the awards ceremony; ABC; http://www.oscars.org/

Feb 29-Rusko, Liberty Hall, 642 Massachusetts St; Lawrence, KS 66044; $25-$33.65; (785) 749-1972; http://www.libertyhall.net/




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