KCUR Arts

Inside the Kansas City Ballet's Annual Production of "The Nutcracker"

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

This year marks the Kansas City Ballet's 39th annual production of The Nutcracker. It's a holiday tradition, with a cast of just over 200; most of whom are children.

Playing Scrooge

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens depicted his iconic Ebenezer Scrooge as the original grumpy old man - someone whose mean streak is matched only by his unyielding pockets. That he becomes a gentler man by the close of the story is no surprise to anyone who's seen Kansas City Repertory Theatre's production of the play over the past 31 years.

Charlie Pryor And The Brush Creek Follies

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

A granddaughter's quest to find recordings of her musician grandfather uncovers the story of Kansas City's legendary western swing radio show, the Brush Creek Follies.

A Move for "Messiah"

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

This year marks the first time Handel's "Messiah" will not be performed at the Community of Christ Auditorium in Independence since 1916. The challenge: how to transfer the sound of almost 250 voices from a cavernous hall to the more intimate Helzberg Hall.

Terpsichore for Kansas City: Sound and Light Installation in a Garage

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Parking garages in Kansas City are infused with art – from the light and sound work called Pulse, next to City Hall; to the dancing lights in the underground garage at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art from a reflecting pool overhead. In the new parking garage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, there's a public art installation activated by movement.

Ferdinand's Tale Set To Solo Violin

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

In the 1970s, "The Story of Ferdinand" was set to solo violin by British composer Alan Ridout. The musical version will be presented next weekend at the Kansas City Public Library by the Bach Aria Soloists.

"Avenue Q" at the Jewish Community Center

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Tony-award winning musical "Avenue Q" satirizes children's television programs, like "Sesame Street." But it echoes the life lessons with a subversive twist. "Avenue Q" has its Midwest premiere at the Jewish Community Center.

WEB EXTRA: Interview with Idina Menzel

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Tony Award winning performer Idina Menzel has had a career on stage, in films and television, and in music. This weekend, she joins the Kansas City Symphony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kansas City Young Audiences.

Golden Anniversary for Kansas City Young Audiences

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

When Kansas City Young Audiences was founded in 1961, its mission was to provide children in local schools the chance to see and hear classical music performances they might otherwise never experience. The definition of arts education has expanded through the years.

Harvest Moon Festival Returned Spirit Of Osage To Troost

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

For the past few years, 31st and Troost has been home to the Troost Festival. But this year, a new festival took root at the spot. A festival that taps into the Indian history of the place.