Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
We’re proud to announce that Hairspray, Starlight’s self-produced show of the 2018 Shawnee Mission Health Broadway Series, has been nominated for numerous BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards! Hairspray featured local actors alongside Tony Award nominee Brad Oscar and other talented performers from across the country. Hairspray is nominated in the following categories: Best Actor in a … Continued
If you don't feel like you can adequately express your gratitude this Thanksgiving in your own words, one of the most simple solutions is to use a heartfelt song. We've put together a list of the best show tunes that say everything from "thank you" to "let's eat." A family gathering isn't complete without the … Continued
Thanksgiving is arguably one of Broadway’s favorite holidays – with many current productions and Broadway alumni performing live during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! The 92nd annual parade airs Thursday, Nov. 22 with coverage on NBC and CBS. Performance details are as follows - NBC – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Thursday, Nov. 22 at 8 a.m. … Continued
On this week's episode of Talkin' With Taylor, we sit down with Mike Tyler - an Australian magician who took his career to a whole new level when he and his best mate, Christopher Wayne, decided to trade in their top hats and capes for a totally different kind of magic show. Get a sneak … Continued
The Vincent Legacy Scholarship family now includes 36 young men and women who are making an impact on their families, schools and communities. In each issue of this newsletter, we share news about scholar accomplishments and upcoming events. Congratulations to all of our scholars on their successes! DESTANE JACKSON 2013 Scholar Destane Jackson shared her … Continued
The Naked Magicians is the perfect night out on the town - and before the Friday evening performances, Starlight Indoors patrons ages 21 plus can enhance their experience with a pre-show wine tasting from Kansas City’s own Amigoni Urban Winery. With five wines to taste, plus a delectable charcuterie and cheese plate, this pre-show event is … Continued
The Starlight STARS celebrated the end of another successful season in late October, wrapping up with a final master class and pizza party with program donors Howard and Ro Jacobson in attendance. The members of this high school performance troupe were eager to share highlights of their involvement in the program. Many mentioned how the … Continued
Thank you to all who voted for Starlight Theatre in The Pitch’s 2018 Best of KC Awards! We’re proud to announce that we won both “Best Live Theater” and “Best Outdoor Venue” and were finalists in “Best Live Music Venue (Over 1,000).” This year was the biggest yet with over 370 categories to choose from. … Continued
Starlight Theatre patrons attending the July 28 performance of Hairspray had something to cheer about before the show even began. They were the first to publicly welcome the four newest Vincent Legacy Scholars – Erica Brown, Natalia Castaneda, James Hawkins and Tahraji Milsap – to the Starlight stage. The new scholars, who are now busy pursuing performing … Continued
The first-ever Blue Star Awards Student Council held its first of five meetings during the 2018-19 school year at Starlight Theatre on Oct. 28. Throughout the year, student council members will represent their peers and schools, with the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas as the program progresses. The goal is for the students … Continued
Calling all young professionals! Do you or someone you know want to become more involved with Starlight Theatre? Applications are now available for the Young Friends of Starlight Steering Committee, and it’s the perfect way to be a part of our team! Steering Committee members lead Young Friends of Starlight initiatives and serve at least … Continued
Students who participate in Starlight Theatre’s education and outreach programs took center stage Sept. 22 as they entertained more than 400 guests who gathered for Starlight’s 32nd Annual Benefit Gala. Among the 35 middle and high school students who sang and danced their way into the hearts of gala attendees were four Vincent Legacy Scholars. … Continued
On this week’s episode, Wicked has announces a 15th Anniversary Special, the Mrs. Doubtfire Musical finds its director, the West End’s production of Funny Girl heads to cinemas, and “Together We Shine” at Starlight’s 32nd Annual Gala. Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Ariana Grande Share ‘Wicked’ Memories for NBC Fellow Ozians--it’s official! The original stars of Wicked, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, … Continued
Congratulations to Kansas City Parks Director Mark McHenry, who was honored with a leadership award from the Southtown Council at their annual awards luncheon. The community gathered on October 19th to celebrate outstanding accomplishments and contributions of area businesses, institutions, neighborhoods, organizations and individuals. McHenry plans to retire at the end of 2018 after a … Continued
Just announced – the brand-new musical American Girl Live makes its Kansas City premiere April 23-28, 2019, at Starlight Indoors! Brought to life by an incredible, all-female creative team, American Girl Live features original songs and unforgettable experiences, with a powerful message—that every girl is the hero of her own story. This theatrical show is set at Camp American Girl, … Continued
On this week’s episode, Al Roker joins the cast of Waitress on Broadway, A Star Is Born opens in cinemas, Andrew Lloyd Webber earned an EGOT, and we’ve announced our 2019 AdventHealth Broadway Series here at Starlight. Nicolette Robinson and Al Roker Extend Runs in Broadway's Waitress The Today Show’s featured anchor and favorite weatherman, Al Roker, has traded in … Continued
Visit KC is once again giving travelers the opportunity to vote for their Kansas City favorites and Starlight Theatre was lucky enough to get a nomination! If you live outside of the five Kansas City metro counties and you love Starlight, we’d love your vote for Favorite Concert/Live Music Venue. The Visitors’ Choice Awards returns … Continued
Open Spaces is the Midwest’s brand-new, premier arts festival hosted right here in Kansas City. Opening August 25 and running through October 28, it includes visual art installations, presentations and concerts at a variety of locations throughout the metro area. In Swope Park, patrons will find Open Spaces’ main hub, “The Village.” On Saturdays and … Continued
There’s still time for qualifying high schools to join the 2018-19 Blue Star Awards! Kansas City area high schools that have previously participated in the Blue Star Awards have completed their registration processes, and now Starlight is opening up registrations to schools that are new to the program or whose participation may have lapsed. The … Continued
On this week’s episode, The Heart of Rock & Roll opens at the Old Globe, The Greatest Showman soundtrack hits double-platinum, Be More Chill extends its off-Broadway run, and auditions for the Starlight STARS of tomorrow are right around the corner. Huey Lewis Brings The ‘Heart Of Rock & Roll’ To The Old Globe Inspired by the iconic songs of Huey Lewis and the … Continued
On this week's episode of Talkin' With Taylor, Taylor sits down with Jeff Hobson, who joins the national tour of The Illusionists as "The Trickster" - playing now at Starlight Theatre. Find out how Jeff started his magic career, what it's like to open a show at the Sydney Opera House, and even get a sneak peek of The Illusionists when Jeff shows Taylor a trick. The Illusionists is the … Continued
Although our summer under the stars will soon come to a close, we still have one more exciting concert to share with Kansas City concertgoers this season. The National returns to Starlight Theatre on October 7 in support of their critically acclaimed new album Sleep Well Beast with special guest Alvvays. An American rock band formed in … Continued
Starlight Theatre’s 2019 AdventHealth Broadway Series lineup features Broadway classics, new stage hits and crowd-pleasing jukebox musicals. With so many fantastic productions hitting the road, Starlight booked a season to encompass five week-long Broadway musicals in addition to two weekend specials—giving patrons the ability to add or swap and customize their season to be truly … Continued
Starlight celebrated its 32nd Annual Benefit Gala Saturday, September 22, with co-chairs The Deramus Family and Jean & Don Wagner hosting a wonderful evening under the stars with the theme, “Together We Shine.” Shine they did, as guests came together to support and raise funds – more than $600,000 – that will benefit Starlight in … Continued
Our Starlight stage is heating up! And we mean… really heating up. They say that good magicians don’t need sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants, and The Naked Magicians have accepted that challenge. They will disrobe at Starlight Indoors for two days, four performances only, Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17. Starring Mike Tyler and … Continued
On this week’s episode, The Illusionists return to Broadway, An American In Paris will be screened in cinemas, Starlight gets a visit from a hard working dog, and Grumpy Old Men The Musical closes its sold-out run. The Illusionists return to Broadway The Illusionists just announced a limited Broadway engagement that will make for a truly magical holiday season! Hot off the heels … Continued
On this week's special episode of Talkin' With Taylor, Taylor talks to Chicago The Musical's dance captain, Christophe Caballero, before learning a few iconic Bob Fosse steps himself. The longest-running American musical on Broadway, Chicago tells the tale of a group of merry murderesses who've landed in the Cook County Jail and features some of the most legendary choreography … Continued
Do you know a student in grades 6 through 8 who loves to sing, dance and act? Encourage him or her to audition for Starlight STARS of Tomorrow—a musical theatre training and performance program for area youth! Members of Starlight STARS of Tomorrow receive training in acting, singing and dance, attend a master class with … Continued
As Kansas City ushers in the beginning of a beautiful fall season, Starlight is pleased to have a range of concerts for a variety of music lovers to enjoy under the stars at Swope Park. Already this month, Ian Anderson presented 50 years of Jethro Tull on Saturday, Sept. 1, and Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band brought … Continued
Now in its 87th year, the Plaza Art Fair will once again delight Kansas Citians September 21-23 at the Country Club Plaza. A top-ranked, national art event, the Plaza Art Fair includes local venue booths, live music stages and local fare, in addition to incredible visual artists from across the country. Starlight Theatre will host … Continued