Starlight Stories: The 1950s As we approach the 75th anniversary of Starlight Theatre in 2025, we’re taking a look at the history of the venue, decade by decade. Today, we’re looking at the 1950s. Starlight opened in 1950, but the plan began well before that. “The Starlight Story” was written by Jim McQueeny and appeared … Continued
Starlight News
Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
Know the Show: Jagged Little Pill Jagged Little Pill is a show you feel. Joy, strength, love, courage, catharsis, LIFE: everything you want in a Broadway show can be found in this Tony and GRAMMY Award-winning new musical. Show History Synopsis Jagged Little Pill presents a vivid, messy, and chaotic portrayal of a modern-day family … Continued
Starlight Theatre’s Bob Rohlf Internship Program offers college students the opportunity to work closely with professionals each summer. These internships take place in various departments of Starlight including Marketing, Community Engagement, Operations and more. Meet some of the talented interns working at Starlight this summer! Nicole – Private Events Intern, Event Services Department Nicole is attending … Continued
We are thrilled to announce that Starry Night at Starlight raised an astonishing $121,615, contributing to the growth and development of the Bob Rohlf Internship program. Held Saturday, July 22, the event featured 18 All-Stars, a group of Kansas City’s most dynamic and charitable movers and shakers, who led the charge on fundraising. We are … Continued
Here’s what you need to know before you see 1776 at Starlight July 25-30. Show History The original production premiered on Broadway in 1969, winning three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It was made into a film in 1972 and revived on Broadway in 1997 and 2022. This new production is a Kansas City and … Continued
When most people think about Starlight, they remember the Broadway shows or concerts they’ve experienced. Maybe they think about sitting next to the fountain with friends on a beautiful evening or marveling at the iconic towers rising above Swope Park. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to work here? Sitting behind … Continued
Experience the world’s most iconic band and get back to where you once belonged with Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles. Only at Starlight July 21-23. Show History Synopsis: Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles performs songs from Abbey Road & the Rooftop Concert LIVE, in addition to all your favorite hits. This mind-blowing performance takes … Continued
Since 2006, Starlight has been helping young performers develop their unique gifts and experience the life-expanding possibilities of the performing arts through the Vincent Legacy Scholarship program. These scholarships are awarded to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) middle-school students who display talent, passion, and an interest in community service. Following an application and … Continued
Starlight has launched a new mobile ticket delivery platform for all shows and concerts. Now, ticket buyers have access to a mobile ticket wallet, which can be easily accessed from any internet enabled device. Through this platform, Starlight is able to instantly update tickets when buyers make an exchange or purchase extra seats. Tickets can … Continued
Two adorable pups will be featured on the Starlight stage in Legally Blonde The Musical July 7-13. Get tickets online or call our ticketing services team at (816) 363-7827. Starlight held “dog-ditions” earlier this year to find just the right dogs for the roles of Bruiser Woods, trusty sidekick to human Elle Woods, and Rufus, … Continued
The witty musical 1776 captured audiences’ attention with thought-provoking dialogue and choreography when it first premiered on Broadway in 1969. The current production at Starlight July 25-30 maintains the original wit while it guarantees that you have never seen these figures, or this pivotal story, like this before. A cast that reflects multiple races, genders, and … Continued
Jagged Little Pill is recommended for mature audiences only. The show unpacks struggles with addiction, trauma, and sexual identity, and may be uncomfortable for some audiences. Please consider the following content when deciding if Jagged Little Pill is a show you’d like to see. Jagged Little Pill is a show you feel. Joy, strength, love, courage, catharsis, LIFE: everything you want in … Continued
Starlight is serving up a new experience for concert goers. The new Ovation Lounge offers high-end liquor mixed with a dash of Starlight history and served in an intimate cocktail lounge. Add in a splash of air conditioning for the perfect spot to cool off on a summer evening. “We’re excited to pilot the use … Continued
Here’s everything you need to know before you see Legally Blonde The Musical July 7-13! Show History Premiered on Broadway in 2007 Nominated for seven Tony® Awards Based on the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film Synopsis The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at … Continued
Starlight Theatre has introduced Theme Nights for the 2023 Broadway season. Each show in the series has a theme night with special activities, speakers, or food and drink. All of the events include discounts on tickets. “Theme nights are a great addition to the summer fun at Starlight,” said Anna Gicinto, Private Events Coordinator. “They … Continued
A new sculpture by artist Douglas Kornfeld was revealed on the north lawn of Starlight Theatre on June 2. The work is comprised of two large, abstracted faces made of bent steel tubing painted boldly in red. The artist was inspired by masks symbolizing tragedy and comedy that originated in ancient Greece. “The ancient masks … Continued
Here’s what you need to know before you see Jesus Christ Superstar at Starlight, June 20-25. Show History One of the most successful musicals in modern history, Jesus Christ Superstar was created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber when they were 25 and 21 years old. Initially, the team was unable to secure funding … Continued
Share your love of Starlight by voting for us in Kansas City Magazine’s 2023 Best of KC Awards. Best of KC celebrates Kansas Citians’ favorites in more than 260 categories ranging from concert venues, restaurants, shopping, and more! Voting for us is an easy way to show your appreciation for Starlight and the arts experiences … Continued
Gabe in Group Sales has worked at Starlight for 1 ½ years but his love of Broadway musicals goes back much further. He knows who is starring in the current shows on Broadway as well as who isn’t. He has a banner of Barbra Streisand above his desk and recently saw 5 shows in one … Continued
Another season of Broadway shows and concerts has begun at Starlight Theatre, so now is a good time to review our weather policy! Generally, all events are held rain or shine, with the exception of severe/dangerous weather. The following tips can help you stay dry and safe during your visit to Starlight. Dress for Success: … Continued
Starlight is pleased to share the 2022-23 Blue Star Awards winners, who were just announced in a red-carpet ceremony at Starlight Theatre Wednesday, May 17. Twenty-nine winners took home the top prizes in 26 categories, and more than $6,500 in scholarships were awarded to deserving high school students. The ceremony also featured 11 onstage performances. … Continued
Do you enjoy a beer with Broadway? Candy at a concert? Starlight concessions offer a wide variety of food and beverage choices to satisfy appetites and quench thirsts. Whether you arrive hungry for a light meal or need a beverage to keep you cool, our concessions at Starlight are ready for your business. 2023 Concession … Continued
Starlight Theatre is excited to host the following cast for Legally Blonde, July 7-13! Principal Cast (Elle Woods) Carrie St. Louis (Emmett) Gerald Caesar
Here’s what you need to know before you see Tootsie at Starlight, May 19-21. Synopsis As a talented but difficult actor, Michael Dorsey struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. By creating the persona of Dorothy Michaels, his star begins to rise and soon he … Continued
Growing up in Burlington, Kansas, Kameron Cole was the only Black girl in her class—and sometimes the only one in her school. “While being from a small town can bring a really strong sense of community, it can have its drawbacks,” said Kameron. “So, finding my own identity in a place, that at times … Continued
On the phone or in person, our team in the Ticketing Services department makes it as easy as possible for everyone to get their tickets to concerts and Broadway shows at Starlight. Tanis is one of the ticketing heroes who helps monitor the phone room and the help email inbox. If you haven’t spoken with … Continued
April is National Volunteer Month, dedicated to honoring volunteers in our communities and encouraging more people to become volunteers. Since 1959, Starlight Theatre has assembled a team of volunteers that go above and beyond to ensure that any event at Starlight goes off without a hitch! In 2022, our volunteers were here to help for … Continued
Each year, thousands of high school students across the Kansas City metro wait in anticipation for the announcement of the annual Blue Star Awards nominations. Today, Starlight leadership, staff, and board members revealed this year’s nominees via in school presentations and in a premiere video on Starlight’s social media. In the 2022-23 Blue Star Awards … Continued
Each fall at the Annual Benefit Gala, Starlight presents the Star Award to an individual or couple with exceptional support of Starlight and its mission, civic leadership, and a commitment to bettering the Kansas City community. This year, we are incredibly proud to announce our 2023 Star Award Honorees: Greg and Rebecca Reid. Greg and … Continued
A dancer since she was 4 years old, Phenix Watson performed in her first musical when she was in the 1st grade. Now, she’s a senior at Raytown High School and plans to continue her education in musical theatre after she graduates. Her performance for Raise Our Voices is a tap dance to the song … Continued