Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
They’re making the lists, and at Starlight Theatre we’re checking them twice! National and local list-makers continue to give a nod to Starlight as one of the best places to spend a summer night. Just this week, Visit KC shared online its “15 Reasons to Love KC this Summer.” Among its listing of “new and … Continued
A diverse mix of music genres awaits Starlight Theatre concert-goers in 2015. As the number of concert events included in this season’s Capitol Federal Concert Series approaches 20, there is sure to be something to satisfy nearly every musical taste. “Whether you like classic rock, R&B, pop, alternative or all of the above, we’ve got … Continued
Our new Q&A series allows Rich Baker, Starlight president and CEO, to share his thoughts and insights about topics related to our Broadway season, venue, industry trends and more. This issue’s topic addresses improvements audience members can look forward to at Starlight this season. Q. What new features can audience members expect at Starlight Theatre … Continued
On Monday afternoon, April 6, Kansas City baseball fans cheered as the Kansas City Royals opened their 47th season against the Chicago White Sox. Way back in 1969, when the Royals first called Kansas City home, they were also a hit at Starlight Theatre. As cast members rehearsed for Starlight’s August 1969 production of Damn Yankees, … Continued
Starlight Theatre leaders welcomed many familiar faces to the theatre on April 1 to recount and celebrate the important ways in which their volunteer service has enhanced the Starlight venue since the 1980s. A reunion of members of the Starlight Board of Directors from the past 3½ decades took place in the Applause Club. Current … Continued
Welcome to our new Q&A series with Rich Baker, Starlight president and CEO. On a regular basis, Rich will share his thoughts and insights about topics related to our Broadway season, venue, industry trends and more. This issue’s topic addresses Starlight’s recent presentation of its first-ever musical indoors on the Cohen Community Stage. Q. What … Continued
The 2015 season marks Starlight Theatre’s 65th year of producing and presenting live Broadway entertainment under the stars. In celebration of this important milestone, each issue of “On the Spot” from now through September will share selected highlights from each decade. We invite newsletter readers and Starlight guests to share their own memories of special … Continued
Carolyn Watley, who serves as President of CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services of Kansas City, has added an important new title to her civic leadership résumé – Chair of the Starlight Theatre Board of Directors. Watley joined the Starlight board in 2012 and served as Vice Chair of Strategic Planning in 2013-14. She succeeds Russ … Continued
Starlight recently bid farewell to three of its board members and thanked them for their dedicated volunteer service to the theatre. The members whose board terms expired in December were: W. Russell Welsh. Russ joined the board in 2007, served as Chairman from 2011 through 2014, and provided key legal advice to Starlight on an ongoing … Continued
The application period is under way for the 2015 Bob Rohlf Internship Program at Starlight. College students interested in spending a summer learning the inner workings of theatre administration and production are encouraged to download an application at kcstarlight.com/education and apply by March 2. Selected applicants will be invited to interview in the spring. Each year the … Continued
The book 50 Shades of Grey has been the center of controversy, but a production in Kansas City is putting a very different spin on the steamy romance novel. 50 Shades of Grey is an international best seller. The popular series has sold more than 100 million copies, and the movie opens Friday. In Kansas City people can … Continued
Mindy Cooper, a veteran choreographer equally at ease with classical ballet and contemporary Broadway jazz moves, is returning to Kansas City – at least in spirit. Cooper choreographed the touring company of “50 Shades! The Musical Parody,” which opens Tuesday on the enclosed stage at Starlight Theatre. The strictly-for-laughs show suggests that Cooper is basically … Continued
Roses are red, violets are blue, we made these Valentine’s cards, just for you! Whether you’re five or fifty, sending valentines to the people you love is a fun thing to do. So, why not do it in style with our free printables? We think it’s worth it alone to avoid the trip to the … Continued
Starlight Theatre is pleased to welcome Staci Shute as our new Group Sales Coordinator. Newly relocated from Las Vegas to the heart of the Midwest, Staci calls Starlight home during work hours and Lawrence, Kan., home the rest of the time. “Moving to the Midwest has been a bit of a culture shock, especially with … Continued
The new and highly acclaimed national touring production of PIPPIN was the subject of an action-packed feature Jan. 4 on “CBS Sunday Morning.” The video segment took viewers behind the scenes of the production as cast members rehearsed in preparation for the tour’s opening in Denver last September. Sure to be a highlight of the 2015 Broadway … Continued
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear and NBC will be spreading lots of cheer on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The network is bringing in the holiday spirit with the stop-motion hour-long animated special Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas. Based on the popular film Elf and the hit Broadway musical Elf: The Musical, the … Continued
You don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy a performance by the Starlight STARS of Tomorrow. The troupe is performing at several holiday events in the next few weeks. The festivities kick off at Santa’s Wonderland at Gillham Park on Friday, December 12 followed by back-to-back-to-back performances at the Candy Cane Course at Starlight … Continued
In celebration of Disney Theatrical Productions’ 20 years on Broadway, ABC will air “Backstage with Disney on Broadway: Celebrating 20 Years,” this Sunday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. The one-hour special, hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson of “Modern Family” and Darren Criss of “Glee” will explore the making of Disney’s eight Broadway ventures. Viewers will … Continued
Attendance at our five Broadway productions and 25 concerts approached 300,000. Our 11 performing arts education programs reached more than 5,000 youth from age 5 through college. The Starlight community ticket program gave 11,284 people served by local nonprofits the chance to enjoy a Broadway musical for free. And, our new venue-wide sound system enhanced … Continued
Renowned singer and actress Idina Menzel will bring her Tony Award®-winning voice to Starlight on Aug. 12. Kansas City is one of 39 North American stops on Menzel’s 2015 global concert tour. She promises to lead audiences on a vocal journey of classic pop, musical theatre favorites and her own personal catalogue of songs. Menzel’s … Continued
It’s never too soon to start making Valentine’s plans, and, with 50 Shades! The Musical Parody ready to heat up Starlight Theatre during Valentine’s week, we think we have the ideal outing for couples and groups alike. This sexy satire of the “Fifty Shades of Grey” phenomenon premieres in Kansas City at Starlight – indoors and under … Continued
As a not-for-profit organization, Starlight Theatre relies heavily upon the great work and good deeds of volunteers. If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community while putting your time and talents to use in 2015, consider becoming a Starlight Ambassador! More than 200 adults volunteer on a seasonal or year-round basis … Continued
Looking for some outings over the holiday break? Let us suggest a couple of Broadway blockbusters coming soon to the silver screen. Opening December 19: The newest film rendition of Annie opens in theatres the Friday before Christmas. Columbia Pictures puts a contemporary, comedic spin on the Broadway classic that has delighted audiences for generations. Starring as Annie … Continued
Idina Menzel joined a group of star-studded musical guests and performed the holiday classic “Holly Jolly Christmas” at the lighting Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. The arrival of the holidays wouldn’t be complete without the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Since the Great Depression, the Rockefeller Center Tree has … Continued
The nation’s most beloved spectacle, the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, returns for the 88th year of magic on Thursday, Nov. 27. A full broadcast of the parade will air on NBC, with “Today” hosts Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie. Portions of the parade hosted by Kevin Frazier, “Entertainment Tonight” and Thea Andrews, … Continued
Education camps that impact 225 children every year. A high school performance troupe that performs in front of nearly 5,000 people annually. 14,700 free Broadway show tickets given to local nonprofits during each Broadway season. These are all things that Starlight Theatre is able to provide thanks to your financial support. During this season of … Continued
We’re trying something new at Starlight Theatre this February – and it looks like things will definitely be heating up! After playing to sold-out houses across the country, 50 Shades! The Musical Parody will premiere in Kansas City at Starlight – indoors and under cover – for eight performances Feb. 10-15. Just over 500 seats in our … Continued
Each summer we love to welcome families to Starlight, and apparently families love the entertainment and experience we deliver. In KC Parent magazine’s 2014 Family Faves award competition, Starlight took home two top honors. From among the 60,000 votes that readers cast in 30 award categories, Starlight emerged as Favorite Live Show and Favorite Parents’ Night Out. … Continued
Starlight Theatre, along with Theater League and Broadway Across America, recently had the honor of hosting The Broadway League’s 18th Annual Road Marketing Forum. Nearly 80 marketing representatives from theatres across the country and press agents associated with Broadway touring productions came together in Kansas City on Oct. 22-23 to discuss topics ranging from publicity … Continued
Runners will traverse the open spaces around Starlight Theatre and throughout Swope Park on Saturday morning, Dec. 13, for the 2014 Candy Cane Course Run organized by Bodies Health and Fitness. A portion of proceeds from the run will support Starlight’s education programs.Participants can also bring new toys to donate to Toys for Tots. As the … Continued