Starlight’s Back to School List

Summer never ends in Neverland or at Starlight! Extend the family fun into fall and beyond with great live performances inside and outside. From free community movie night and Peter Pan to our second season of indoor shows for families, Starlight is ready to entertain you for the whole year!

In September, choose from two options that are perfect for the kid in us all.

Community Movie Night: Disney’s Coco | Saturday, September 7

Join us for a FREE showing of Disney PIXAR Coco. Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 7:30 p.m.

Arrive early for activities that include:

Resource Fair: Organizations that serve families in the Swope Park area will share information and resources.

Oversize Puppets by StoneLion Puppet Theatre.

Music onstage by Mariachi Flor de Missouri. The band features sophisticated arrangements, with breathtaking, heartfelt vocals, warm trumpets, smooth violins, dancing accordion, bright vihuela, sultry guitar and deep guitarrón – all performed with great gusto and enthusiasm.

Marigold Making: Create your very own magnificent marigolds from tissue paper and pipe cleaners. All instructions and materials will be provided by Starlight, and this fun come-and-go activity will be sure to ignite the spirit of family and tradition for you and your loved ones.

Community Movie Night is a partnership with Community Builders of Kansas City and an Arts Bridge activation, a program supported by Uniquely KC, Starlight’s first capital campaign in more than 20 years that aims to attract and develop new live arts audiences and enhance arts access.

Peter Pan | September 17-22

The final show of this year’s AdventHealth Broadway Season is Peter Pan. Fly away to Neverland with Peter and the Darling children in this beloved family favorite. This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse.

The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget.

Tickets start at $15. General parking is free. Use promo code FLYAWAY to save 20% on tickets for all evenings. Restrictions apply.

New Season of Theatre for Families

Beginning in November, the second season of Performances for Young Audiences returns with three new stories!

“We’re proud to present these fantastic titles that take well-known stories and reimagine them for the stage,” Alex Jones, V.P. of Community Engagement at Starlight, said. “Introducing as many young people as possible to the power of live theatre is an integral part of Starlight’s mission and vision, and these highly entertaining performances create opportunities for creativity, emotional development, and shared memory-making.”

Step inside Starlight for shows developed especially for children ages 4-10 and their families. These performances feature international, award-winning theatre companies. Tickets are $15 for all attendees. *

Journey to Oz
November 9, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Visit Oz with Dorothy as the audience becomes part of the production, singing, dancing, and acting with the cast.

The Gruffalo’s Child
March 1, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in an enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book.

Underneath a Magical Moon
April 5, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Fly with Wendy and her brothers in a reimagining of Peter Pan as they create the world of Neverland in their backyard.

*Buy more and save! Add tickets to two or more shows in the series and save 20% on tickets.

Brought to you by Children’s Mercy.