What Does Starlight Mean to You?
We are just beginning the celebration of 75 Years of Inspiring Stories at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City. This year and beyond will be filled with memories, milestones, moments, and more! We have been lucky to talk with many of you at a recent Broadway performance, concert, or other event.
Here’s what some of you said:
Also, we asked YOU to share your memories and special stories through email. We were thrilled to receive a few immediately but there is still time for more!
If you would like to share, send your comments to marketing@kcstarlight.com, and we may highlight it during our celebration.
Keep reading for some inspiring stories from the past 75 years.
Mary has seen some iconic shows and is looking forward to more:
“I was a Junior Girl Scout with a troop from Eldon, MO. It was in the ’70s. My first big trip without my parents. We went to Independence Center and then Starlight. My first show was Hello, Dolly with Carol Channing. The next year we saw Showboat with Shirley Jones and Gayle Gordon. I truly wish I had pictures!
I have had the pleasure of seeing many shows since then. My daughter and I started a tradition of watching a summer musical for our birthdays every year. Our first was Matilda. Unfortunately, there was a gap due to COVID, but we started back as soon as we could! We love Starlight and are looking forward to this summer and seeing School of Rock.
Thank you for many great memories!”
Image: Carol Channing with former Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Charles B. Wheeler’s granddaughter.
Lois from Stilwell, KS, shared a lifetime of fond memories:
“My father, Arthur Wearth, designed and installed the original sound system at Starlight. One of my earliest memories as a child was getting to accompany him into the tower where all of the equipment was. I don’t remember the show, but remember how spectacular it was to be watching all of the people enjoying live entertainment outdoors.
In the late 60’s, our marching band from Shawnee Mission East got on a school bus every night for two weeks and donned wool band uniforms to perform in State Fair. We assembled at the sides and back of the theater and marched through the aisles and across the stage, playing the song “Our State Fair.”
As an adult, I was a part of a large group of nurses from all over the city that would meet on the Plaza after work, have dinner, then enjoy the shows. The group has dwindled, but I will remain a season member as long as I can.
It is exciting to see the improvements being made to the theater. I also enjoy the shows with live music since I am a flute player in a large church orchestra. This patron is ready to celebrate the 75 wonderful years!”
Stan is a longtime fan of Starlight who has a special connection to concerts:
“Congratulations on 75 years of premiere entertainment. I am almost 71 so I grew up enjoying regular events most of those years with you. It was like a vacation for my family to come from Ottawa to the big city.
I continued the tradition bringing my kids to Starlight shows to create great memories. I have seen many shows there, primarily the concerts, from Kenny G, Ringo [Starr], Bonnie Raitt, Chicago, and most recently, when my Green Shoebox Band had the privilege of performing the VIP shows before the Doobie Brothers and James Taylor. It was a special honor for us to welcome guests into the venue before the shows.”
Jeff Holmes shared a childhood memory and a special memento he still has:
“[I] saw an email with you looking for Starlight info for your anniversary. I remembered I had this program from the show I saw in 1970 (age 10!)”
Thank you for letting us use this photo, Jeff!
Finally, Lisa shared a very personal story with us. When we hear these comments, it makes us realize what we do is so important. Thank you for sharing, Lisa.
“Josh Groban was at Starlight on A[u]gust 16, 2015. I had been following his career for quite some time but could never find the courage or strength to go to one of his shows. You see, I suffer from severe anxiety, PTSD, and a form of agoraphobia. So, for me to be in public with all those people was terrifying for me. However, my birthday is August 9, and I was determined to treat myself to his performance.
With him performing at Starlight they offer handicapped and disabled parking, which helped me tremendously. I was very anxious and scare[d] at first, but while waiting in line to get into the theater, the people around me made me feel very comfortable. The concert was amazing.”
Share Your Inspiring Stories
We would love to hear from you! Send your memories, photos, and comments to marketing@kcstarlight.com. Thank you for a wonderful 75 years and more to come!