Fall Arts & Culture Preview 2016

Fall in Kansas City isn’t just a season; it’s a tradition. As the leaves fall, the curtains rise on a new season of spectacular music, dance, theater and festivals.

Fall in Kansas City isn’t just a season; it’s a tradition. As the leaves fall, the curtains rise on a new season of spectacular music, dance, theater and festivals. In the following pages, we’ve rustled up a preview of enough must-see fall events to last you until December — from Boyz II Men with the Kansas City Symphony and Amy Schumer at the Sprint Center to the ever-popular KC Irish Fest, Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and a riveting production of Evita. 

 

---

September

September | October | November | December | Festivals 

 

Picasso at the Lapin Agile

Sept. 8-24

Kansas City Metropolitan Ensemble, Kansas City, Mo.

Written by the brilliant and entertaining Steve Martin in 1993, this theatrical meeting of the minds set in 1904 stars Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and an amusing debate. Both men, on the cusp of ideas that will change their lives, hilariously discuss the shaping of the 20th century with the help of a few friends and a certain dark-haired, time-traveling crooner.

$15 to $49. metkc.org

 

Evita

Sept. 9-Oct. 2

Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City, Mo.

The life and times of Argentina’s influential political leader Eva Perón is captured through Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony Award-winning rock opera. A journey through the First Lady’s early life, charity work and untimely death, this playful musical enthralls with numbers including the stirring favorite “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”

$25 to $67. kcrep.org

ELENA ROGERS AS EVA PERON IN THE 2012 BROADWAY REVIVAL OF EVITA

 

Cyndi Lauper

Sept. 15, 8 p.m.

Uptown Theater, Kansas City, Mo.

“True Colors” ‘80s icon and Kinky Boots composer Cyndi Lauper shows she’s still a girl who just wants to have fun, this time with a tour supporting her new album, Detour. Toes are sure to tap to this collection of reimagined country favorites, from Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces” to Willie Nelson’s “Night Life.”

$35 to $125. uptowntheater.com

 

Adam Devine

Sept. 17, 8 p.m.

Lied Center, Lawrence

In a rescheduled evening of laughter, the up-and-coming comedian best known for roles in Pitch Perfect, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and Comedy Central’s Workaholics brings his frat boy-style comedy to the Lied Center stage.

$20 to $30. lied.ku.edu

 

Chance the Rapper

Sept. 21, 8 p.m.

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.

After taking over the Midland last year, the Acid Rap Chicago rapper-singer is back for an encore, commanding a sold-out crowd with a set list of songs from his discography, including his mixtape, Coloring Book, which garnered “universal acclaim.” 

Sold out. midlandkc.com

 

An Evening You’ll Forget for the Rest of Your Life with Steve Martin and Martin Short

Sept. 23, 8 p.m.

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.

Get ready for an evening you won’t remember — or at least that’s what the legendary funnymen Steve Martin and Martin Short promise. The evening of nonstop laughter is a romp through the hilarious duo’s repertoire, including stand-up, film clips, tales of showbiz and a chance banjo performance by Martin with Grammy Award-winning bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers.

Sold out. midlandkc.com

Steve Martin and Martin Short

 

An Evening with Judy Collins

Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m.

Lied Center, Lawrence

In support of her collaborative album, Silver Skies Blue, with friend Ari Hest, the iconic folk singer-songwriter invites fans to attend an intimate evening of fun. Rekindle your love for songs like “Both Sides Now” and “Send in the Clowns,” revived by Judy Blue Eyes’ signature ethereal voice.

$16 to $45. lied.ku.edu

 

Alvin Ailey II

Sept. 29-Oct. 1

Folly Theater, Kansas City, Mo.

The New York-based dance troupe that calls Kansas City its second home showcases young talent and awe-inspiring choreography in its annual residency performance. This year’s program highlights the next generation of dance with vibrant works from emerging choreographers. 

$28 to $68. follytheater.org

Alvin Ailey II

 

Jonathan Butler

Sept. 30, 8 p.m.

Gem Theater, Kansas City, Mo.

Through energetic and joyful rhythms, South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler revisits the words of encouragement and perseverance and tales of his childhood found on his praise and worship release, Free. 

$45. gemtheaterkc.org

Jonathan Butler

 

---

October

September | October | November | December | Festivals

 

Elvis Costello

Oct. 7, 7 p.m.

Johnson County Community College, Overland Park

In an intimate evening at Yardley Hall, the iconic new wave crooner brings an unforgettable visual experience filled with his best-known hits on guitar and piano, and a mesmerizing display of family photos, mysteries, mottos and mischief. 

$46 to $125. jccc.edu/theseries

 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Oct. 7-9 and 14-16

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City, Mo.

Based on the popular William Shakespeare work, this charming comedy of mischief and mystery set to the score of Felix Mendelssohn follows three couples — two mortal and the king and queen of fairies — and their romantic misadventures. 

Tickets not on sale at press time. kcballet.org

 

Classic Big Band Broadway

Oct. 7, 8 p.m.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City, Mo.

The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra gets its season swinging with some of the greatest songs to ever play on the Broadway stage. Delight in classics from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Some Enchanted Evening to Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret and much more.

$20 to $55. kauffmancenter.org

 

James Bay

Oct. 8, 8:30 p.m.

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.

Still riding the wave of success from his single “Let It Go,” English folk-rock crooner James Bay embarks on his first headlining tour. Expect tracks from his 2015 release, Chaos and the Calm, which features songs “Craving” and “Hold Back the River,” and garnered three Grammy nominations.

$29.50 to $35. midlandkc.com

 

Sigur Rós 

Oct. 12, 8:30 p.m.

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.

Ethereal Icelandic experimental trio Sigur Rós forgoes its support act and instead offers an intimate two-set show. In addition to testing out new music, the rockers revisit the “seat-of-your-pants” feeling of their earlier works with “reformed” versions of songs from albums such as Ágætis byrjun.

$59.50 to $69.50. midlandkc.com

 

Josh Blue

Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Lied Center, Lawrence

The Last Comic Standing winner best known for putting the cerebral in cerebral palsy, Josh Blue captivates audiences with his self-deprecating brand of comedy and bits from his newest special, Delete.

$14 to $25. lied.ku.edu

 

The Invisible Hand

Oct. 14-Nov. 13

Kansas City Repertory, Kansas City, Mo.

The Kansas City Repertory Theatre presents Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar’s “frightening and enlightening” play about global terrorism. In a case of mistaken identity, American banker Nick Bright has been captureds by militants. The complicated truth of good and evil are revealed as Bright tries to negotiate with his captors using stock market secrets.

$30 to $59. kcrep.org

 

The Shanghai Acrobats

Oct. 14, 7 p.m.

Lied Center, Lawrence

Journey to a magical fantasy land found only in your dreams in the Shanghai Acrobats’ new production, Shanghai Nights. Be mesmerized by an elegant and awe-inspiring display featuring mind-blowing contortion, daredevil acrobats, juggling, spinning and much more, as the company weaves a wondrous tale of good, evil, love and possibility.

$11 to $30. lied.ku.edu

 

Florida Georgia Line

Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.

The “Cruise” and “This Iis How We Roll” powerhouse country duo that has collaborated with the likes of Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean returns to their roots with a high-octane show in support of their August release, Dig Your Roots.

$36.75 to $56.75. sprintcenter.com

 

Maria Bamford

Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Folly Theater, Kansas City, Mo.

The hilarious and troubled mind behind The Maria Bamford Show and the star of must-see Netflix series Lady Dynamite shares tales of family dysfunction, life in Hollywood, relationships and mental illness for a sidesplitting night of comedy — signature voice impressions included.

$30 to $35. follytheater.org

 

Clint Black

Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m.

Lied Center, Lawrence

After a decade-long drought, the six-time Academy of Country Music Award-winning singer returns with On Purpose, a diverse collection of tracks. Saddle up for a wild ride of favorites, from “Killin’ Time” and “A Better Man,” to new faves such as ballad “You Still Get to Me” with wife Lisa Hartman Black and fun-loving “Time for That.”

$19 to $50. lied.ku.edu

 

Elle King

Oct. 28, 8 p.m.

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.

“Ex’s and Oh’s” and “Playing for Keeps” firecracker Elle King brings the thrills and fun of rock ‘n’ roll with an electric live set of songs from her debut LP, Love Stuff, plus a few house-rocking covers. 

$28 to $33. midlandkc.com

 

Boyz II Men with the Kansas City Symphony

Oct. 28-30

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City, Mo.

Rekindle your love for the smooth harmonies of the ‘90s as iconic R&B group Boyz II Men makes beautiful music with the talented Kansas City Symphony. Expect favorites like “End of the Road,” “One Sweet Day,” “I’ll Make Love to You” and more in three unforgettable evenings.

$60 to $110. kcsymphony.org

 

---

November

September | October | November | December | Festivals

 

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Nov. 2, 8 p.m.

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.

This rotating roster of musicians, famous for its jazz, swing and ragtime covers of top 40 hits, gets toes tapping and fingers snapping with arrangements from its newest release, Squad Goals. Catch their versions of songs like “All of Me” by John Legend, “Toxic” by Britney Spears and “MMMBop” by Hanson, and learn why they’re Internet sensations. 

 $39.50 to $105. midlandkc.com

 

Amy Schumer

Nov. 3, 8 p.m.

Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.

After becoming the first female comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden, the creator of Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer tackles another first: her world tour. Prepare to find yourself amused and a little uncomfortable.

$39 to $109. sprintcenter.com

 

Screenland at the Symphony: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Nov. 10 and 12

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City, Mo.

Relive the thrills and adventure of the 1981 classic that introduced the world to Indiana Jones on the silver screen, while the Kansas City Symphony provides John Williams’ unforgettable score. Just don’t forget your wide-brimmed hat. 

$50 to $90. kauffmancenter.org

 

Axis Dance Company

Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Lied Center, Lawrence

Oakland-based dance troupe Axis Dance Company changes the face of dance and disability with its repertoire of beautiful and inspiring works. Blur the lines of possibility with a selection of four enthralling pieces, including the abstract “Divide” and resilient “to go again.”

$11 to $30. lied.ku.edu

 

The Illusionists

Nov. 15-20

Kansas City Music Hall, Kansas City, Mo.

Add a little magic to fall with this box office-shattering Broadway spectacle of mind-blowing proportions. Marvel at the talents of seven illusionists as they perform stunning acts of levitation, mind-reading and for the first time in history a full-view water torture escape.

Tickets not on sale at press time. theaterleague.com

 

A Christmas Carol

Nov. 18-Dec. 24

Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City, Mo.

The Kansas City Repertory’s annual Christmastime tradition is back for its 36th season. Featuring inspiring musical numbers, detailed costumes and dazzling special effects, this classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, his redemption and learning the true meaning of Christmas is sure to delight.

$35 to $95. kcrep.org

 

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Nov. 29, 7 p.m.

Lied Center, Lawrence

A lovely night of pure magic awaits you with this production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s 1957 made-for-TV musical. Featuring surprising twists, enchanting costumes and infectious lyrics, this lush and contemporary take on the classic tale will transport you back to your childhood faster than you can say “bippity, boppity, boo!”

$21 to $55. lied.ku.edu

 

 

---

December

September | October | November | December | Festivals

 

Annie

Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.

Johnson County Community College, Overland Park

This timeless original musical about America’s favorite orphan returns to the stage as a new incarnation. Catch favorite songs like “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street” and the ever-popular ode to hope, “Tomorrow.”

$22 to $54. jccc.edu/theseries

​

Big Band Holidays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and special guest Catherine Russell

Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.

A Harriman-Jewell Series favorite since its 1999 Kansas City debut, this ensemble led by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis returns to put on a holiday concert big band-style. With 15 of today’s finest jazz players and vocalist Catherine Russell in tow, expect a night of holiday cheer with songs from the orchestra’s album, plus classics like Billie Holiday’s “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

$30 to $85. hjseries.org

 

The Nutcracker

Dec. 3-24

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City, Mo.

After the critical acclaim of its reimagined production of The Nutcracker, the Kansas City Ballet provides an encore. Darker than its Tchaikovsky counterpart, the E.T.A. Hoffmann version is a feast for the eyes with exquisite costumes, grand sets and stunning special effects. Follow Clara and the adventure that ensues when a broken nutcracker she adores comes to life.

Tickets on sale Aug. 29. kcballet.org

 

The Book of Mormon

Dec. 6-11

Kansas City Music Hall, Kansas City, Mo.

From the creators of controversial cartoon South Park comes an outrageous and hilarious nine-time Tony Award-winning religious satire musical. When elders Price and Cunningham, two Mormon missionaries, are assigned to war-torn Uganda instead of Orlando, the pair must work together to convert the natives, escape the clutches of a ruthless and paranoid warlord and find their way to the Promised Land.

$62.50 to $157.50. theaterleague.com

 

Application Pending

Dec. 7-26

Unicorn Theatre, Kansas City, Mo.

Enter the cutthroat world of New York’s kindergarten admissions process in this hilarious one-woman, off-Broadway play. At the center of the madness is admissions officer Christine, who is trying to survive her first day at a Manhattan prep where the phone never stops ringing and the parents will do anything to get in — including getting a recommendation from George Clooney.

Pay what you can. unicorntheatre.org

 

Cécile McLorin Salvant

Dec. 10, 8 p.m.

Folly Theater, Kansas City, Mo.

As part of the Folly Theater’s swinging jazz series, the Grammy Award-winning jazz crooner known for her performances of unique interpretations and scarcely recorded jazz and blues compositions captivates with songs from her newest effort, For One to Love.

Tickets on sale Aug. 22. follytheater.org

cécile mclorin salvant – mark fitton

 

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis

Dec. 10, 8 p.m.

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.

Experience the joy and wonderment of Christmas through Mannheim Steamroller’s epic and legendary Christmas tour. Led by founding member Chip Davis, this annual spectacular combines the beloved modern music of the Omaha, Nebraska, rock band with dazzling multimedia effects that bring out the kid in all.

$35 to $97.50. midlandkc.com

 

The Santaland Diaries

Dec. 8-24

Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City, Mo.

Based on humorist David Sedaris’ witty and fictional essay of elfin’ woe during his stint as a Macy’s elf, this refreshingly disenchanted play features enough humbug and misfortune to make you see the holidays in a whole new light.

$22 to $55. kcrep.org

 

---

September | October | November | December | Festivals