Performance

As part of its spring program, the Kansas City Ballet presents two world premieres - including one by choreographer Toni Pimble. Pimble studied at the Royal Academy of Dance, and danced with companies in Germany before co-founding Eugene Ballet Company in Oregon 1978 where she's artistic director.

By Laura Spencer

Though the Unicorn Theater has always been quick to pounce on the most buzzed about plays in New York, it has actually launched many new plays. In fact, a quarter of the shows over the years have had their world premieres in Kansas City. The latest is called "Green Whales," and while it tackles tough subjects in comedic ways, it is giving everyone involved a voice in bringing this new play to fruition.

The Kansas City Art Institute includes a who's who roster of artists who've studied or taught at the college in its 125-year history. Among the notable figures: animator Walt Disney took Saturday classes as a child; Thomas Hart Benton headed the painting department from 1935 - 1941; Robert Rauschenberg studied fashion design in 1948; and Nick Cave graduated in 1982 from the fiber department. Cave's Soundsuits will be featured at a performance this weekend.

By Laura Spencer

Pilobolus Dance Theater was founded in the early 1970s by non-dancers who met in a Dartmouth dance class. Their first gig: the opening act for a Frank Zappa concert.

By Laura Spencer

An upcoming play at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre studies the art of being broke and staying alive.

By Walt Bodine Show, Feb 4, 2010

This marks dancer Matthew Donnell's 10th and last season with the Kansas City Ballet. And he's documenting it along the way in a blog. This includes writing about what's likely to be his last year in the fairy-tale ballet, "The Nutcracker."

By Laura Spencer

Most people are familiar with the popular ballet, "The Nutcracker." But few know of its darker inspiration: an 1816 story called "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King."

By Laura Spencer

Kansas City, MO – Most people are familiar with the popular ballet, "The Nutcracker." But few know of its darker inspiration: an 1816 story called "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." This weekend, the Owen/Cox Dance Group takes a crack at a new Nutcracker.

Up to Date's Steve Kraske talks with Eric Rosen, director of "A Christmas Story, The Musical"

By Up to Date, Nov 20, 2009

What would Christmas be without the story of a bespectacled boy, a pink bunny suit, and a mannequin leg shaped lamp? The popular movie "A Christmas Story" has been adapted for the stage, and this time it includes singing and dancing. But how do you turn a movie into a musical?