Dressing up as someone you’re not is more common than ever in today’s society.
It’s called costume play or "cosplay," and participants need only the slightest excuse to turn themselves into their favorite character from, say, "Game of Thrones," or maybe one of the nerds on “Big Bang Theory.” Because some people just think it’s fun to go out and pick up a quart of milk as Sheldon.
For those not yet a part of cosplay nation, Halloween weekend offers a traditional permission slip to show up at a party – or practically anywhere else – in a silly, scary or just plain odd costume. Slip into something different!
1. HallowSWING: A Prohibition Costume Ball
Ladies and gentlemen gussied up as gun molls and their gangsters will shoot for a fine time when prohibition-era Kansas City jazz meets Halloween night at this costume ball to benefit a jazz radio station soon to be launched by the Mutual Musicians Foundation in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. The party lasts all night, but arrive early to enjoy the swinging music of Lonnie McFadden, who will make your feet an offer they can’t refuse.
Saturday, 8 p.m.-Sunday, 5 a.m.; Mutual Musicians Foundation, 1823 Highland Ave., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $35.
2. Carnival of Chaos
Billed as “Kansas City’s Biggest Halloween Party,” the aptly named Carnival of Chaos beckons pandemonium-happy adults to the heart of the Power & Light District, where a manic DJ and 10 bedlam-friendly bars will do their anarchic best to please Halloween-night clientele. Partiers can compete in a costume contest and maybe win some of the $15,000 to be given out in cash and prizes.
Saturday, 8 p.m., KC Live! at Kansas City Power & Light District, 1330 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free.
3. Freakers Ball 2015
Tease your hair into an insane tower of questionable decision-making. Wear wild clothes that would get you canned at work. Do whatever it takes to proudly make a one-of-a-kind impression at this annual head-banging gala starring bands Pop Evil, All That Remains, Red Sun Rising, We Came as Romans and Devour the Day. Soul eating optional. Let your Halloween-influenced freak flag fly!
Saturday, 8 p.m.; Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, 1228 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $25.
4. Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles
The Kansas City Symphony performs with the faux "Fab Four" outfit known as Classical Mystery Tour, featuring former cast members of Broadway’s "Beatlemania." Expect lush arrangements and lovely memories in this high-toned Beatles nostalgia trip for folks who were there in the ’60s, as well as those who can only wish they had been. Since its Halloween weekend, keep an eye out for Beatles look-alikes in the audience, too. How about this: Go as Yoko. You can break up the band again… well, she didn’t help.
Friday, 8 p.m. (limited seating); Saturday, 8 p.m.; Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $40-$90.
5. “Poultry-Geist”
A little girl gets stuck inside a TV set. Sound funny? It was seriously scary to audiences of the 1982 fright flick, “Poltergiest,” in which vexed spirits haunted a house built on the grounds of an old cemetery. The only thing serious about Late Night Theatre’s sendup is the threat of laughing so hard you’ll hurt yourself. In this loony take, the ghostly abode stands where there used to be a chicken processing plant. Murder most fowl! Audience members at this feather-brained satire can come dressed as chickens or anything else that amuses them, because why let the actors on stage have all the fun? I’m going to say it: Have a clucking good time!
Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 6 p.m.; Missie B’s, 805 W. 39th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $18, $23.
6. Superhero Costume Party for Project Change (“wonder woman theme”)
Superheroes basically run around in their underwear, which confirms that they’re exhibitionists. Fortunately, they also wear their heroic hearts on their spandex sleeves. That will be the case when ages 21-and-older get a jump on Halloween weekend at the Superhero Costume Party, a fundraiser for Project Change’s Mission Underpants, which provides super-new underwear to local children in need.
Thursday, 6:30-10 p.m.; the Arts Asylum, 1000 E. Ninth St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $60.
