Remember when you were inordinately riveted by famous people? Think way back – like five seconds ago.
Say what you will, but the public continues to be captivated by an ever-expanding continuum of both real and imagined personalities populating our star-struck media universe.
If you’re impressed by Luke Skywalker or Barbra Streisand, then your star-struck self is already covered this weekend. Just tell me again: Which one is flesh-and-blood and which one is made up?
1. ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Costume Watch Party
Even if you can’t find an opening-weekend ticket to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens, you can still be part of the interstellar festivities surrounding what most critics are calling the best Star Wars movie in at least 25 years. Everyone is invited to this pre-screening shindig sponsored by Elite Comics at Alamo Drafthouse, where Star Wars attire will be the norm. The Alamo’s Cosplay Cantina will accommodate a Star Wars trivia contest, a “pop-up” comic shop with Star Wars comic writer Jason Aaron and the chance for fans to debate “who shot first?” at the Greedo Photo Booth. If you don’t know Greedo, now’s the time to make your introduction. Zap! Oops, too late.
Friday, 7 p.m.; Alamo Drafthouse, 1400 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; free admission to pre-screening party.
2. “Dancing with the Stars Live!”
ABC-TV’s hit dance series features professional hoofers paired with celebrities, and its live tour stop in KC features Alek Skarlotos, who became a media star in August after helping to subdue an apparent terrorist threatening European train passengers. Skarlotos, a real-life American hero, was a top-three finalist on the TV show.
Friday, 8 p.m. Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, 1228 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $45-$79.50.
3. “Buyer & Cellar”
One man’s star-struck relationship with entertainment legend Barbara Streisand propels the comedy in the one-man show, Buyer & Cellar, in which an underemployed actor is hired to manage Babs’ private mini-mall beneath her Malibu home. This is the show that dares to ask the burning question: Really? Seth Golay stars as the star-struck underling.
Thursday, 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3:30 p.m.; Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $35-$42.50.
4. SantaconKC
Who doesn’t idolize Santa Claus? What a guy, staying up all night delivering toys to all of the good little girls and boys. Of course, it’s only once a year. Big deal. What a cushy gig! Still, how can you not be fascinated by Mr. Christmas? That explains why hundreds of people are expected to dress up as the Man in the Red Suit for SantaconKC, a holiday pub crawl benefiting the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Isn’t that great? OK, I’m back on the bandwagon.
Saturday, 6 p.m.-1 a.m. ($40 Santa registration 4-6 p.m.); crawl starts at Kelly’s Westport Inn, 500 Westport Road, Kansas City, Mo.
5. David Benoit’s ‘Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown’
Grammy-winning contemporary jazz pianist David Benoit will express his adulation for A Charlie Brown Christmas, when he deftly performs “Linus and Lucy” and other selections made famous in the 50-year-old holiday TV landmark. Of course, none of it would be possible without the comic-strip creation of everyone’s favorite round-headed kid and the rest of the Peanuts gang by the late, great Charles M. Schulz. Let me tell you, I was certainly star-struck when I sat down to interview Schulz in 1985. Yeah, I know – namedropper!
Friday, 8 p.m.; Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20-$37.
6. Adam Lambert
American Idol alumnus Adam Lambert sings that “love is a satire” in his 2015 dance hit, “Ghost Town” – as in “my love is a ghost town.” Trust me, Lambert will be neither kidding around nor feeling lonely when he struts his formidable star power to a full house of Kansas City area fans.
Thursday, 8 p.m.; Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway, Independence, Mo.; tickets: mostly resale available at venue website, starting at $56.
