Performance

Politicians in Missouri and Kansas have concentrated attacks on a variety of LGBTQ+ issues this year, including restrictions on drag performances. But queens in Kansas City are still determined to spread joy, love and acceptance.

The measure limits drag shows to downtown Branson, although businesses currently hosting drag shows outside of the area can continue to do so.

The new ordinance, which passed its first reading 3-2 on Tuesday night, would require a permit to host a drag show and would not allow shows within 600 feet of any religious institution, park or school. It would also bar anyone under 18 from attending a drag show.

Ahead of his comedy shows in Kansas City on June 2 and 3, Roy Wood Jr. recalled what it was like to host the White House Correspondent's Dinner and discussed why he'd be honored if he was selected as the next host of "The Daily Show."

Since Kansas City was established, drag in various forms has evolved from entertainment for power and control into a liberating art. Attempts to regulate the practice have also persisted.

Joette Pelster had led the youth theater since 1993. She passed away on Nov. 25, just a week after announcing plans to retire.

Sinag-Tala, Tagalog for Starlight, began as a four-person dance troupe eager to showcase traditional Filipino dance. 50 years later, the group has welcomed hundreds of dancers and created a close-knit community.

Kansas City Actors Theatre is producing the two-person play about Calvin Trillin's late wife. The play was adapted from his memoir of the same name.

The Coterie Theatre re-imagines Lewis Carroll’s classic story “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” as a hip-hop and pop-inspired video game.

After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival returns on June 14 with "Romeo and Juliet." The festival celebrates its 30th anniversary of outdoor shows in Southmoreland Park.

Even at the height of his professional success as an actor, playwright and venue owner, Vi Tran struggled to pause long enough to enjoy his achievements. Since the pandemic hit, he's grown clearer about what it takes to live well as an artist — and he's started to demand it.

Hace un año, el Grupo Folklórico Izcalli consistía en unas cuantas amigas que bailaban en un parque de Kansas City para despejarse de las nuevas obligaciones de la maternidad. Después de una impresionante primera temporada — incluyendo un espectáculo de medio tiempo en el estadio de Arrowhead — juran seguir haciéndolo por diversión, pero también para seguir creciendo.