Where did the time go? Seriously, I'd like to know. Be a pal and get back to me on that.
In the meantime, the weekend is offering up a host of entertaining activities recalling the past, from a send-up of a vintage hit TV sitcom to a cocktail party pegged to "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away." Also in the yesteryear mix – old-fashioned sheep shearing. Baa-bet you didn't see that coming.
So ... where did the time go? Wow, really? I never would have guessed!
The fractured gang at Late Night Theatre lampoons and cross-dresses the 1980s and ’90s sitcom, "Designing Women." If you remember that funny gaggle of gals in Atlanta working shoulder-pad to shoulder-pad as interior designers while also being their entirely outspoken selves – and even if you don’t – expect way over-the-top adult antics from a laugh-getting cast that includes Chadwick Brooks and Ron Megee as oh-so-opinionated Suzanne and Julia Sugarbaker. When one of the “Designed Women’s” daughters enters a teen “beauty contest,” there’s no embarrassing mother-hen stunt barred. At least let’s hope not.
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 6 p.m. Sunday; Missie B's, 805 W. 39th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20.
Next Tuesday will be Harry Truman’s 134th birthday – and we’re still wild about him! The celebration gets started this weekend in Grandview, where little Harry spent some his early childhood years living on his grandparents farm until his family moved to Independence in 1887. The party kicks off on Friday night with a concert by classic cover band the Stolen Winnebagos and continues Saturday in downtown Grandview with a parade, street performers, artists, vendors, pony rides and a beer and margarita tent. Something tells me Harry was a beer guy.
Friday, 7 p.m.; the Stolen Winnebagos, Grandview Amphitheater, 13611 Byars Road, Grandview, Mo.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; parade, music, artists and vendors along Main Street in historic downtown Grandview, Mo.; admission: free.
3. Children's Day & Sheep Shearing
You can pull the wool over your eyes, but then you’d miss the sight of sheep being expertly shorn of theirs during the yearly shearing of rams, ewes and lambs at Missouri Town 1855. All of the steps of authentic mid-19th-century wool production will be demoed for interested children and others. But it’s strictly the kiddos who get to compete in a face-first pie eating contest. Do cherry stains come out of wool? Just asking.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Missouri Town 1855, 1810 E. Park Road, Lee's Summit, Mo.; admission: $7 adults, $4 youths and seniors, free for ages 5 and younger.
This 37th annual return to the old fishing hole (actually Lake Jacomo) is a great way for 2-to-15-year-olds to cast a line and see if they can reel in anything. Does hooking a muddy stick and dragging it onto shore count? Well, maybe not in the derby’s official fishing contest, but what if the stick looks like a fish? I say, good enough!
9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, south boat dock and beach across from Lake Jacomo Campground, 9201 Beach Road, Lee's Summit, Mo.; admission: free.
5. Guadalupe Centers Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Join the Guadalupe Centers celebration of Mexican culture and heritage inspired by the Mexican Army’s tough victory over occupying French soldiers at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The fun on Kansas City’s Westside starts Friday evening with a concert by veteran Tex-Mex singer/songwriter Brian Pulido. On Saturday, there will be non-stop Mexican food, music, dancing and family activities. Probably no French fries, though.
Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Guadalupe Center, 1015 Avenida Cesar E. Chavez, Kansas City, Mo.; admission: $5 ages 13 and older Friday, free Saturday.
6. May the Fourth Be With You Night for Grown-Ups
Fans of “Star Wars” and bad puns have turned May 4 into the ultimate “May the Force be with you” day, and the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures will not be left out of the outer space fest. Adults are invited to this intergalactic mixer for snacks, drinks and lightsaber pointers. Costumes encouraged. Action figures essential!
Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: $5 (free for museum members).
Brian McTavish is a regular arts and culture contributor for KCUR 89.3. You can reach him at brianmctavish@gmail.com.
