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Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
Starlight Stories: The 1990s As the 1980s concluded, Starlight Theatre had returned to financial solvency. Determined to grow and thrive as a new decade dawned, the theatre’s leadership and Board of Directors undertook efforts to bring continued improvement and positive change to the Starlight venue and operations throughout the 1990s. Helping to fuel the activity … Continued
Starlight Announces Series for Young Audiences As part of Starlight’s $40 million capital campaign, Uniquely KC, the historic theatre is piloting five new programs to enhance the Starlight tradition and extend it to new, diverse participants of all ages. One of the first programs is a Performance Series for Young Audiences to launch in Spring … Continued
Starlight Stories: The 1980s Continuing our history of Starlight, this time we look at the decade of the 1980s. Following several troublesome seasons of financial struggles, the 1980s brought continued challenges, operational changes and, by the middle of the decade, a hopeful outlook to Starlight Theatre. The 1980 Broadway season struggled through one of Kansas … Continued
Staff Highlight: Mandi, CFO & VP of Finance The performing arts aren’t only about singing and dancing. Some of the most important theatrical numbers can be the kind that end in zeroes. As the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, Mandi Wright is responsible for managing and leading the financial initiatives of Starlight. … Continued
Celebrating Our ENORE! at the 36th Annual Benefit Gala! On Saturday, October 14, a sold-out crowd of more than 475 attendees gathered at Starlight to celebrate the performing arts and their impact at our 36th Annual Benefit Gala: ENCORE! Chaired by Aviva Ajmera & Wayne Strickland, Nancy Whitworth & Doug Ballou, and Carey & Tom … Continued
A Conversation with Capital Campaign Co-Chairs, Brett and Nikki Emison Starlight just announced its Uniquely KC Capital Campaign, and we had a moment to sit down with Co-Chairs Brett and Nikki Emison to discuss why they support Starlight. Brett Emison: The arts have always been important to our family. Nikki and I grew up with … Continued
Starlight Stories: The 1970s Starlight celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1970 with a season that was deemed “The Greatest Season Ever” and featured popular shows Hello Dolly!, The Man of La Mancha, and Fiddler on the Roof. Before the beginning of the musical season, a special show called The Sound of the Seventies was headlined … Continued
Starlight Hosts North Kansas City Schools Program Starlight recently hosted 400 students from North Kansas Public Schools for a venue tour and career pathway presentation. The students are part of the College and Career Pathways program at North Kansas City high schools, an innovative approach to transform the high school experience. As freshmen, students can … Continued
Match the Musician and the Musical: Jonas Brothers Whether you grew up with the Jonas Brothers or your kids/grandchildren did, the Jo Bros are all grown up themselves and celebrating almost 20 years of music on their World Tour. Today, Claire in Philanthropy does the honors to match the musician to the musical. The Cher Show … Continued
Match the Musician and the Musical: Taylor’s Version We’re back with another episode of “Match the Music to the Musical.” As a Gen-Xer I have an appreciation for Taylor Swift, but my younger colleagues are on a whole other level. This time Kayla in Marketing is matching Taylor Swift albums to shows in our 2024 … Continued
Ambassadors Shine at Annual Recognition Ceremony At the end of each season, Starlight takes time to recognize our volunteers Ambassadors. As a nonprofit organization, Starlight relies on the dedication of the Ambassadors to provide exceptional performing arts experiences to our audience and community. This past season consisted of 54 events, including Broadway shows and concerts, … Continued
Staff Highlight: Andy, Community Engagement Manager + Disney Runner Andy serves as Starlight’s Community Engagement Manager and helps run programs at Starlight that focus on training in the performing arts–the Blue Star Awards, Starlight Stars, Vincent Legacy Scholarships, Starlight Stars of Tomorrow, and a UMKC College Credit Course for high school students. In the course … Continued
Match the Musician and the Musical: Beyoncé Version We just announced our 2024 Broadway season line up and thought it would be fun to create a series that matches the music of Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and the Jonas Brothers to musicals on stage. First up, Gabe in Group Sales matches albums by Beyoncé to some of the … Continued
Starlight Stories: The 1960s As we approach our 75th anniversary in 2025, we’re looking back at our history, decade by decade. Today, we’re looking at the 1960s. By 1960, Starlight had entertained nearly three million people since the opening night of the 1951 season. From the 1960 season program book, Starlight Theatre Association President J.F. … Continued
Service Dogs Train at Starlight As part of Starlight’s commitment to accessibility, we always welcome service dogs in our venue. Recently, we were happy to host Missouri Patriot Paws (MPP) for a training session. The non-profit organization provides Missouri military veterans and first responders suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) … Continued
Staff Highlight: Juliana, Donor Relations Rockstar Juliana is Starlight’s Donor Relations Manager, a position in which she focuses on individual donors. She joined the Starlight team in 2023, hitting the ground running with fundraising and events. Within her role, Juliana oversees individual donor relationships, legacy giving, and special events like Starry Night at Starlight. Starry … Continued
Starlight Stories: The 1950s As we approach the 75th anniversary of Starlight Theatre in 2025, we’re taking a look at the history of the venue, decade by decade. Today, we’re looking at the 1950s. Starlight opened in 1950, but the plan began well before that. “The Starlight Story” was written by Jim McQueeny and appeared … Continued
Know the Show: Jagged Little Pill Jagged Little Pill is a show you feel. Joy, strength, love, courage, catharsis, LIFE: everything you want in a Broadway show can be found in this Tony and GRAMMY Award-winning new musical. Show History Synopsis Jagged Little Pill presents a vivid, messy, and chaotic portrayal of a modern-day family … Continued
Starlight Theatre’s Bob Rohlf Internship Program offers college students the opportunity to work closely with professionals each summer. These internships take place in various departments of Starlight including Marketing, Community Engagement, Operations and more. Meet some of the talented interns working at Starlight this summer! Nicole – Private Events Intern, Event Services Department Nicole is attending … Continued
We are thrilled to announce that Starry Night at Starlight raised an astonishing $121,615, contributing to the growth and development of the Bob Rohlf Internship program. Held Saturday, July 22, the event featured 18 All-Stars, a group of Kansas City’s most dynamic and charitable movers and shakers, who led the charge on fundraising. We are … Continued
Here’s what you need to know before you see 1776 at Starlight July 25-30. Show History The original production premiered on Broadway in 1969, winning three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It was made into a film in 1972 and revived on Broadway in 1997 and 2022. This new production is a Kansas City and … Continued
When most people think about Starlight, they remember the Broadway shows or concerts they’ve experienced. Maybe they think about sitting next to the fountain with friends on a beautiful evening or marveling at the iconic towers rising above Swope Park. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to work here? Sitting behind … Continued
Experience the world’s most iconic band and get back to where you once belonged with Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles. Only at Starlight July 21-23. Show History Synopsis: Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles performs songs from Abbey Road & the Rooftop Concert LIVE, in addition to all your favorite hits. This mind-blowing performance takes … Continued
Since 2006, Starlight has been helping young performers develop their unique gifts and experience the life-expanding possibilities of the performing arts through the Vincent Legacy Scholarship program. These scholarships are awarded to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) middle-school students who display talent, passion, and an interest in community service. Following an application and … Continued
Starlight has launched a new mobile ticket delivery platform for all shows and concerts. Now, ticket buyers have access to a mobile ticket wallet, which can be easily accessed from any internet enabled device. Through this platform, Starlight is able to instantly update tickets when buyers make an exchange or purchase extra seats. Tickets can … Continued
Two adorable pups will be featured on the Starlight stage in Legally Blonde The Musical July 7-13. Get tickets online or call our ticketing services team at (816) 363-7827. Starlight held “dog-ditions” earlier this year to find just the right dogs for the roles of Bruiser Woods, trusty sidekick to human Elle Woods, and Rufus, … Continued
The witty musical 1776 captured audiences’ attention with thought-provoking dialogue and choreography when it first premiered on Broadway in 1969. The current production at Starlight July 25-30 maintains the original wit while it guarantees that you have never seen these figures, or this pivotal story, like this before. A cast that reflects multiple races, genders, and … Continued
Jagged Little Pill is recommended for mature audiences only. The show unpacks struggles with addiction, trauma, and sexual identity, and may be uncomfortable for some audiences. Please consider the following content when deciding if Jagged Little Pill is a show you’d like to see. Jagged Little Pill is a show you feel. Joy, strength, love, courage, catharsis, LIFE: everything you want in … Continued
Starlight is serving up a new experience for concert goers. The new Ovation Lounge offers high-end liquor mixed with a dash of Starlight history and served in an intimate cocktail lounge. Add in a splash of air conditioning for the perfect spot to cool off on a summer evening. “We’re excited to pilot the use … Continued
Here’s everything you need to know before you see Legally Blonde The Musical July 7-13! Show History Premiered on Broadway in 2007 Nominated for seven Tony® Awards Based on the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film Synopsis The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at … Continued