Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
On Saturday October 12, 2019, Starlight Theatre will hold its annual black tie benefit gala. This year’s gala is chaired by Bridget and John Murphy and honors the Elsberry Family with the Star Award for their leadership in the Kansas City community. Celebrating its 33rd year in 2019, Starlight’s annual benefit gala supports the historic … Continued
It’s been another wonderful summer under the stars with the 2019 Capitol Federal Concert Series. Starlight has hosted top artists in a variety of genres—from country music stars to famed rockers and everything in between. There are just a few more chances to catch a concert this summer with these fantastic tours coming soon! The … Continued
The 18th year of Starlight Theatre’s Blue Star Awards is officially under way! Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, this program recognizes the accomplishments of high school musical theatre students across Kansas City. Knowing that many of these students plan to pursue careers in the performing arts after high school, Starlight now offers a variety of … Continued
Dolly will be back where she belongs September 25-29 as the final show in the 2019 AdventHealth Broadway Series. This will be Starlight’s fifth staging of the matchmaking musical comedy, and Dolly is still glowing and going strong, as evidenced by the sold-out Broadway crowds and honors bestowed on this 2017 revival. This iconic show … Continued
Now in its 88th year, the Plaza Art Fair will once again delight Kansas Citians September 20-22 at the Country Club Plaza. A top-ranked, national art event, the Plaza Art Fair includes local venue booths, live music stages and local restaurant vendors, in addition to incredible visual artists from across the country. Starlight Theatre will … Continued
On this week’s episode, Starlight honors our 2019 Vincent Legacy Scholars, Broadway has announced new shows premiering on the Great White Way, The Little Mermaid Live is coming to ABC, and new songs from Waitress are on the way. Vincent Legacy Scholars Honored at A Bronx Tale Earlier this month, Starlight leaders, supporters and staff honored our four most recent … Continued
In May, Starlight Theatre awarded four 2019 Vincent Legacy Scholarships to Kansas City middle school students with surprise presentations at their schools. Each student earned a $2,500 scholarship and, at the Sunday, Aug. 4, performance of A Bronx Tale, those talented students were honored on stage in front of Starlight’s Broadway audience. Prior to the on-stage … Continued
Proclaimed as “The grandest circus spectacle east of Vegas” by New York Magazine, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy was the first show of its kind to appear on the Great White Way. Since then, many Cirque-style shows have taken the Broadway stage—but none like this spectacular original. Now, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy performs on the Starlight stage for one weekend only—September … Continued
For the first time ever, Missouri Life Magazine is giving its readers the opportunity to vote for their favorite destinations, restaurants, and more in the show-me state—and Starlight Theatre was lucky enough to get a few nominations! Share the love of Starlight by casting your vote in the following categories: - Best Family Show (The … Continued
On this week’s episode, PBS’ is set to release a new series of Great Performances, It’s A Wonderful Life might be headed to the stage, and ZZ Top’s Jukebox Musical is set to make its Las Vegas premiere. Kelli O’Hara-Led The King and I, West End’s Kinky Boots, More Heading to PBS’ Great Performances Just in case you weren’t able … Continued
In August, Starlight continues the 2019 Capitol Federal Concert Series with eight fantastic shows from a variety of concert artists. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a show under the stars! Peter Frampton – The Farewell Tour kicks off the August concerts under the stars Monday, August 5. This English musician and Grammy Award-winning artist became an … Continued
Did you know? Starlight Theatre has numerous spaces that are perfect for your next private event. Whether it be a wedding, conference or corporate event, gala or holiday party, Starlight’s unique rental spaces can easily accommodate groups of 50 to 500. Or, pair your event with a show! We’re happy to set up a pre-performance … Continued
As the weather cools off, the stage heats up with the fifth season of Starlight Indoors! It’s bound to be another hilariously entertaining year with a lineup of fantastic off-Broadway productions in the 2019-20 Missouri Lottery Indoors Series at Starlight Theatre. Get tickets today for these hit shows—all tickets on sale now: Join the comedy … Continued
On this week’s episode, the new season of Starlight’s Indoors Series has been announced, a Blue Star alum makes his Broadway debut, Because of Winn Dixie opens as a musical, and Beyonce curates a Lion King companion album.! West Side Story Broadway revival finds its Tony and Maria Reaching for the stars is just what former Blue … Continued
The Starlight Theatre staff came together to celebrate the 4th of July last week at an all-staff picnic. Employees enjoyed food, a raffle, and each other’s company to kick off the holiday. Dessert was provided by seven Starlight interns, who participated in the newly revived “Intern Bake-Off Competition.” Staff members picked their top choices and … Continued
On this week's episode of Talkin' With Taylor, Taylor hits the road to talk with Brandon Michael Nase. Nase plays the wisest feline, Old Deuteronomy, in the national tour of CATS.Find out how parenthood prepared him for the role, what's been updated for modern audiences, and what Kansas Citians can expect at CATS. CATS is the iconic Broadway … Continued
On this week’s episode, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s co-produced hit, Freestyle Love Supreme, is coming to Broadway, Marvel Spotlight releases one-act plays that are sure to save the day, Broadway gets its own museum, and CATS is coming back to Starlight! Lin-Manuel Miranda to Bring Freestyle Love Supreme to Broadway You may have heard about the Off Broadway hit “Freestyle … Continued
This month, Starlight continues the 2019 Capitol Federal Concert Series with a lineup of concerts that’s sure to please music fans of many genres. The Head and the Heart kick off the July concerts under the stars Saturday, July 6. An indie folk band best known for their hit “All We Ever Knew,” The Head and the … Continued
Make it a night out at Starlight! Prior to each Broadway show, patrons may enjoy one of two buffet-style dining choices in the Applause Club, have a drink on the Encore Deck, visit the Ovation Museum, attend a free backstage tour or enjoy local talent on the Spotlight Stage. This year, Starlight is pleased to … Continued
The record-breaking musical CATS tells the story of a group of Jellicle cats who come together for one special night per year—at the Jellicle Ball—to choose which of their tribe will be reborn. Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, the stage musical features more than 25 felines, each with its own personality … Continued
Summer at Starlight is off to a great start with audiences already enjoying numerous Broadway and concert selections under the stars in Swope Park. Next, the crowd-pleasing hit musical A Bronx Tale transports Starlight’s 2019 AdventHealth Broadway Series from the heart of Kansas City to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s, July 31-August 4 only. … Continued
On this week's episode of Talkin' With Taylor, Taylor sits down with Sarah Bockel, who plays the title role in the national tour of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical. Find out what's changed in Sarah's life since landing the role, how she prepared to play Carole King, and what it was like to get the … Continued
The 2019 Bob Rohlf Internship Program is well under way with 12 college students joining the Starlight team from schools across the United States. Starlight interns work in all departments at the historic venue—from operations and production, to marketing, education and sales, the students are hands-on throughout the summer, learning what it takes to make … Continued
The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA), a.k.a. The Jimmy Awards, is an annual event that celebrates the top talent from high schools across the country. Hosted by Tony Award-winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen), the 2019 ceremony took place at New York City’s Minskoff Theatre on Monday, June 24, following a week of … Continued
On this week’s episode, Girl From the North Country has found its Broadway home, Tick Tick Boom is headed to Netflix, and Hadestown has dropped its cast album - part of it, anyway. ‘Girl From the North Country,’ With Bob Dylan Songs, Is Bound for Broadway The new musical Girl From the North Country is headed to Broadway after highly successful runs in … Continued
On this week's episode of Talkin' With Taylor, Taylor sits down with two of Oz’s most iconic characters – The Wizard, played by Eddie Korbich, and The Cowardly Lion, played by Robert Hingula. Find out more about the history of The Wizard of Oz, how these two actors built their performance careers, and what audiences can … Continued
Inspired by the rescue dogs who have starred in numerous productions of The Wizard of Oz, Starlight Theatre will host a “Take Home Toto” pre-show event June 10-16. Starlight is partnering with four leading pet adoption agencies and shelters to introduce Starlight guests to adoptable local dogs. Shelter volunteers and adoptable dogs will be on site … Continued
Throughout the past year, a dedicated team at Starlight Theatre has dug deep into the archives for a very special project. Now, on opening night of The Wizard of Oz, June 10, the curtain will rise on Starlight Theatre’s Ovation Museum. Located in the former gift shop space, the Ovation Museum will commemorate and celebrate Starlight’s … Continued
It’s a big year for the iconic piece of American pop culture, The Wizard of Oz, as the film celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2019. And that’s not the only anniversary that we’re celebrating with this production—The Wizard of Oz is director Philip Wm. McKinley’s 13th show at Starlight—a new record! Needless to say, we’re celebrating in … Continued
JULIA SURIANO (Dorothy) is thrilled to be making her Starlight debut! Regional favorites: West Side Story (Maria, Fireside Theatre), Show Boat (Magnolia, Interlakes Theatre), My Fair Lady (Eliza Doolittle, Interlakes Theatre), Les Miserables (Cosette, Red Mountain Theatre Co.). She’d like to give a big thanks to the incredible creative team, her insanely talented cast and crew, and her family & friends! She … Continued