JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and More Come to KC's Crown Center, Summer 2012

Crown Center has announced its summer schedule of events, May 2012 - August 2013. See details below.

April 10 - May 18
"James and the Giant Peach"
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. James and his diverse insect buddies work together as to take the most wonderful and extraordinary journey they could ever imagine. When the peach plunges into the sea, James takes command, using the resources at his disposal to lift the peach out of the danger of circling sharks. Eventually the peach comes safely to the end of its journey, and the characters arrive at the next stage of their lives. Part of the Coterie's Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

May 4 - June 17
"As Long As We Both Shall Live"
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A world premiere. Addison Ashe is smart. Like, insanely smart. She aced the SAT, mastered psychology, quantum and auto mechanics, mixed martial arts, yodeling and more-all in a matter of weeks. Despite all that, she's never had too much luck with guys...until now! She's set to marry the man of her dreams, but mysterious murders threaten to cancel their nuptials. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 5
Screenland Slams- "Showgirls"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into 1995's "Showgirls." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for an 18+ crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.

May 9-10
Young Playwrights' Festival
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. The Coterie's Young Playwrights' Festival features a collection of new work by the city's best young writers. The rich and varied theatrical writings which emerge from a year-long process are forged into an ambitious festival of script-in-hand stagings utilizing professional actors. A special event suitable for high school students and older. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

May 10-27
"The Fantasticks"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Spinning Tree Theatre. Directed by Michael Grayman and Andy Parkhurst. Visit SpinningTreeTheatre.com for more information.

May 26 - September 9
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. Created by the Minnesota Children's Museum, this interactive traveling exhibit transports visitors back in time to when the dinosaurs last roamed the land, 70 million years ago. Encounter realistic, fully touchable dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. At the Big Dig, children unearth fossils and identify them in the Field Research Station. See a smoldering volcano, dinosaur puzzles, an "icy" slide and prehistoric cave. At the photo kiosk, visitors can take a photo with a dinosaur and email a digital postcard to family and friends. The exhibit is open during Crown Center Shops regular shopping hours. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 26-27
Jiggle Jam Family Fest
Crown Center Square. Returning for a fifth fantastic year, featuring national and local children's entertainers. Many kids activities to enjoy. Festival hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 per day or $18 for the weekend. $15 at the gate. No admission fee for children under age 2. Call 816-997-8511 or visit KCJiggleJam.com for more information.

June 2
Screenland Slams- "Fame"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into 1980's "Fame." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for an 18+ crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.

June 4
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

June 14-16
The Smith Project dance company
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. The Smith Project dance company performs. Call 816-842-9999 for tickets.

June 19 - August 5
"Once Upon a Mattress"
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Control-freak Queen Aggravain chases off her son's chances of finding a princess by creating unbeatable tests. Along comes klutzy Princess Winnifred (who swims the moat from the swamp) to set the Prince's heart aflame. So, the Queen plans her most difficult challenge yet. The palace is filled with merriment and mischief while everyone wonders if Princess "Fred" will pass the Queen's test. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Princess and the Pea." Part of the Coterie's Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

June 22-24
Fiesta Kansas City
Crown Center Square. Celebrate Hispanic culture at this 13th annual event, which features great music, food, dancing and exhibits. Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. No admission fee until 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., admission is $5 or $12 for a 3-day pass. No admission fee for kids age 10 and under with a paid admission. Festival hours: Friday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Check FiestaKansasCity.com or call 816-472-6767 for more information.

July 6, 13, 20, 27
Friday Night Flicks
Crown Center Square. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs, sit under the stars and take in a classic movie on a huge outdoor screen. This summer's lineup: Moneyball (July 6), The Twilight Saga: New Moon (July 13), Hitch (July 20), Ferris Bueller's Day Off (July 27). No admission fee. Concessions will be available. Movies begin at approximately 9 p.m. 816-274-8444.

July 6 - August 19
"Bingo! The Winning Musical"
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A Kansas City premiere. Come meet Vern, Honey and Patsy: three pals who weather a terrible storm to play their weekly obsession-bingo. Between number calling, strange good-luck rituals and fierce competition, love blossoms and long-lost friends reunite! 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

July 7, 14, 21, 28
July Puppet Show Series
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. A Crown Center tradition continues with performances from the region's most exciting puppeteers. Scheduled to perform: Clement McCrae Puppets (July 7), StoneLion Puppet Theatre (July 14), Bob Kramer Marionettes of St. Louis (July 21) and Paul Mesner Puppets (July 28). Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

July 7
Screenland Slams- "The Birds"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 classic ,"The Birds." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for an 18+ crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.

July 30
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

August 3
Friday Night Concert- Kenny Loggins
Crown Center Square. Kenny Loggins' huge library of hits includes "Footloose," "I'm Alright," "Danger Zone," "Conviction of the Heart," "Meet Me Halfway" and "Playing With the Boys." Blue Sky Riders is the opening act. Admission is $5, at the gate. All seating is general admission. Show begins at 8 p.m., rain or shine. 816-274-8444.

August 4
Clown Show
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Bring the kids to see a special stage performance by area clowns. 12 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

August 4
Screenland Slams- "Legend"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into Ridley Scott's 1985 film, "Legend." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for an 18+ crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.

August 9-26
"The Music Man"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. Winner of five Tony Awards, this famous musical follows con man Harold Hill, who aims to swindle the town of River City, Iowa. But his scheme could go awry when he falls for Marian Paroo, the town librarian and piano teacher. 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.

August 10
Friday Night Concert- Diamond Rio
Crown Center Square. Diamond Rio has amassed 13 Grammy Award nominations, culminating with their first Grammy in 2011 for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for "The Reason." They've won the Country Music Association Vocal Group of the Year award four times. Admission is $5, at the gate. All seating is general admission. Show begins at 8 p.m., rain or shine. 816-274-8444.

August 31 - September 2
Kansas City Irish Fest
Crown Center Square and Off Center Theatre. Commemorate Kansas City's proud Celtic heritage with three days of music, dancing and exhibits. The festival will feature more than two dozen locally and nationally known bands, playing traditional music and Celtic rock. Off Center Theatre will host Irish comics. $5 Friday tickets. $10 advance Saturday or Sunday tickets, $15 at the gate on Saturday/Sunday, $25 advance three-day tickets. Festival hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. 816-997-0837 or KCIrishFest.com.