Crown Center Announces Schedule Through August '11

Crown Center Square. The famous Crown Center Square Fountain dances to famous tunes! Programmed by the company behind the renowned Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, Crown Center's fountain is synchronized to music specially recorded for Crown Center by members of the Kansas City Symphony. The show schedule: Weekday shows at noon and on the hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend shows on the hour from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is also a 10 p.m. show on Friday and Saturday. 816-274-8444.

May 29 - September 6
Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog^TM
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. On loan from the Minnesota Children's Museum, in partnership with Scholastic Entertainment, this exhibit transports visitors to the homes of Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all the residents of Birdwell Island. The large scale elements are based on the PBS Kids Clifford The Big Red Dog television series and include the Birdwell Ferry, Samuel's Fish & Chips Shack, T-Bone's Beach Fun and of course, Clifford and his Doghouse. Open during Crown Center Shops regular shopping hours. Open noon to 5 p.m. on Labor Day. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

June 22 - August 8
Lucky Duck
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. A singing swan supermodel! It's The Ugly Duckling meets Project Runway, with music by the composer of Dreamgirls. Homely songbird Serena runs away from her fowl days of barnyard mockery to seek her special destiny. Hear star turn numbers like "Average, Simple Mega Superstar" and "Wipe the Egg Off Your Face"! Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

July 9 - August 22
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. This adorable tale of six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, will have audiences in stitches. The show's Tony Award-winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes for whom a spelling bee is the one place they can stand out and fit in at the same time. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

July 25 - August 1
KC Fringe Festival
Off Center Theatre and Screenland Crown Center, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Now in its sixth year, the KC Fringe Festival is a city-wide celebration of local, regional and national artists. Visit KCFringe.org for details about events to be held at Crown Center. A KC Fringe Festival ticket booth will be located in the Crown Center Shops Atrium from July 24 to August 1. 816-516-4750.

August 2
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

August 6, 13
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. The August lineup: "Ocean's Eleven" (August 6) and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (August 13). No admission fee. Concessions will be available. Movies begin at approximately 9 p.m. 816-274-8444.

August 7
Clown Day
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Crown Center becomes "Clown Center" for this all-smiles event. Bring the kids and see performances by area clown groups that will tickle your funny bone. Enjoy balloon animals, face painting and general clowning around from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stage show from noon to 1 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

August 12-29
1776
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Starring Deb Bluford as Ben Franklin and Karen Errington as John Adams, this musical is based on the events that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Originally produced on Broadway in 1969, it was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning three. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

August 20
Friday Night Concert- Smash Mouth
Crown Center Square . Smash Mouth, whose #1 songs include "Walkin' on the Sun" and "All Star," performs a Friday Night Concert at Crown Center. Red Guitar is the opening act. Show begins at 8 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $5 at the gate and all seating is general admission. 816-274-8444.

August 21-22
Jazz Masters at Crown Center
Crown Center Square . This two-night event features George Benson and David Sanborn on August 21, followed by Manhattan Transfer and John Pizzarelli on August 22. The shows benefit KCPT-TV and a portion of each ticket purchase is tax deductible. Both shows start at 8:00 p.m., with doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $48.60 to $156.60. (Please note, Crown Center is not producing this event. Any questions should be directed to Ticketmaster.) Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com.

August 27
Friday Night Concert- Tracy Lawrence, Joey + Rory
Crown Center Square . Grammy-nominated country star Tracy Lawrence performs at Crown Center. Since his 1991 debut album "Sticks and Stones," more than 30 of Lawrence's singles have ranked on the Billboard charts. The opening act is Joey + Rory, who won the Top New Vocal Duo of the Year award at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards. Show begins at 8 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $5 and all seating is general admission. 816-274-8444.

September 3-5
Kansas City Irish Fest
Crown Center Square . 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. Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $15 at the gate, $10 in advance, $25 for the weekend (in advance) $10 on Friday (buy one, get one), and complimentary for children 12 and under. 816-997-0837 or KCIrishFest.com.

September 10 - October 24
The Love List
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. What do you get a friend for a 50th birthday present? If he's single, you buy a "love list" from a local gypsy, help him compose a list of ten qualities defining the perfect woman and, "Weird Science-style," she appears! But , just as the dream woman appears, the scheme goes hysterically awry. The Odd Couple meets The Bride of Frankenstein in this outrageously funny Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

September 10-11, 17-18
KC Improv Festival
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. More details coming soon to KCImprov.com.

September 20
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

September 21 - October 17
Science Fiction Triple Feature
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Three masterpieces are performed on the Coterie stage: Daniel Keyes' "Flowers for Algernon," Ray Bradbury's "The Veldt and Stephen Vincent Benet's "By the Waters of Babylon." Part of the Coterie's Preteen Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

October 8 - November 6
EVIL DEAD: The Musical
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Egads Theatre Company, a hilarious live stage show that takes all the elements from Sam Raimi's classic horror films ("Evil Dead," "Evil Dead 2" and "Army of Darkness") and combines them with original rock music and sketch comedy-style farce to make one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. 816-842-9999 or EgadsTheatre.com.

October 8-10
The Art of John Lennon
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. This exhibit, from the Pacific Edge Gallery, will feature more than 120 pieces of John Lennon's artwork. The exhibit's second day is the 70th anniversary of Lennon's birth. Open during regular shopping hours. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

October 11-17
Back In The Swing Retail Therapy
Crown Center Shops. Purchase a shopping card for $25 and receive discounts at more than 30 shopping areas in the bi-state region. More than 800 retailers and restaurants participate, including many at Crown Center. Every shopping card sold supports local breast cancer survivors and their families. 816-842-7444 or BackInTheSwing.org.

October 16
Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon
Crown Center Square. Races include a 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon and 5K run/walk, all starting and ending at Crown Center Square, site of the finish line festival. 7:30 a.m. For registration information, visit KCMarathon.org.

November 2 - December 31
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. From the moment Alexander wakes up (with gum in his hair), everything goes wrong. All kids experience this type of day and will be glad to find out in this terrific musical that they aren't alone. Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

November 4
Arrival of the Mayor's Christmas Tree
Crown Center Square. The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culimination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on November 4 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 5. 816-274-8444.

November 5
Crown Center Ice Terrace Opening Day
Crown Center Square . Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 38th season of great skating fun. Enjoy complimentary skating from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on opening day! Regular admission is $6, or complimentary for people over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours through January: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in February and March. 816-274-8411. (The rink is open until March 13, 2011.)

November 5 - December 26
Plaid Tidings
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. The Plaids (Frankie, Sparky, Jinx and Smudge) are back with a swingin' holiday spectacular. This sequel to the record-breaking Forever Plaid mixes holiday favorites (Let It Snow, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas) and popular 1950s tunes (Fever, Strangers in Paradise.) This Kansas City premiere is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

November 22
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

November 26
Santa's Arrival at Crown Center
Crown Center Shops, Grand Boulevard entrance. Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Tip from Crayola®, Casey the Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol' St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24. No admission fee. 10 a.m. 816-274-8444.

November 26
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Crown Center Square. The 100-foot-tall Mayor's Christmas Tree, one of the nation's tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city's less fortunate. Program begins at 5:30 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

After the holidays, the wood from the Mayor's Christmas Tree is made into commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.

November 26 - December 31
Santa's Crayola® Christmas Land
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. Children can play on super-sized Crayola® products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 26 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 26 - December 31
Santa's Gingerbread Village
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Three locomotives travel through a Santa's gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Crown Center and Hyatt Regency Crown Center hotels. See the reindeer stable, Santa's sleigh garage, the elves' dorm, a doll, rocking horse, and ball factory, and even Mr. & Mrs. Clause's home. No admission fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 29 - December 17
Holiday Choirs
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

December 2-23
"A Spectacular Christmas"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. Like a visit from old friends. After having so much fun together last season we just have to do it again! You can be sure that the show will put you in the holiday spirit with your favorite songs of the season. Call 816-842-9999 or visit AHTKC.com for tickets.

December 4, 11, 18
Musical Fun For Kids
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Enjoy holiday music for kids and families on three Saturdays in December with The Doo Dads (December 4), Jim Cosgrove, aka Mr. Stinky Feet & The Hiccups (December 11) and Dino O'Dell and the Veloci-Rappers (December 18). Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

January 7 - February 20, 2011
Maybe Baby, It's You
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Take a raucous ride through male-female relationships in the company of two searchers with a laundry list of must-have qualities for a mate. This blockbuster comedy is all about the search for the most elusive of all entities...your soul-mate. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

January 18 - February 27, 2011
Bridge to Terabithia
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Katherine Peterson's Newbery Award-winning novel shows how two friends, Leslie and Jessie, create Terabithia, a fantasy kingdom where they are safe from those who don't understand them. Part of the Coterie's Preteen Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

February 5 - May 1, 2011
Animal Tales & Trails
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. Enter an interactive habitat where children learn about the most interesting creatures. Join the polar bear in his cave and help him icefish, slide down the penguin iceberg slide, jump with the kangaroo on a small trampoline, and much more. A reading area will feature many animal storybooks. The exhibit is open during Crown Center Shops regular hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Wednesday & Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday & Friday; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday. Closed Easter Sunday, March 9. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

March 4 - April 17, 2011
No Way to Treat a Lady
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. This musical comedy thriller, an AHT premiere, is about an endearing detective, who purses a publicity-crazed actor-turned-killer. The detective works to foil the killer's plots, while balancing the attentions of a beautiful socialite and a meddling mother. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

March 4-6, 2011
The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. This is Greek mythology as you've never seen it before, complete with action figure puppets, a beauty pageant, warring narrators and general theatrical insanity. This fast-paced, free-wheeling play is wild, silly, and a complete blast for high schoolers. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

April 4 - May 7, 2011
Ben Franklin's Apprentice
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Dazzling special effects highlight this tale of an American hero's struggle to tame heaven's own power. This thrilling play for families culminates on a stormy night with the crack of thunder, a blinding flash of lightning and a science experiment that changed history. Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

April 16-17, 22-23, 2011
The Easter Bunny visits Crown Center
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. The Easter Bunny greets children at Crown Center. A professional photographer will be taking pictures for a fee and visitors are welcome to bring their cameras. Noon to 4 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

April 18-22, 25-29, 2011
Spring Choir Performances
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Local choirs will entertain Crown Center visitors each weekday. 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 6 - June 19, 2011
The 39 Steps
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have this fast-paced whodunit. A Tony Award-winner and Kansas City premiere, it's packed with nonstop laughs, more than 150 zany characters (played by a cast of four) and some good old-fashioned romance. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 12-13, 2011
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 those who are high school age and older. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

June 28 - August 7, 2011
The Wiz
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Celebrate the power of believing in yourself with this Tony award-winning musical based on the tale we all know by heart, with soaring songs: "Ease on Down the Road," "Brand New Day," "No Bad News," "Be a Lion!" Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011
July Puppet Show Series
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. A Crown Center tradition continues with performances from the region's most exciting puppeteers. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

July 8 - August 21, 2011
The Honky Tonk Angels
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. The creator of Always...Patsy Cline combines more than 30 classic country tunes with a hilarious story about three gutsy gals determined to follow their dreams to Nashville. The song list includes 9 to 5, Stand by Your Man, Rocky Top and I Will Always Love You. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.