Crown Center Announces Schedule of Events From May 2011- August 2012

Crown Center Schedule of Events announced for May 2011- August 2012

April 4 - May 7
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 22 - May 8
Mother's Day Gift Wrap Promo
Crown Center Shops Customer Service, Level 2. Spend $50 at any Crown Center shop, restaurant or theatre during April 22-May 8 and get one complimentary gift wrap. Simply take your receipts to Customer Service by May 8, during regular shopping hours, to redeem. 816-274-8444.

May 6-22
The Heart Gallery: Through Our Children's Eyes
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Crown Center partners with Missouri Children's Division of Jackson County to host the Missouri Heart Gallery. The gallery consists of 170 photos of children waiting for adoptive homes. The exhibit is open during regular shopping hours. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 6 - June 19
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
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.

May 12-29
Gypsy
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage and starring Deb Bluford. Mama Rose is determined to make a star of the older, less talented daughter Louise, who becomes the legendary Gypsy Rose Lee. Tickets will be available at 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com .

May 13-15
Fiesta Kansas City
Crown Center Square. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at this eleventh annual event, which features great music, food, dancing and exhibits. Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Festival hours: 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; Noon to 11 p.m., Saturday; Noon to 10 p.m., Sunday. Admission is complimentary before 4 p.m., as well as for ages 12 and under with a paid regular admission. After 4 p.m., admission is $5 per person. Check FiestaKansasCity.com or call 816-472-6767 for more information.

May 21
Heart of America Concours d'Elegance
Crown Center Square. Jaguar and Austin Healey owners from around the region will display their cars. Jaguars are judged for awards in many classes. Presented by the Heart of America Jaguar Club. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 28 - September 5
Rainforest Adventure exhibit
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. A multisensory expedition that introduces children to tropical rainforests around the world. The exhibit features 40 interactive components, including computer games, a 9-foot kapok tree, gorilla blind and a station to create your own unique insect. Children role-play as research assistants as they explore and learn about the rainforest and its ecological wonders. On loan from Stepping Stones Museum for Children of Norwalk, Ct. 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. Open noon to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 28-29
Jiggle Jam Family Fest
Crown Center Square. Returning for a fourth fantastic year, featuring national and local children's entertainers. Many kids activities to enjoy. $8 in advance, $12 at the gate, $15 weekend pass. No admission fee for children under age 2. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Call 816-997-8511 or visit KCJiggleJam.com for more information.

June 4
Hospital Hill Run
Crown Center Square. This premier Kansas City road racing event is nationally recognized by Runner's World magazine. Races include a 13.1-mile half marathon, 10K race and 5K run/walk, all starting and ending at Crown Center Square. 7 a.m. For registration information, call 816-274-8444 or visit HospitalHillRun.com.

June 4
"Spectrum"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Belly Dance United produces innovative US-style bellydance shows breaking away from what is considered "traditional" bellydance by incorporating comedy, acting, modern dance and other ancient dance traditions. 573-864-4710.

June 11-12
Crown Center Antique Festival
Crown Center Square. The festival's eleventh year will feature pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more. More than 100 dealers. Regular festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

June 18-19
Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival
Crown Center Square. Artists start with empty squares of asphalt and by the end of the weekend, these squares will be transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. No admission fee. Visit KCChalkAndWalk.org for more information. 816-274-8444.

June 21 - August 7
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.

June 25
Ice Cream Dreamery
Crown Center Square. This fundraiser for The Children's Place features ice cream tastings, inflatables and entertainment. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for an individual $10 for a family of four, plus $1 per each additional child. 816-274-8444.

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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 year's lineup features "50 First Dates" (July 1), "Tootsie" (July 8), "Hoosiers" (July 15), "A League of Their Own" (July 22) and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (July 29). No admission fee. will be available. Movies begin at approximately 9 p.m. 816-274-8444.

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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: Bob Kramer Marionettes of St. Louis (July 2), StoneLion Puppet Theatre (July 9), Piccadilly Productions (July 16), Clement McCrae Puppets (July 23) and Paul Mesner Puppets (July 30). Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

July 8 - August 21
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.

July 21-31
KC Fringe Festival
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Now in its seventh 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 the Off Center Theatre. 816-516-4750.

August 1
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 $17. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

August 5, 12
Friday Night Concerts
Crown Center Square. Friday night music returns to Crown Center with favorite country and pop stars. The 2011 lineup will be announced soon. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 at the gate. 816-274-8444.

August 6
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 11-28
Evita
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. Eva Peron was a second rate actress, but when her lover, Colonel Juan Peron, becomes elected president she becomes First Lady of Argentina and wins the hearts of the entire population. This fantastic musical won seven Tony Awards in 1980. Tickets will be available at 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com .

August 20
Jewels of the Rainforest Tropical Bird Shows
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. In conjunction with the Rainforest Adventure exhibit, Crown Center presents a pair of shows featuring fascinating tropical birds. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

September 2-4
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.

September 9 - October 23
Nobody Lonesome For Me: A Hank Williams play with music
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A Kansas City premiere. It's New Year's Eve 1952 and country music legend Hank Williams is stranded at a gas station. During this fateful night, Hank shares his wit, his stories and his music, including "So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Ramblin' Man" and "Your Cheatin' Heart." Starring Matthew Brumlow, who is reprising his much-lauded role as Hank Williams. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

September 9-10, 16-17
KC Improv Festival
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. More details coming soon to KCImprov.com.

September 12
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 $17. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

October 10-16
Back In The Swing Retail Therapy
Crown Center Shops. Purchase a shopping card for $25 and receive savings of up to 20 percent 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 15
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. The Marathon Expo, no charge to the public, is held October 13-14 in the Crown Center Exhibit Hall at 2323 McGee. For registration information, visit KCMarathon.org.

October 22, 29
Spooky Fun Halloween Puppet Shows
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. A pair of Kansas City's finest puppeteers bring their Halloween shows to Crown center. Paul Mesner Puppets presents "Wiley and the Hairy Man!" on October 22. StoneLion Puppet Theatre presents "Boneyard Jamboree" on October 29. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

November 3
Arrival of the Mayor's Christmas Tree
Crown Center Square. The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culmination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on November 3 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 4. 816-274-8444.

November 4
Crown Center Ice Terrace Opening Day
Crown Center Square. Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 39th 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 those 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. Hours during February and March: noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon to 11 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday. 816-274-8411. (The rink is open until March 18, 2012.)

November 4 - December 24
The Marvelous Wonderettes
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Everyone wants the perfect prom night. But when the entertainment fails to show up for the 1958 Springfield High Prom, it's up to The Wonderettes to come through, with such hits as "It's My Party," "Alleghany Moon," "Dream Lover" and more. An unforgettable musical trip down memory lane for the whole family! 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

November 25
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® and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol' St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24. No admission fee. 10 a.m. 816-274-8444.

November 25
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 25 - 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 25 - 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. Claus' home. No admission fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 28 - December 16
Weekday 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 1-18
"A Spectacular Christmas"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage, their holiday offering will feature a sackful of classic holiday songs. It is funny and heartfelt, sentimental and perfect for the family at Christmas time. This is an original show written by MTH that has a lot of fun with our best-loved local performers. Call 816-842-9999 or visit MTHKC.com for tickets.

December 3, 10, 17
Musical Fun For Kids
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Enjoy holiday music for kids and families on three Saturdays in December. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

January 6 - February 19, 2012
Beer For Breakfast
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A world premiere. Four middle-aged buddies reunite for a "guy's weekend," complete with old music, cheap beer and enough cholesterol to stop Superman's heart. It's all going well until one of guys doesn't show up...but his wife does. Snowed in overnight, an epic struggle ensues: Will man be judged the superior sex or will woman prevail? Starring Kansas City favorites Cathy Barnett, Scott Cordes, Martin English and playwright Sean Grennan. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

March 2 - April 15, 2012
The Importance of Being Ernest
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Currently a smash-hit on Broadway, AHT is delighted to bring Oscar Wilde's famous farce back to Kansas City. In this glorious comedy of mistaken identities, traditional rules of propriety and etiquette are mocked. It's a comedic masterpiece about class and name-dropping. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 4 - June 17, 2012
As Long As We Both Shall Live- A Mystery Farce
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.

July 6 - August 19, 2012
Bingo! A 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.

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