Crown Center Announces Their Schedule of Events March- December 2011

Crown Center Schedule of Events for March- December 2011

Through March 13
Crown Center Ice Terrace
Crown Center Square. Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink is now open for its 38th season of great skating fun. 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. 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.)

February 5 - May 1
Under the Sea Adventure exhibit
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. Enter a world of whimsical creatures, on an adventure that takes families to a sunken pirate ship where they discover a treasure chest. They explore a submarine, visit a mermaid's house, ride a seahorse and step inside a whale's mouth. The exhibit will include an array of aquatic children's books...in a waterproof reading area, of course! 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, April 24. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

March 4-5
Screenland Slams- "Leprechaun"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into 1993's "Leprechaun," one of Jennifer Aniston's first film appearances. It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for those 18 and older. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.

March 4 - April 1
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 pursues 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
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.

March 5, 12, 19, 26
Meet the Mermaid Princess
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Pose with the beautiful Mermaid Princess in her Under The Sea Castle, in conjunction with the "Under the Sea Adventure" exhibit. Noon to 4 p.m. No admission fee. Professional photos available for a fee, or you may take your own. 816-274-8444.

March 11-20
In Trousers
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Egads Theatre Co. presents a musical by William Finn, who wrote the music for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." "In Trousers" was Finn's first musical. Visit EgadsTheatre.com or call 816-842-9999.

March 21
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. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

March 30-31
Cooking Demonstrations
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Pitmaster Chris Marks of the famous Three Little Pigs competition barbeque team hosts a class/demo featuring barbeque ribs on Wednesday, March 30. The following day, March 31, Z-Teca Fresh Mexican Grill executive chef Jon Brown will emphasize salsas, including a made-from-scratch pico de gallo. Demos begin at noon. No admission fee. 816-474-7779.

April 1-3, 8-10
Make Me A Song
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A Kansas City premiere, Spinning Tree Theatre presents the music of William Finn (writer of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in "Make Me A Song." Directed by Michael Grayman. Visit SpinningTreeTheatre.com or call 816-842-9999.

April 1-30
Pirate Puzzle Treasure Hunt
Crown Center Shops Showplace or Customer Service. Pick up your entry form for a chance at a treasure full of fun prizes, in conjunction with the "Under the Sea Adventure" exhibit. The hunt begins on April 1 and ends with one lucky winner on April 30. 816-274-8444.

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 14-16
Kansas City Burlesque Festival
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. This inaugural event is dedicated to bringing neo-burlesque to audiences both new and old who love all things burlesque. Star performers will be juried by a famed panel of judges, who will crown the first annual Kansas City Queen of Burlesque and other awards. Additional entertainment will include comedians and vocalists. Industry professionals will lead workshops to teach more about the art of burlesque. More details at KCBurlesque.com.

April 16-17, 22-23
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
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.

April 25
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. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

April 27-28
Cooking Demonstrations
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Pitmaster Chris Marks of the famous Three Little Pigs competition barbeque team hosts a class/demo featuring his famous pork tenderloin on Wednesday, April 27. The following day, April 28, Z-Teca Fresh Mexican Grill executive chef Jon Brown will demonstrate guacamole preparation and service. Demos begin at noon. No admission fee. 816-474-7779.

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 AHTKC.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. No admission fee 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 www.hccgkc.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 climbing wall. 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. 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. 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 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.

June 25
Ice Cream Dreamery
Crown Center Square. This fundraiser for The Children's Place features ice cream tastings, inflatables and entertainment. 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.

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. 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 $15. 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 AHTKC.com.

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. 816-997-0837 or KCIrishFest.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 $15. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

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.

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. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in February and March. 816-274-8411. (The rink is open until March 11, 2012.)

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 AHTKC.com for tickets.

December 3, 10, 17
Musical Fun For Kids
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. 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.