FUNVILLE, SLASHDANCE & More Included in Crown Center's Upcoming Events

Crown Center has just announced its Spring 2013 events:

Through March 10
Crown Center Ice Terrace
Crown Center Square. Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink is open for its 40th season of great skating fun. 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. March hours: Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 816-274-8411.

February 2 - May 5
FUNVILLE: What do you want to be?
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. What do you want to be when you grow up-a zookeeper, an astronaut, a firefighter, a school teacher, a veterinarian, a football player, a racecar driver or even the President of the United States? Kids can experience all these grown-up occupations and more, in a kid friendly environment. They can forecast the weather, do magic tricks, work in a barbershop, ride a tractor and even ride a bull. In "FUNVILLE," the most important job is to have fun! The exhibit is open during Crown Center Shops regular shopping hours. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

February 23 - March 10
Tell-Tale Electric Poe
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. One actor and one musician performing Poe stories and poems with musical lines and retorts from a reactive electric guitar! Horrifying and humorous, this sublime creation blends old with new, and includes three famous Poe poems and two short stories dramatized ("Pit and the Pendulum," "Tell-Tale Heart"). 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

March 7-24
Slashdance
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A world premiere Coterie At Night presentation, directed by Ron MeGee. "Flashdance" meets the cannibalistic hordes! Alexis Bowens is a welder by day, dancer by night. Nothing's going to stop her dream of getting into a real dance company, not even a giant herd of fast-moving, virus-infecting human cannibals! For teen and older audiences. (PG-13 production. No one under 13 admitted.) 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

March 8 - April 21
Life Could Be A Dream
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. In a time before "American Idol", The Crooning Crabcakes enter a talent search in hopes of realizing their dreams of making it to the big time. Trouble comes in the form of Lois, who arrives to put some polish on the group-and hilarious heartaches ensue! Featuring "Stay" (just a Little Bit Longer), "Earth Angel," "Unchained Melody," "Only You," and more than 20 other doo-wop hits. A Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com .

March 23-24, 29-30
The Easter Bunny visits Crown Center
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. 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.

March 28 - April 14
Sundays in the Park with George
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. This Stephen Sondheim musical won two Tony Awards and the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.

April 9 - May 24
Bud, Not Buddy
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. It's the Great Depression, and times could be hard for Bud after the loss of his mother. But nothing can stop Bud (not "Buddy") from finding the man he believes to be his father-jazz composer and musicIan Herman E. Calloway. Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

April 15
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 sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

April 15-19, 22-26
Spring Choir Performances
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. 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 24-25
Young Playwrights' Festival
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Featuring a collection of works 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. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

April 25-27
Kansas City Burlesque Festival
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Burlesque is a little bit risque, definitely exciting and always classy and entertaining; the absolute best local and international Burlesque performers you could ever hope to find, all brought to Kansas City for three days. Visit KCBurlesque.com for more information.

May 1-12
Mother's Day Gift Wrap Offer
Crown Center Shops, Level 2 Customer Service. Spend $50 at any Crown Center shop, restaurant or theatre during May 1-12 and get one complimentary gift wrap. Simply take your receipts to Customer Service by May 12, during regular shopping hours, to redeem. 816-274-8444.

May 3-19
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 dozens of photos of children waiting for adoptive homes. The exhibit is open during regular shopping hours. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 9-26
Hello Again
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A musical by four-time Tony Award nominee and Spinning Tree Honorary Advisor Michael John LaChiusa. This musical fantasy is about the search for one's perfect lover. LaChiusa sets - physically and musically - each of the ten scenes in a different decade of the 20th century. Seductive, entrancing, and darkly comical, this is Spinning Tree's largest and boldest undertaking to date. 816-842-9999 or SpinningTreeTheatre.com.

May 10 - June 23
Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her sidekick, Paco, share their outrageously funny advice and "how-to's" on dating, mating and marriage! Learn a thing or two ... like how to have a perfect kiss (it's all about lip position)...and how to let a man think he wears the pants. You'll be laughing about love all night long! A Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 18
Heart of America Concours d'Elegance
Crown Center Square. Jaguar, Austin Healey and MGA owners from around the region will display their cars and have them 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 25 - September 8
Curious George: Let's Get Curious!
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. Sponsored by 3M and created by Minnesota Children's Museum together with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. Based on the familiar characters in H.A. and Margaret Rey's classic stories and inspired by the animated television series on PBS KIDS, visitors can operate wheels to help George climb a building, sort and weigh fruits and vegetables at the produce stand, use science skills to putt a hole of mini golf, have their picture taken with the rocket from George's space adventure and much more. 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 25-26
Jiggle Jam Family Fest
Crown Center Square. Returning for a sixth fantastic year, featuring national and local children's entertainers. Many kids activities to enjoy. Festival hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. Admission prices: $10 presale, $15 at the gate, $18 weekend pass (online only), no fee for children under 2. Call 816-997-8511 or visit KCJiggleJam.com.

June 1
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 8-9
Crown Center Antique Festival
Crown Center Square. The festival's 13th year will feature pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more. More than 100 booths. 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 17
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 sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

June 18 - August 4
Lyle the Crocodile
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. What a croc! Loveable Lyle livens up a summer's day. The Primm family is surprised to find a crocodile in the tub. The multi-talented Lyle quickly becomes part of the family, but a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile. Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

June 21-23
Fiesta Kansas City
Crown Center Square. Celebrate Hispanic culture at this 14th annual event, which features great music, food, dancing and exhibits. Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Festival hours are 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday; Noon to 11 p.m., Saturday; Noon to 10 p.m., Sunday. Check FiestaKansasCity.com or call 816-472-6767 for ticket prices.

July 12 - August 25
The Bikinis - A New Musical Beach Party
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Back together after 20 years - four best friends are bringing back the sun, fun and all the great songs they sang down on the boardwalk...all to raise money for the good folks at Sandy Shores on Florida's Gold Coast. Filled with such hits as "It's In His Kiss," "Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," "Heat Wave," "Under the Boardwalk," "These Boots are made for Walking," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "When Will I Be Loved," "I Will Survive," "It's Raining Men" and many more. A Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

July 19-28
KC Fringe Festival
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Now in its ninth 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 Off Center Theatre.

July 29
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 sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

August 3
Clown Show
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Bring the kids to see a special stage performance by area clowns. Noon to 1 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

August 8-25
Hello, Dolly!
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. Starring Deb Bluford and Gary Neal Johnson. A whirlwind race around New York at the turn of the 20th century, following the adventures of America's most beloved matchmaker. 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.

August 30 - September 1
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. Call 816-561-7555 or visit KCIrishFest.com for ticket information.

September 9
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 sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

October 5, 12, 19, 26
October Puppet Show Series
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. A Crown Center tradition continues with performances from the region's most exciting puppeteers. The lineup: Paul Mesner Puppets (October 5), Bob Kramer Marionettes of St. Louis (October 12), Clement McCrae Puppet (October 19), StoneLion Puppet Theatre (October 26). Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

October 19
Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon
Washington Square Park. Races include a 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon and 5K run/walk, all starting and ending at Washington Square Park (corner of Pershing Road and Grand Boulevard), site of the finish line festival. 7:05 a.m. For registration information, visit KCMarathon.org.

October 31
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 October 31 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 1. 816-274-8444.

November 1
Crown Center Ice Terrace Opening Day
Crown Center Square. Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 41st 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 9, 2014.)

November 25
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 sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

November 29
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, Casey Bear 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 29
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. Mayor Sly James and a celebrity guest will flip the switch to light the tree. 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 29 - December 31
Santa's Crayola Christmas Land
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. Children can play on super-sized Crayola products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 29 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 29 - December 31
Santa's Gingerbread Village
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Three locomotives travel through a Santa's gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Kansas City and Sheraton Kansas City 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.

December 2-13
Weekday Holiday Choirs
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. 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 or CrownCenter.com/Choirs.

December 5-22
A Spectacular Christmas
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Musical Theater Heritage's holiday show features a sackful of classic Christmastime songs from movies and musicals. It is funny, heartfelt, and sentimental, and features many of KC's best-loved local performers. The performances will move you, and it's perfect for the family at Christmastime! 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.

December 7 and 14
Musical Fun For Kids
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Enjoy holiday music for kids and families on the first two Saturdays of December. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

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