Category Archives: Entertainment
Sounds Good: Patio Show @ Replay, Galactic @ Granada & DeVotchKa, Quixotic @ Midland
I love St. Patrick’s Day. Granted I’m of Irish heritage, so not only can I drink a whole lot, I’m also transluscent. You can basically see my heart beating through my skin.
Oh, there are other benefits too. Like, for example, I have an extremely short temper. And I have a taste for truly repellant food.
Yes, these are things that I enjoy every day just by virtue of being born Irish-American. But on this one day, you too can see what it’s like to be a real Irishman.
First things first, you’re gonna need a bucket and a shitload of green beer…
Sounds Good: The Noise FM, Wooten & Clarke, and Keller Williams This Weekend
This weekend there will be some great opportunities to check a few things off that dreaded to-do list…
#1 – See a rockin’ band before they hit it big, so you can be the asshole that tells everyone about it for the next decade even though you barely remember the show because you were ridiculously shitfaced.
Check.
#2 – See a couple of musical legends performing together and pretend like you understand just how expertly they have perfected their craft.
Check.
#3 – Pay twenty bucks to watch some guy that makes funny sounds with his mouth.
And check… Wait- what?… Tell me more about the mouth thing…
Tracy: Lord of the Dance’s Michael Flatley Falls Flat – Even in 3D
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I so very much wanted to love this movie. Sorry…
I was excited to see Michael Flatley, Lord of the Dance, in 3D. To see something besides those animated movies for adolescent boys that usually employ this medium. And I was hoping for some behind-the-scenes documentary style revelations.
None of which I got.
Flatley deserves praise for supporting Irish step dance, and making it a worldwide phenom for 14 years. And his triumphant hometown return concert in Dublin was the subject of this movie.
Blessedly, it will be a limited engagement.
Donnelly: Tapes ‘N Tapes at the Jackpot Saloon, March 4, 2011
I walked in to the Jackpot Saloon just in time to see the last song of some guys playing indie rock dressed in NASCAR jumpsuits.
Why, it’s openers Dale Earnhart Jr. Jr., of course. Two juniors is better than one. Duh.
Next up were the once critical darlings, Tapes ‘n Tapes. Any hipster worth his weight in mustache wax would tell you that Tapes’ earlier stuff was waaay better than their next two albums. That the band sold out when they went to big label XL Recordings. And that after their second album was critically panned, now the band is trying to get their cred back by doing what made them cool in the first place – staying independent and doing their own thing.
Fair enough.
Sounds Good: Tapes ‘N Tapes in Lawrence; Howard Iceberg & Titanics in KC This Weekend
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Okay, I have your weekend all mapped out for you…
It’s going to start off with a high energy, sweaty romp with a bunch of college kids. Nice, right? Next comes KU beating Mizzou‘s ass in their own house. Then we finish it all off with a trusty troubadour and a cocktail at the best looking bar in KC.
You’re welcome. All you have to do is show up….
GREASE Takes GLEE Back to the 50s
Before Glee, Grease was the word.
Though Fox may have television’s biggest sitcom hit on its hands, Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele and company by no means invented testosterone-laden high school angst rendered musically in cool threads. That distinction belonged to Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, who decades ago hit upon the winning formula that made GREASE (now through Sunday at the Music Hall) one of the longest-running hits on Broadway.
JAZZ TIME: Ever heard of a BAR with a hangover? Jardine’s Trots Out the Jazz Hookups Tuesday
They can dish em out– but can they take em?
Taverns, I mean. Bars, clubs, boites, watering holes. Since when is that domain of day-after dread a hangover haven?
Tomorrow night from 7 to 11, that’s when, as Jardine’s (4536 Main) offers the unrequited amongst us a "Love Hangover." And they say "love means never having to say you’re sorry" (I’m guessing they’re open for you lovebirds, too).
JAZZ TIME: Papa Marsalis is coming to town
You can bet Ellis Marsalis knows his jazz.
All you have to do is check out his progeny: Wynton, Branford and Delfeayo. So it’s a special night when the senior Marsalis vacates his usual New Orleans haunts and plays a gig up here in Cold Town. He’ll be warming the 88s Friday night at the Folly Theatre, 12th and Central downtown. Show starts at 8; they talk about it at 7.
Edelman: KC Rep Asks and Tells the Right Stuff
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Behind the headlines and beyond the soundbites, gays in the military have had a hell of a time getting any respect.
Marc Wolf’s compelling new play, ANOTHER AMERICAN: ASKING AND TELLING (now through next Sunday, Feb 6 at KC Rep on the UMKC campus), sheds the harsh flood light of reality on the predicaments of these patriots. Armchair generals be forewarned: this is not a story that’s going to make you proud to be an American.
Kat: Shrek’s Big, Fat Ass Steals Show at Music Hall
An ass stole the show tonight at the Music Hall’s production of Shrek The Musical.
Shrek might be the title character, but his noble steed, Donkey, won this Midwestern audience over with his sultry voice, dancing hooves and adult humor. Proving Kansas City to be just a little too sophisticated for repetitive fart jokes. But even with Shrek left in the wind – so to speak – the show still managed to shine.
The Internet claimed an eight o’clock show time Wednesday, but the production began at 7:30 p.m.
Tonight’s show starts at 7:30 again. Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m.with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Sunday evening’s performance is at 6:30 p.m.
JAZZ TIME: Leawood’s Got It Going On
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I know what you’re thinking: Jazz in Leawood– you mean Kenny G playing "White Christmas" over the muzak at Chico’s in Town Center? Well, drop by West Chase Grill at 119th and Roe most any night this month. There’s music out there, man.
Chef/owner John Westerhaus has always put out a tasty spread. His lobster spring rolls are serious appetizer heaven; and he knows his way around scallops and sea bass. But it’s not a fish place by any means– steaks and chops reign supreme at West Chase, along with the tastiest (and most wallet friendly) Kobe Beef burger around (add the bleu cheese for a paltry three quarters of a buck– it’s worth it). Great wines– and at least 20 by the glass– and a mixologist who knows his stuff, and you’ve got one of JoCo’s happiest eateries.
And now you can add jazz to that receipe for some warm fun on a sub-zero night.
Review: Music Hall Gets Make Ogre with SHREK
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With all the talk on Broadway about SPIDERMAN’s mega-budget problems, it’s refreshing (and fun) to see what the second biggest payout in Broadway history hath wrought.
That would be Dreamworks’terrific new musical SHREK
. You’re in luck, Kansas City– the big green one is Music Hall bound. And whereas the Spidey show sounds like it’s full of angst, U2-ie important messages and actors breaking bones, SHREK is a musical comedy gas— and actors breaking wind.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL RETURNS TO THE REP– HATLEY MAKES IT HAPPEN
‘Tis the season, and KC Rep gets it rolling with a pleasant new production of their holiday chestnut A CHRISTMAS CAROL (now through Dec 26 at the Spencer Theater on the UMKC campus). Break out the eggnog and holly—it’s tradition time.
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With Artistic Director Eric Rosen off to Seattle supervising round two of his A CHRISTMAS STORY, staging chores for this year’s winter fete fell to Rep Associate A.D. Kyle Hatley. I thought Hatley did a wonderful job with last season’s BROKEOLOGY at the Copaken Stage downtown; but that was an intimate new play. I missed his big cast DEATH OF CUPID at the KC Fringe Festival this summer. Could Hatley lead sixty plus actors, designers and stagehands into the breach and out the other side, happy patrons and their money in hand? (The Rep counts on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for a big chunk of their annual box office).
I’m happy to report that Hatley brings it off. Introducing a new John Ezell design, replete with LES MIZ-style turntable, Hatley finds a lot more heart in his retelling of the Dickens classic. Gary Neal Johnson’s emotional arc feels more real, more satisfying in the playing. From his chilly reunion with dead partner Jacob Marley (a scary looking Mark Robbins) through the three ghostly visits and his ah ha moment at the story’s end, this Scrooge comes off less cartoon and more flesh, blood and feelings than I remember from past productions. Credit Hatley for making a difference
NOTHING DISTRACTING ABOUT UNICORN’S LATEST HIT
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Tired of endless holiday muzak congealing in every corner of your life? Need a distraction, maybe? Cynthia Levin and her Unicorn cohorts have just the thing– Lisa Loomer’s very au courant new comedy DISTRACTED, now through next Sunday, December 12, on the U’s mainstage, 3828 Main in midtown. Talk about your pick me up…
Loomer has a sharp eye for the foibles of modern life and Director Levin and her company get all of the twists and turns in this often laugh-out-loud piece about a family’s coming to terms with their ADHD child. Wait.. did he say ADHD? Laugh out loud? Comedy?
Edelman: Broadway 2010, a Bloody, Bloody Good Time
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If a gun-toting, emo-rock screeching Andrew Jackson moves your mojo, the just-getting-started Broadway theater season may be right up your alley.
Think high school history, but the high school’s the one in Glee.
*** BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON (Jacobs Theater on 45 th Street between Broadway and 8th Ave) features a score by Michael Friedmann, the composer behind KC Rep’s season opener SAVED. Too bad Friedmann left his rocking shoes in New York. Where SAVED played it white bread safe, BLOODY BLOODY kicks out the jams in a wild take on our 7th president and founder of the now down-in-the-dumps Democratic Party.
Jazz Time: New Clubs Bring the Music Closer Than Ever
Much as we love our favorite jazz haunts—Jardine’s, the Blue Room, the Phoenix, Majestic, Chazz, etc— it’s nice to see some fresh paint behind the bandstand.
So check out these new (or newer) additions to the Jazz Time geography.
Quality Hill Playhouse (10th and Main downtown): Usually reserved for Kent Barnhart’s slick cabaret shows—an entertainment mainstay of the 65+ crowd—QHP plays host to chanteuse par excellence Marilyn Maye all week long. You could pay $60, buy two over-priced drinks and have to tip the doorman at the Metropolitan Room or Michael Feinstein’s place in NYC—or you can catch Marilyn in the comfy, nicely-appointed confines of the QHP, a great place to see her jazz eminence. And parking’s next door.
Accurso’s (50th and Main): If you’ve had Italian deli in Midtown, you know this is a name synonymous with a nice pastrami and hip potato chips. Glad to see the operation presenting that estimable keyboard man (and City Light alum) Tim Whitmer Tuesday at 6pm. I can think of few better sounds to accompany a Dr Brown’s cream soda or Boulevard wheat.
Kat: Furball Free Fun at Music Hall’s Cats
Ah, the memories..
Once again the musical Cats demonstrated that it has well over nine lives Friday at the Music Hall. And with nearly 30 years of production under its claws, the opening night audience caught cat scratch fever and couldn’t get enough.
As a child I thought of Cats as a singing, dancing storybook full of magic and wonder. But watching it as an adult, there were parts of the show that seemed just plain weird to me.
Where did the magic go?
Why was there a spaceship? And why does it keep coming in and out of the set?
Edelman: Unicorn’s [title of show] a Winner
Give Mickey & Judy some credit– when they Continue reading
Edelman: What a Fool Believes He Sees… at Starlight
What a beautiful world it will be.. what a glorious time to be free.
Yeah, the sarcasm can get pretty Continue reading
Edelman: World Premier of DUTY Brings Tragic Headlines Home
Tragedies are written by dead Greek guys, the Bard or Arthur Miller– not much room Continue reading
