Crown Center Announces Schedule of Events For January - December 2012

Crown Center has announced their Schedule of Events from January 2012 - December 2012.

Through March 18
Crown Center Ice Terrace
Crown Center Square. Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink is open for its 39th 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. 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.)

January 6 - February 19
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.

January 14-15
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
BRICK FACTOR Competition
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Several hopefuls vie for the honor of becoming a Master Model Builder. Visit LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com for more information.
January 24 - February 19
The Wrestling Season
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. With only a wrestling mat and a referee, eight teenagers struggle with how others see them and with the destructive power of rumors. Commissioned and premiered by the Coterie in 2000, it is one of the most important plays in the Coterie's history and more significant today than ever. After each performance, the referee guides the audience through a post-show forum. As the actors (in character) discuss their actions, audience members rank their behavior from most to least objectionable. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org .

February 1-14
Valentine's Day Gift Wrap promotion
Crown Center Shops, Level 2 Customer Service. Spend $50 at any Crown Center shop, restaurant or theatre during February 1-14 and get one complimentary gift wrap. Simply take your receipts to Customer Service by February 14, during regular shopping hours, to redeem. 816-274-8444.
February 4 - April 29
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, April 8. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

February 20
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.
February 22 - March 4
Freedom Sisters: Stamping, Shouting & Singing Home
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. It is 1950s America, the Deep South; a world on the verge of change but still tainted by everyday injustices and the remnants of slavery. "In my family there's dead people hopping in and out of the conversation all the time." One of those dead people is Lizzie's great-great-great grandmother Sojourner Truth, freedom fighter of slavery, whose voice could not be silenced. As Lizzie unpacks the past, she listens to Sojourner and, in the process, discovers her own voice...fearless, joyful, full of resolve. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org .

February 25
KCPT Skate with Clifford
Crown Center Ice Terrace. Skate with Clifford the Big Red Dog from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission and skate rental fees during that time are donated to KCPT. Regular admission is $6, or complimentary for those over age 60 and children age four and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. 816-274-8411.
March 2 - April 15
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.

March 3
Rep-Tails Animal Shows
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. An exciting and educational adventure, in conjunction with Crown Center's Animal Tales & Trails exhibit. Learn about some of the Earth's most unique creatures, including alligators, chinchillas, snakes and tortoise. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.
March 31, April 1, 6, 7
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 2
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 10 - May 18
James and the Giant Peach
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Crocodile tongues, horrible aunts, a ravenous rhinoceros: poor James is miserable...until something peculiar happens involving a giant peach and group of talking insects! James and his diverse insect buddies work together as to take the most wonderful and extraordinary journey they could ever imagine. When the peach plunges into the sea, James takes command, using the resources at his disposal to lift the peach out of the danger of circling sharks. Eventually the peach comes safely to the end of its journey, and the characters arrive at the next stage of their lives. Part of the Coterie's Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org .

April 12-29
Sweeney Todd
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. Winner of eight Tony Awards, this Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler classic tells the story of Benjamin Barker, alias Sweeney Todd, who returns to London after 15 years of imprisonment on false charges. 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.
April 14
Wings of Love presents Awesome Birds
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Delight in the playful antics of tropical birds, in conjunction with Crown Center's Animal Tales & Trails exhibit. See parrots, toucans, cockatoos and more. Presented by Wings of Love. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.
April 16-20, 23-27
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.

May 1-13
Mother's Day Gift Wrap Promotion
Crown Center Shops, Level 2 Customer Service. Spend $50 at any Crown Center shop, restaurant or theatre during May 1-13 and get one complimentary gift wrap. Simply take your receipts to Customer Service by May 13, during regular shopping hours, to redeem. 816-274-8444.

May 4-20
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 (16" x 20" size) of children waiting for adoptive homes. The exhibit is open during regular shopping hours. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.
May 4 - June 17
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.

May 9-10
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. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org .

May 10-27
The Fantasticks
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Spinning Tree Theatre. Directed by Michael Grayman and Andy Parkhurst. Visit SpinningTreeTheatre.com for more information.
May 19
Heart of America Jaguar Concours d'Elegance
Crown Center Square. Jaguar 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 26-27
Jiggle Jam Family Fest
Crown Center Square. Returning for a fifth 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.

May 26 - September 9
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. Created by the Minnesota Children's Museum, this interactive traveling exhibit transports visitors back in time to when the dinosaurs last roamed the land, 70 million years ago. Encounter realistic, fully touchable dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. At the Big Dig, children unearth fossils and identify them in the Field Research Station. See a smoldering volcano, dinosaur puzzles, an "icy" slide and prehistoric cave. At the photo kiosk, visitors can take a photo with a dinosaur and email a digital postcard to family and friends. 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. Open noon to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. FREE admission. 816-274-8444.
June 2
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
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 9-10
Crown Center Antique Festival
Crown Center Square. The festival's 12th 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 19 - August 5
Once Upon a Mattress
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Control-freak Queen Aggravain chases off her son's chances of finding a princess by creating unbeatable tests. Along comes klutzy Princess Winnifred (who swims the moat from the swamp) to set the Prince's heart aflame. So, the Queen plans her most difficult challenge yet. The palace is filled with merriment and mischief while everyone wonders if Princess "Fred" will pass the Queen's test. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Princess and the Pea." Part of the Coterie's Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org .

July 6, 13, 20, 27
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. No admission fee. Concessions will be available. Movies begin at approximately 9 p.m. 816-274-8444.
July 6 - August 19
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.

July 7, 14, 21, 28
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 30
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, 10
Friday Night Concerts
Crown Center Square. Friday night music returns to Crown Center with favorite country and pop stars. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 at the gate. 816-274-8444.

August 4
Clown Day
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Crown Center becomes "Clown Center" for this all-smiles event. Bring the kids and see performances by area clown groups sure to 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 9-26
The Music Man
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. Winner of five Tony Awards, this famous musical follows con man Harold Hill, who aims to swindle the town of River City, Iowa. But his scheme could go awry when he falls for Marian Paroo, the town librarian and piano teacher. 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.

August 31 - September 2
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 8-9
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. Visit KCChalkAndWalk.org for more information. 816-274-8444.

September 10
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 20
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. 7:05 a.m. For registration information, visit KCMarathon.org.

November 1
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 1 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 2. 816-274-8444.

November 19
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 23
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 23
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 23 - 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 23 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 23 - 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 hotel. 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 26 - December 14
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 1, 8, 15
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.

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