The Crown Center has announced the following upcoming events.
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 during 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.)
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 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 .
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 3
Screenland Slams- "The Stepford Wives"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into 1975's "The Stepford Wives." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for a grown-up crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.
March 9-31
"Zombie Prom"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. "Grease" meets "Little Shop of Horrors" in this offering from Egads Theatre Co. 816-842-9999 orEgadsTheatre.com.
March 15
Dinner & A Movie- "The Godfather"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Milano and Screenland Crown Center present "Dinner & A Movie" once each month. Titles include "The Godfather" (March 15), "Dr. Zhivago" (April 19) and "Gone With the Wind" (June 21). The May 17 title will be announced soon. The package includes movie tickets and fountain drinks, preceded by a five-course small plate dinner at Milano. Dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the movie at 8 p.m. $65 per couple or $32.50 for one person. 816-545-8034 or Screenland.com.
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 orMTHKC.com.
April 7
Screenland Slams- "Barbarella"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into 1968's "Barbarella," starring Jane Fonda. It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for a grown-up crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.
April 10 - May 18
James and the Giant Peach
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Crocodile tongues, a ravenous rhinoceros and more: 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 orCoterieTheatre.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.
April 19
Dinner & A Movie- "Dr. Zhivago"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Milano and Screenland Crown Center present "Dinner & A Movie" once each month. Titles include "The Godfather" (March 15), "Dr. Zhivago" (April 19) and "Gone With the Wind" (June 21). The May 17 title will be announced soon. The package includes movie tickets and fountain drinks, preceded by a five-course small plate dinner at Milano. Dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the movie at 8 p.m. $65 per couple or $32.50 for one person. 816-545-8034 or Screenland.com.
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 orAHTKC.com.
May 5
Screenland Slams- "Showgirls"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into 1995's "Showgirls." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for a grown-up crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.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. VisitSpinningTreeTheatre.com for more information.
May 17
Dinner & A Movie
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Milano and Screenland Crown Center present "Dinner & A Movie" once each month. Titles include "The Godfather" (March 15), "Dr. Zhivago" (April 19) and "Gone With the Wind" (June 21). The May 17 title will be announced soon. The package includes movie tickets and fountain drinks, preceded by a five-course small plate dinner at Milano. Dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the movie at 8 p.m. $65 per couple or $32.50 for one person. 816-545-8034 or Screenland.com.
May 19
Heart of America Concours d'Elegance
Crown Center Square. Jaguar and Austin Healey 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. Festival hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are $8 per day or $15 for the weekend. $12 at the gate. No admission fee for children under age 2. 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 shopping hours. No admission fee. 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 2
Screenland Slams- "Fame"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into 1980's "Fame." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for a grown-up crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.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 orMTHKC.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 14-16
The Smith Project dance company
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. The Smith Project dance company performs. Call 816-842-9999 for tickets.
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 .
June 21
Dinner & A Movie- "Gone With the Wind"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Milano and Screenland Crown Center present "Dinner & A Movie" once each month. Titles include "The Godfather" (March 15), "Dr. Zhivago" (April 19) and "Gone With the Wind" (June 21). The May 17 title will be announced soon. The package includes movie tickets and fountain drinks, preceded by a five-course small plate dinner at Milano. Dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the movie at 8 p.m. $65 per couple or $32.50 for one person. 816-545-8034 or Screenland.com.
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. Scheduled to perform: Clement McCrae Puppets (July 7), StoneLion Puppet Theatre (July 14), Bob Kramer Marionettes of St. Louis (July 21) and Paul Mesner Puppets (July 28). Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.
July 7
Screenland Slams- "The Birds"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 classic ,"The Birds." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for a grown-up crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.
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 orMTHKC.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 4
Screenland Slams- "Legend"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into Ridley Scott's 1985 film, "Legend." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for a grown-up crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.
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.
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