Crown Center Sets Schedule of Events For November 2011- September 2012

Located on the southern edge of downtown Kansas City, Crown Center offers fine hotels, entertainment, dining, shopping, offices and residential living. Home to the international headquarters of Hallmark Cards, Inc., the complex attracts more than five million visitors each year.

October 7 - November 5

EVIL DEAD: The Musical

Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Egads Theatre Company, a hilarious live stage show that takes all the elements from Sam Raimi's classic horror films ("Evil Dead," "Evil Dead 2" and "Army of Darkness") and combines them with original rock music and sketch comedy-style farce to make one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. 816-842-9999 or EgadsTheatre.com.

November 1 - December 31
Seussical
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. The plots of "Horton Hears a Who" and "Horton Hatches the Egg" are tunefully interwoven in this widely celebrated and critically acclaimed production. The Coterie was credited in The New York Times for originating this version "for all ages"... a true family classic!" Part of the Coterie's Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.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. 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.)

November 4-5

Screenland SLAMS- "War of the Worlds"

Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. A trio of comics provide running commentary on this infamous Tom Cruise/Dakota Fanning film, riffing their way through the reel without mercy. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 advance tickets or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or Screenland.com.
November 4 - December 24
The Marvelous Wonderettes
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Everyone wants the perfect prom night. But when the entertainment fails to show up for the 1958 Springfield High Prom, it's up to The Wonderettes to come through, with such hits as "It's My Party," "Alleghany Moon," "Dream Lover" and more. An unforgettable musical trip down memory lane for the whole family! 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

November 11-13, 17

Cinema Meets Culture-

"Daughter of the Regiment (La Fille Du Régiment)"

Screenland Crown Center, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Part of Screenland Crown Center's "Cinema Meets Culture" series, this operatic comedy from The Vienna State Opera is a coproduction with The Royal Opera and The Metropolitan Opera. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Thursday; 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. $10 per show. (No passes.) 816-545-8034 or Screenland.com.

November 14

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. Melinda MacDonald, Lauren Braton, Seth Golay, Lena Andrews and Cary Mock are scheduled to headline. Hosted by Tim Scott. Tickets are just $17. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

November 25-27, December 1

Cinema Meets Culture-

David Bintley's "Cinderella"

Screenland Crown Center, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Part of Screenland Crown Center's "Cinema Meets Culture" series. Beautiful, romantic and dramatic on an epic scale, a new version of the fairytale classic has been created for the Birmingham Royal Ballet as the highlight of its 20th anniversary season. "Cinderella" is a dazzling new visual experience from one of Britain's leading dance talents, award-winning choreographer David Bintley. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Thursday; 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. $10 per show. (No passes.) 816-545-8034 or Screenland.com.

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, 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 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. 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 25 - 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 25 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, Level 1 Atrium. Three locomotives travel through a Santa's gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Crown Center 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 25 - January 5

Family Fun Holiday Movies

Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Screenland Crown Center offers a great family movie every Thursday through Sunday. The lineup will be announced soon. Showtime is 2 p.m. $3 per person. Add a small popcorn and juicebox or small soft drink for just $2 more. 816-545-8034 or Screenland.com.
November 28 - December 16
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 1-18
"A Spectacular Christmas Concert"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage, their holiday offering will feature holiday songs from movies and musicals. Bring your family for a special holiday memory! Call 816-842-9999 or visit MTHKC.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 with The Doo Dads (December 3), Jim Cosgrove, aka Mr. Stinky Feet & The Hiccups (December 10) and Dino O'Dell and the Veloci Rappers (December 17). Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

December 9-11, 15

Cinema Meets Culture- "Tosca"

Screenland Crown Center, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Part of Screenland Crown Center's "Cinema Meets Culture" series. Vienna-born soprano Martina Serafin's fiery passion is matched by Marcello Giordani's standout performance as Vittoria and the great baritone Renato Bruson's extraordinary Scarpia, crushed between relentless passion for Tosca and the demands of political duty. This powerful "Tosca" is an operatic event played out against the backdrop of Sicily's remarkable, 7th century BC Greek theatre. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Thursday; 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. $10 per show. (No passes.) 816-545-8034 or Screenland.com.
January 6 - February 19, 2012
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 24 - February 19, 2012
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, 2012

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, 2012

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, 2012
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, 2012

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, 2012
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, 2012

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, 2012

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 10 - May 18, 2012
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 14, 2012

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, 2012

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, 2012

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 - June 17, 2012
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, 2012
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 19, 2012

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, 2012

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.
June 2, 2012

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 9-10, 2012

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, 2012
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, 2012

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, 2012
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, 2012

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.

August 3, 10, 2012

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, 2012

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 31 - September 2, 2012
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, 2012

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.

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