Sometimes you’ve got to take a stand.
This weekend may or may not be one of those times – really, how should I know? But, perhaps, you can be prepared to take charge with the following bold suggestions for decisive weekend action.
Did I say perhaps? To be honest, a little wiggle room never hurts. Even when you’re not messing around!
1. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: ‘The River Tour’
The weekend might as well kick off a day or two early, when the Boss visits KC to perform the entirety of his epic 1980 double-album, “The River.” American dreams, whether soaring, crushed or somewhere in between, are poetically communicated in 20 classic songs that speak to the lives of everyday people as they continue the journeys to wherever they’re going. And, in most cases, you can dance to it. Thanks, Bruce! Of course, Mr. New Jersey won’t let the fans get away before rocking out to an additional selection of his greatest hits, including “Born to Run.” I’ve always wanted Wendy to strap her hands ’cross my engines.
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $55-$105.
2. Marc Maron
Experienced stand-up comic Marc Maron is currently enjoying his greatest career success. Maybe the biggest reason: He made the decision several years ago to start hosting “WTF with Marc Maron,” a regular podcast from his home garage featuring interviews with other comedians, celebrities and even President Barack Obama. WTF, indeed. He also stars in “Maron,” a Larry David-esque sitcom on IFC inspired by Maron’s own life as a highly opinionated working funnyman. Bold and funny stuff.
Sunday, 7:30 p.m.; Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, 1228 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $30.
Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Kinky Boots” tells the tale, based on true events, of a shoe factory owner and a drag queen who form an improbable partnership. Entertaining kinkiness ensues. The show is so popular with audiences because of another partnership: Cyndi Lauper (“Girls Just Want to Have Fun”) came up with the high-stepping songs and her friend Harvey Fierstein (“La Cage aux Folles”) wrote the book, which daringly suggests that people from extremely different backgrounds can actually have a great deal in common.
Thursday and Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $45-$100.
4. Annie-Mae Allure Presents: ‘Off the Rack’
There’s taking it off, and then there’s “Off the Rack,” a burlesque boutique extravaganza whose cheeky performers each highlight a different piece of signature attire – but for how long is anyone’s guess. Participants include Ruby Foxx from Boston; Jacqueline Hyde from Seattle; Chairmyn Meow from Colorado Springs, Colo.; and “your stage kitten” Strawberry Dream. Is that bold enough for you?
Friday, 9 p.m.; All Star Bar & Grill, 7210 N.E. 43rd St., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: $15-$30.
Who would have the audacity to stage “The Wizard of Oz” from Toto’s point of view? The one-and-only Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co., naturally, which is still making family audiences laugh out loud after more than 30 years of theatrical shenanigans. With this show you can tap your feet to the music, while also tapping your inner dog. Caution: Don’t go home and give your own pooch any big ideas.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Martin City Melodrama at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $13.99, $14.99.
6. Kansas City Titans Women’s Tackle Football
Kansas City’s only women’s tackle football team holds its 2016 season opener at home this weekend against the St. Louis Slam. Yeah, we’ll see who gets slammed. If you’re wondering, this isn’t that brand of female football where the gals play “sexy” with exposed midriffs. When the Titans go at it, the only thing that’s pretty (until the players helmets come off afterward) are the hits. Go get ’em, ladies.
Saturday, 7 p.m.; Shawnee Mission South High School, 5800 W. 107th St., Overland Park, Kan.; admission: $10 adults, free for ages 12 and younger.
Brian McTavish is a regular arts and culture contributor for KCUR 89.3. You can reach him at brianmctavish@gmail.com
