It’s shaping up to be quite the magical weekend, including opportunities to behold satiric sorcery, partake of enchanting eating deals and be mesmerized by momentous sleight of hand on the basketball court.
Your mission: Get out and see what pleasures can be conjured before the weekend spell is broken.
A wand shouldn’t be necessary. Although waving your arms around in a wizardly way would seem irresistible. Anyway, that’s my plan.
1. ‘Potted Potter’
Starlight Theatre’s new indoor play series continues with an internationally celebrated send-up of all seven Harry Potter novels zanily condensed into a single 70-minute stage show. Suitable for all Harry Potter fans – except those who can’t take a joke – “Potted Potter” makes screwball fun of the world-famous boy wizard, his closest friends and most dangerous adversaries. Along the way, there are silly songs, crazy costumes and preposterous props. There’s also a fiery dragon and a live game of Quidditch to survive. Don’t break your spectacles, Harry!
Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, noon, 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 and 5:30 p.m.; Cohen Community Stagehouse at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $40-$70.
2. ‘The Magical Music of John Williams – Star Wars & More’
Besides “Star Wars,” legendary film music composer John Williams has many other notable movie soundtracks to his credit, including “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Jurassic Park” and “Harry Potter” (that kid gets around). The Kansas City Symphony is showing commercial savvy by utilizing those familiar themes – along with “Star Wars,” of course – to fill the seats in its three-evening tribute to Williams’ magical catalogue of cinematically inspired orchestrations. In fact, the symphony’s done such a fine job – with more than a little help from the current “Star Wars” blockbuster, no doubt – that the shows have officially sold out. Yet some tickets may still be released, if some Storm Troopers can’t find babysitters. May the Force be with you at the box office.
Thursday, 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: call the Kansas City Symphony box office at 816-471-0400 to get on a waiting list.
3. Kansas City Restaurant Week
Which well-regarded area restaurant or two (or three) would you like to affordably dine at this weekend? Presto! Kansas City Restaurant Week makes discounted multi-course lunches and dinners available at more than 140 eateries offering dozens of flavorful cuisines. Patrons seeking gluten-free, nut-free, vegan or vegetarian fare can also be part of the gastronomic good times. Besides treating your taste buds right, Restaurant Week donates to several local charities, including the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired. Fill up and feel good about it.
Through Sunday; lunch menus, $15; dinner menus, $33; full list of participating restaurants and reservation information at kcrestaurantweek.com
4. MoonDrop Circus: Community Circus Week
Going back to the big-top basics, MoonDrop Circus takes audiences “Behind the Curtain” to reveal the magical heart of circus entertainment. Propelled by a dozen local performers, this dedicated group aims to amuse and impress by sharing their engaging abilities as aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, musicians and more. This special week of performances also includes late-night cabaret shows and workshops for the young and limber who have circus dreams of their own.
Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.; Arts Asylum, 1000 E. Ninth St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20, $10 for ages 12 and younger.
5. ‘A Number’
Once upon a time, it would have required nothing less than sorcery to duplicate a human being. Wait, it still does…or does it? Acclaimed playwright Caryl Churchill’s absorbing sci-fi drama, “A Number,” presented by Kansas City Actors Theater, explores the ramifications of the world that may be coming, if it isn’t already secretly here. When a son learns from his father that he’s only one of several identical offspring created from the cells of an older brother, what’s the difference between being a copy and an original? Does it matter? Prepare to question your own identity, theater fans.
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Mabee Theatre in Sedgwick Hall, Rockhurst University, 5225 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $40, $35 for seniors, $12 for students.
It will be a surprise if the recent passing of legendary Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon isn’t acknowledged during the Globetrotters’ annual visit to Sprint Center, marking the team’s 90th anniversary of family friendly basketball ambassadorship. It will also be a surprise if your eyes don’t pop out of your head in reaction to the talents of the most amazing basketball handlers and trick-shot makers on the planet. If you don’t have kids to bring, just go ahead and be one.
Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $25.50-$387.50.