Tagged: Kauffman Center

Hours before the opening gala for the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Broadway stars Patti LuPone and Tommy Tune discussed some of their signature roles and what it's like to open a new hall.

By Laura Spencer

Kansas City, Mo. – Patti LuPone on Muriel Kauffman Theatre: "It's probably one of the best new houses I've ever sung in...the acoustics are key. And this is a fantastic space."

The concrete-and-glass shell-shaped Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts opens tonight. And it's been almost two decades in the making.

By Laura Spencer

Kansas City, Mo. – A bit of giddiness was in the air at a media preview yesterday - tempered by awareness of the work ahead.

With her bright blonde hair, and tailored pink suit, Julia Irene Kauffman, in her trademark throaty voice, describes how it all began.

Officials gathered Tuesday to mark the dedication of the $413 million Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - and its new city-funded parking garage.

By Laura Spencer

Kansas City, Mo. – Officials gathered Tuesday to mark the dedication of the $413 million Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - and its new city-funded parking garage.

Kauffman Center Chairman of the Board Julia Irene Kauffman said the project was personal and close to her heart since its inception, nearly two decades ago. She credits the collaborative approach.

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will hold its grand opening in mid-September, but finishing touches are already well underway, from the installation of the 5,548-pipe Casavant Freres organ in Helzberg Hall, to the addition of decorative touches in reception suites, to the finishing of the parking garage.

By Up to Date (recorded by Laura Spencer, edited by Danie Alexander)

Kansas City, Mo. – (Up to Date, August 5, 2011)

Listen to the broadcast here.

The Kansas City Ballet is the first of the resident companies to announce its inaugural season at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

By Laura Spencer

Kansas City, MO – When the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts opens in 2011, its three resident companies will include the Kansas City Symphony, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Ballet.