A proposal is in the works to tear down the Orion Pictures building in the Film Row District in the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, Mo. and put a 180-space garage in its place. But some say the 1946 building should be preserved.
Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke may be the most divisive director of the last decade. But his latest film, Amour, which recently received four Oscar nominations including both Best Foreign Film and Best Picture, leaves audiences floored. It's a great movie that no one suspected the devilish, at times sadistic, Haneke would or could ever make.
Over the next six months, a quiet Midtown laundromat will be transformed into the site for a series of arts events. It’s an experiment - combining different genres including film, poetry, and even culinary arts - with a focus on public-oriented artwork.
Quiet Corral, a Lawrence-based band, has experienced recent success playing Austin City Limits and being booked for Middle of the Map Fest with headliners Grizzly Bear.
In the second part of Wednesday's Central Standard, we'll talk with Stephanie Brimhall, Education Manager at the Kansas City Symphony, about the Young Artist Competition.
This weekend, on stage at Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, young musicians will compete in the final round. Violinists Caleb Thill and Emily Shehi and vocalist Rudy Dibble also join us in the studio to discuss their musical backgrounds - and their hopes and fears about the competition.
Leonardo da Vinci once peered deeply into the opening of a cave and wrote, “After having remained at the entry of the grotto some time, two contrary emotions arose in me, fear and desire – fear of the threatening dark grotto, and a desire to see whether there were any marvelous things within it.”
Back in the 1960s, long hair, political protests and nudity on stage were all taboo subjects to appear in the theater, but that changed when the musical Hair debuted. Over 40 years later the musical is still provocative to audiences in a contemporary way.
It was 38 years ago when author Thomas Fox Averill heard the song "Tennessee Stud." He enjoyed the lyrical story of courtship, love, and fugitive life so much, that he used the song's plot and mood to write the novel rode.
More than 20 community meetings took place across Kansas City last week – morning, noon and night – to discuss the future of the city’s arts and cultural policy. It’s the first comprehensive review since 1997.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of playwright William Inge, whose classic plays like Bus Stop and Picnic drew on his formative years in Independence, Kansas. Though never openly gay, he did write a series of short plays featuring gay characters and stories that have seldom been seen.
Choreographer Andrea Skowronek says after she creates a new work, she steps away and lets it have a life of its own. She says it then "becomes the dancer’s piece." The annual event called "A Modern Night at the Folly” celebrates local choreography and dancers, brought together for one night of dance on the Folly stage.
Backstage on the set of "Martha Speaks" puppeteer Mike Horner operates the puppet Helen. When Martha the dog finds her voice adventure ensues. In its 25th season, Paul Mesner Puppets features seven different performances for children.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
Puppeteer Mike Horner operates and voices multiple puppets from his spot beneath the stage.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
A chance encounter with a fellow dog owner reveals that Martha speaks her mind without considering other's feelings.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
Puppeteer Erika Baker and apprentice puppeteer Finoula Emmons guide Martha as she peruses the phone book to order a pizza.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
Helen and Martha play onstage operated by the puppeteers below.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
Apprentice puppeteer Finoula Emmons concentrates on the action onstage.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
When Martha's verbal antics prove challenging, the family silences her.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
Puppeteers control the action using sticks.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
Puppeteer Erika Baker holds a puppet aloft and is the voice of the talkative Martha.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
Multiple puppets call for multiple puppeteers.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
After the show, the audience has a chance to see how the puppets operate.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
Puppets from previous shows on display.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
Puppeteer Mike Horner assists in the creation of a paper puppet after the show.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
A wall of letters from eager fans line the walls of the Paul Mesner Puppets office.
Credit Julie Denesha / KCUR
As the audience leaves, puppeteers Finoula Emmons, Mike Horner, Erika Baker say goodbye.
At a recent Paul Mesner Puppets performance of "Martha Speaks" (based on the book by by Susan Meddaugh), puppeteers Mike Horner, Erika Baker, and Finoula Emmons worked their magic behind the scenes. Operating multiple puppets from below the stage, the three brought to life the story of a dog who let a bowl of alphabet soup go to her head.
For the first time in 15 years, Kansas City, Mo. is examining its arts-related policies through Mayor Sly James' Task Force for the Arts. This task force is composed of important political members from the city and a variety of artists and advocates for the arts in Kansas City. The task force launched the Envision Arts & Culture KC campaign Monday night, which is the first step in trying to make the arts a more prominent and meaningful part of life in Kansas City.
