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| DESCRIPTION: Presenting Broadway entertainment since 1951, Starlight Theatre is Kansas City's oldest and largest performing arts organization. Each summer, Starlight presents five Broadway musical productions and hosts a variety of top concert artists on its outdoor stage. The 16-acre Starlight Theatre complex, located in Swope Park, is one of only three outdoor theatres of its kind still operational in the United States. It seats approximately 8,000 people.
In 2008, Starlight Theatre was selected as the "Favorite Performing Arts Venue or Organization" in the KCCVA's Visitors' Choice Awards program. Starlight also received awards for "Best Performing Arts Venue" and "Best Theater" in Ingram's 2008 Best of Business Kansas City Awards. |
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| ADDRESS: 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132 |
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| LOCATION: In Swope Park, across from the Kansas City Zoo |
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| PHONE: 816-363-STAR (7827) |
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| WEB SITE: www.kcstarlight.com |
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HIGHLIGHTS:
- The summer entertainment series at Starlight Theatre includes five Broadway musicals and as many as 20 top concerts. Visit the Web site for updated show schedules each season.
- The opening of the 10-story, fully enclosed and air-conditioned Cohen Community Stage in 2000 equipped Starlight Theatre to bring large national touring productions to Kansas City, including Miss Saigon, Les Miserables and AIDA.
- The Helzberg Diamonds VIP Club opened at Starlight Theatre in 2008, providing an enhanced space for buffet-style dining before Broadway shows and VIP-only access during concert events.
- The beauty of Starlight Theatre is enhanced by extensive landscaping and picturesque fountains named in honor of the Helzberg family and the Steadman family.
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| HOURS: Most Broadway shows begin at 8 or 8:30 p.m. Concert start times vary. |
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| ADMISSION: Broadway ticket prices range from $9 to $79. Concert ticket prices vary. |
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| ANNUAL ATTENDANCE: Approximately 250,000 for Broadway and concert series. |
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| HISTORY: Construction of Starlight Theatre began in December 1949. The theatre opened in the summer of 1950 with the "Thrills of a Century" pageant gracing its stage in celebration of Kansas City's centennial. The Starlight Theatre Association formed that same year and began programming and operating the theatre in 1951. Desert Song opened Starlight's inaugural season, and in its early years, Starlight's season included 10 shows with a mix of operettas, light opera and musical comedy styles. During the last 15 years, Starlight has implemented $32 million worth of improvements and greatly enhanced the quality of its facilities for audience members and performers. |
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| WHAT'S NEARBY: Starlight Theatre shares Swope Park with the Kansas City Zoo and Lakeside Nature Center. |
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| HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES: Starlight Theatre reaches area youth through a variety of educational programs, including performing arts classes, summer camps and scholarships. |
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DID YOU KNOW:
- Many Hollywood favorites have starred in Starlight Broadway productions over the years. Some of the best known stars include Carol Burnett, Kristin Chenoweth, Phyllis Diller, Michelle Lee, Donny Osmond and Tommy Tune.
- Starlight donates 364 free tickets to every night of every Broadway show to local non-profit organizations that serve the disadvantaged.
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| DON'T FORGET: Starlight Theatre is an outdoor venue hosting Broadway and concert events. The theatre, however, can be rented for private events year-round. The indoor, climate-controlled stagehouse and rehearsal rooms can accommodate group sizes from 60 to 1,200. See the Web site for details. |
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| GROUP TOURS: Starlight offers discount ticket pricing, backstage tours and private dinner events for groups of all sizes during Broadway show weeks. The Starlight experience is ideal for groups ranging from family reunions to corporate employee gatherings. Contact group sales manager Jill Tilton at 816-997-1119 or jill.tilton@kcstarlight.com for details. |
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DRIVING THERE:
- From the north: Take US 71 South to the 63rd Street/Meyer Blvd. exit. Turn left (east) at Meyer Boulevard. Go straight and enter through the main gates of Swope Park.
- From the east: From I-70 W, merge onto I-435 S. Take the Blue Parkway/MO-350 E. exit. Take the 63rd Street ramp toward Raytown. Travel a couple miles and turn left onto Starlight Road.
- From the south: From I-435 S, take the MO-350 East/63rd Street exit. Turn left on 63rd Street. From US-71, go north to the Meyer Boulevard exit. Turn right on Meyer Boulevard. Go straight and enter through the main gates of Swope Park.
- From the west: From I-70 E, merge onto I-670 East/I-70 ALT East . Exit on US-71 South. Exit on Meyer Boulevard and turn left (east). Go straight and enter through the main gates of Swope Park.
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| PARKING: $5 per vehicle; season ticket holders park for free or can upgrade to reserved parking lot for $45. |
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| PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Barb Schulte, communications manager, at 816-997-1144 or barb.schulte@kcstarlight.com. |
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