writing by Libby Hanssen
Over a year ago, maybe closer to two I guess, I was handed a concert flier. Everybody hands out concert fliers all the time and how often do you look at them? You stick them in a pocket or leave them at the bar. This flier, I saved. I didn’t even make it to the... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the second program for Summerfest's "An Invitation to the Dance" for The Kansas City Star. It was much livelier than the previous week, with a tremendous, invigorating performance of Ernő Dohnányi's Sextet in C major.
Northeast Kansas City has a reputation. Actually, it has had a lot of reputations, not all of them savory. Once the home of Kansas City's elite, the area fell into disrepute and disrepair. Currently, though, it seems on the path of gentrification, becoming the home of a considerable contigent of KC's "creative class," in what... Continue Reading →
That’s the way to see the Bard. Nearing the end of their 20th anniversary, dual-show run, the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival has engineered a presentation that rivals the clockwork precision of a comedic double act. Despite Saturday’s record setting heat temperatures, the evening featured a cool breeze and was gratifyingly devoid of bugs. And... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the Summerfest chamber music series' first program of their 22nd season, "Invitation to the Dance," for The Kansas City Star. They performed Sunday at the Country Club Christian Church, a new venue for the festival.
Wouldn't it be great if someone came in from off stage and brought you up to speed every once in a while in your own life, highlighting the pertinent points? I get so caught up in day to day ephemera that I lose my grip on the plot, the characters, and the over-arching themes, and can’t help... Continue Reading →
The Unicorn Theatre just finished a run of Everyday Rapture, a (mostly) one-woman show that (semi) documents the journey from Bible belt to Broadway. Sherie Rene Scott is the creator (co-written with Dick Scanlan) and star of the original show, a cabaret-style, Broadway-infused show that got her a Tony Award nomination. Here, it’s been reworked... Continue Reading →
I went to see the Kansas City Ballet's final program of the season a few weeks ago. Because I also had an obligation across the lobby in Helzberg Hall the same evening, I was only able to watch the first piece standing in the back of Kauffman Theatre. Coming back to the work after weeks... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the touring production of "In The Heights" at Starlight Theatre for The Kansas City Star. Notable thing that happened that didn't make the review: the woman in front of me had a spider in her hair. I am still freaking out thinking about that.
I reviewed the Simon Carrington Chamber Singers for The Kansas City Star. It was an oddly chilly June evening, but fortunately the full crowd in Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral and incredible singing added warmth to the event.
Proust Eats a Sandwich 