writing by Libby Hanssen
Kawsmouth is a literary website that curates writing and photography from the Midwest. Still in its infancy, it's the brainchild of a lovely creative couple, Kansas-native world travelers who've resettled not far from us to our great social benefit. Here in Issue 2: The Reservoir you'll find essays, fiction, and poety by Kansas City-centric writers, commenting on... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the Kansas City Chorale for The Kansas City Star. This marked their inaugural concert in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Art's Helzberg Hall and the end of the ensemble's 30th season. It was an ideal setting for their repertiore, which consisted of predominantly Russian selections and was performed stupendously.
“This is the world premiere of Libby Hanssen. And in the grand tradition of the People’s Liberation Big Band, it is unrehearsed.” -Brad Cox *********************** Unrelenting thunderstorms washed out some of the crowd for the People’s Liberation Big Band’s regular gig at the RecordBar. My baby and I made it out, despite the rains, for... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre's production of "Pride and Prejudice" for KCMetropolis.org. Read it here.
I reviewed the Lyric Opera's production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" for The Kansas City Star. That damn "Largo" aria has been stuck in my head for days.
I reviewed an adaption of Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach" for KCMetropolis.org. The Coterie Theatre put on the production, with costumes that rivaled the whimsy of Dahl's fantastic tale.
I reveiwed the Kansas City-based multisensory performance ensemble Quixotic Fusion forThe Kansas City Star.They premiered their latest production "One," which they will tour this summer. They performed in the Midland Theater, which is an amazingly beautiful building in an opulent, shabby-chic, Miss Haversham sort of way.
I reviewed Stefon Harris and Blackout for The Kansas City Star. They performed at the Gem Theater for the American Jazz Museum's Jammin' at the Gem series. This concert was also the part of the 18th & Vine Jazz Festival, featuring workshops and performances by middle school, high school and college ensembles. I was surprised... Continue Reading →
I watched part of the Owen/Cox Dance Group dress rehearsal on Thursday, since I'm unable to make any of their performances this weekend or next. Jack was with me, so I didn't catch the first number, A Good Missouri Song, since he decided that it was more important to screech and crawl around on the... Continue Reading →
For Round III of Spring for Music’s Great Arts Blogger Challenge the third question is: “Many countries have ministries of culture. Does America need a Secretary of Culture or Secretary of the Arts? Why or why not?” This is my answer. Government support for the arts is always a point of argument. Advocates say it... Continue Reading →
Proust Eats a Sandwich 