writing by Libby Hanssen
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 →
My review for the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre's production of "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" is a featured article on KCMetropolis.org. Read the review here.
I reviewed the Kansas City Young Audiences' concert performance of "A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol" for KCMetropolis.org. This version of Dickens' tale pulls inspiration from famous melodies from Gilbert & Sullivan's extensive output. Read it here.
Today's the big day - 14 years and millions of dollars later and an art lover's dream is a reality. The Kansas City Star has run innumerable articles as the project has progressed - yet another on the eve of the opening. Numerous season previews from both the Star and KCMetropolis.org have began with, "In... Continue Reading →
I wrote an article about the visit/discussion with (le) Poisson Rouge founders, hosted by the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Does Kansas City need a venue like this? Could it support one? Read it here.
I wrote about the experimental music scene in Kansas City for KCM's 2011 fall preview. Read it here.
Themed "A Summer in Spain," the 11th annual West 18th Street Fashion Show was an eclectic mix of artistic endeavor and schticky accessories. Of the 18 designers, about half showed wearable creations, a few truly innovative collections, and an assortment of odd choices and lackluster finishes. I was both intrigued and annoyed by the model selection, since the... Continue Reading →
I want to recap a show that opened last month here in Kansas City. Well, more event than show, at least for my involvement and observation. “America: Now and Here” ran at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center in the Crossroads over the course of May. The project was conceived and spearheaded by artist Eric Fischl. The prescribed... Continue Reading →
I reviewed "The 39 Steps" at the American Heartland Theatre for KCMetropolis.org. This farcical adaption by Patrick Barlow took elements from the original novel and the Alfred Hitchcock thriller. The four person cast performed over 100 characters in a fast paced spy mystery full of slapstick humor. Read it here...
I reviewed the Kansas City Chorale's Sunday, May 15th concert of "Shakespeare in Song." They performed song settings of Shakespeare's text interspersed with dramatic readings by actors from the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival: Robert Gibby Brand, Merle Moores, Jon Rensenhouse and Cinnamon Schultz.
