writing by Libby Hanssen
Even in a town as energetically supportive and creatively diverse as Kansas City, last weekend was one for the books. With a combination of imported and home-grown talent, the full spectrum of music making - excellent music making - played out in venues across town. I covered three shows and managed to hit another late... Continue Reading →
The Coterie brought home their touring production of "Freedom Sister: Stamping, Shouting, and Singing Home" for a week. The play follows a young black girl in the Deep South during the Civil Rights Movement. Read the review here.
I reviewed the Grace Kelly Quintet, with special guest Phil Woods, for The Kansas City Star.
I reviewed Laurie Brooks' "The Wrestling Season" at the Coterie Theatre. A relevant, inventiveĀ teen drama, with some updating from the 2000 version the Coterie commissioned. Read it here.
I reviewed the Chiara String Quartet for The Kansas City Star. They performed at the Lied Center in Lawrence KS.
I reviewed Parsons Dance for The Kansas City Star. They performed at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, presented by the Harriman-Jewell Series.
I reviewed the final performance of Johnson County Community College's Jazz Winterlude. The audience had a difficult time loosening up, but a good time was had by all, led by the showmanship and incredible playing of Poncho Sanchez et al. Read it here.
The week past and this one have seen a whirlwind of talent spin through town. I look at my calendar and there are more amazing performances happening than I can comprehend. Maybe Kansas City doesnāt offer the breadth that New York or Paris might, but itās not for lack of trying. Though Iām batting a... Continue Reading →
My weekend was Russian - how was yours? I reviewed the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre's production of Chekhov's "The Seagull" and the Kansas City Symphony's performance of Mozart and Rachmaninov with guest artsit Jeffrey Kahane.
I previewed the band and brass season for KCMetropolis.org. Read it here.
Proust Eats a Sandwich 